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Tardito S, Matis S, Zocchi MR, Benelli R, Poggi A. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Targeting in Colorectal Carcinoma: Antibodies and Patient-Derived Organoids as a Smart Model to Study Therapy Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7131. [PMID: 39000238 PMCID: PMC11241078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Therefore, the need for new therapeutic strategies is still a challenge. Surgery and chemotherapy represent the first-line interventions; nevertheless, the prognosis for metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients remains unacceptable. An important step towards targeted therapy came from the inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, by the anti-EGFR antibody, Cetuximab, or by specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Cetuximab, a mouse-human chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb), binds to the extracellular domain of EGFR thus impairing EGFR-mediated signaling and reducing cell proliferation. TKI can affect the EGFR biochemical pathway at different steps along the signaling cascade. Apart from Cetuximab, other anti-EGFR mAbs have been developed, such as Panitumumab. Both antibodies have been approved for the treatment of KRAS-NRAS wild type mCRC, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. These antibodies display strong differences in activating the host immune system against CRC, due to their different immunoglobulin isotypes. Although anti-EGFR antibodies are efficient, drug resistance occurs with high frequency. Resistant tumor cell populations can either already be present before therapy or develop later by biochemical adaptations or new genomic mutations in the EGFR pathway. Numerous efforts have been made to improve the efficacy of the anti-EGFR mAbs or to find new agents that are able to block downstream EGFR signaling cascade molecules. Indeed, we examined the importance of analyzing the anti-EGFR antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) developed to overcome resistance and/or stimulate the tumor host's immunity against CRC growth. Also, patient-derived CRC organoid cultures represent a useful and feasible in vitro model to study tumor behavior and therapy response. Organoids can reflect tumor genetic heterogeneity found in the tissue of origin, representing a unique tool for personalized medicine. Thus, CRC-derived organoid cultures are a smart model for studying the tumor microenvironment and for the preclinical assay of anti-EGFR drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Tardito
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA;
| | - Serena Matis
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRRCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Department of Immunology, Transplant and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Scientific Institute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRRCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRRCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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Lin H, Fu H, Sun S, Yin H, Yuan J, Liao J. Patient tissue-derived FGFR4-variant and wild-type colorectal cancer organoid development and anticancer drug sensitivity testing. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30985. [PMID: 38826758 PMCID: PMC11141279 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30985] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives FGFR4-variant and wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids were developed to investigate the effects of FGFR4-targeted drugs, including FGFR4-IN and erdafitinib, on CRC and their possible molecular mechanism. Methods Clinical CRC tissues were collected, seven CRC organoids were developed, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. CRC organoids were cultured and organoid drug sensitivity studies were conducted. Finally, an FGFR4-variant (no wild-type) CRC patient-derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model was developed. Western blot measured ERK/AKT/STAT3 pathway-related protein levels. Results WES results revealed the presence of FGFR4-variants in 5 of the 7 CRC organoids. The structural organization and integrity of organoids were significantly altered under the influence of targeted drugs (FGFR4-IN-1 and erdafitinib). The effects of FGFR4 targeted drugs were not selective for FGFR4 genotypes. FGFR4-IN-1 and erdafitinib significantly reduced the growth, diameter, and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) activity of organoids. Furthermore, chemotherapeutic drugs, including 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin, inhibited FGFR4-variant and wild-type CRC organoid activity. Moreover, the tumor volume of mice was significantly reduced at week 6, and p-ERK1/2, p-AKT, and p-STAT3 levels were down-regulated following FGFR4-IN-1 and erdafitinib treatment. Conclusions FGFR4-targeted and chemotherapeutic drugs inhibited the activity of FGFR4-variant and wild-type CRC organoids, and targeted drugs were more effective than chemotherapeutic drugs at the same concentration. Additionally, FGFR4 inhibitors hindered tumorigenesis in FGFR4-variant CRC organoids through ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3 pathways. However, no wild-type control was tested in this experiment, which need further confirmation in the next study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbo Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Shishen Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Foshan Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Foshan Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Foshan Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jilin Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
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Ahmad Zawawi SS, Salleh EA, Musa M. Spheroids and organoids derived from colorectal cancer as tools for in vitro drug screening. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:409-431. [PMID: 38745769 PMCID: PMC11090692 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture employing cell lines was developed to study the molecular properties of CRC in vitro. Although these cell lines which are isolated from the tumor niche in which cancer develop, the translation to human model such as studying drug response is often hindered by the inability of cell lines to recapture original tumor features and the lack of heterogeneous clinical tumors represented by this 2D model, differed from in vivo condition. These limitations which may be overcome by utilizing three-dimensional (3D) culture consisting of spheroids and organoids. Over the past decade, great advancements have been made in optimizing culture method to establish spheroids and organoids of solid tumors including of CRC for multiple purposes including drug screening and establishing personalized medicine. These structures have been proven to be versatile and robust models to study CRC progression and deciphering its heterogeneity. This review will describe on advances in 3D culture technology and the application as well as the challenges of CRC-derived spheroids and organoids as a mode to screen for anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elyn Amiela Salleh
