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He Y, Liu Q, Luo Z, Hu Q, Wang L, Guo Z. Role of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2025; 30:26995. [PMID: 40302326 DOI: 10.31083/fbl26995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2024] [Revised: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death among women worldwide. Immunotherapy has become an effective treatment for BC patients due to the rapid development of medical technology. Considerable breakthroughs have been made in research, marking the beginning of a new era in cancer treatment. Among them, various cancer immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer are effective and have good prospects. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes of tumor immunotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a key component of the TME, with an immunomodulatory effect closely related to the immune evasion of tumor cells, thereby affecting malignant progression. TAMs also significantly affect the therapeutic effect of ICIs (such as programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors). TAMs are composed of multiple heterogeneous subpopulations, including M1 phenotypes macrophages (M1) and M2 phenotypes macrophages (M2). Furthermore, they mainly play an M2-like role and moderate a variety of harmful consequences such as angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and metastasis. Therefore, TAMs have become a key area of focus in the development of tumor therapies. However, several tumor immunotherapy studies demonstrated that ICIs are effective only in a small number of solid cancers, and tumor immunotherapy still faces relevant challenges in the treatment of solid tumors. This review explores the role of TAMs in BC immunotherapy, summarizing their involvement in BC development. It also explains the classification and functions of TAMs, outlines current tumor immunotherapy approaches and combination therapies, and discusses the challenges and potential strategies for TAMs in immuno-oncology treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Shenzhen University, 518052 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihao Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zifen Guo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001 Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Ghosh M, Lingaraju SM, C R K, Balaram G, Kodandapani R, E V, K V, N S, H D, Patil S, Thungappa SC, Bhattacharjee S, P S S, Dasgupta R, Naseer M, B J S, Rao V, Ramaswamy V, Naik R, Babu G, Ravichandran A, Bahadur U, Murugan K, B M, Reddy L, Basavalinga S A. Comprehensive genomic profiling reveals a unique genomic landscape in solid tumors in an Indian cancer cohort of 1000 patients: a single institutional experience. Sci Rep 2025; 15:12455. [PMID: 40216820 PMCID: PMC11992052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94762-z] [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: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
The use of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) in clinical practice to detect broad-spectrum therapeutic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers, including tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), somatic BRCA (sBRCA) and other homologous recombination repair genes (HRRs) provides a more cost-efficient and tissue-preserving approach than serial single-biomarker analysis. A total of 1000 biopsy-proven cancer patients at the HCG cancer center were profiled in an IRB-approved prospective study. The findings were discussed in the multidisciplinary molecular tumor board (MTB), and recommendations were documented in electronic medical records (EMRs) for clinical management and follow-up. A total of 1747 genomic alterations were detected (mean 1.7 mutations/sample), with 80% of patients having genetic alterations with therapeutic and prognostic implications (Tier I-32%, Tier II-50%). CGP revealed a greater number of druggable genes (47%) than did small panels (14%). Tumor-agnostic markers for immunotherapy (IO) were observed in 16% of the current cohort, based on which IO was initiated. In 13.5% of the cohort, alterations in the HRR pathway including sBRCA (5.5%) were detected providing an option for treatment with platinum or PARP inhibitors. Other significant alterations included those in EGFR, KRAS/BRAF, PIK3CA, cKIT, PDGFRA, ARID1A, ARID2, and FGFR. RNA sequencing revealed 55 + RNA alterations, including those in TMPRSS-ERG, RPS6KB1-VMP1, EML4-ALK, NTRK, PDGFRA and EWSR. Clinical outcome data were available via EMR for 618 patients (62%), out of whom 419 patients had druggable mutations (67%; 95% CI 88.9-93.9%) and 39 patients had 1 or more mutations with prognostic implications. However, only 200 patients (44%; 95% CI 39.1-48.1%) were included in the MTB discussion. Based on genomics reports, the treatment regimen was changed for 137 and 61 patients with and without clinical inputs from the MTB, respectively. The overall change in therapy based on CGP in the clinical cohort was 43%, which was greater in patients enrolled for MTB than in patients who had not undergone MTB. At the interim analysis, with a median follow-up of 18 months (range 12-24 months) after the change in therapy as per genomics report, 97 patients (71%) were found to be alive thus establishing the importance of CGP and MTB in personalized genomics-driven treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithua Ghosh
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India.
| | - Sheela Mysore Lingaraju
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Krishna C R
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Gautam Balaram
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Ramya Kodandapani
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Vijay E
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Vijay K
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Suhas N
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Devika H
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Shekar Patil
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | | | | | - Sridhar P S
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Roshni Dasgupta
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Mohammed Naseer
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Srinivas B J
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Vishal Rao
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Veena Ramaswamy
- Triesta Sciences, A Unit of HeathCare Global Enterprises Limited, HCG Towers, Tower 1, #8P Kalinga Rao Road, Sampangiram Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Radheshyam Naik
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Govind Babu
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | | | | | - Krithika Murugan
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Mahesh B
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
| | - Lohith Reddy
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560027, India
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Habibi S, Bahramian S, Saeedeh ZJ, Mehri S, Ababzadeh S, Kavianpour M. Novel strategies in breast cancer management: From treatment to long-term remission. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2025; 211:104715. [PMID: 40187709 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2025.104715] [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: 03/02/2025] [Revised: 03/22/2025] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although improvements in early detection and therapy have been made, metastatic breast cancer (mBC) continues to be an incurable disease. Although existing treatments can prolong survival and enhance quality of life, they do not provide a definitive cure. Targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes, particularly for subtypes such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive and hormone receptor (HR)-positive (HR+) BC. Key innovations include antibodydrug conjugates (ADCs) and next-generation endocrine therapies. ADCs combine monoclonal antibodies with cytotoxic agents, allowing targeted delivery to tumor cells while minimizing systemic toxicity. Immunotherapy is emerging as a promising approach for aggressive subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Strategies under investigation include chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies, and natural killer (NK) cell treatments, all aimed at enhancing the ability of the immune system to target and eliminate resistant tumor cells. Tissue engineering, particularly hydrogel-based delivery systems, offers the potential for localized treatment. These systems enable the controlled release of therapeutic agents or immune cells directly to the tumor site, supporting tissue regeneration and enhancing immune surveillance to reduce recurrence. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including treatment resistance, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and high costs. Overcoming these barriers requires further innovation in drug delivery systems and a deeper understanding of tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Habibi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabbou Bahramian
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Zare Jalise Saeedeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Sara Mehri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Guilan, Iran
| | - Shima Ababzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Maria Kavianpour
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
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4
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Yuan L, Zhu Y, Guan G, Liu M. Napabucasin targets resistant triple negative breast cancer through suppressing STAT3 and mitochondrial function. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2025; 95:51. [PMID: 40169415 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-025-04770-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 04/03/2025]
Abstract
Chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant challenge in effective treatment, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. This study evaluates the efficacy of napabucasin, a potent STAT3 inhibitor, in two paclitaxel-resistant TNBC cell models (MD-MBA-231-r and BT-549-r). We observed that napabucasin significantly reduced cell viability and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. Combination index analysis revealed synergistic interactions between napabucasin and paclitaxel, suggesting enhanced cytotoxic effects when used in combination. Mechanistically, napabucasin inhibited STAT3 signaling and impaired mitochondrial function, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylated STAT3 levels, reduced mitochondrial complex I activity, lower oxygen consumption rate and diminished ATP levels. Further analysis indicated that paclitaxel-resistant cells exhibit higher mitochondrial biogenesis and function compared to their sensitive counterparts, with elevated expression of mitochondrial genes and biogenesis regulators, and increased levels of mitochondrial respiration. In vivo, napabucasin significantly inhibited tumor growth in paclitaxel-resistant TNBC xenograft models and reduced the expression of proliferation marker Ki67 and phosphorylation of STAT3. These findings demonstrate that napabucasin effectively targets paclitaxel-resistant TNBC cells by impairing mitochondrial function and inhibiting key signaling pathways, providing a strong rationale for its further clinical investigation as a therapeutic agent to overcome chemoresistance in TBNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Dongjing New District, Lumen Road 5, Xiangyang, 441100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqing Zhu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, 441100, People's Republic of China
| | - Gege Guan
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Dongjing New District, Lumen Road 5, Xiangyang, 441100, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Dongjing New District, Lumen Road 5, Xiangyang, 441100, People's Republic of China.
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Carvalho E, Canberk S, Schmitt F, Vale N. Molecular Subtypes and Mechanisms of Breast Cancer: Precision Medicine Approaches for Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2025; 17:1102. [PMID: 40227634 PMCID: PMC11987866 DOI: 10.3390/cancers17071102] [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: 02/18/2025] [Revised: 03/20/2025] [Accepted: 03/23/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, primarily affecting women. Its heterogeneous nature poses a significant challenge in the development of effective and targeted treatments. Molecular characterization has enabled breast cancer to be classified into four main subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer, based on hormone receptor expression and HER2 status. A deeper understanding of these molecular markers and their associated signaling pathways, such as MAPK and PI3K/AKT, is essential for improving prognosis and optimizing treatment strategies. Currently, several therapeutic agents are utilized in neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, often in combination with surgical interventions. However, emerging evidence highlights the growing challenge of drug resistance, which significantly limits the efficacy of existing treatments. Addressing this issue may require innovative approaches, including combination therapies and precision medicine strategies, tailored to the molecular profile of each patient. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms driving breast cancer progression and resistance is crucial for the development of advanced targeted therapies with greater precision and efficacy. This review aims to explore recent advancements in molecular research related to breast cancer subtypes and provide a critical analysis of current therapeutic approaches within the framework of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Carvalho
- PerMed Research Group, RISE-Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (E.C.); (S.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Sule Canberk
- PerMed Research Group, RISE-Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (E.C.); (S.C.); (F.S.)
