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Turner N, Hamidi S, Ouni R, Rico R, Henderson YC, Puche M, Alekseev S, Colunga-Minutti JG, Zafereo ME, Lai SY, Kim ST, Cabanillas ME, Nurieva R. Emerging therapeutic options for follicular-derived thyroid cancer in the era of immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369780. [PMID: 38868771 PMCID: PMC11167082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369780] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although most follicular-derived thyroid cancers are well differentiated and have an overall excellent prognosis following treatment with surgery and radioiodine, management of advanced thyroid cancers, including iodine refractory disease and poorly differentiated/undifferentiated subtypes, is more challenging. Over the past decade, better understanding of the genetic drivers and immune milieu of advanced thyroid cancers has led to significant progress in the management of these patients. Numerous targeted kinase inhibitors are now approved by the U.S Food and Drug administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced, radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) as well as anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Immunotherapy has also been thoroughly studied and has shown promise in selected cases. In this review, we summarize the progress in the understanding of the genetic landscape and the cellular and molecular basis of radioiodine refractory-DTC and ATC, as well as discuss the current treatment options and future therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naimah Turner
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sarah Hamidi
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rim Ouni
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rene Rico
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ying C. Henderson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria Puche
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering, Houston Christian University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sayan Alekseev
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Program of Biology, College of Sciences, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jocelynn G. Colunga-Minutti
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Program of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mark E. Zafereo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Stephen Y. Lai
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sang T. Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Maria E. Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roza Nurieva
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Program of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX, United States
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2
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Chen W, Yu X, Li H, Yuan S, Fu Y, Hu H, Liu F, Zhang Y, Zhong S. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals MIF-(CD74 + CXCR4) dependent inhibition of macrophages in metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2024; 148:106654. [PMID: 38061122 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106654] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism promoting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) metastasis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the potential metastatic mechanisms at a single-cell resolution. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) profiling of thyroid tumour (TT), adjacent normal thyroid (NT) and lymph node metastasized tumour (LN) from a young female with PTC. Validation of our results was conducted in 31 tumours with metastasis and 30 without metastasis. RESULTS ScRNA-seq analysis generated data on 38,215 genes and 0.14 billion transcripts from 28,839 cells, classified into 18 clusters, each annotated to represent 10 cell types. PTC cells were found to originate from epithelial cells. Epithelial cells and macrophages emerged as the strongest signal emitters and receivers, respectively. After reclustering epithelial cells and macrophages, our analysis, incorporating gene set variation analysis (GSVA), SCENIC analysis, and pseudotime trajectory analysis, indicated that subcluster 0 of epithelial cells (EP_0) showed a more malignant phenotype, and subclusters 3 and 4 of macrophages (M_3 and M_4) demonstrated heightened activity. Further analysis suggested that EP_0 may suppress the activity of M_3 and M_4 via MIF - (CD74 + CXCR4) in the MIF pathway. After analysing the expression of the 4 genes in the MIF pathway in both the TCGA cohort and our cohort (n = 61), CD74 was identified as significantly overexpressed in PTC tumours particularly those with lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that PTC may facilitate lymph node metastasis by inhibiting macrophages via MIF signalling. It is suggested that malignant PTC cells may suppress the immune activity of macrophages by consistently releasing signals to them via MIF-(CD74 + CXCR4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xinnian Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Huixin Li
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Shenglong Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Yuqi Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Huanhuan Hu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Fangzhou Liu
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Shanliang Zhong
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Science, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Tao Y, Li P, Feng C, Cao Y. New Insights into Immune Cells and Immunotherapy for Thyroid Cancer. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:1039-1064. [PMID: 37846977 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2268656] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide, and the incidence of TC has gradually increased in recent decades. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common subtype and has a good prognosis. However, advanced DTC patients with recurrence, metastasis and iodine refractoriness, as well as more aggressive subtypes such as poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), still pose a great challenge for clinical management. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to explore the inherent molecular heterogeneity of different TC subtypes and the global landscape of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to find new potential therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy that can be used alone or in combination with drugs targeting tumor-driven genes. This article focuses on the genomic characteristics, tumor-associated immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression of different subtypes of TC patients to provide guidance for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Tao
- School of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Denaro N, Romanò R, Alfieri S, Dolci A, Licitra L, Nuzzolese I, Ghidini M, Bareggi C, Bertaglia V, Solinas C, Garrone O. The Tumor Microenvironment and the Estrogen Loop in Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092458. [PMID: 37173925 PMCID: PMC10177023 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) cells employ multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/Raf/MAPK, fostering cell proliferation, survival and metastasis. Through a complex interplay with immune cells, inflammatory mediators and stroma, TC cells support an immunosuppressive, inflamed, pro-carcinogenic TME. Moreover, the participation of estrogens in TC pathogenesis has previously been hypothesized, in view of the higher TC incidence observed among females. In this respect, the interactions between estrogens and the TME in TC could represent a relevant, unexplored area of research. We thereby collectively reviewed the available evidence concerning the potential carcinogenic role of estrogens in TC, specifically focusing on their crosstalk with the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerina Denaro
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Rebecca Romanò
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Alfieri
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Dolci
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa Licitra
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Imperia Nuzzolese
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Bareggi
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bertaglia
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Solinas
- Medical Oncology, AOU Cagliari, Policlinico di Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ornella Garrone
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Wang K, Li H, Zhao J, Yao J, Lu Y, Dong J, Bai J, Liao L. Potential diagnostic of lymph node metastasis and prognostic values of TM4SFs in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1001954. [PMID: 36568979 PMCID: PMC9773885 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1001954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although the prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is relatively good, it causes around 41,000 deaths per year, which is likely related to recurrence and metastasis. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important indicator of PTC recurrence and transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) proteins regulate metastasis by modulating cell adhesion, migration, tissue differentiation, and tumor invasion. However, the diagnostic and prognostic values of TM4SF in PTC remain unclear. Methods: This study aimed to identify TM4SF genes with predictive value for LNM and prognostic value in PTC using bioinformatic analysis. We screened the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the TM4SF family in PTC using data from TCGA, constructed a PPI network using STRING, and evaluated the predictive role of TM4SF1 in LNM via a binary logistic regression analysis and ROC curve. We assessed the association between TM4SF1 expression and DNA methylation, and determined the functional and mechanistic role of TM4SF1 in promoting LNM via GSEA, KEGG, and GO. We estimated the relationship between each TM4SF gene and overall survival (OS, estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis) in patients with PTC and established a predictive model of prognostic indicators using a LASSO penalized Cox analysis to identify hub genes. Finally, we explored the correlation between TM4SFs and TMB/MSI. Results: We identified 21 DEGs from the 41 TM4SFs between N0 (without LNM) and N1 (with LNM) patients, with TM4SF1, TM4SF4, UPK1B, and CD151 being highly expressed in the N1 group; several DEGs were observed in the TNM, T, and N cancer stages. The "integrins and other cell-surface receptors" pathway was the most significantly enriched functional category related to LNM and TM4SFs. TM4SF1 was identified as an indicator of LNM (AUC= 0.702). High levels of TM4SF1 might be related to Wnt/β-catenin pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in PTC. The higher expression of TM4SF1 was also related to DNA promoter hypomethylation. CD9, TM4SF4, TSPAN2, and TSPAN16 were associated with OS in PTC patients and TSPAN2 has great potential to become a prognostic marker of PTC progression. For the prognostic model, the riskscore = (-0.0058)*CD82+(-0.4994)*+(0.1584)*TSPAN11+(1.7597)*TSPAN19+(0.2694)*TSPAN2 (lambda.min = 0.0149). The AUCs for 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year OS were 0.81, 0.851, and 0.804. TSPAN18, TSPAN31, and TSPAN32 were associated with both TMB and MSI in PTC patients. Conclusion: Our findings identified TM4SF1 as a potential diagnostic marker of LNM and TSPAN2 as a prognostic factor for patients with PTC. Our study provides a novel strategy to assess prognosis and predict effective treatments in PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China,Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haomin Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Junyu Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yiran Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianjun Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Jie Bai, ; Lin Liao,
| | - Lin Liao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Jie Bai, ; Lin Liao,
