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Cirello V, Gambale C, Nikitski AV, Masaki C, Roque J, Colombo C. Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma: molecular, clinico-pathological hallmarks and therapeutic perspectives. Panminerva Med 2024; 66:155-173. [PMID: 38576304 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.23.05040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is a rare and extremely aggressive tumor, accounting for about 2-15% of all thyroid cancer. PDTC has a distinct biological behavior compared to well-differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and, in last years, it has been classified as a separate entity from both anatomopathological and clinical points of view. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of consensus among clinicians regarding inclusion criteria and definition of PDTC that affects its diagnosis and clinical management. Due to its rarity and difficulty in classification compared to other tumors, very few studies are available to date and series often include different histotypes in addition to PDTC. This review focuses on main studies concerning PDTC summarizing the evolution in the definition of its diagnosis criteria, clinicopathological features, management, and outcome. The data available confirm that the pathological evaluation and classification of PDTC are crucial and should therefore be standardized. Since the clinical presentation and prognosis of PDTC may vary widely depending on the different stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's management may differ in treatment and should be tailored to each patient. Finally, this review discusses advances in molecular insights of PDTC that, together with the implementation of both in vitro and in vivo models, will provide valuable insights into biological mechanisms of progression, metastasis, and invasion of this aggressive thyroid carcinoma. Further studies on larger, carefully selected series are needed to better assess the peculiar features of PDTC and to better define its management by focusing on the best diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cirello
- Endocrine Oncology Unit, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Gambale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrine Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alyaksandr V Nikitski
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chie Masaki
- Department of Surgery, Ito Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - João Roque
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Colombo
- Endocrine Oncology Unit, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy -
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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2
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Landa I, Cabanillas ME. Genomic alterations in thyroid cancer: biological and clinical insights. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:93-110. [PMID: 38049644 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumours can arise from thyroid follicular cells if they acquire driver mutations that constitutively activate the MAPK signalling pathway. In addition, a limited set of additional mutations in key genes drive tumour progression towards more aggressive and less differentiated disease. Unprecedented insights into thyroid tumour biology have come from the breadth of thyroid tumour sequencing data from patients and the wide range of mutation-specific mechanisms identified in experimental models, in combination with the genomic simplicity of thyroid cancers. This knowledge is gradually being translated into refined strategies to stratify, manage and treat patients with thyroid cancer. This Review summarizes the biological underpinnings of the genetic alterations involved in thyroid cancer initiation and progression. We also provide a rationale for and discuss specific examples of how to implement genomic information to inform both recommended and investigational approaches to improve thyroid cancer prognosis, redifferentiation strategies and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Maria E Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia & Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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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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4
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Leandro-García LJ, Landa I. Mechanistic Insights of Thyroid Cancer Progression. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad118. [PMID: 37503738 PMCID: PMC10403681 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) are primarily initiated by mutations that activate the MAPK signaling cascade, typically at BRAF or RAS oncoproteins. DTCs can evolve to more aggressive forms, specifically, poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancers (ATC), by acquiring additional genetic alterations which deregulate key pathways. In this review, we focused on bona fide mutations involved in thyroid cancer progression for which consistent mechanistic data exist. Here we summarized the relevant literature, spanning approximately 2 decades, highlighting genetic alterations that are unquestionably enriched in PDTC/ATC. We describe the relevant functional data obtained in multiple in vitro and in vivo thyroid cancer models employed to study genetic alterations in the following genes and functional groups: TP53, effectors of the PI3K/AKT pathway, TERT promoter, members of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, NF2, and EIF1AX. In addition, we briefly discuss other genetic alterations that are selected in aggressive thyroid tumors but for which mechanistic data is still either limited or nonexistent. Overall, we argue for the importance conveyed by preclinical studies for the clinical translation of genomic knowledge of thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Javier Leandro-García
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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5