- RISE-Health, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Schmitt
- PerMed Research Group, RISE-Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (E.C.); (S.C.); (F.S.)
- RISE-Health, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- PerMed Research Group, RISE-Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (E.C.); (S.C.); (F.S.)
- RISE-Health, Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Zhang S, Chen W, Zhou J, Liang Q, Zhang Y, Su M, Zhang Z, Qu J. The Benefits and Safety of Monoclonal Antibodies: Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. J Inflamm Res 2025; 18:4335-4357. [PMID: 40162076 PMCID: PMC11952073 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s499403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have transformed cancer treatment by providing highly targeted and effective therapies that specifically attack cancer cells, thus reducing the likelihood of adverse events (AEs) in patients. mAbs exert their action through various mechanisms, such as receptor blockade, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and inhibition of immune checkpoints (eg, PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4). These therapies have led to significant improvements in the treatment of several cancers, including HER2-positive breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and melanoma. The efficacy of mAb therapy in cancer treatment is influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as environmental exposures, psychosocial factors, infection status, ways of life, and tumor microenvironment (TME), all of which can impact immune responses and treatment outcomes. Notably, the therapeutic benefits of mAbs are often accompanied by immune-related AEs (irAEs), which can vary from mild to severe and affect multiple organ systems. The dual nature of mAbs-stimulating antitumor immune responses while also inducing immune-related side effects-presents a notable challenge in clinical practice. This review highlights the importance of proactive strategies for managing irAEs, such as early detection, corticosteroid use, targeted immunosuppressive treatments, and the urgent need for reliable predictive biomarkers to improve treatment outcomes. Advancements in the prevention, prediction, and management of irAEs are essential to enhance the safety and effectiveness of mAb-based therapies, ultimately aiming to improve cancer patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Bao’an Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Seventh Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenying Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jihong Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Bao’an Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Seventh Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Bao’an Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Seventh Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Shenzhen Bao’an Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Seventh Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Bao’an Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Seventh Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Bao’an Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Seventh Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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Hameed H, Afzal M, Khan MA, Javaid L, Shahzad M, Abrar K. Unraveling the role of withanolides as key modulators in breast cancer mitigation. Mol Biol Rep 2025; 52:331. [PMID: 40117002 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-025-10442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 03/14/2025] [Indexed: 03/23/2025]
Abstract
Addressing the elaborated landscape of therapeutics of global health concern i.e. breast cancer, this comprehensive review explores the promising effects of withanolides, bioactive compounds derived from Withania somnifera, for the treatment of breast cancer. In the breast, random mutations can accumulate over time, eventually transforming it into a tumor cell as certain receptors may be overexpressed by BC cells, which elicits downstream signaling and causes the production of genes involved in angiogenesis, survival, growth and migration, and other critical cell cycle practices. Merging insights from recent studies, our exploration delves into the molecular mechanisms that highlight withanolide's potential in the intervention of breast cancer. The study of apoptotic pathways unveils the withanolide's distinctive as well as pro-apoptotic effects, hinting at its effect as a potent modulator of the progression of breast cancer cells. Beyond its independent potential, there is a discussion on its distinctive perspective over the other therapies. Inweaving together these threads of evidence illuminates channels for future research. This review acts as a guide for researchers and clinicians negotiating the challenges of incorporating withanolides into the changing landscape for the treatment of breast cancer by balancing optimism with perceptive interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Hameed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Maham Afzal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mahtab Ahmad Khan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Laiba Javaid
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Maria Shahzad
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Abrar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
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Tu J, Li X, Chen Y, Qu W, Gong D, Ofri A, Klement RJ, Arumugam SL, Zhou Y. Androgen receptor expression distribution characteristics in young female breast cancer patients in China: a study of clinicopathological features. Transl Cancer Res 2025; 14:1388-1400. [PMID: 40104709 PMCID: PMC11912052 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-2025-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
Background The expression of androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer has potential implications for predicting clinical outcomes, especially amongst young female patients. Numerous studies have reported that the co-expression of AR with hormone receptors (HRs) is correlated with a favorable prognosis in breast cancer. However, research on the frequency and distribution of AR expression in Chinese breast cancer patients is limited. This study aims to investigate the relationship between AR expression and the expression of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), P53, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in breast cancer patients, and the distribution of molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Further, we aim to explore the pattern of AR expression and its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis among young female patients in China. Methods Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 321 young female breast cancer patients were collected from the Third Hospital of Nanchang. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of AR, ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67. A statistical analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the expression of AR and these molecular markers, as well as their distribution across different molecular subtypes of breast cancer, and their prognostic significance. Results A total of 321 breast cancer patients were included in this study. Significant correlations were found between the positive expression of AR and the high expression of PR and ER (P<0.001). The rate of P53 positivity was significantly higher in the AR-positive patients than the AR-negative patients (P=0.01). Additionally, HER2 expression was significantly higher in the AR-positive patients than the AR-negative patients (P<0.001). Notably, the rate of EGFR positivity was significantly lower in the AR-positive patients compared to AR-negative patients (P<0.001). In relation to the molecular subtypes, AR positivity was significantly associated with the luminal A subtype (P<0.001), while the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)/basal-like subtype was more common in the AR-negative patients. Conclusions This study revealed that in young female breast cancer patients in China, AR-positive breast cancer was significantly associated with the high expression of HRs, increased P53 expression and reduced EGFR expression. The expression status of AR can serve as a biomarker to predict therapeutic responses but could also influence the classification of molecular subtypes and the selection of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Tu
- Pathology Department, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiyan Li
- Supply Department, People's Hospital of Ganxian District, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yuexia Chen
- Pathology Department, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Pathology Department, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Dan Gong
- Pathology Department, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Adam Ofri
- Breast and Endocrine Department, Mater Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rainer J Klement
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Leopoldina Hospital Schweinfurt, Schweinfurt, Germany
| | | | - Yao Zhou
- Breast Surgery Department, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
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9
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Haque MA, Poullikkas T, Al-Amin Kaisar FM, Haque S, Khatun MH, Mamun A, Khan A. PHLPP1 depletion promotes tumorigenesis and stemness in triple-negative breast cancer cells through AKT signaling. Med Oncol 2025; 42:80. [PMID: 39979645 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-025-02630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/22/2025]
Abstract
Breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is a major cause of women's mortality, and effective treatment options are still lacking due to the absence of known mechanisms and biomarkers. Therefore, unveiling novel molecular mechanisms to identify potential biomarkers is urgently needed to ensure an effective TNBC treatment. In this study, we investigated the role of PHLPP1, a tumor suppressor gene, in the tumorigenesis and induction of cancer stem cells in TNBC using publicly available data and experimental protocols. Our study found that lower levels of PHLPP1 contributed negatively to patient overall survival. In addition, loss of PHLPP1 increased breast cancer cell proliferation, long-term colony regrowth ability, and the number of migrated and invaded cells. Consequently, we designed a stable PHLPP1 knockdown (KD) cell line to understand its impact through its stemness potential. As expected, PHLPP1 KD dramatically upregulated breast cancer stemness markers (NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2) expression and significantly increased cancer stem cell frequencies in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, PHLPP1 loss enhanced AKT phosphorylation at Ser473, thus activating AKT signaling, leading to larger tumor formation in vivo and elevated stemness expression. This study concludes that PHLPP1 has the capability to reduce the expression of cancer stemness genes by negatively regulating the AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, these findings may pave the way for discoveries in the context of cancer stemness and future strategies for developing effective treatment options for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Anwarul Haque
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
| | - Thanasis Poullikkas
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6229 ET, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F M Al-Amin Kaisar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Shariful Haque
- Department of Pharmacy, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Pabna, 6600, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Hajera Khatun
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Science and Technology, Varendra University, Rajshahi, 6204, Bangladesh
| | - Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Alam Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
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10
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Shiri I, Salimi Y, Mohammadi Kazaj P, Bagherieh S, Amini M, Saberi Manesh A, Zaidi H. Deep Radiogenomics Sequencing for Breast Tumor Gene-Phenotype Decoding Using Dynamic Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Mol Imaging Biol 2025; 27:32-43. [PMID: 39815134 PMCID: PMC11805855 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-025-01981-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/31/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aim to perform radiogenomic profiling of breast cancer tumors using dynamic contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genes. METHODS The dataset used in the current study consists of imaging data of 922 biopsy-confirmed invasive breast cancer patients with ER, PR, and HER2 gene mutation status. Breast MR images, including a T1-weighted pre-contrast sequence and three post-contrast sequences, were enrolled for analysis. All images were corrected using N4 bias correction algorithms. Based on all images and tumor masks, a bounding box of 128 × 128 × 68 was chosen to include all tumor regions. All networks were implemented in 3D fashion with input sizes of 128 × 128 × 68, and four images were input to each network for multi-channel analysis. Data were randomly split into train/validation (80%) and test set (20%) with stratification in class (patient-wise), and all metrics were reported in 20% of the untouched test dataset. RESULTS For ER prediction, SEResNet50 achieved an AUC mean of 0.695 (CI95%: 0.610-0.775), a sensitivity of 0.564, and a specificity of 0.787. For PR prediction, ResNet34 achieved an AUC mean of 0.658 (95% CI: 0.573-0.741), a sensitivity of 0.593, and a specificity of 0.734. For HER2 prediction, SEResNext101 achieved an AUC mean of 0.698 (95% CI: 0.560-0.822), a sensitivity of 0.750, and a specificity of 0.625. CONCLUSION The current study demonstrated the feasibility of imaging gene-phenotype decoding in breast tumors using MR images and deep learning algorithms with moderate performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Shiri
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Geneva University Hospital, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yazdan Salimi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Geneva University Hospital, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sara Bagherieh
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Amini
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Geneva University Hospital, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdollah Saberi Manesh