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Shin E, Koo JS. Cell Component and Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012578. [PMID: 36293435 PMCID: PMC9604510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012578] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in the endocrine system. Most thyroid cancers have good prognosis, but some of them are resistant to treatment or show aggressive behavior. Like other tumors, thyroid cancers harbor tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and immune cells. Autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis can occur in the thyroid, and it may be associated with cancer development. TME is involved in tumor progression through various mechanisms: (1) CAF is involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling; and (2) immune cells are involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and immune suppression. These events are activated by various cytokines, chemokines, and metabolites secreted from cells that comprise TME. This review is focused on how CAF and immune cells, two important cell components of thyroid cancer TME, are involved in tumor progression, and will explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ja Seung Koo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-1772; Fax: +82-2-362-0860
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Hu H, Zhong T, Jiang S. H2AFX might be a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2022; 6:e1684. [PMID: 35903980 PMCID: PMC9875689 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1684] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND H2AFX can play a central role in DNA repair, replication, transcription regulation, and chromosomal stability. However, there is little research to explore the expression of H2AFX in cancers. Moreover, the correlation between the expression of H2AFX and tumor immunity, which affects the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is not clear. This article aimed to observe the correlation between H2AFX and tumor tissue infiltration biomarkers in HCC and its prognostic potential in HCC. METHOD Oncomine and TIMER database were used to assess the expression level of H2AFX mRNA, and GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier databases were used to evaluate its prognostic potential. The TIMER database analyzed the relationship between h2afx expression level and tumor immune cell infiltration markers in liver cancer tissues. RESULTS The results showed that H2AFX was overexpressed in tumor tissues than normal tissues in HCC via analysis, and its expression level was correlated with the survival rate of HCC. Moreover, the expression level of H2AFX was related to various immune biomarkers. These results show that overexpression of H2AFX would reflect the poor prognosis of HCC, and these would also reflect that the gene H2AFX can affect the infiltration of HCC immune cells and then play a role in regulating tumor immunity. CONCLUSION Our study showed that the gene H2AFX might be a potential poor prognostic biomarker in HCC and might be involved in the infiltration of HCC immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailiang Hu
- Department of Blood TransfusionThe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityAnhuiChina
| | - Tao Zhong
- Department of Blood TransfusionThe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityAnhuiChina
| | - Suwei Jiang
- Department of Biological and Environmental EngineeringHefei UniversityHefeiAnhuiP. R. China
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di Masi A, Sessa RL, Cerrato Y, Pastore G, Guantario B, Ambra R, Di Gioacchino M, Sodo A, Verri M, Crucitti P, Longo F, Naciu AM, Palermo A, Taffon C, Acconcia F, Bianchi F, Ascenzi P, Ricci MA, Crescenzi A. Unraveling the Effects of Carotenoids Accumulation in Human Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081463. [PMID: 36009182 PMCID: PMC9405418 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the thyroid cancers, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) accounts for 90% of the cases. In addition to the necessity to identify new targets for PTC treatment, early diagnosis and management are highly demanded. Previous data indicated that the multivariate statistical analysis of the Raman spectra allows the discrimination of healthy tissues from PTC ones; this is characterized by bands typical of carotenoids. Here, we dissected the molecular effects of carotenoid accumulation in PTC patients by analyzing whether they were required to provide increased retinoic acid (RA) synthesis and signaling and/or to sustain antioxidant functions. HPLC analysis revealed the lack of a significant difference in the overall content of carotenoids. For this reason, we wondered whether the carotenoid accumulation in PTC patients could be related to vitamin A derivative retinoic acid (RA) biosynthesis and, consequently, the RA-related pathway activation. The transcriptomic analysis performed using a dedicated PCR array revealed a significant downregulation of RA-related pathways in PTCs, suggesting that the carotenoid accumulation in PTC could be related to a lower metabolic conversion into RA compared to that of healthy tissues. In addition, the gene expression profile of 474 PTC cases previously published in the framework of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) project was examined by hierarchical clustering and heatmap analyses. This metanalysis study indicated that the RA-related pathways resulted in being significantly downregulated in PTCs and being associated with the follicular variant of PTC (FV-PTC). To assess whether the possible fate of the carotenoids accumulated in PTCs is associated with the oxidative stress response, the expression of enzymes involved in ROS scavenging was checked. An increased oxidative stress status and a reduced antioxidant defense response were observed in PTCs compared to matched healthy thyroids; this was possibly associated with the prooxidant effects of high levels of carotenoids. Finally, the DepMap datasets were used to profile the levels of 225 metabolites in 12 thyroid cancer cell lines. The results obtained suggested that the high carotenoid content in PTCs correlates with tryptophan metabolism. This pilot provided novel possible markers and possible therapeutic targets for PTC diagnosis and therapy. For the future, a larger study including a higher number of PTC patients will be necessary to further validate the molecular data reported here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-57336363
| | - Rosario Luigi Sessa
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Ylenia Cerrato
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Gianni Pastore
- CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics), Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.G.); (R.A.)
| | - Barbara Guantario
- CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics), Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.G.); (R.A.)
| | - Roberto Ambra
- CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics), Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (B.G.); (R.A.)
| | - Michael Di Gioacchino
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Armida Sodo
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Martina Verri
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Pierfilippo Crucitti
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (F.L.)
| | - Filippo Longo
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (F.L.)
| | - Anda Mihaela Naciu
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.M.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Palermo
- Unit of Metabolic Bone and Thyroid Disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.M.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Chiara Taffon
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy;
| | - Paolo Ascenzi
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Ricci
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, 00146 Rome, Italy; (R.L.S.); (Y.C.); (M.D.G.); (A.S.); (F.A.); (P.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Anna Crescenzi
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (C.T.); (A.C.)
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Wang L, Sun X, He J, Liu Z. Identification and Validation of Prognostic Related Hallmark ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters Associated With Immune Cell Infiltration Patterns in Thyroid Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:781686. [PMID: 35837087 PMCID: PMC9273952 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.781686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a large superfamily of membrane proteins that facilitate the translocation of heterogeneous substrates. Studies indicate that ABC transporters may play important roles in various carcinomas. However, the correlation between ABC transporters and immunomodulation in thyroid carcinoma (TC), as well as the prognoses for this disease, is poorly understood.TC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to identify prognostic hallmark ABC transporters associated with immune cell infiltration patterns via multiple bioinformatic analyses. Thereafter, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate the expression of these selected hallmark ABC transporters in both TC and para-cancerous thyroid tissues. Of a total of 49 ABC transporters, five (ABCA8, ABCA12, ABCB6, ABCB8, and ABCC10) were identified as hallmark ABC transporters. All five were differentially expressed in TC and associated with the relapse-free survival rates of patients with TC. Immunoregulation by these five hallmark ABC transporters involved the modulation of various aspects of immune cell infiltration, such as hot or cold tumor subsets and the abundances of infiltrating immune cells, as well as specific immunomodulators and chemokines. Besides the diverse significantly correlated factors, the five hallmark ABC transporters and correlated genes were most highly enriched in plasma membrane, transporter activity, and transmembrane transport of small molecules. In addition, many chemicals, namely bisphenol A and vincristine, affected the expression of these five transporters. The qRT-PCR results of collected TC and para-cancerous thyroid tissues were consistent with those of TCGA. The findings in this study may reveal the role played by these five hallmark ABC transporters in regulating immune cell infiltration patterns in TC as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their functions, leading to a better understanding of their potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Sun
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
- Department of 1st Gynecologic Oncology Surgery, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Jingni He
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen Liu,
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10
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Liu Q, Sun W, Zhang H. Roles and new Insights of Macrophages in the Tumor Microenvironment of Thyroid Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875384. [PMID: 35479325 PMCID: PMC9035491 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most thyroid cancers have a good and predictable prognosis, the anaplastic, medullary, and refractory thyroid cancers still prone to recurrence and metastasis, resulting in poor prognosis. Although a number of newly developed targeted therapies have begun to be indicated for the above types of thyroid cancer in recent years, their ability to improve overall survival remain hindered by low efficacy. As the largest component of immune cells in tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages play a key role in the invasion and metastasis of thyroid cancer. There is much evidence that the immune system, tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cell interactions may revolutionize traditional therapeutic directions. Tumor-associated macrophages have been extensively studied in a variety of tumors, however, research on the relationship between thyroid cancer and macrophages is still insufficient. In this review, we summarize the functions of tumor-associated macrophages in different types of thyroid cancer, their cytokines or chemokines effect on thyroid cancer and the mechanisms that promote tumor proliferation and migration. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms by which tumor-associated macrophages maintain the stemness of thyroid cancer and potential strategies for targeting tumor-associated macrophages to treat thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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11