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Bikas A, Ahmadi S, Pappa T, Marqusee E, Wong K, Nehs MA, Cho NL, Haase J, Doherty GM, Sehgal K, Barletta JA, Alexander EK, Landa I. Additional Oncogenic Alterations in RAS-Driven Differentiated Thyroid Cancers Associate with Worse Clinicopathologic Outcomes. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2678-2685. [PMID: 37260297 PMCID: PMC10524472 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE RAS mutations occur across the spectrum of thyroid neoplasms, and more tools are needed for better prognostication. The objective of this study was to evaluate how additional genetic events affecting key genes modify prognosis in patients with RAS-mutant thyroid cancers, and specifically differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a clinical-genomic analysis of consecutive patients with DTC, poorly differentiated (PDTC), or anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) between January 2014 and December 2021, in whom a custom-targeted next-generation sequencing assay was performed. Patients harboring RAS mutations were included, and we compared their clinical features and outcomes based upon the presence of additional oncogenic alterations. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients were identified, with 22% (17/78) harboring a driver RAS mutation plus an additional oncogenic alteration. All six (100%) ATCs had an additional mutation. Compared with DTCs harboring a solitary RAS mutation, patients with DTC with RAS and additional mutation(s) were more likely to be classified as American Thyroid Association high-risk of recurrence (77% vs. 12%; P < 0.001) and to have larger primary tumors (4.7 vs. 2.5 cm; P = 0.002) and advanced stage (III or IV) at presentation (67% vs. 3%; P < 0.001). Importantly, over an average 65-month follow-up, DTC-specific-mortality was more than 10-fold higher (20% vs. 1.8%; P = 0.011) when additional mutations were identified. CONCLUSIONS Identification of key additional mutations in patients with RAS-mutant thyroid cancers confers a more aggressive phenotype, increases mortality risk in DTC, and can explain the diversity of RAS-mutated thyroid neoplasia. These data support genomic profiling of DTCs to inform prognosis and clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Bikas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Sara Ahmadi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Theodora Pappa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kristine Wong
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Matthew A. Nehs
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Nancy L. Cho
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jacob Haase
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Gerard M. Doherty
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kartik Sehgal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Justine A. Barletta
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Erik K. Alexander
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
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6
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Jeon MJ, Haugen BR. Preclinical Models of Follicular Cell-Derived Thyroid Cancer: An Overview from Cancer Cell Lines to Mouse Models. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2022; 37:830-838. [PMID: 36604954 PMCID: PMC9816502 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2022.1636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The overall prognosis of thyroid cancer is excellent, but some patients have grossly invasive disease and distant metastases with limited responses to systemic therapies. Thus, relevant preclinical models are needed to investigate thyroid cancer biology and novel treatments. Different preclinical models have recently emerged with advances in thyroid cancer genetics, mouse modeling and new cell lines. Choosing the appropriate model according to the research question is crucial to studying thyroid cancer. This review will discuss the current preclinical models frequently used in thyroid cancer research, from cell lines to mouse models, and future perspectives on patient-derived and humanized preclinical models in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Jeon
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bryan R. Haugen
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Corresponding author: Bryan R. Haugen. Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA Tel: +1-303-724-3921, Fax: +1-303-724-3920, E-mail:
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7
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Boussadia Z, Gambardella AR, Mattei F, Parolini I. Acidic and Hypoxic Microenvironment in Melanoma: Impact of Tumour Exosomes on Disease Progression. Cells 2021; 10:3311. [PMID: 34943819 PMCID: PMC8699343 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of melanoma progression have been extensively studied in the last decade, and despite the diagnostic and therapeutic advancements pursued, malignant melanoma still accounts for 60% of skin cancer deaths. Therefore, research efforts are required to better define the intercellular molecular steps underlying the melanoma development. In an attempt to represent the complexity of the tumour microenvironment (TME), here we analysed the studies on melanoma in acidic and hypoxic microenvironments and the interactions with stromal and immune cells. Within TME, acidity and hypoxia force melanoma cells to adapt and to evolve into a malignant phenotype, through the cooperation of the tumour-surrounding stromal cells and the escape from the immune surveillance. The role of tumour exosomes in the intercellular crosstalk has been generally addressed, but less studied in acidic and hypoxic conditions. Thus, this review aims to summarize the role of acidic and hypoxic microenvironment in melanoma biology, as well as the role played by melanoma-derived exosomes (Mexo) under these conditions. We also present a perspective on the characteristics of acidic and hypoxic exosomes to disclose molecules, to be further considered as promising biomarkers for an early detection of the disease. An update on the use of exosomes in melanoma diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment will be also provided and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Boussadia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Adriana Rosa Gambardella
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mattei
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Isabella Parolini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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8
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Caperton CO, Jolly LA, Massoll N, Bauer AJ, Franco AT. Development of Novel Follicular Thyroid Cancer Models Which Progress to Poorly Differentiated and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051094. [PMID: 33806425 PMCID: PMC7961488 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in thyroid cancer research have been hindered by a lack of validated in vitro models, allowing for preclinical experimentation and the screening of prospective therapeutics. The goal of this work is to develop and characterize three novel follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) cell lines developed from relevant animal models. These cell lines recapitulate the genetics and histopathological features of FTC, as well as progression to a poorly differentiated state. We demonstrate that these cell lines can be used for a variety of in vitro applications and maintain the potential for in vivo transplantation into immunocompetent hosts. Further, cell lines exhibit differing degrees of dysregulated growth and invasive behavior that may help define mechanisms of pathogenesis underlying the heterogeneity present in the patient population. We believe these novel cell lines will provide powerful tools for investigating the molecular basis of thyroid cancer progression and lead to the development of more personalized diagnostic and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin O. Caperton
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.O.C.); (L.A.J.)