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Geneva University Hospital, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Habib Zaidi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Geneva University Hospital, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- University Research and Innovation Center, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Sun T, Golestani R, Zhan H, Krishnamurti U, Harigopal M, Zhong M, Liang Y. Clinicopathologic Characteristics of MYC Copy Number Amplification in Breast Cancer. Int J Surg Pathol 2025; 33:59-64. [PMID: 38839260 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241256109] [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: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION MYC overexpression is a known phenomenon in breast cancer. This study investigates the correlation of MYC gene copy number amplification and MYC protein overexpression with coexisting genetic abnormalities and associated clinicopathologic features in breast cancer patients. METHODS The study analyzed data from 81 patients with localized or metastatic breast cancers using targeted next-generation sequencing and MYC immunohistochemical studies, along with pathological and clinical data. RESULTS Applying the criteria of MYC/chromosome 8 ratio ≥5, MYC copy number amplified tumors (n = 11, 14%) were associated with invasive ductal carcinoma (91% vs 68%, P = .048), poorly differentiated (grade 3, 64% vs 30%, P = .032), mitotically active (Nottingham mitotic score 3, 71% vs 20%, P = .004), estrogen receptor (ER)-negative (45% vs 12%, P = .008), and triple-negative (56% vs 12%, P = .013) compared to MYC non-amplified tumors. Among MYC-amplified breast cancer patients, those with triple-negative status showed significantly shorter disease-free survival time than non-triple negative MYC-amplified patients (median survival month: 25.5 vs 127.6, P = .049). MYC amplification is significantly associated with TP53 mutation (P = .007). The majority (10 of 11; 91%) of MYC-amplified tumors showed positive c-MYC immunostaining. CONCLUSION Breast cancers with MYC copy number amplication display distinct clinicopathologic characteristics indicative of more aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Sun
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Reza Golestani
- Department of Pathology, Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Haiying Zhan
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Uma Krishnamurti
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Malini Harigopal
- Department of Pathology, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Minghao Zhong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yuanxin Liang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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12
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Högström JM, Muranen T. An Optimized Protocol for Simultaneous Propagation of Patient-derived Organoids and Matching CAFs. Bio Protoc 2025; 15:e5160. [PMID: 39872717 PMCID: PMC11769750 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.5160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2024] [Revised: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Recurrent hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Recurrence and resistance to targeted therapies have been difficult to study due to the long clinical course of the disease, the complex nature of resistance, and the lack of clinically relevant model systems. Existing models are limited to a few HR+ cell lines, organoid models, and patient-derived xenograft models, all lacking components of the human tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the low take rate and loss of estrogen receptor (ER) expression in patient-derived organoids (PDOs) has been challenging. Our protocol allows simultaneous isolation of PDOs and matching cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from primary and metastatic HR+ breast cancers. Importantly, our protocol has a higher take rate and enables long-term culturing of PDOs that retain ER expression. Our matching PDOs and CAFs will provide researchers with a new resource to study the influence of the tumor microenvironment on various aspects of cancer biology such as cell growth and drug resistance in HR+ breast cancer. Key features • Propagation of patient-derived organoids and matching cancer-associated fibroblasts from primary and metastatic hormone receptor (HR+) positive breast cancer. • Optimized media for long-term culturing of HR+ organoids from primary tumors and bone metastasis. • Co-culture model to assess the influence of the tumor stroma on breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny M. Högström
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Taru Muranen
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Yadav S, Kowolik CM, Schmolze D, Yuan Y, Lin M, Riggs AD, Horne DA. Association of Structural Maintenance of Chromosome-1A Phosphorylation with Progression of Breast Cancer. Cells 2025; 14:128. [PMID: 39851557 PMCID: PMC11764376 DOI: 10.3390/cells14020128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2025] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 01/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Structural maintenance of chromosome-1A (SMC1A) is overexpressed in various malignancies including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). As a core component of the cohesin complex, SMC1A was initially recognized for its involvement in chromosomal cohesion and DNA-repair pathways. However, recent studies have unveiled its pivotal role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and chemo- and radio-resistance in cancer cells. In hepatocellular carcinoma, aberrant phosphorylation of SMC1A has been associated with enhanced cell proliferation and migration. Despite these insights, the precise role of SMC1A phosphorylation in breast cancer remains largely unexplored. This study represents the first investigation to test the phosphorylation status and subcellular localization of SMC1A (p-SMC1A) in breast cancer and normal breast tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was conducted using previously validated phospho-SMC1A antibodies on a histological section and tissue microarray (TMA) comprising samples from primary, invasive, and metastatic breast cancer and normal breast tissues. Our results revealed that p-SMC1A staining intensity was lower in normal breast tissues compared to invasive or metastatic breast cancer tissues (p < 0.001). Approximately 40% of breast cancer tissue exhibited cytoplasmic/membranous localization of p-SMC1A, whereas nuclear expression was observed in normal breast tissues. Moreover, elevated phosphorylation levels were significantly associated with higher tumor grade and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Yadav
- Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (C.M.K.); (M.L.)
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Claudia M. Kowolik
- Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (C.M.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Daniel Schmolze
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Breast Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Cancer Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (C.M.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Arthur D. Riggs
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - David A. Horne
- Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (C.M.K.); (M.L.)
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14
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Sirek T, Król-Jatręga K, Borawski P, Zmarzły N, Boroń D, Ossowski P, Nowotny-Czupryna O, Boroń K, Janiszewska-Bil D, Mitka-Krysiak E, Grabarek BO. Distinct mRNA expression profiles and miRNA regulators of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in breast cancer: insights into tumor progression and therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2025; 14:1515387. [PMID: 39850811 PMCID: PMC11754234 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1515387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women, driven by the molecular complexity of its various subtypes. This study aimed to investigate the differential expression of genes and miRNAs involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, a critical regulator of cancer progression. Methods We analyzed tumor tissues from five breast cancer subtypes-luminal A, luminal B HER2-negative, luminal B HER2-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-and compared them with non-cancerous tissues. Microarray and qRT-PCR techniques were employed to profile mRNAs and miRNAs, while bioinformatic tools predicted miRNA-mRNA interactions. Statistical analysis was performed with a statistical significance threshold (p) < 0.05. Results We identified several upregulated genes across all subtypes, with TNBC and HER2-positive cancers showing the most significant changes. Key genes such as COL1A1, COL4A1, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, and mTOR were found to be overexpressed, correlating with increased cancer aggressiveness. miRNA analysis revealed that miR-190a-3p, miR-4729, and miR-19a-3p potentially regulate these genes, influencing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. For instance, reduced expression of miR-190a-3p may contribute to the overexpression of PIK3CA and other pathway components, enhancing metastatic potential. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and its miRNA regulators play crucial roles in breast cancer progression, particularly in aggressive subtypes like TNBC. The identified miRNAs and mRNAs hold potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment, but further validation in functional studies is required. This study provides a foundation for targeted therapies aimed at modulating this critical pathway to improve breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Sirek
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academia of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Minimally Invasive and Reconstructive Surgery in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biala, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Król-Jatręga
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academia of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Minimally Invasive and Reconstructive Surgery in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biala, Poland
| | | | - Nikola Zmarzły
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland
| | - Dariusz Boroń
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TOMMED Specjalisci od Zdrowia, Katowice, Poland
- University of Economics and Humanities in Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Piotr Ossowski
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland
| | - Olga Nowotny-Czupryna
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland
| | - Kacper Boroń
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academia of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dominika Janiszewska-Bil
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Mitka-Krysiak
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland
- Department of Molecular, Biology Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
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15
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Rahaman W, Chaudhuri A. Self-assembled Lipid Nanoparticles for Killing Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Chem Asian J 2025; 20:e202401049. [PMID: 39466002 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202401049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2024] [Revised: 10/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on their cell surfaces are highly aggressive, difficult-to-treat and often relapse. Herein, we report on the self-assembled lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) of two new pegylated lipopeptides for killing TNBCs (MDA-MB-231). The pegylated lipopeptides were synthesized by conjugating an n-hexadecyl hydrophobic tail to one end of a (PEG)27 unit the other distal end of which was covalently grafted with two previously reported tumor targeting RGDK- and CGKRK- peptides. The SEM images of the self-assembled LNPs formed upon dissolution of the pegylated lipopeptides in aqueous medium revealed formation of spherical aggregates. The degree of cellular uptake for the self-assembled LNPs formed by the pegylated CGKRK-lipopeptide were found to be significantly higher than that for the self-assembled LNPs formed by the pegylated RGDK-lipopeptide in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HEK-293 and HFF cells. Notably, about 60 % TNBCs (MDA-MB-231 cells) were killed upon treatment with commercially available potent JAK2 inhibitor (WP 1066) loaded LNPs of the pegylated RGDK-lipopeptide. Contrastingly, the same treatment killed only about 20 % non-cancerous HEK-293 cells. The self-assembled pegylated LNPs described herein open the door for undertaking preclinical studies in animal models for TNBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahida Rahaman
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Arabinda Chaudhuri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, 741246, India
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16
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Dragowska WH, Singh J, Wehbe M, Anantha M, Edwards K, Gorski SM, Bally MB, Leung AWY. Liposomal Formulation of Hydroxychloroquine Can Inhibit Autophagy In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2024; 17:42. [PMID: 39861690 PMCID: PMC11768354 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2024] [Revised: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Preclinical studies have shown that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) improves the anti-cancer effects of various therapeutic agents by impairing autophagy. These findings are difficult to translate in vivo as reaching an effective HCQ concentration at the tumor site for extended times is challenging. Previously, we found that free HCQ in combination with gefitinib (Iressa®, ZD1839) significantly reduced tumor volume in immunocompromised mice bearing gefitinib-resistant JIMT-1 breast cancer xenografts. Here, we sought to evaluate whether a liposomal formulation of HCQ could effectively modulate autophagy in vivo and augment treatment outcomes in the same tumor model. Methods: We developed two liposomal formulations of HCQ: a pH-loaded formulation and a formulation based on copper complexation. The pharmacokinetics of each formulation was evaluated in CD1 mice following intravenous administration. An efficacy study was performed in immunocompromised mice bearing established JIMT-1tumors. Autophagy markers in tumor tissue harvested after four weeks of treatment were assessed by Western blot. Results: The liposomal formulations engendered ~850-fold increases in total drug exposure over time relative to the free drug. Both liposomal and free HCQ in combination with gefitinib provided comparable therapeutic benefits (p > 0.05). An analysis of JIMT-1 tumor tissue indicated that the liposomal HCQ and gefitinib combination augmented the inhibition of autophagy in vivo compared to the free HCQ and gefitinib combination as demonstrated by increased LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1 (p62) protein levels. Conclusions: The results suggest that liposomal HCQ has a greater potential to modulate autophagy in vivo compared to free HCQ; however, this did not translate to better therapeutic effects when used in combination with gefitinib to treat a gefitinib-resistant tumor model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieslawa H. Dragowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (W.H.D.); (M.A.); (M.B.B.)