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Xia Y, Jiang X, Huang Y, Liu Q, Huang Y, Zhang B, Mei Z, Xu D, Shi Y, Tu W. Construction of a Tumor Immune Microenvironment-Related Prognostic Model in BRAF-Mutated Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895428. [PMID: 35757399 PMCID: PMC9215106 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF mutation is a representative oncogenic mutation, with a frequency of 60% in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but the reasons for the poor prognosis and more aggressive course of BRAF-mutated PTC are controversial. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is an essential factor permitting the development and progression of malignancy, but whether TIME participates in the prognosis of BRAF-mutated PTC has not yet been reported. The primary goal of the present study was to provide a comprehensive TIME-related prognostic model to increase the predictive accuracy of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with BRAF-mutated PTC. In this study, we analyzed the mRNA-seq data and corresponding clinical data of PTC patients obtained from the TCGA database. By calculating the TIME scores (immune score, stromal score and ESTIMATE score), the BRAF mutation group (n=237) was dichotomized into the high- and low-score groups. By functional analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in different high/low score groups, we identified 2 key TIME-related genes, HTR3A and NIPAL4, which affected PFS in BRAF-mutated PTC. A risk scoring system was developed by multivariate Cox analysis based on the abovementioned 2 TIME-related genes. Then, the BRAF-mutated cohort was divided into the high- and low-risk groups using the median risk score as a cutoff. A high risk score correlated positively with a higher HTR3A/NIPAL4 expression level but negatively with PFS in BRAF-mutated PTC. Ultimately, a nomogram was constructed by combining risk score with clinical parameter (Tumor stage), and the areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the nomogram for predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year PFS were then calculated and found to be 0.694, 0.707 and 0.738, respectively, indicating the improved accuracy and clinical utility of the nomogram versus the risk score model in the BRAF-mutated PTC cohort. Moreover, we determined the associations between prognostic genes or risk score and immune cell infiltration by two-way ANOVA. In the high-risk score, high HTR3A expression, and high NIPAL4 expression groups, higher infiltration of immune cells was found. Collectively, these findings confirm that the nomogram is effective in predicting the outcome of BRAF-mutated PTC and will add a spatial dimension to the developing risk stratification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Xia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhanjun Mei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongkun Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhong Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wenling Tu, ; Yuhong Shi,
| | - Wenling Tu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wenling Tu, ; Yuhong Shi,
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12
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Garcia-Alvarez A, Hernando J, Carmona-Alonso A, Capdevila J. What is the status of immunotherapy in thyroid neoplasms? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:929091. [PMID: 35992118 PMCID: PMC9389039 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.929091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, with different phase III trials showing durable responses across different histologies. This review focuses on the preclinical and clinical evidence of potential predictive biomarkers of response and efficacy of immunotherapy in thyroid neoplasms. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) staining by immunohistochemistry has shown higher expression in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) compared to other subtypes. The tumor mutational burden in thyroid neoplasms is low but seems to be higher in ATC. Immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment (TME) differ between the different thyroid neoplasm subtypes. In general, differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a higher number of tumor-associated lymphocytes and regulatory T cells (Tregs), while ATC and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) display a high density of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Nevertheless, results from clinical trials with immunotherapy as monotherapy or combinations have shown limited efficacy. Further investigation into new strategies aside from anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)/programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 antibodies, validation of predictive biomarkers, and better population selection for clinical trials in thyroid neoplasms is more than needed in the near future.
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13
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Chakraborty S, Carnazza M, Jarboe T, DeSouza N, Li XM, Moscatello A, Geliebter J, Tiwari RK. Disruption of Cell-Cell Communication in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer as an Immunotherapeutic Opportunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1350:33-66. [PMID: 34888843 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83282-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, almost tripling every decade. About 44,280 new cases of thyroid cancer (12,150 in men and 32,130 in women) are estimated to be diagnosed in 2021, with an estimated death toll of around 2200. Although most thyroid tumors are treatable and associated with a favorable outcome, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is extremely aggressive with a grim prognosis of 6-9 months post-diagnosis. A large contributing factor to this aggressive nature is that ATC is completely refractory to mainstream therapies. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) associated with ATC can relay insight to the pathological realm that encompasses tumors and aids in cancer progression and proliferation. The TME is defined as a complex niche that surrounds a tumor and involves a plethora of cellular components whose secretions can modulate the environment in order to favor tumor progression. The cellular heterogeneity of the TME contributes to its dynamic function due to the presence of both immune and nonimmune resident, infiltrating, and interacting cell types. Associated immune cells discussed in this chapter include macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Nonimmune cells also play a role in the establishment and proliferation of the TME, including neuroendocrine (NE) cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and fibroblasts. The dynamic nature of the TME contributes greatly to cancer progression.Recent work has found ATC tissues to be defined by a T cell-inflamed "hot" tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) as evidenced by presence of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells. These tumor types are amenable to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. This therapeutic avenue, as of 2021, has remained unexplored in ATC. New studies should seek to explore the therapeutic feasibility of a combination therapy, through the use of a small molecule inhibitor with ICB in ATC. Screening of in vitro model systems representative of papillary, anaplastic, and follicular thyroid cancer explored the expression of 29 immune checkpoint molecules. There are higher expressions of HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC cell lines when compared to the other TC subtypes. The expression level of HVEM was more than 30-fold higher in ATC compared to the others, on average. HVEM is a member of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, which acts as a bidirectional switch through interaction with BTLA, CD160, and LIGHT, in a cis or trans manner. Given the T cell-inflamed hot TIME in ATC, expression of HVEM on tumor cells was suggestive of a possibility for complex crosstalk of HVEM with inflammatory cytokines. Altogether, there is emerging evidence of a T cell-inflamed TIME in ATC along with the expression of immune checkpoint proteins HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC. This can open doors for combination therapies using small molecule inhibitors targeting downstream effectors of MAPK pathway and antagonistic antibodies targeting the HVEM/BTLA axis as a potentially viable therapeutic avenue for ATC patients. With this being stated, the development of adaptive resistance to targeted therapies is inevitable; therefore, using a combination therapy that targets the TIME can serve as a preemptive tactic against the characteristic therapeutic resistance that is seen in ATC. The dynamic nature of the TME, including the immune cells, nonimmune cells, and acellular components, can serve as viable targets for combination therapy in ATC. Understanding the complex interactions of these associated cells and the paradigm in which their secretions and components can serve as immunomodulators are critical points of understanding when trying to develop therapeutics specifically tailored for the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Carnazza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Tara Jarboe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Nicole DeSouza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | | | - Jan Geliebter
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Raj K Tiwari
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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14
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Gong J, Jin B, Shang L, Liu N. Characterization of the Immune Cell Infiltration Landscape of Thyroid Cancer for Improved Immunotherapy. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:714053. [PMID: 34790698 PMCID: PMC8591054 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.714053] [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: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the endocrine system, thyroid cancer (THCA) is the most typical malignant tumor. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells play vital roles in tumor progression, recurrence, metastasis as well as response to immunotherapy. However, THCA’s immune infiltrative landscape is still not clarified. Therefore, we utilized two statistical algorithms to investigate the immune cell infiltration (ICI) landscape of 505 THCA samples and defined three ICI immune subtypes. The ICI scores were calculated using principal-component analysis. Increased tumor mutation burden (TMB) and immune-related signaling pathways were associated to a high ICI score. The high ICI score group indicated a relatively longer overall survival (OS) than the low ICI score group. Most immune checkpoint-related and immune activation-related genes were considerably upregulated in the ICI high group, which indicates stronger immunogenicity and a greater likelihood of benefiting from immunotherapy. In two cohort studies of patients receiving immunotherapy, high-ICI-score group showed notable therapeutic effects and clinical advantages compared to those with lower ICI scores. These results demonstrate that ICI score acts as an effective prognostic indicator and predictor of response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gong
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liang Shang
- Innovative Research Center for Integrated Cancer Omics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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15
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Senescent Thyrocytes, Similarly to Thyroid Tumor Cells, Elicit M2-like Macrophage Polarization In Vivo. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100985. [PMID: 34681084 PMCID: PMC8533427 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Several studies including ours suggest a pro-tumoral role of senescent thyrocytes in thyroid tumors. On the other hand, M2-like tumor associated macrophages infiltration increases with thyroid cancer aggressiveness. In this work, we used senescent thyrocytes and thyroid tumor cells as models of early and late tumor stages, respectively, and demonstrated their in vivo capability to recruit and polarize macrophages toward a pro-tumoral M2-like phenotype. These findings pave the way for the design of new therapeutic approaches for thyroid tumors based on the elimination or activity modulation of senescent cells and/or infiltrating macrophages. Abstract Inflammation plays a critical role in thyroid cancer onset and progression. We previously characterized the in vitro interplay between macrophages and senescent human thyrocytes and thyroid tumor-derived cell lines, modeling the early and the late thyroid tumor phases, respectively. We reported that both models are able to induce pro-tumoral M2-like macrophage polarization, through the activation of the COX2-PGE2 axis. Here, we investigated the presence of macrophage infiltrating cells in mouse xenografts derived from the above described cells models. We showed that subcutaneous injection in immunodeficient mice of both senescent human thyrocytes and thyroid tumor-derived cell lines elicits macrophage recruitment. Furthermore, considering the type of macrophage infiltrate, we observed a stronger infiltration of Arginase I positive cells (M2-like). Overall, these results demonstrate the in vivo capability of senescent and tumor thyroid cells to recruit and polarize macrophages, suggesting that the promotion of a pro-tumoral microenvironment through tumor associated macrophages may occurs in late as well as in early thyroid tumor stages, favoring tumor onset and progression.