| | - Lee Ann Jolly
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.O.C.); (L.A.J.)
| | - Nicole Massoll
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Andrew J. Bauer
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Aime T. Franco
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Correspondence:
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9
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French JD. Immunotherapy for advanced thyroid cancers - rationale, current advances and future strategies. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:629-641. [PMID: 32839578 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-0398-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the field of cancer immunotherapy has been revolutionized by immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) technologies. Success across a broad spectrum of cancers has led to a paradigm shift in therapy for patients with advanced cancer. Early data are now accumulating in progressive thyroid cancers treated with single-agent ICB therapies and combination approaches that incorporate ICB technologies. This Review discusses our current knowledge of the immune response in thyroid cancers, the latest and ongoing immune-based approaches, and the future of immunotherapies in thyroid cancer. Physiologically relevant preclinical mouse models and human correlative research studies will inform development of the next stage of immune-based therapies for patients with advanced thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena D French
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.
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10
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Boussadia Z, Zanetti C, Parolini I. Role of microenvironmental acidity and tumor exosomes in cancer immunomodulation. Transl Cancer Res 2020; 9:5775-5786. [PMID: 35117938 PMCID: PMC8798230 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2020.03.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex milieu in which tumor grows, develops and progresses through a complex bi-directional cross-talk with immune-, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this context, tumor-derived exosomes (TE) drive the fate of tumor cells through a stimulatory or inhibitory role on immune system. In fact, TE can induce the apoptosis of cells of the immune surveillance, and enhance the proliferation and survival of stromal cells that sustain tumor development. However, depending on the molecular cargo, TE are also able to stimulate anti-tumor immune response. TME is mainly characterized by the acidic pH that contributes to tumor development, through multiple mechanisms. Among these, the impairment of tumor immune surveillance does occur within acidic TME, and is directly mediated by acidic pH or by molecular cargo carried by TE. Little is known about the role of TE in immunomodulation in acidic conditions. The present review summarizes the studies describing the role of microenvironmental acidity and TE in immune system modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Boussadia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristiana Zanetti
- Deparment of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Isabella Parolini
- Deparment of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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11
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PTEN Function at the Interface between Cancer and Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Response to Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155337. [PMID: 32727102 PMCID: PMC7432882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that rewiring the host immune system in favor of an antitumor microenvironment achieves remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment of many hematological and solid cancer patients. Nevertheless, despite the promising development of many new and interesting therapeutic strategies, many of these still fail from a clinical point of view, probably due to the lack of prognostic and predictive biomarkers. In that respect, several data shed new light on the role of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in affecting the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as resistance/sensitivity to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on PTEN functions in different TME compartments (immune and stromal cells) and how they can modulate sensitivity/resistance to different immunological manipulations and ultimately influence clinical response to cancer immunotherapy.