| | - Jagbir Singh
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (W.H.D.); (M.A.); (M.B.B.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Mohamed Wehbe
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (W.H.D.); (M.A.); (M.B.B.)
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Malathi Anantha
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (W.H.D.); (M.A.); (M.B.B.)
| | - Katarina Edwards
- Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Sharon M. Gorski
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada;
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Marcel B. Bally
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (W.H.D.); (M.A.); (M.B.B.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ada W. Y. Leung
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada; (W.H.D.); (M.A.); (M.B.B.)
- Cuprous Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Shaikh M, Doshi G. Unraveling non-coding RNAs in breast cancer: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential. Med Oncol 2024; 42:37. [PMID: 39730979 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02589-x] [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: 09/29/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 12/29/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a leading global health challenge requiring innovative, therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. This review explores the pivotal roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNA, micro RNA, and circular RNA, in breast cancer biology. We highlight how these molecules regulate critical signaling pathways, influence tumor microenvironments, and contribute to treatment resistance. Our findings underscore the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis and as treatment targets for personalized treatment strategies. To pave the way for innovative cancer management approaches, we investigate the complex interactions of ncRNAs and their impact on tumor progression. This comprehensive review enhances our understanding of breast cancer biology while emphasizing the translational significance of ncRNA research in developing effective treatment strategies. Additional research and clinical studies are required to confirm the diagnostic and medicinal value of ncRNAs in breast cancer. Investigating the complex networks of ncRNA interactions and their links to other biological pathways can lead to the discovery of new treatment targets. Furthermore, leveraging advanced technologies, such as machine learning and multi-omics methods, will be critical in improving our understanding of ncRNAs biomarkers and translating these insights into impactful clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muqtada Shaikh
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, 400 056, India
| | - Gaurav Doshi
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, 400 056, India.
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Roy NS, Kumari M, Alam K, Bhattacharya A, Kaity S, Kaur K, Ravichandiran V, Roy S. Development of bioengineered 3D patient derived breast cancer organoid model focusing dynamic fibroblast-stem cell reciprocity. PROGRESS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2024; 7:012007. [PMID: 39662055 DOI: 10.1088/2516-1091/ad9dcb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) models, such as tumor spheroids and organoids, are increasingly developed by integrating tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and personalized therapy strategies. These advanced 3Din-vitromodels are not merely endpoint-driven but also offer the flexibility to be customized or modulated according to specific disease parameters. Unlike traditional 2D monolayer cultures, which inadequately capture the complexities of solid tumors, 3D co-culture systems provide a more accurate representation of the tumor microenvironment. This includes critical interactions with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which significantly modulate cancer cell behavior and therapeutic responses. Most of the findings from the co-culture of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer cells and MSC showed the formation of monolayers. Although changes in the plasticity of MSCs and iPSCs caused by other cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) have been extensively researched, the effect of MSCs on cancer stem cell (CSC) aggressiveness is still controversial and contradictory among different research communities. Some researchers have argued that CSCs proliferate more, while others have proposed that cancer spread occurs through dormancy. This highlights the need for further investigation into how these interactions shape cancer aggressiveness. The objective of this review is to explore changes in cancer cell behavior within a 3D microenvironment enriched with MSCs, iPSCs, and ECM components. By describing various MSC and iPSC-derived 3D breast cancer models that replicate tumor biology, we aim to elucidate potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer. A particular focus of this review is the Transwell system, which facilitates understanding how MSCs and iPSCs affect critical processes such as migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The gradient formed between the two chambers is based on diffusion, as seen in the human body. Once optimized, this Transwell model can serve as a high-throughput screening platform for evaluating various anticancer agents. In the future, primary cell-based and patient-derived 3D organoid models hold promise for advancing personalized medicine and accelerating drug development processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakka Sharmila Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chunilal Bhawan, 168 Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054 West Bengal, India
| | - Mamta Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chunilal Bhawan, 168 Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054 West Bengal, India
| | - Kamare Alam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chunilal Bhawan, 168 Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054 West Bengal, India
| | - Anamitra Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chunilal Bhawan, 168 Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054 West Bengal, India
| | - Santanu Kaity
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chunilal Bhawan, 168 Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054 West Bengal, India
| | - Kulwinder Kaur
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine a Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chunilal Bhawan, 168 Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054 West Bengal, India
| | - Subhadeep Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chunilal Bhawan, 168 Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054 West Bengal, India
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19
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Shams A. Impact of prolactin treatment on enhancing the cellular responses of MCF7 breast cancer cells to tamoxifen treatment. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:797. [PMID: 39692941 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01701-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat due to its heterogeneity, propensity to recur, capacity to spread to distant vital organs, and, ultimately, patient death. Estrogen receptor-positive illness comprises the most common breast cancer subtype. Preclinical progress is hampered by the scarcity of medication-naïve estrogen receptor-positive tumour models that recapitulate metastatic development and treatment resistance. It is becoming increasingly clear that loss of differentiation and increased cellular stemness and plasticity are important causes of cancer evolution, heterogeneity, recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failure. Therefore, it has been suggested that reprogramming cancer cell differentiation could offer an effective method of reversing cancer through terminal differentiation and maturation. In this context, the hormone prolactin is well recognized for its pivotal involvement in the development of the mammary glands lobuloalveolar tissue and the terminal differentiation that drives the production of the milk protein gene and lactation. Additionally, numerous studies have examined the engagement of prolactin in breast cancer as a differentiation player that resulted in the ablation of tumour growth and progression. Here, we showed that a pre-treatment of the estrogen-positive breast cancer cell line with prolactin led to a considerable improvement in the sensitivity of this cancer cell to Tamoxifen endocrine therapy. We also showed a favourable prognostic value of prolactin receptors/estrogen receptors 1 (or alpha) co-expression on breast cancer patients outcomes, and this co-expression is highly correlated with the well-differentiated breast tumour type. Our results revealed a fruitful aspect of the effects of prolactin in improving the responses of breast cancer cells to conventional endocrine therapy. Moreover, these findings further validated the ability of prolactin as a persuader of a more differentiated and less aggressive breast cancer phenotype. Hence, it suggested a potential implication of prolactin as a therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Shams
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research,, Taif University, Taif 26432, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
- High Altitude Research Center, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
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20
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James C, Whitehead A, Plummer JT, Thompson R, Badal S. Failure to progress: breast and prostate cancer cell lines in developing targeted therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1529-1548. [PMID: 39060878 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10202-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Developing anticancer drugs from preclinical to clinical takes approximately a decade in a cutting-edge biomedical lab and still 97% of most fail at clinical trials. Cell line usage is critical in expediting the advancement of anticancer therapies. Yet developing appropriate cell lines has been challenging and overcoming these obstacles whilst implementing a systematic approach of utilizing 3D models that recapitulate the tumour microenvironment is prudent. Using a robust and continuous supply of cell lines representing all ethnic groups from all locales is necessary to capture the evolving tumour landscape in culture. Next, the conversion of these models to systems on a chip that can by way of high throughput cytotoxic assays identify drug leads for clinical trials should fast-track drug development while markedly improving success rates. In this review, we describe the challenges that have hindered the progression of cell line models over seven decades and methods to overcome this. We outline the gaps in breast and prostate cancer cell line pathology and racial representation alongside their involvement in relevant drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsi James
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex, The University of the West Indies, Mona, West Indies, Jamaica
| | - Akeem Whitehead
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex, The University of the West Indies, Mona, West Indies, Jamaica
| | | | - Rory Thompson
- Department of Pathology, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Simone Badal
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex, The University of the West Indies, Mona, West Indies, Jamaica.