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16
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FOXE1-Dependent Regulation of Macrophage Chemotaxis by Thyroid Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147666. [PMID: 34299284 PMCID: PMC8307198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box E1 (FOXE1) is a lineage-restricted transcription factor involved in thyroid cancer susceptibility. Cancer-associated polymorphisms map in regulatory regions, thus affecting the extent of gene expression. We have recently shown that genetic reduction of FOXE1 dosage modifies multiple thyroid cancer phenotypes. To identify relevant effectors playing roles in thyroid cancer development, here we analyse FOXE1-induced transcriptional alterations in thyroid cells that do not express endogenous FOXE1. Expression of FOXE1 elicits cell migration, while transcriptome analysis reveals that several immune cells-related categories are highly enriched in differentially expressed genes, including several upregulated chemokines involved in macrophage recruitment. Accordingly, FOXE1-expressing cells induce chemotaxis of co-cultured monocytes. We then asked if FOXE1 was able to regulate macrophage infiltration in thyroid cancers in vivo by using a mouse model of cancer, either wild type or with only one functional FOXE1 allele. Expression of the same set of chemokines directly correlates with FOXE1 dosage, and pro-tumourigenic M2 macrophage infiltration is decreased in tumours with reduced FOXE1. These data establish a novel link between FOXE1 and macrophages recruitment in the thyroid cancer microenvironment, highlighting an unsuspected function of this gene in the crosstalk between neoplastic and immune cells that shape tumour development and progression.
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17
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Thyroid Cancer Stem-Like Cells: From Microenvironmental Niches to Therapeutic Strategies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071455. [PMID: 33916320 PMCID: PMC8037626 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Recent progress in thyroid cancer biology revealed a certain degree of intratumoral heterogeneity, highlighting the coexistence of cellular subpopulations with distinct proliferative capacities and differentiation abilities. Among those subpopulations, cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are hypothesized to drive TC heterogeneity, contributing to its metastatic potential and therapy resistance. CSCs principally exist in tumor areas with specific microenvironmental conditions, the so-called stem cell niches. In particular, in thyroid cancer, CSCs' survival is enhanced in the hypoxic niche, the immune niche, and some areas with specific extracellular matrix composition. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about thyroid CSCs, the tumoral niches that allow their survival, and the implications for TC therapy.
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18
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MacDonald L, Jenkins J, Purvis G, Lee J, Franco AT. The Thyroid Tumor Microenvironment: Potential Targets for Therapeutic Intervention and Prognostication. Discov Oncol 2020; 11:205-217. [PMID: 32548798 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-020-00390-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and incidences are rising rapidly, in both pediatric and adult populations. Many thyroid tumors are successfully treated which results in low mortality rates, but there is often a significant morbidity associated with thyroid cancer treatments. For patients with tumors that are not successfully treated with surgical resection or radioactive iodine treatment, prognosis is dramatically reduced. Patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer face a very grim prognosis with a median survival of 6 months post-diagnosis. There is a critical need to identify patients who are at greatest risk of developing persistent disease and progressing to poorly differentiated or anaplastic disease. Furthermore, development of treatments associated with less morbidity would represent a significant improvement for thyroid cancer survivors. It is well established the stromal cells and components of the tumor microenvironment can drive tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Here we review the current state of what is known regarding the thyroid tumor microenvironment and how these factors may contribute to thyroid tumor pathogenesis. Study of the tumor microenvironment within thyroid cancer is a relatively new field, and more studies are needed to dissect the complex and dynamic crosstalk between thyroid tumor cells and its tumor niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grace Purvis
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joshua Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aime T Franco
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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19
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Yin H, Tang Y, Guo Y, Wen S. Immune Microenvironment of Thyroid Cancer. J Cancer 2020; 11:4884-4896. [PMID: 32626535 PMCID: PMC7330689 DOI: 10.7150/jca.44506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is a highly heterogeneous endocrine malignancy with an increased incidence in women than in men. Previous studies regarding the pathogenesis of TC focused on the pathological changes of the tumor cells while ignoring the importance of the mesenchymal cells in tumor microenvironment. However, more recently, the stable environment provided by the interaction of thyroid cancer cells with the peri-tumoral stroma has been widely studied. Studies have shown that components of an individual's immune system are closely related to the occurrence, invasion, and metastasis of TC, which may affect response to treatment and prognosis of the patients. This article presents a comprehensive review of the immune cells, secreted soluble mediators and immune checkpoints in the immune microenvironment, mechanisms that promoting TC cells immune evasion and existing immunotherapy strategies. Besides it provides new strategies for TC prognosis prediction and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Yin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, P.R. China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Yemei Tang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, P.R. China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Yujia Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, P.R. China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Shuxin Wen
- Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, P.R. China.,General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, Guangdong, P.R. China
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20
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Ma M, Lin B, Wang M, Liang X, Su L, Okose O, Lv W, Li J. Immunotherapy in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:974-988. [PMID: 32269728 PMCID: PMC7137046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the worst human malignancies, with an associated median survival of only 5 months. It is resistant to conventional thyroid cancer therapies, including radioiodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Cancer immunotherapy has emerged over the past few decades as a transformative approach to treating a wide variety of cancers. However, immunotherapy for ATC is still in the experimental stage. This review will cover several strategies of immunotherapy and discuss the possible application of these strategies in the treatment of ATC (such as targeted therapy for tumor-associated macrophages, cancer vaccines, adoptive immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint blockade) with the hope of improving the prognosis of ATC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoguang Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Mingdian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Liang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Lei Su
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Okenwa Okose
- Texas A & M College of MedicineCollege Station, TX 77843, USA
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - Weiming Lv
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
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21
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Veschi V, Verona F, Lo Iacono M, D'Accardo C, Porcelli G, Turdo A, Gaggianesi M, Forte S, Giuffrida D, Memeo L, Todaro M. Cancer Stem Cells in Thyroid Tumors: From the Origin to Metastasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:566. [PMID: 32982967 PMCID: PMC7477072 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid tumors are extremely heterogeneous varying from almost benign tumors with good prognosis as papillary or follicular tumors, to the undifferentiated ones with severe prognosis. Recently, several models of thyroid carcinogenesis have been described, mostly hypothesizing a major role of the thyroid cancer stem cell (TCSC) population in both cancer initiation and metastasis formation. However, the cellular origin of TCSC is still incompletely understood. Here, we review the principal epigenetic mechanisms relevant to TCSC origin and maintenance in both well-differentiated and anaplastic thyroid tumors. Specifically, we describe the alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifiers, and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in TCSC survival, focusing on the potential of targeting aberrant epigenetic modifications for developing novel therapeutic approaches. Moreover, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between TCSCs and immune cells. The cells of innate and adaptive response can promote the TCSC-driven tumorigenesis, and conversely, TCSCs may favor the expansion of immune cells with protumorigenic functions. Finally, we evaluate the role of the tumor microenvironment and the complex cross-talk of chemokines, hormones, and cytokines in regulating thyroid tumor initiation, progression, and therapy refractoriness. The re-education of the stromal cells can be an effective strategy to fight thyroid cancer. Dissecting the genetic and epigenetic landscape of TCSCs and their interactions with tumor microenvironment cells is urgently needed to select more appropriate treatment and improve the outcome of patients affected by advanced differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Dario Giuffrida
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Matilde Todaro
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Menicali E, Guzzetti M, Morelli S, Moretti S, Puxeddu E. Immune Landscape of Thyroid Cancers: New Insights. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:637826. [PMID: 33986723 PMCID: PMC8112200 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.637826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune system plays a key role in cancer prevention as well as in its initiation and progression. During multistep development of tumors, cells must acquire the capability to evade immune destruction. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that thyroid tumor cells can avoid immune response by promoting an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The recruitment of immunosuppressive cells such as TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages), TAMCs (tumor-associated mast cells), MDSC (myeloid-derived suppressor cells), TANs (tumor-associated neutrophils) and Tregs (regulatory T cells) and/or the expression of negative immune checkpoints, like PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1), CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4), and/or immunosuppressive enzymes, as IDO1 (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1), are just some of the mechanisms that thyroid cancer cells exploit to escape immune destruction. Some authors systematically characterized immune cell populations and soluble mediators (chemokines, cytokines, and angiogenic factors) that constitute thyroid cancer microenvironment. Their purpose was to verify immune system involvement in cancer growth and progression, highlighting the differences in immune infiltrate among tumor histotypes. More recently, some authors have provided a more comprehensive view of the relationships between tumor and immune system involved in thyroid carcinogenesis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) delivered a large amount of data that allowed to combine information on the inflammatory microenvironment with gene expression data, genetic and clinical-pathological characteristics, and differentiation degree of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Moreover, using a new sensitive and highly multiplex analysis, the NanoString Technology, it was possible to divide thyroid tumors in two main clusters based on expression of immune-related genes. Starting from these results, the authors performed an immune phenotype analysis that allowed to classify thyroid cancers in hot, cold, or intermediate depending on immune infiltration patterns of the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and updated view of the knowledge on immune landscape of thyroid tumors. Understanding interactions between tumor and microenvironment is crucial to effectively direct immunotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of thyroid cancer, particularly for those not responsive to conventional therapies.