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12
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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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13
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Vidotto T, Melo CM, Castelli E, Koti M, Dos Reis RB, Squire JA. Emerging role of PTEN loss in evasion of the immune response to tumours. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1732-1743. [PMID: 32327707 PMCID: PMC7283470 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in PTEN activate the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling network, leading to many of the characteristic phenotypic changes of cancer. However, the primary effects of this gene on oncogenesis through control of the PI3K-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway might not be the only avenue by which PTEN affects tumour progression. PTEN has been shown to regulate the antiviral interferon network and thus alter how cancer cells communicate with and are targeted by immune cells. An active, T cell-infiltrated microenvironment is critical for immunotherapy success, which is also influenced by mutations in DNA damage repair pathways and the overall mutational burden of the tumour. As PTEN has a role in the maintenance of genomic integrity, it is likely that a loss of PTEN affects the immune response at two different levels and might therefore be instrumental in mediating failed responses to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarise findings that demonstrate how the loss of PTEN function elicits specific changes in the immune response in several types of cancer. We also discuss ongoing clinical trials that illustrate the potential utility of PTEN as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Vidotto
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Morais Melo
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Erick Castelli
- Department of Pathology, Medicine School of Botucatu, Paulista State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Madhuri Koti
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeremy A Squire
- Department of Genetics, Medicine School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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14
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Fang C, Wang L, Gong C, Wu W, Yao C, Zhu S. Long non-coding RNAs: How to regulate the metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:3282-3291. [PMID: 32048814 PMCID: PMC7131947 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become the most lethal human cancer because of the high rate of metastasis. Hence, clarifying the molecular mechanism underlying NSCLC metastasis is very important to improve the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides, which can participate in diverse biological processes. About 18% of human LncRNAs were recently found to be associated with tumours. Many studies indicated that aberrant expression of LncRNAs played key roles in the progression and metastasis of NSCLC. According to the function in tumours, LncRNAs can be divided into two classes: oncogenic LncRNAs and tumour‐suppressor LncRNAs. In this review, we summarized the main molecular mechanism of LncRNAs regulating NSCLC metastasis, including three aspects: (a) LncRNAs interact with miRNAs as ceRNAs; (b) LncRNAs bind with target proteins; and (c) LncRNAs participate in the transduction of different signal pathways. Then, LncRNAs can exert their function to regulate the metastasis of NSCLC through influencing the progression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the properties of cancer stem cell (CSC). But, it is necessary to do some further research to demonstrate the LncRNAs particular regulatory mechanism of inhibiting the metastasis of NSCLC and explore new drugs targeting LncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyuan Gong
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Experiment Animal Center, Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yao
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiguo Zhu
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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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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16
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Liu P, Wang H, Liang Y, Hu A, Xing R, Jiang L, Yi L, Dong J. LINC00852 Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Spinal Metastasis by Targeting S100A9. J Cancer 2018; 9:4139-4149. [PMID: 30519313 PMCID: PMC6277606 DOI: 10.7150/jca.26897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma has a strong tendency to develop into bone metastases, especially spinal metastases (SM). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in regulating several biological processes in cancer cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the roles of lncRNAs in the development of SM have not been elucidated to date. Methods: Clinical specimens were collected for analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used to examine the effects of these genes on pathways. RNA pull-down was utilized to identify the targeting protein of lncRNAs. The effects of lncRNA on its target were detected in A549 and SPCA-1 cells via perturbation of the lncRNA expression. Oncological behavioral changes in transfected cells and phosphorylation of kinases in the relevant pathways, with or without inhibitors, were observed. Further, tumorigenicity was found to occur in experimental nude mice. Results: LINC00852 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were found to be associated with SM. Moreover, the LINC00852 target S100A9 had a positive regulatory role in the progression, migration, invasion, and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, S100A9 strongly activated the P38 and REK1/2 kinases, and slightly activated the phosphorylation of the JNK kinase in the MAPK pathway in A549 and SPCA-1 cells. Conclusion: LINC00852 targets S100A9 to promote progression and oncogenic ability in lung adenocarcinoma SM through activation of the MAPK pathway. These findings suggest a potential novel target for early intervention against SM in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Houlei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Liang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Annan Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Xing
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Libo Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Wieder T, Brenner E, Braumüller H, Bischof O, Röcken M. Cytokine-induced senescence for cancer surveillance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2017; 36:357-365. [DOI: 10.1007/s10555-017-9667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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