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21
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Wang AJ, Hircock C, Sferrazza D, Goonaratne E, Cella D, Bottomley A, Lee SF, Chan A, Chow E, Wong HCY. The EORTC QLQ breast modules and the FACT-B for assessing quality of life in breast cancer patients - an updated literature review. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2024; 18:249-259. [PMID: 39269251 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000724] [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: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Two commonly used quality of life questionnaires in breast cancer are EORTC QLQ-BR23, the FACT-B, and the extended FACT-B + 4. More recently, the EORTC EORTC QLQ-BR42 was developed. This systematic review compares the various versions of the EORTC QLQ and FACT tools for breast cancer in terms of their content, validity, and psychometric properties. RECENT FINDINGS Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. All questionnaires have been proven to be valid, reliable and responsive. The provisional EORTC QLQ-BR45 transitioned to the EORTC QLQ-BR42 in Phase IV of its development, which encompasses the side effects associated with the latest breast cancer treatments. Both the EORTC and FACT measures assess physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, with the EORTC measure placing relatively more emphasis on physical content and FACT placing relatively more emphasis on mental (social and emotional) content. The four additional items in the FACT-B + 4 were developed to address arm lymphoedema following axillary surgery. SUMMARY The development and uptake of quality of life tools are essential in the evaluation of breast cancer treatments. The EORTC QLQ-BR42 and FACT-B are both valid, reliable, and responsive QoL questionnaires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa J Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Caroline Hircock
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - David Cella
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Shing Fung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Adrian Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Chow
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Henry C Y Wong
- Department of Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kowloon West Cluster, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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22
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Arzuk E, Birim D, Armağan G. Celecoxib inhibits NLRP1 inflammasome pathway in MDA-MB-231 Cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:9191-9202. [PMID: 38990306 PMCID: PMC11522188 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
NLRP1 is predominantly overexpressed in breast cancer tissue, and the evaluated activation of NLRP1 inflammasome is associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting NLRP1 activation could be a crucial strategy in anticancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that NLRP1 pathway may contribute to the cytotoxic effects of celecoxib and nimesulide in MDA-MB-231 cells. First of all, IC50 values and inhibitory effects on the colony-forming ability of drugs were evaluated in cells. Then, the alterations in the expression levels of NLRP1 inflammasome components induced by drugs were investigated. Subsequently, the release of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the activity of caspase-1 in drug-treated cells were measured. According to our results, celecoxib and nimesulide selectively inhibited the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. These drugs remarkably inhibited the colony-forming ability of cells. The expression levels of NLRP1 inflammasome components decreased in celecoxib-treated cells, accompanied by decreased caspase-1 activity and IL-1β release. In contrast, nimesulide treatment led to the upregulation of the related protein expressions with unchanged caspase-1 activity and increased IL-1β secretion. Our results indicated that the NLRP1 inflammasome pathway might contribute to the antiproliferative effects of celecoxib in MDA-MB-231 cells but is not a crucial mechanism for nimesulide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ege Arzuk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, 35040, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Derviş Birim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Güliz Armağan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
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23
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Papalexis P, Georgakopoulou VE, Drossos PV, Thymara E, Nonni A, Lazaris AC, Zografos GC, Spandidos DA, Kavantzas N, Thomopoulou GE. Precision medicine in breast cancer (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 21:78. [PMID: 39246849 PMCID: PMC11375768 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine in breast cancer is a revolutionary approach that customizes diagnosis and treatment based on individual and tumor characteristics, departing from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. Breast cancer is diverse, with various subtypes driven by distinct genetic mutations. Understanding this diversity is crucial for tailored treatment strategies that target specific vulnerabilities in each tumor. Genetic testing, particularly for mutations in breast cancer gene (BRCA) DNA repair-associated genes, helps assess hereditary risks and influences treatment decisions. Molecular subtyping guides personalized treatments, such as hormonal therapies for receptor-positive tumors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted treatments. Targeted therapies, including those for HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, offer more effective and precise interventions. Immunotherapy, especially checkpoint inhibitors, shows promise, particularly in certain subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer, with ongoing research aiming to broaden its effectiveness. Integration of big data and artificial intelligence enhances personalized treatment strategies, while liquid biopsies provide real-time insights into tumor dynamics, aiding in treatment monitoring and modification. Challenges persist, including accessibility and tumor complexity, but emerging technologies and precision prevention offer hope for improved outcomes. Ultimately, precision medicine aims to optimize treatment efficacy, minimize adverse effects and enhance the quality of life for patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Papalexis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis V Drossos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Thymara
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aphrodite Nonni
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas C Lazaris
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George C Zografos
- Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kavantzas
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Eleni Thomopoulou
- Cytopathology Department, 'Attikon' University General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12461 Athens, Greece
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24
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Raj A, Chandran C S, Dua K, Kamath V, Alex AT. Targeting overexpressed surface proteins: A new strategy to manage the recalcitrant triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176914. [PMID: 39154820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176914] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous cancer that lacks all three molecular markers, Estrogen, Progesterone, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2). This unique characteristic of TNBC makes it more resistant to hormonal therapy; hence, chemotherapy and surgery are preferred. Active targeting with nanoparticles is more effective in managing TNBC than a passive approach. The surface of TNBC cells overexpresses several cell-specific proteins, which can be explored for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Immunohistochemical analysis has revealed that TNBC cells overexpress αVβ3 integrin, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), Glucose Transporter 5 (GLUT5), Transmembrane Glycoprotein Mucin 1 (MUC-1), and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). These surface proteins can be targeted using ligands, such as aptamers, antibodies, and sugar molecules. Targeting the surface proteins of TNBC with ligands helps harmonize treatment and improve patient compliance. In this review, we discuss the proteins expressed, which are limited to αVβ3 integrin proteins, ICAM-1, GLUT-5, MUC1, and EGFR, on the surface of TNBC, the challenges associated with the preclinical setup of breast cancer for targeted nanoformulations, internalization techniques and their challenges, suggestions to overcome the limitations of successful translation of nanoparticles, and the possibility of ligand-conjugated nanoparticles targeting these surface receptors for a better therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Raj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka state, India, 576104.
| | - Sarath Chandran C
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government Medical College Kannur, Pariyaram, Kerala, India, 670 503; Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India - 680 596.
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia-2007; Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia-2007.
| | - Venkatesh Kamath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka state, India, 576104.
| | - Angel Treasa Alex
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka state, India, 576104.