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Gulubova MV, Ivanova KV. The Expression of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Multinucleated Giant Cells in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:3944-3949. [PMID: 32165933 PMCID: PMC7061364 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inflammation that occurred in the tumor microenvironment was characterized by abundant macrophage infiltration, playing role in innate immunity. Multinucleate giant cells (MGCs) occur in a variety of inflammatory, hyperplastic, and neoplastic thyroid disorders. They also have been recognized as a feature of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate cases of PTC for the presence of macrophages, and estimate CD68+ TAMs density in tumor stroma, margin and the surrounding tissue. We assessed also MGCs. METHODS: Macrophages and MGCs densities were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters to assess the possible prognostic significance. We investigated 56 patients immunohistochemically and immunofluorescence with antibodies against CD68 and IL-17. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was established between PTC patients in III stage, containing many MGCs, and PTC in I and II stage, with many MGCs. Eighty Percent of patients in III stage showed many MGCs in comparison with patients in I and II stage, where many MGCs were found only in 21,1% (χ2 = 6.189, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the increased density of MGCs is associated with advanced stage of PTC, and therefore with tumor progression and that cases of PTC should be carefully screened for their presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Vladova Gulubova
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Trakia University, Medical Faculty, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Koni Vancho Ivanova
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Trakia University, Medical Faculty, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
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Ferrari SM, Fallahi P, Galdiero MR, Ruffilli I, Elia G, Ragusa F, Paparo SR, Patrizio A, Mazzi V, Varricchi G, Marone G, Antonelli A. Immune and Inflammatory Cells in Thyroid Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4413. [PMID: 31500315 PMCID: PMC6769504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer is the ability of tumor cells to avoid immune destruction. Activated immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines which foster the proliferation of tumor cells. Specific antigens expressed by cancer cells are recognized by the main actors of immune response that are involved in their elimination (immunosurveillance). By the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells, decreasing the tumor immunogenicity, or through other immunosuppressive mechanisms, tumors can impair the host immune cells within the TME and escape their surveillance. Within the TME, cells of the innate (e.g., macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils) and the adaptive (e.g., lymphocytes) immune responses are interconnected with epithelial cancer cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells via cytokines, chemokines, and adipocytokines. The molecular pattern of cytokines and chemokines has a key role and could explain the involvement of the immune system in tumor initiation and progression. Thyroid cancer-related inflammation is an important target for diagnostic procedures and novel therapeutic strategies. Anticancer immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, unleashes the immune system and activates cytotoxic lymphocytes to kill cancer cells. A better knowledge of the molecular and immunological characteristics of TME will allow novel and more effective immunotherapeutic strategies in advanced thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Martina Ferrari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.G.); (G.V.); (G.M.)
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Sabrina Rosaria Paparo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Armando Patrizio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Valeria Mazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.G.); (G.V.); (G.M.)
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianni Marone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.G.); (G.V.); (G.M.)
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.M.F.); (I.R.); (G.E.); (F.R.); (S.R.P.); (A.P.); (V.M.)
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25
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Varricchi G, Loffredo S, Marone G, Modestino L, Fallahi P, Ferrari SM, de Paulis A, Antonelli A, Galdiero MR. The Immune Landscape of Thyroid Cancer in the Context of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3934. [PMID: 31412566 PMCID: PMC6720642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells play critical roles in tumor prevention as well as initiation and progression. However, immune-resistant cancer cells can evade the immune system and proceed to form tumors. The normal microenvironment (immune cells, fibroblasts, blood and lymphatic vessels, and interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM)) maintains tissue homeostasis and prevents tumor initiation. Inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, cytokines, and chemokines from an altered microenvironment promote tumor growth. During the last decade, thyroid cancer, the most frequent cancer of the endocrine system, has emerged as the fifth most incident cancer in the United States (USA), and its incidence is steadily growing. Inflammation has long been associated with thyroid cancer, raising critical questions about the role of immune cells in its pathogenesis. A plethora of immune cells and their mediators are present in the thyroid cancer ecosystem. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting immune checkpoints, such as mAbs anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death protein-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1), have revolutionized the treatment of many malignancies, but they induce thyroid dysfunction in up to 10% of patients, presumably by enhancing autoimmunity. Combination strategies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with tyrosine kinase (TK) or serine/threonine protein kinase B-raf (BRAF) inhibitors are showing considerable promise in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer. This review illustrates how different immune cells contribute to thyroid cancer development and the rationale for the antitumor effects of ICIs in combination with BRAF/TK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Loffredo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Marone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Modestino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, School of Medicine, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Martina Ferrari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, School of Medicine, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Amato de Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, School of Medicine, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DISMET), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- WAO Center of Excellence, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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26
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Mazzoni M, Mauro G, Erreni M, Romeo P, Minna E, Vizioli MG, Belgiovine C, Rizzetti MG, Pagliardini S, Avigni R, Anania MC, Allavena P, Borrello MG, Greco A. Senescent thyrocytes and thyroid tumor cells induce M2-like macrophage polarization of human monocytes via a PGE2-dependent mechanism. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:208. [PMID: 31113465 PMCID: PMC6528237 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid carcinoma includes several variants characterized by different biological and clinical features: from indolent microcarcinoma to undifferentiated and aggressive anaplastic carcinoma. Inflammation plays a critical role in thyroid tumors. Conditions predisposing to cancer, as well as oncogene activity, contribute to the construction of an inflammatory microenvironment that facilitates thyroid tumor progression. Moreover, oncogene-induced senescence, a mechanism tightly connected with inflammation, and able to restrain or promote cancer progression, is involved in thyroid cancer. The interactions between thyroid tumor cells and the microenvironment are not completely clarified. METHODS We characterize in vitro the interplay between macrophages and senescent thyrocytes and tumor-derived cell lines, modeling early and late thyroid tumor stages, respectively. Purified peripheral blood-derived human monocytes were exposed to thyroid cell-derived conditioned medium (CM) and assessed for phenotype by flow cytometry. The factors secreted by thyroid cells and macrophages were identified by gene expression analysis and ELISA. The protumoral effect of macrophages was assessed by wound healing assay on K1 thyroid tumor cells. The expression of PTGS2 and M2 markers in thyroid tumors was investigated in publicly available datasets. RESULTS Human monocytes exposed to CM from senescent thyrocytes and thyroid tumor cell lines undergo M2-like polarization, showing high CD206 and low MHC II markers, and upregulation of CCL17 secretion. The obtained M2-like macrophages displayed tumor-promoting activity. Among genes overexpressed in polarizing cells, we identified the prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase enzyme (PTGS2/COX-2), which is involved in the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). By using COX-2 inhibitors we demonstrated that the M2-like polarization ability of thyroid cells is related to the production of PGE2. Co-expression of PTGS2 and M2 markers is observed a significant fraction of human thyroid tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that both senescent thyrocytes and thyroid tumor cell lines trigger M2-like macrophage polarization that is related to PGE2 secretion. This suggests that the interaction with the microenvironment occurs at both early and late thyroid tumor stages, and favors tumor progression. The co-expression of PTGS2 gene and M2 markers in human thyroid carcinoma highlights the possibility to counteract tumor growth through COX-2 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Mazzoni
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mauro
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Erreni
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Romeo
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Minna
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Vizioli
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Cristina Belgiovine
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Rizzetti
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Pagliardini
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Avigni