- Human Genome Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Marahaini Musa
- Human Genome Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
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Alharbi KS. The ncRNA-TGF-β axis: Unveiling new frontiers in colorectal cancer research. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155138. [PMID: 38266458 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a substantial global challenge, necessitating a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings governing its onset and progression. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) network has been a well-recognized cornerstone in advancing CRC. Nevertheless, a recent study has highlighted the growing importance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in this context. This comprehensive review aims to present an extensive examination of the interaction between ncRNAs and TGF-signaling. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), encompassing circular RNAs (circRNAs), long-ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), have surfaced as pivotal modulators governing various aspects of TGF-β signaling. MiRNAs have been discovered to target elements within the TGF-β signaling, either enhancing or inhibiting signaling, depending on the context. LncRNAs have been associated with CRC progression, functioning as miRNA sponges or directly influencing TGF-β pathway elements. Even circRNAs, a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have impacted CRC, affecting TGF-β signaling through diverse mechanisms. This review encompasses recent progress in comprehending specific ncRNAs involved in TGF-β signaling, their functional roles, and their clinical relevance in CRC. We investigate the possibility of ncRNAs as targets for detection, prognosis, and therapy. Additionally, we explore the interaction of TGF-β and other pathways in CRC and the role of ncRNAs within this intricate network. As we unveil the intricate regulatory function of ncRNAs in the TGF-β signaling in CRC, we gain valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis. Incorporating these discoveries into clinical settings holds promise for more precise diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the care of CRC patients. This comprehensive review underscores the ever-evolving landscape of ncRNA research in CRC and the potential for novel interventions in the battle against this formidable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Saad Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia.
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Abd El-Salam MA, Troulis MJ, Pan CX, Rao RA. Unlocking the potential of organoids in cancer treatment and translational research: An application of cytologic techniques. Cancer Cytopathol 2024; 132:96-102. [PMID: 37843532 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived organoid models hold promise for advancing clinical cancer research, including diagnosis and personalized and precision medicine approaches, and cytology, in particular, plays a pivotal role in this process. These three-dimensional multicellular structures are heterogeneous, potentially maintain the cancer phenotype, and conserve the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic patterns of the parental tumors. To ensure that only tumor tissue is used for organoid development, cytologic validation is necessary before initiating the process of organoid generation. Here, we explore the technology of tumor organoids and discuss the fundamental application of cytology as a simple and cost-effective approach toward organoid development. We also underscore the potential application of organoid development in drug efficacy studies for lung cancer and head and neck tumors. Additionally, we stress the importance of using fine-needle aspiration to generate tumoroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abd El-Salam
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Maria J Troulis
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rema A Rao
- Division of Cytology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Freitas SC, Sanderson D, Caspani S, Magalhães R, Cortés-Llanos B, Granja A, Reis S, Belo JH, Azevedo J, Gómez-Gaviro MV, de Sousa CT. New Frontiers in Colorectal Cancer Treatment Combining Nanotechnology with Photo- and Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:383. [PMID: 36672333 PMCID: PMC9856291 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Despite recent advances in the treatment of this pathology, which include a personalized approach using radio- and chemotherapies in combination with advanced surgical techniques, it is imperative to enhance the performance of these treatments and decrease their detrimental side effects on patients' health. Nanomedicine is likely the pathway towards solving this challenge by enhancing both the therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. In particular, plasmonic nanoparticles show remarkable potential due to their dual therapeutic functionalities as photothermal therapy agents and as radiosensitizers in radiotherapy. Their dual functionality, high biocompatibility, easy functionalization, and targeting capabilities make them potential agents for inducing efficient cancer cell death with minimal side effects. This review aims to identify the main challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. The heterogeneous nature of this cancer is also discussed from a single-cell point of view. The most relevant works in photo- and radiotherapy using nanotechnology-based therapies for colorectal cancer are addressed, ranging from in vitro studies (2D and 3D cell cultures) to in vivo studies and clinical trials. Although the results using nanoparticles as a photo- and radiosensitizers in photo- and radiotherapy are promising, preliminary studies showed that the possibility of combining both therapies must be explored to improve the treatment efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Freitas
- IFIMUP-Institute of Physics for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics of University of Porto, LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel Sanderson
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Sofia Caspani
- IFIMUP-Institute of Physics for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics of University of Porto, LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Magalhães
- IFIMUP-Institute of Physics for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics of University of Porto, LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Andreia Granja
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Salette Reis
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Horta Belo
- IFIMUP-Institute of Physics for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics of University of Porto, LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Azevedo
- Colorectal Surgery—Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Victoria Gómez-Gaviro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Célia Tavares de Sousa
- IFIMUP-Institute of Physics for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics of University of Porto, LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, C/ Francisco Tomas y Valiente, 7, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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