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25
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Syed RU, Banu H, Alshammrani A, Alshammari MD, G SK, Kadimpati KK, Khalifa AAS, Aboshouk NAM, Almarir AM, Hussain A, Alahmed FK. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) in breast cancer: From apoptosis dysregulation to therapeutic opportunities. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 262:155572. [PMID: 39226804 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer, a pervasive and complex disease, continues to pose significant challenges in the field of oncology. Its heterogeneous nature and diverse molecular profiles necessitate a nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving tumorigenesis and progression. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has emerged as a crucial player in breast cancer development and progression by modulating apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism that eliminates aberrant cells. MiR-21 overexpression is a hallmark of breast cancer, and it is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. This miRNA exerts its oncogenic effects by targeting various pro-apoptotic genes, including Fas ligand (FasL), programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). By suppressing these genes, miR-21 promotes breast cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The identification of miR-21 as a critical regulator of apoptosis in breast cancer has opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review investigates the intricate mechanisms through which miR-21 influences apoptosis, offering insights into the molecular pathways and signaling cascades involved. The dysregulation of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer, and understanding the role of miR-21 in this context holds immense therapeutic potential. Additionally, the review highlights the clinical significance of miR-21 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in breast cancer, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahamat Unissa Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Humera Banu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alia Alshammrani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maali D Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Satheesh Kumar G
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Venkataramapuram, Tirupati, India
| | - Kishore Kumar Kadimpati
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, Poland
| | - Amna Abakar Suleiman Khalifa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nayla Ahmed Mohammed Aboshouk
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Arshad Hussain
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farah Khaled Alahmed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Asemota S, Effah W, Holt J, Johnson D, Cripe L, Ponnusamy S, Thiyagarajan T, Khosrosereshki Y, Hwang DJ, He Y, Grimes B, Fleming MD, Pritchard FE, Hendrix A, Fan M, Jain A, Choi HY, Makowski L, Hayes DN, Miller DD, Pfeffer LM, Santhanam B, Narayanan R. A molecular switch from tumor suppressor to oncogene in ER+ve breast cancer: Role of androgen receptor, JAK-STAT, and lineage plasticity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406837121. [PMID: 39312663 PMCID: PMC11459127 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406837121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers develop resistance to inhibitors of oncogenes mainly due to target-centric mechanisms such as mutations and splicing. While inhibitors or antagonists force targets to unnatural conformation contributing to protein instability and resistance, activating tumor suppressors may maintain the protein in an agonistic conformation to elicit sustainable growth inhibition. Due to the lack of tumor suppressor agonists, this hypothesis and the mechanisms underlying resistance are not understood. In estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC), androgen receptor (AR) is a druggable tumor suppressor offering a promising avenue for this investigation. Spatial genomics suggests that the molecular portrait of AR-expressing BC cells in tumor microenvironment corresponds to better overall patient survival, clinically confirming AR's role as a tumor suppressor. Ligand activation of AR in ER-positive BC xenografts reprograms cistromes, inhibits oncogenic pathways, and promotes cellular elasticity toward a more differentiated state. Sustained AR activation results in cistrome rearrangement toward transcription factor PROP paired-like homeobox 1, transformation of AR into oncogene, and activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer (JAK/STAT) pathway, all culminating in lineage plasticity to an aggressive resistant subtype. While the molecular profile of AR agonist-sensitive tumors corresponds to better patient survival, the profile represented in the resistant phenotype corresponds to shorter survival. Inhibition of activated oncogenes in resistant tumors reduces growth and resensitizes them to AR agonists. These findings indicate that persistent activation of a context-dependent tumor suppressor may lead to resistance through lineage plasticity-driven tumor metamorphosis. Our work provides a framework to explore the above phenomenon across multiple cancer types and underscores the importance of factoring sensitization of tumor suppressor targets while developing agonist-like drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Asemota
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Wendy Effah
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Jeremiah Holt
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Daniel Johnson
- Molecular Bioinformatics Core, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Linnea Cripe
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Suriyan Ponnusamy
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Thirumagal Thiyagarajan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Yekta Khosrosereshki
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Dong-Jin Hwang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Yali He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Brandy Grimes
- West Cancer Center and Research Institute, Memphis, TN38120
| | - Martin D. Fleming
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Frances E. Pritchard
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Ashley Hendrix
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Meiyun Fan
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Abhinav Jain
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Hyo Young Choi
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Liza Makowski
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - D. Neil Hayes
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Duane D. Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Lawrence M. Pfeffer
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
| | - Balaji Santhanam
- Center of Excellence for Data Driven Discovery and Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN38105
| | - Ramesh Narayanan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163
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27
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Finiuk N, Kozak Y, Gornowicz A, Czarnomysy R, Tynecka M, Holota S, Moniuszko M, Stoika R, Lesyk R, Bielawski K, Bielawska A. The Proapoptotic Action of Pyrrolidinedione-Thiazolidinone Hybrids towards Human Breast Carcinoma Cells Does Not Depend on Their Genotype. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2924. [PMID: 39199694 PMCID: PMC11352273 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of new, effective agents for the treatment of breast cancer remains a high-priority task in oncology. A strategy of treatment for this pathology depends significantly on the genotype and phenotype of human breast cancer cells. We aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of new pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinone hybrid molecules Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 towards different types of human breast cancer cells of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, T-47D, and HCC1954 lines and murine breast cancer 4T1 cells by using the MTT, clonogenic and [3H]-Thymidine incorporation assays, flow cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR. The studied hybrids possessed toxicity towards the mentioned tumor cells, with the IC50 ranging from 1.37 to 21.85 µM. Simultaneously, these derivatives showed low toxicity towards the pseudonormal human breast epithelial cells of the MCF-10A line (IC50 > 93.01 µM). Les-6287 at 1 µM fully inhibited the formation of colonies of the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HCC1954 cells, while Les-6294 and Les-6328 did that at 2.5 and 5 µM, respectively. Les-6287 suppressed DNA biosynthesis in the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HCC1954 cells. At the same time, such an effect on the MCF-10A cells was significantly lower. Les-6287 induces apoptosis using extrinsic and intrinsic pathways via a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing the activity of caspases 3/7, 8, 9, and 10 in all immunohistochemically different human breast cancer cells. Les-6287 decreased the concentration of the metastasis- and invasion-related proteins MMP-2, MMP-9, and ICAM-1. It did not induce autophagy in treated cells. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that the synthesized hybrid pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinones might be promising agents for treating breast tumors of different types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Finiuk
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis, Institute of Cell Biology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Drahomanov 14/16, 79005 Lviv, Ukraine; (Y.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Yuliia Kozak
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis, Institute of Cell Biology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Drahomanov 14/16, 79005 Lviv, Ukraine; (Y.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Gornowicz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (A.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Robert Czarnomysy
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (R.C.); (K.B.)
| | - Marlena Tynecka
- Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Serhii Holota
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; (S.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Marcin Moniuszko
- Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Rostyslav Stoika
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis, Institute of Cell Biology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Drahomanov 14/16, 79005 Lviv, Ukraine; (Y.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Roman Lesyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; (S.H.); (R.L.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bielawski
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (R.C.); (K.B.)
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (A.G.); (A.B.)
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Enoma D. Genomics in Clinical trials for Breast Cancer. Brief Funct Genomics 2024; 23:325-334. [PMID: 38146120 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elad054] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (B.C.) still has increasing incidences and mortality rates globally. It is known that B.C. and other cancers have a very high rate of genetic heterogeneity and genomic mutations. Traditional oncology approaches have not been able to provide a lasting solution. Targeted therapeutics have been instrumental in handling the complexity and resistance associated with B.C. However, the progress of genomic technology has transformed our understanding of the genetic landscape of breast cancer, opening new avenues for improved anti-cancer therapeutics. Genomics is critical in developing tailored therapeutics and identifying patients most benefit from these treatments. The next generation of breast cancer clinical trials has incorporated next-generation sequencing technologies into the process, and we have seen benefits. These innovations have led to the approval of better-targeted therapies for patients with breast cancer. Genomics has a role to play in clinical trials, including genomic tests that have been approved, patient selection and prediction of therapeutic response. Multiple clinical trials in breast cancer have been done and are still ongoing, which have applied genomics technology. Precision medicine can be achieved in breast cancer therapy with increased efforts and advanced genomic studies in this domain. Genomics studies assist with patient outcomes improvement and oncology advancement by providing a deeper understanding of the biology behind breast cancer. This article will examine the present state of genomics in breast cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Enoma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
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Gao X, Caruso BR, Li W. Advanced Hydrogels in Breast Cancer Therapy. Gels 2024; 10:479. [PMID: 39057502 PMCID: PMC11276203 DOI: 10.3390/gels10070479] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death for women. Depending on the tumor grade and stage, breast cancer is primarily treated with surgery and antineoplastic therapy. Direct or indirect side effects, emotional trauma, and unpredictable outcomes accompany these traditional therapies, calling for therapies that could improve the overall treatment and recovery experiences of patients. Hydrogels, biomimetic materials with 3D network structures, have shown great promise for augmenting breast cancer therapy. Hydrogel implants can be made with adipogenic and angiogenic properties for tissue integration. 3D organoids of malignant breast tumors grown in hydrogels retain the physical and genetic characteristics of the native tumors, allowing for post-surgery recapitulation of the diseased tissues for precision medicine assessment of the responsiveness of patient-specific cancers to antineoplastic treatment. Hydrogels can also be used as carrier matrices for delivering chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics or as post-surgery prosthetic scaffolds. The hydrogel delivery systems could achieve localized and controlled medication release targeting the tumor site, enhancing efficacy and minimizing the adverse effects of therapeutic agents delivered by traditional procedures. This review aims to summarize the most recent advancements in hydrogel utilization for breast cancer post-surgery tissue reconstruction, tumor modeling, and therapy and discuss their limitations in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Gao
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
- Doctor of Medicine Program, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA;
| | - Benjamin R. Caruso
- Doctor of Medicine Program, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA;
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
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Silva AAR, Cardoso MR, de Oliveira DC, Godoy P, Talarico MCR, Gutiérrez JM, Rodrigues Peres RM, de Carvalho LM, Miyaguti NADS, Sarian LO, Tata A, Derchain SFM, Porcari AM. Plasma Metabolome Signatures to Predict Responsiveness to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2473. [PMID: 39001535 PMCID: PMC11240312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has arisen as a treatment option for breast cancer (BC). However, the response to NACT is still unpredictable and dependent on cancer subtype. Metabolomics is a tool for predicting biomarkers and chemotherapy response. We used plasma to verify metabolomic alterations in BC before NACT, relating to clinical data. METHODS Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was performed on pre-NACT plasma from patients with BC (n = 75). After data filtering, an SVM model for classification was built and validated with 75%/25% of the data, respectively. RESULTS The model composed of 19 identified metabolites effectively predicted NACT response for training/validation sets with high sensitivity (95.4%/93.3%), specificity (91.6%/100.0%), and accuracy (94.6%/94.7%). In both sets, the panel correctly classified 95% of resistant and 94% of sensitive females. Most compounds identified by the model were lipids and amino acids and revealed pathway alterations related to chemoresistance. CONCLUSION We developed a model for predicting patient response to NACT. These metabolite panels allow clinical gain by building precision medicine strategies based on tumor stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Ap. Rosini Silva
- MSLife Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, Sala 211, Prédio 5, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.A.R.S.); (D.C.d.O.)
| | - Marcella R. Cardoso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic and Breast Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP—Universidade Estadual de Campinas), Campinas 13083881, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Danilo Cardoso de Oliveira
- MSLife Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, Sala 211, Prédio 5, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.A.R.S.); (D.C.d.O.)
| | - Pedro Godoy
- MSLife Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, Sala 211, Prédio 5, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.A.R.S.); (D.C.d.O.)
| | - Maria Cecília R. Talarico
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic and Breast Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP—Universidade Estadual de Campinas), Campinas 13083881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Junier Marrero Gutiérrez
- MSLife Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, Sala 211, Prédio 5, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.A.R.S.); (D.C.d.O.)
| | - Raquel M. Rodrigues Peres
- MSLife Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, Sala 211, Prédio 5, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.A.R.S.); (D.C.d.O.)
| | - Lucas M. de Carvalho
- Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natália Angelo da Silva Miyaguti
- MSLife Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, Sala 211, Prédio 5, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.A.R.S.); (D.C.d.O.)
| | - Luis O. Sarian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic and Breast Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP—Universidade Estadual de Campinas), Campinas 13083881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Tata
- Laboratory of Experimental Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale Fiume 78, 36100 Vicenza, Italy;
| | - Sophie F. M. Derchain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic and Breast Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP—Universidade Estadual de Campinas), Campinas 13083881, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreia M. Porcari
- MSLife Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Av. São Francisco de Assis, 218, Sala 211, Prédio 5, Bragança Paulista 12916900, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.A.R.S.); (D.C.d.O.)