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Anania
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Allavena
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Borrello
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Greco
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via G.A. Amadeo, 42, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Cho JW, Kim WW, Lee YM, Jeon MJ, Kim WG, Song DE, Park Y, Chung KW, Hong SJ, Sung TY. Impact of tumor-associated macrophages and BRAF V600E mutation on clinical outcomes in patients with various thyroid cancers. Head Neck 2019; 41:686-691. [PMID: 30659691 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a role in thyroid cancer tumor progression and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the association of TAM density and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) expression with thyroid tumors as a prognostic marker and the relationship of these factors with BRAFV600E mutations. METHODS This study included 275 thyroid specimen tissues, including benign and malignant lesions. We compared the clinicopathological features according to thyroid tumor types and evaluated the presence of CD68 expression and BRAFV600E mutations. RESULTS CD68 positive expression increased with aggressiveness of thyroid tumor histologic grades (P < 0.001). In patients with poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), CD68 positivity was associated with aggressive adverse clinical outcomes such as extrathyroidal extension, cervical lymph node metastases, and distant metastases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CD68 positivity was more frequent in advanced and aggressive thyroid cancer types such as PDTC/ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Won Cho
- Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Woong Kim
- Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu-Mi Lee
- Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Ji Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Gu Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Eun Song
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yangsoon Park
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Wook Chung
- Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suck Joon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Yon Sung
- Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Song YS, Kim MJ, Sun HJ, Kim HH, Shin HS, Kim YA, Oh BC, Cho SW, Park YJ. Aberrant Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Signaling Increases VEGF-A and CXCL8 Secretion of Thyroid Cancer Cells, Contributing to Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:414-425. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bleomycin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in TPC-1 cells through reversing M2-macrophages polarization. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:3858-3866. [PMID: 30127999 PMCID: PMC6096247 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one of the most common types of thyroid malignancy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the density of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor microenvironment affects the progression of PTC due to the imbalance in M1/M2 macrophage subtypes. M2 macrophages induce anti-inflammatory effects and promote tumor progression, whereas M1 macrophages destroy tumor cells. Therefore, reversing TAM polarization to M1 may be a novel strategy for the treatment of cancer. Although bleomycin (BLM) is a commonly used anti-cancer drug, which regulates the secretion of relevant cytokines, high dose and long-term treatment with BLM may lead to pulmonary fibrosis. In the present study, flow cytometry data revealed that low dose treatment with BLM (5 or 10 mU/ml) facilitated the expression of the M1 phenotype markers cluster of differentiation (CD)80 and C-C chemokine receptor 7, and concurrently suppressed the M2 marker CD206 on M2-macrophages. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction data revealed that the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β markedly increased, whereas the expression of IL-10 decreased in M2 macrophages treated with BLM. A fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran uptake experiment revealed that BLM increased the phagocytic capacity of M2, however not M1 or M0 macrophages. In addition, to verify the effect of BLM-treated M2 macrophages on thyroid carcinoma cells, a co-culture system of macrophages and the human PTC cell line TPC-1, was established. BLM-treated M2 macrophages increased the number of cells in early and late apoptosis and inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of TPC-1 cells. These results suggest that a low dose and indirect effect of BLM may induce suppressive effects on PTC by selectively reversing M2 macrophage polarization to M1, which may provide a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
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30
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Galdiero MR, Varricchi G, Loffredo S, Bellevicine C, Lansione T, Ferrara AL, Iannone R, di Somma S, Borriello F, Clery E, Triassi M, Troncone G, Marone G. Potential involvement of neutrophils in human thyroid cancer. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199740. [PMID: 29953504 PMCID: PMC6023126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neutrophil functions have long been regarded as limited to acute inflammation and the defense against microbes. The role(s) of neutrophils in cancer remain poorly understood. Neutrophils infiltrate tumors and are key effector cells in the orchestration of inflammatory responses. Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most recurrent endocrine malignant tumor and is responsible for 70% of deaths due to endocrine cancers. No studies are so far available on the role of neutrophils in TC. Objective Our purpose was to study the involvement of tumor-associated neutrophils in TC. Methods Highly purified human neutrophils (>99%) from healthy donors were stimulated in vitro with conditioned media derived from TC cell lines TPC1 and 8505c (TC-CMs). Neutrophil functions (e.g., chemotaxis, activation, plasticity, survival, gene expression, and protein release) were evaluated. Results TC-derived soluble factors promoted neutrophil chemotaxis and survival. Neutrophil chemotaxis toward a TC-CM was mediated, at least in part, by CXCL8/IL-8, and survival was mediated by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In addition, each TC-CM induced morphological changes and activation of neutrophils (e.g., CD11b and CD66b upregulation and CD62L shedding) and modified neutrophils’ kinetic properties. Furthermore, each TC-CM induced production of reactive oxygen species, expression of proinflammatory and angiogenic mediators (CXCL8/IL-8, VEGF-A, and TNF-α), and a release of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Moreover, in TC patients, tumor-associated neutrophils correlated with larger tumor size. Conclusions TC cell lines produce soluble factors able to “educate” neutrophils toward an activated functional state. These data will advance the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of innate immunity in TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail: (MRG); (GM)
| | - Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Loffredo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lansione
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anne Lise Ferrara
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Iannone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sarah di Somma
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Borriello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Eduardo Clery
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianni Marone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- WAO Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
- * E-mail: (MRG); (GM)
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Naoum GE, Morkos M, Kim B, Arafat W. Novel targeted therapies and immunotherapy for advanced thyroid cancers. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:51. [PMID: 29455653 PMCID: PMC5817719 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0786-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a frequently encountered endocrine malignancy. Despite the favorable prognosis of this disease, 15–20% of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cases and most anaplastic types, remain resistant to standard treatment options, including radioactive iodine (RAI). In addition, around 30% of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) cases show resistance after surgery. The evolving understanding of disease-specific molecular therapeutic targets has led to the approval of two targeted therapies (Sorafenib and Lenvatinib) for RAI refractory DTC and another two drugs (Vandetanib and Cabozantinib) for MTC. These advanced therapies exert their effects by blocking the MAPK pathway, which has been widely correlated to different types of thyroid cancers. While these drugs remain reserved for thyroid cancer patients who failed all treatment options, their ability to improve patients’ overall survival remain hindered by their low efficacy and other molecular factors. Among these factors is the tumor’s ability to activate parallel proliferative signaling pathways other than the cascades blocked by these drugs, along with overexpression of some tyrosine kinase receptors (TKR). These facts urge the search for novel different treatment strategies for advanced thyroid cases beyond these drugs. Furthermore, the growing knowledge of the dynamic immune system interaction with tumor microenvironment has revolutionized the cancer immune therapy field. In this review, we aim to discuss the molecular escape mechanisms of thyroid tumors from these drugs. We also highlight novel therapeutic options targeting other pathways than MAPK, including PI3K pathway, ALK translocations and HER2/3 receptors and their clinical impact. We also aim to discuss the usage of targeted therapy in restoring thyroid tumor sensitivity to RAI, and finally turn to extensively discuss the role of immunotherapy as a potential alternative treatment option for advanced thyroid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Naoum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Alexandria Comprehensive Cancer center, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Michael Morkos
- Department of Endocrinology, Rush University, 1900 W Polk St, Room 801, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian Kim
- Department of Endocrinology, Thyroid Cancer Program, Rush University, Jelke Building, Room 604, 1735 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60612, UK
| | - Waleed Arafat
- Alexandria Comprehensive Cancer center, Alexandria, Egypt. .,University Of Alexandria, Clinical oncology department, Alexandria, Egypt. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35294, UK.
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Tesselaar MH, Smit JW, Nagarajah J, Netea-Maier RT, Plantinga TS. Pathological processes and therapeutic advances in radioiodide refractory thyroid cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:R141-R154. [PMID: 28931558 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While in most patients with non-medullary thyroid cancer (TC), disease remission is achieved by thyroidectomy and ablation of tumor remnants by radioactive iodide (RAI), a substantial subgroup of patients with metastatic disease present tumor lesions that have acquired RAI resistance as a result of dedifferentiation. Although oncogenic mutations in BRAF, TERT promoter and TP53 are associated with an increased propensity for induction of dedifferentiation, the role of genetic and epigenetic aberrations and their effects on important intracellular signaling pathways is not yet fully elucidated. Also immune, metabolic, stemness and microRNA pathways have emerged as important determinants of TC dedifferentiation and RAI resistance. These signaling pathways have major clinical implications since their targeting could inhibit TC progression and could enable redifferentiation to restore RAI sensitivity. In this review, we discuss the current insights into the pathological processes conferring dedifferentiation and RAI resistance in TC and elaborate on novel advances in diagnostics and therapy to improve the clinical outcome of RAI-refractory TC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika H Tesselaar
- Department of PathologyRadboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes W Smit
- Internal MedicineDivision of Endocrinology Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - James Nagarajah
- Radiology & Nuclear MedicineRadboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Romana T Netea-Maier
- Internal MedicineDivision of Endocrinology Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo S Plantinga
- Department of PathologyRadboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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33
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Kim DI, Kim E, Kim YA, Cho SW, Lim JA, Park YJ. Macrophage Densities Correlated with CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 Expression and Related with Poor Survival in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2016; 31:469-475. [PMID: 27491720 PMCID: PMC5053061 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2016.31.3.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) have emerged as potential biomarkers in various human cancers. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical characteristics of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) patients according to the TAM numbers in the tumor tissue, and to evaluate the associations between CXCR4 expressions and macrophage densities in ATC tumor microenvironment. METHODS Total 14 ATC samples from thyroid tissue microarray were used. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-CD163 and anti-CXCR4 antibodies. According to the immunoreactivity of CD163, all subjects were divided into two groups: low-CD163 (n=8) and high-CD163 (n=6) groups. RESULTS The mean diagnostic age was 65±7 years and the median tumor size was 4.3 cm, ranging 2.5 to 15 cm. Clinicopathological characteristics were not significantly different between low-CD163 and high-CD163 groups, while age of diagnosis was younger in high-CD163 group than that of low-CD163 group with marginal significance (56.9±5.5 years vs. 67.5±6.8 years, P=0.09). However, overall survival was significantly reduced in high-CD163 group (5.5 months [range, 1 to 10]) compared with low-CD163 groups (8.8 months [range, 6 to 121); log-rank test, P=0.0443). Moreover, high-CD163 group showed strong CXCR4 expressions in both cancer and stromal compartments, while low-CD163 group showed relatively weak, stromal-dominant CXCR4 expressions. Additionally, CD163 and CXCR4 expressions showed a strong positive correlation (γ²=0.432, P=0.013). CONCLUSION Increased number of TAMs showed poor overall survival in ATC, suggesting TAMs are potentially a prognostic biomarker for ATC. CXCR4 expression was significantly correlated with CD163-positive TAM densities, which suggest the possible role of CXCR4 in TAM recruitments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae In Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunyoung Kim
- Department of Surgery, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young A Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sun Wook Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jung Ah Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Li XJ, Gangadaran P, Kalimuthu S, Oh JM, Zhu L, Jeong SY, Lee SW, Lee J, Ahn BC. Role of pulmonary macrophages in initiation of lung metastasis in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:2583-92. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Juan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology; Taian City Central Hospital; Taian China
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Senthilkumar Kalimuthu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Oh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Liya Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Young Jeong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Jaetae Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
- Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation; Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Cheol Ahn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Kyungpook National University School of Medicine and Hospital; Daegu Republic of Korea
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Sun S, Pan X, Zhao L, Zhou J, Wang H, Sun Y. The Expression and Relationship of CD68-Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Microvascular Density With the Prognosis of Patients With Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 9:270-7. [PMID: 27337949 PMCID: PMC4996099 DOI: 10.21053/ceo.2015.01305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. We sought to identify the expression of CD68-tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CD34-microvascular density (MVD) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), to study the relationship with clinical pathological parameters and to determine whether their expression is predictive of disease. Methods. Pathologically confirmed 45 LSCC tissue and 20 peritumoral non-tumor tissue were examined. Immunohistochemical studies were used to detect the expression of CD68-TAMs and CD34-MVD. Results. The positive expression rate of CD68 in LSCC tissue was 82% (37/45), which was higher than the 10% (2/20) expression rate of the peritumoral tissue (P<0.05). The CD34-MVD positive expression rate in the LSCC tissue was 26.5±6.4, which obviously higher than 12.2±4.0 expression rate of the peritumoral tissue (P<0.05). The positive expression rates of both CD68 and CD34-MVD were higher in the lymph node metastasis (LNM) positive group than in the LNM negative group. The expression of CD68 had positive correlation with CD34-MVD. The 5-year disease-free survival rate in the group with the low CD68 expression was significantly higher than that in the group with high CD68 expression (76% vs. 42%, respectively). Conclusion. The high expression of CD68-TAMs in LSCC and its positive correlation with CD34-MVD illustrates that both play an important role in promoting the metastasis and angiogenesis of this cancer. Their expression was also positively correlated with the prognoses of these patients, suggesting that they could be used as important prognostic markers for LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinliang Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Limin Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jianming Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Hongzeng Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yonghong Sun
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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36
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Galdiero MR, Varricchi G, Marone G. The immune network in thyroid cancer. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1168556. [PMID: 27471646 PMCID: PMC4938375 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1168556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays critical roles in tumor prevention, but also in its initiation and progression. Tumors are subjected to immunosurveillance, but cancer cells generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that favors their escape from immune-mediated elimination. During chronic inflammation, immune cells can contribute to the formation and progression of tumors by producing mitogenic, prosurvival, proangiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors. Thyroid cancer is the most frequent type of endocrine neoplasia and is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the US. In this review, we discuss recent findings on how different immune cells and mediators can contribute to thyroid cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianni Marone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences (DiSMeT), School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
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Cho SW, Kim YA, Sun HJ, Kim YA, Oh BC, Yi KH, Park DJ, Park YJ. CXCL16 signaling mediated macrophage effects on tumor invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:113-24. [PMID: 26559672 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages in tumor microenvironment have pivotal roles in tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. We investigated the interacting mechanism of macrophage actions in human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Co-cultures of macrophage/PTC significantly increased the cancer cell migration potentials, compared with the PTC culture alone. Treatment of conditioned medium (CM) of macrophage/PTC co-cultures enhanced cell invasions in 3D invasion assay. Cytokine array analysis demonstrated that CM of macrophage/PTC co-cultures contained a high level of CXCL16, while it was not found in CM of PTC culture alone. Treatment with CXCL16 enhanced the cell migration potentials in PTC cells, and blocking CXCL16 signaling using anti-CXCL16 antibody or metalloproteinase inhibitor (TAPI2) attenuated macrophage-mediated enhancement of PTC cell migration potentials. In PTC cells, CXCL16 treatment or co-cultures with macrophages increased Akt phosphorylation, and these macrophage-dependent increases of Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by anti-CXCL16 antibody. Moreover, Akt inhibitor attenuated macrophage-mediated increases of PTC cell migration potential. In macrophages, treatment of macrophage/PTC co-cultured CMs up-regulated CD163, Il10, and CD206, which were attenuated by anti-CXCL16 antibody treatment. Finally, CXCR6 and CXCL16 expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining with a thyroid tissue microarray including 136 PTC. CXCR6 expressions showed positive correlation with the density of CD163(+) macrophages and associated with lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, CXCL16 signaling partly mediated macrophage actions on PTC tumor cell invasion and also changed the macrophage phenotypes into M2-macrophages in PTC tumor microenvironment. These data suggested that CXCL16 signaling, a bidirectional player in macrophage-associated tumor microenvironment, might be a potential therapeutic target of human PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Wook Cho
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Young A Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Sun
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Ye An Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Oh
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Ka Hee Yi
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Do Joon Park
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South KoreaDepartment of PathologyBorame Medical Center 20, Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 07061, South KoreaLee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes InstituteGachon University Graduate School of Medicine, 155 Gatbeol-ro, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Korea