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Barathan M, Vellasamy KM, Mariappan V, Venkatraman G, Vadivelu J. Naturally Occurring Phytochemicals to Target Breast Cancer Cell Signaling. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:4644-4660. [PMID: 37773580 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04734-0] [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] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Almost 70% of clinically used antineoplastic drugs are originated from natural products such as plants, marine organism, and microorganisms and some of them are also structurally modified natural products. The naturally occurring drugs may specifically act as inducers of selective cytotoxicity, anti-metastatic, anti-mutagenic, anti-angiogenesis, antioxidant accelerators, apoptosis inducers, autophagy inducers, and cell cycle inhibitors in cancer therapy. Precisely, several reports have demonstrated the involvement of naturally occurring anti-breast cancer drugs in regulating the expression of oncogenic and tumor suppressors associated with carcinogen metabolism and signaling pathways. Anticancer therapies based on nanotechnology have the potential to improve patient outcomes through targeted therapy, improved drug delivery, and combination therapies. This paper has reviewed the current treatment for breast cancer and the potential disadvantages of those therapies, besides the various mechanism used by naturally occurring phytochemicals to induce apoptosis in different types of breast cancer. Along with this, the contribution of nanotechnology in improving the effectiveness of anticancer drugs was also reviewed. With the development of sciences and technologies, phytochemicals derived from natural products are continuously discovered; however, the search for novel natural products as chemoprevention drugs is still ongoing, especially for the advanced stage of breast cancer. Continued research and development in this field hold great promise for advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muttiah Barathan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Kumutha Malar Vellasamy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vanitha Mariappan
- Center of Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gopinath Venkatraman
- Universiti Malaya Centre for Proteomics Research, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, India
| | - Jamuna Vadivelu
- MERDU, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Coelho LL, Vianna MM, da Silva DM, Gonzaga BMDS, Ferreira RR, Monteiro AC, Bonomo AC, Manso PPDA, de Carvalho MA, Vargas FR, Garzoni LR. Spheroid Model of Mammary Tumor Cells: Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Doxorubicin Response. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:463. [PMID: 39056658 PMCID: PMC11273983 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Therapeutic strategies to control tumors and metastasis are still challenging. Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid-type systems more accurately replicate the features of tumors in vivo, working as a better platform for performing therapeutic response analysis. This work aimed to characterize the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and doxorubicin (dox) response in a mammary tumor spheroid (MTS) model. We evaluated the doxorubicin treatment effect on MCF-7 spheroid diameter, cell viability, death, migration and proteins involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Spheroids were also produced from tumors formed from 4T1 and 67NR cell lines. MTSs mimicked avascular tumor characteristics, exhibited adherens junction proteins and independently produced their own extracellular matrix. Our spheroid model supports the 3D culturing of cells isolated from mice mammary tumors. Through the migration assay, we verified a reduction in E-cadherin expression and an increase in vimentin expression as the cells became more distant from spheroids. Dox promoted cytotoxicity in MTSs and inhibited cell migration and the EMT process. These results suggest, for the first time, that this model reproduces aspects of the EMT process and describes the potential of dox in inhibiting the metastatic process, which can be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lacerda Coelho
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Matheus Menezes Vianna
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Debora Moraes da Silva
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Beatriz Matheus de Souza Gonzaga
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
| | - Ana Carolina Monteiro
- Laboratory of Osteo and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunobiology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rio de Janeiro 24020-150, Brazil;
- Thymus Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Adriana Cesar Bonomo
- Thymus Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Pedro Paulo de Abreu Manso
- Laboratory of Pathology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | | | - Fernando Regla Vargas
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Congenital Malformations, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Garzoni
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.L.C.); (M.M.V.); (D.M.d.S.); (B.M.d.S.G.); (R.R.F.)
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Feng Y, He C, Liu C, Shao B, Wang D, Wu P. Exploring the Complexity and Promise of Tumor Immunotherapy in Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6444. [PMID: 38928150 PMCID: PMC11204037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer represents a significant threat to human health, and traditional chemotherapy or cytotoxic therapy is no longer the sole or preferred approach for managing malignant tumors. With advanced research into the immunogenicity of tumor cells and the growing elderly population, tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a prominent therapeutic option. Its significance in treating elderly cancer patients is increasingly recognized. In this study, we review the conceptual classifications and benefits of immunotherapy, and discuss recent developments in new drugs and clinical progress in cancer treatment through various immunotherapeutic modalities with different mechanisms. Additionally, we explore the impact of immunosenescence on the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy and propose innovative and effective strategies to rejuvenate senescent T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (Y.F.); (C.H.); (C.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Peijie Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (Y.F.); (C.H.); (C.L.); (B.S.)
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Demetriou C, Abid N, Butterworth M, Lezina L, Sandhu P, Howells L, Powley IR, Pringle JH, Sidat Z, Qassid O, Purnell D, Kaushik M, Duckworth K, Hartshorn H, Thomas A, Shaw JA, MacFarlane M, Pritchard C, Miles GJ. An optimised patient-derived explant platform for breast cancer reflects clinical responses to chemotherapy and antibody-directed therapy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12833. [PMID: 38834809 PMCID: PMC11150370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. Despite significant improvements in overall survival, many tumours are refractory to therapy and so novel approaches are required to improve patient outcomes. We have evaluated patient-derived explants (PDEs) as a novel preclinical platform for breast cancer (BC) and implemented cutting-edge digital pathology and multi-immunofluorescent approaches for investigating biomarker changes in both tumour and stromal areas at endpoint. Short-term culture of intact fragments of BCs as PDEs retained an intact immune microenvironment, and tumour architecture was augmented by the inclusion of autologous serum in the culture media. Cell death/proliferation responses to FET chemotherapy in BC-PDEs correlated significantly with BC patient progression-free survival (p = 0.012 and p = 0.0041, respectively) and cell death responses to the HER2 antibody therapy trastuzumab correlated significantly with HER2 status (p = 0.018). These studies show that the PDE platform combined with digital pathology is a robust preclinical approach for informing clinical responses to chemotherapy and antibody-directed therapies in breast cancer. Furthermore, since BC-PDEs retain an intact tumour architecture over the short-term, they facilitate the preclinical testing of anti-cancer agents targeting the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Demetriou
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Naila Abid
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Michael Butterworth
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Larissa Lezina
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Pavandeep Sandhu
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Lynne Howells
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Ian R Powley
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - James H Pringle
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Zahirah Sidat
- HOPE Clinical Trials Facility, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Sandringham Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Omar Qassid
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
- Pathology Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Glenfield General Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Dave Purnell
- Pathology Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Glenfield General Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Monika Kaushik
- Breast Care Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Glenfield General Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Kaitlin Duckworth
- Breast Care Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Glenfield General Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Helen Hartshorn
- Breast Care Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Glenfield General Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Anne Thomas
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Jacqui A Shaw
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Marion MacFarlane
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK.
| | - Catrin Pritchard
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK.
| | - Gareth J Miles
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK.