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Thanee M, Loilome W, Techasen A, Namwat N, Boonmars T, Pairojkul C, Yongvanit P. Quantitative changes in tumor-associated M2 macrophages characterize cholangiocarcinoma and their association with metastasis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 16:3043-50. [PMID: 25854403 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.7.3043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes numerous non-neoplastic cells such as leukocytes and fibroblasts that surround the neoplasm and influence its growth. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are documented as key players in facilitating cancer appearance and progression. Alteration of the macrophage (CD68, CD163) and fibroblast (α-SMA, FSP-1) cells in Opisthorchis viverrini (Ov)-induced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was here assessed using liver tissues from an established hamster model and from 43 human cases using immunohistochemistry. We further investigated whether M2-activated TAMs influence CCA cell migration ability by wound healing assay and Western blot analysis. Macrophages and fibroblasts change their phenotypes to M2-TAMs (CD68+, CD163+) and CAFs (α-SMA+, FSP-1+), respectively in the early stages of carcinogenesis. Interestingly, a high density of the M2-TAMs CCA in patients is significantly associated with the presence of extrahepatic metastases (p=0.021). Similarly, CD163+ CCA cells are correlated with metastases (p=0.002), and they may be representative of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with increased metastatic activity. We further showed that M2-TAM conditioned medium can induce CCA cell migration as well as increase N-cadherin expression (mesenchymal marker). The present work revealed that significant TME changes occur at an early stage of Ov-induced carcinogenesis and that M2-TAMs are key factors contributing to CCA metastasis, possibly via EMT processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malinee Thanee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand E-mail : ;
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Kim SM, Kim EH, Kim BH, Kim JH, Park SB, Nam YJ, Ahn KH, Oh MY, Kim WJ, Jeon YK, Kim SS, Kim YK, Kim IJ. Association of the Preoperative Neutrophil-to-ymphocyte Count Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Count Ratio with Clinicopathological Characteristics in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2015; 30:494-501. [PMID: 26354491 PMCID: PMC4722404 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2015.30.4.494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several inflammatory biomarkers, especially a high preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte count ratio (PLR), are known to be indicator of poor prognosis in several cancers. However, very few studies have evaluated the significance of the NLR and PLR in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We evaluated the association of the preoperative NLR and PLR with clinicopathological characteristics in patients with PTC. METHODS This study included 1,066 female patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC. Patients were stratified into 4 quartiles by preoperative NLR and PLR. And the combination of preoperative NLR and PLR was calculated on the basis of data obtained value of tertile as follows: patients with both an elevated PLR and an elevated NLR were allocated a score of 2, and patients showing one or neither were allocated a score of 1 or 0, respectively. RESULTS The preoperative NLR and PLR were significantly lower in patients aged ≥45 years and in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The PLR was significantly higher in patients with tumor size >1 cm (P=0.021).When the patients were categorized into the aforementioned four groups, the group with the higher preoperative PLR was found to have a significantly increased incidence of lateral lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P=0.018). However, there are no significant association between the combination of preoperative NLR and PLR and prognostic factors in PTC patients. CONCLUSION These results suggest that a preoperative high PLR were significant associated with lateral LNM in female patients with PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Mi Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongeui Medical Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Eun Heui Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Bo Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
| | - Jong Ho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Su Bin Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Yoon Jeong Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Kang Hee Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Min Young Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongeui Medical Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Won Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Yong Ki Kim
- Kim Yong Ki Internal Medicine Clinic, Busan, Korea
| | - In Ju Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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Jung KY, Cho SW, Kim YA, Kim D, Oh BC, Park DJ, Park YJ. Cancers with Higher Density of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Were Associated with Poor Survival Rates. J Pathol Transl Med 2015; 49:318-24. [PMID: 26081823 PMCID: PMC4508569 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2015.06.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Macrophages are a component of a tumor’s microenvironment and have various roles in tumor progression and metastasis. This study evaluated the relationships between tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) density and clinical outcomes in 14 different types of human cancers. Methods: We investigated TAM density in human tissue microarray sections from 14 different types of human cancers (n = 266) and normal thyroid, lung, and breast tissues (n = 22). The five-year survival rates of each cancer were obtained from the 2011 Korea Central Cancer Registry. Results: Among 13 human cancers, excluding thyroid cancer, pancreas, lung, and gallbladder cancers had the highest density of CD163-positive macrophages (7.0±3.5%, 6.9±7.4%, and 6.9 ± 5.5%, respectively). The five-year relative survival rates of these cancers (pancreas, 8.7%; lung, 20.7%; gallbladder, 27.5%) were lower than those of other cancers. The histological subtypes in thyroid cancer exhibited significantly different CD163-positive macrophages densities (papillary, 1.8 ± 1.6% vs anaplastic, 22.9 ± 17.1%; p < .001), but no significant difference between histological subtypes was detected in lung and breast cancers. Moreover, there was no significant difference in CD163-positive macrophages densities among the TNM stages in lung, breast, and thyroid cancers. Conclusions: Cancers with higher TAM densities (pancreas, lung, anaplastic thyroid, and gallbladder) were associated with poor survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyong Yeun Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ; Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ; Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young A Kim
- Department of Pathology, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Daein Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Oh
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University Graduate School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Do Joon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Badawi MA, Abouelfadl DM, El-Sharkawy SL, El-Aal WEA, Abbas NF. Tumor-Associated Macrophage (TAM) and Angiogenesis in Human Colon Carcinoma. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2015; 3:209-14. [PMID: 27275223 PMCID: PMC4877855 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2015.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to clarify how macrophages affect prognosis in cancer colon and their association with tumor angiogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty four biopsies of colon carcinoma and 15 of benign adenomatous polyps were investigated for macrophages infiltration and microvessels density using immunohistochemistry and image morphometric analysis. Macrophages and blood vessels were stained immunohistochemically by CD68 and F-VIII markers respectively. The morphometric analysis was carried out on the immunohistochemically stained slides using the Leica Qwin 500 Image Analyzer. Both of macrophages infiltration and microvessels density were correlated with histological tumor grade, stage and lymph node metastases and were correlated with each others. RESULTS: Macrophage infiltration was significantly higher in malignant cases than in benign polyps. High macrophage infiltration and hypervascularity were significantly correlated with T-staging and lymph nodes metastasis. A significant correlation was found between macrophage infiltration and microvessels densitie in malignant tumors where hypervascularity was significantly correlated with high macrophages infiltration. CONCLUSION: The significant correlation between macrophage infiltration and tumor angiogenesis suggests an interaction between macrophages and cancer cells stimulating microvessels formation, tumor invasion and metastasis in colon cancer. We recommend that macrophages infiltration should be evaluated to investigate their clinical value in development of individualized therapeutic regimens for management of colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal A Badawi
- Pathology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dalia M Abouelfadl
- Pathology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sonia L El-Sharkawy
- Pathology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Wafaa E Abd El-Aal
- Pathology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Naglaa F Abbas
- Pathology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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Lee WY. Brief review of articles in 'endocrinology and metabolism' in 2013. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2014; 29:251-6. [PMID: 25309783 PMCID: PMC4192822 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2014.29.3.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Young Lee
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Hébrant A, Floor S, Saiselet M, Antoniou A, Desbuleux A, Snyers B, La C, de Saint Aubain N, Leteurtre E, Andry G, Maenhaut C. miRNA expression in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103871. [PMID: 25153510 PMCID: PMC4143225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most lethal form of thyroid neoplasia and represents an end stage of thyroid tumor progression. No effective treatment exists so far. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA expression profiles of 11 ATC by microarrays and their relationship with the mRNA expression profiles of the same 11 ATC samples. ATC show distinct miRNA expression profiles compared to other less aggressive thyroid tumor types. ATC show 18 commonly deregulated miRNA compared to normal thyroid tissue (17 downregulated and 1 upregulated miRNA). First, the analysis of a combined approach of the mRNA gene expression and of the bioinformatically predicted mRNA targets of the deregulated miRNA suggested a role for these regulations in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in ATC. Second, the direct interaction between one of the upregulated mRNA target, the LOX gene which is an EMT key player, and a downregulated miRNA, the miR-29a, was experimentally validated by a luciferase assay in HEK cell. Third, we confirmed that the ATC tissue is composed of about 50% of tumor associated macrophages (TAM) and suggested, by taking into account our data and published data, their most likely direct or paracrine intercommunication between them and the thyroid tumor cells, amplifying the tumor aggressiveness. Finally, we demonstrated by in situ hybridization a specific thyrocyte localization of 3 of the deregulated miRNA: let-7g, miR-29a and miR-30e and we pointed out the importance of identifying the cell type localization before drawing any conclusion on the physiopathological role of a given gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Hébrant
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Floor
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manuel Saiselet
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline Antoniou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alice Desbuleux
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bérengère Snyers
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Caroline La
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Emmanuelle Leteurtre
- Université de Lille 2, Faculté de Médecine, Lille, France
- CHRU de Lille, Institut de Pathologie, Lille, France
| | - Guy Andry
- Institut Jules Bordet, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Carine Maenhaut
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO, School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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