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Park HE, Han D, Lee JS, Nikas IP, Kim H, Yang S, Lee H, Ryu HS. Comparison of Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology and Tissue Sampling for High-Throughput Proteomic Analysis and Cancer Biomarker Detection. Pathobiology 2024; 91:359-369. [PMID: 38815563 DOI: 10.1159/000539478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens are widely utilized for the diagnosis and molecular testing of various cancers. We performed a comparative proteomic analysis of three different sample types, including breast FNAC, core needle biopsy (CNB), and surgical resection tissues. Our goal was to evaluate the suitability of FNAC for in-depth proteomic analysis and for identifying potential therapeutic biomarkers in breast cancer. METHODS High-throughput proteomic analysis was conducted on matched FNAC, CNB, and surgical resection tissue samples obtained from breast cancer patients. The protein identification, including currently established or promising therapeutic targets, was compared among the three different sample types. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was also performed on all matched samples. RESULTS Compared to tissue samples, FNAC testing revealed a comparable number of proteins (7,179 in FNAC; 7,196 in CNB; and 7,190 in resection samples). Around 85% of proteins were mutually identified in all sample types. FNAC, along with CNB, showed a positive correlation between the number of enrolled tumor cells and identified proteins. In the GO analysis, the FNAC samples demonstrated a higher number of genes for each pathway and GO terms than tissue samples. CCND1, CDK6, HER2, and IGF1R were found in higher quantities in the FNAC compared to tissue samples, while TUBB2A was only detected in the former. CONCLUSION FNAC is suitable for high-throughput proteomic analysis, in addition to an emerging source that could be used to identify and quantify novel cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Eun Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyun Han
- Transdisciplinary Department of Medicine and Advanced Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Seok Lee
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilias P Nikas
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hyeyoon Kim
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Sohyeon Yang
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyebin Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Suk Ryu
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Alhamdan YR, Ayoub NM, Jaradat SK, Shatnawi A, Yaghan RJ. BRAF Expression and Copy Number Alterations Predict Unfavorable Tumor Features and Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Breast Cancer. Int J Breast Cancer 2024; 2024:6373900. [PMID: 38919805 PMCID: PMC11199069 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6373900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of BRAF in breast cancer pathogenesis is still unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study is aimed at evaluating the impact of BRAF gene expression and copy number alterations (CNAs) on clinicopathologic characteristics and survival in patients with breast cancer. Methods: The Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset was obtained from the cBioPortal public domain. Tumoral BRAF mRNA expression and CNAs along with demographic and tumor data for patients with breast cancer were retrieved. The association of BRAF expression and CNAs with breast cancer clinicopathologic characteristics was analyzed. The impact of BRAF mRNA expression on the overall survival of patients was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: BRAF gene mRNA log intensity expression was positively correlated with tumor size and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) (p < 0.001). Alternatively, BRAF gene expression was negatively correlated with the age at diagnosis (p = 0.003). The average BRAF mRNA expression was significantly higher in premenopausal patients, patients with high tumor grade, hormone receptor-negative status, and non-luminal tumors compared to postmenopausal patients, patients with low-grade, hormone receptor-positive, and luminal disease. BRAF gain and high-level amplification copy numbers were significantly associated with higher NPI scores and larger tumor sizes compared to neutral copy number status. Survival analysis revealed no discernible differences in overall survival for patients with low and high BRAF mRNA expression. Conclusion: High BRAF mRNA expression as well as the gain and high-level amplification copy numbers were associated with advanced tumor characteristics and unfavorable prognostic factors in breast cancer. BRAF could be an appealing target for the treatment of premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazan R. Alhamdan
- Department of Clinical PharmacyFaculty of PharmacyJordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical PharmacyFaculty of PharmacyJordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Sara K. Jaradat
- Department of Clinical PharmacyFaculty of PharmacyJordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Aymen Shatnawi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical SciencesCollege of PharmacyMedical University of South Carolina, 70 President St., Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
| | - Rami J. Yaghan
- Department of SurgeryCollege of Medicine and Medical SciencesArabian Gulf University, Road 2904, Building 293, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of General Surgery and UrologyFaculty of MedicineJordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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Sharaf B, Hajahjeh A, Bani Hani H, Abdel-Razeq H. Next generation selective estrogen receptor degraders in postmenopausal women with advanced-stage hormone receptors-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1385577. [PMID: 38800404 PMCID: PMC11116652 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1385577] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in women, and is characterized by its heterogeneity; exhibiting various subgroups identifiable through molecular biomarkers that also serve as predictive indicators. More than two thirds of breast tumors are classified as luminal with positive hormone receptors (HR), indicating that cancer cells proliferation is promoted by hormones. Endocrine therapies play a vital role in the effective treatment of breast cancer by manipulating the signaling of estrogen receptors (ER), leading to a reduction in cell proliferation and growth rate. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and toremifene, function by blocking estrogen's effects. Aromatase inhibitors (AI), including anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, suppress estrogen production. On the other hand, selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), like fulvestrant, act by blocking and damaging estrogen receptors. Tamoxifen and AI are widely used both in early- and advanced-stage disease, while fulvestrant is used as a single agent or in combination with other agents like the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors (palbociclib, abemaciclib, ribociclib) or alpelisib for advanced-stage disease. Currently, SERDs are recognized as an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer, showing proficiency in reducing and blocking ER signaling. This review aims to outline the ongoing development of novel oral SERDs from a practical therapeutic perspective, enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of action underlying these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baha’ Sharaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Hira Bani Hani
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hikmat Abdel-Razeq
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Ayoub NM, Al-Taani GM, Alkhalifa AE, Ibrahim DR, Shatnawi A. The Impact of the Coexpression of MET and ESR Genes on Prognosticators and Clinical Outcomes of Breast Cancer: An Analysis for the METABRIC Dataset. Breast J 2024; 2024:2582341. [PMID: 39742369 PMCID: PMC11098610 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2582341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Exploring new prognostic and therapeutic targets in patients with breast cancer is essential. This study investigated the expression of MET, ESR1, and ESR2 genes and their association with clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with breast cancer. Methods The METABRIC dataset for breast cancer was obtained from the cBioPortal public domain. Gene expression data for MET, ESR1, and ESR2, as well as the putative copy number alterations (CNAs) for MET were retrieved. Results The MET mRNA expression levels correlated inversely with the expression levels of ESR1 and positively with the expression levels of ESR2 (r = -0.379, p < 0.001 and r = 0.066, and p=0.004, respectively). The ESR1 mRNA expression was significantly different among MET CNAs groups (p < 0.001). Patients with high MET/ESR1 coexpression had favorable clinicopathologic tumor characteristics and prognosticators compared to low MET/ESR1 coexpression in terms of greater age at diagnosis, reduced Nottingham Prognostic Index, lower tumor grade, hormone receptor positivity, HER2-negative status, and luminal subtype (p < 0.001). In contrast, patients with high MET/ESR2 coexpression had unfavorable tumor features and advanced prognosticators compared to patients with low MET/ESR2 coexpression (p < 0.001). No significant difference in overall survival was observed based on the MET/ESR coexpression status. However, when data were stratified based on the treatment type (chemotherapy and hormonal therapy), survival was significantly different based on the coexpression status of MET/ESR. Conclusions Findings from our study add to the growing evidence on the potential crosstalk between MET and estrogen receptors in breast cancer. The expression of the MET/ESR genes could be a novel prognosticator and calls for future studies to evaluate the impact of combinational treatment approaches with MET inhibitors and endocrine drugs in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX: 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Ghaith M. Al-Taani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Amer E. Alkhalifa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX: 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Dalia R. Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX: 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Aymen Shatnawi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, 70 President St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Yang FW, Mai TL, Lin YCJ, Chen YC, Kuo SC, Lin CM, Lee MH, Su JC. Multipathway regulation induced by 4-(phenylsulfonyl)morpholine derivatives against triple-negative breast cancer. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300435. [PMID: 38314850 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) is an effective drug discovery approach by observation of therapeutic effects on disease phenotypes, especially in complex disease systems. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is composed of several complex disease features, including high tumor heterogeneity, high invasive and metastatic potential, and a lack of effective therapeutic targets. Therefore, identifying effective and novel agents through PDD is a current trend in TNBC drug development. In this study, 23 novel small molecules were synthesized using 4-(phenylsulfonyl)morpholine as a pharmacophore. Among these derivatives, GL24 (4m) exhibited the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration value (0.90 µM) in MDA-MB-231 cells. To investigate the tumor-suppressive mechanisms of GL24, transcriptomic analyses were used to detect the perturbation for gene expression upon GL24 treatment. Followed by gene ontology (GO) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, multiple ER stress-dependent tumor suppressive signals were identified, such as unfolded protein response (UPR), p53 pathway, G2/M checkpoint, and E2F targets. Most of the identified pathways triggered by GL24 eventually led to cell-cycle arrest and then to apoptosis. In summary, we developed a novel 4-(phenylsulfonyl)morpholine derivative GL24 with a strong potential for inhibiting TNBC cell growth through ER stress-dependent tumor suppressive signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Wei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Lun Mai
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chung Jimmy Lin
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Plant Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Che Kuo
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Lin
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Chen Su
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Nurlaila I, Pambudi S. The evolvement of breast cancer therapies: What we have done and where all these head off. Saudi Med J 2024; 45:331-340. [PMID: 38657992 PMCID: PMC11147575 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.4.20230492] [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: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Although, from a therapeutic standpoint, breast cancer (BC) is considerably well-characterized, it still leaves puzzling spots. The Her-2+/PR+/ER+ BC can benefit from the mainstays of anticancer therapy and immunotherapy and overall have a better prognosis. Triple-negative BC, due to the concomitant absence of Her-2/PR/ER receptors, is more challenging and necessitates different strategies. It has been learned that the mainstay anti-BC therapies were initially designed to demolish as many cancer cells as they possibly could. However, the number of reports on the adverse effects of these mainstay therapies has recently been increasing. It underpins efforts to reshape such therapies into much better and safer forms over time. Moreover, some current findings on the molecular markers, which are target-potential, have also shifted the paradigm from radical-to-local-yet-precise-approach to meet the need for a therapy platform that is less cytotoxic to normal cells yet efficiently kills cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ika Nurlaila
- From the Department of Vaccine and Drugs, The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Banten, Indonesia.
| | - Sabar Pambudi
- From the Department of Vaccine and Drugs, The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Banten, Indonesia.
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Roudini K, Mirzania M, Yavari T, Seyyedsalehi MS, Nahvijou A, Zebardast J, Saadat M, Khajeh-Mehrizi A. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with HER2-Negative Breast Cancer: A Report from Clinical Breast Cancer Registry of Iran. ARCHIVES OF IRANIAN MEDICINE 2024; 27:206-215. [PMID: 38685847 PMCID: PMC11097303 DOI: 10.34172/aim.2024.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has become an increasingly popular approach in management of breast cancer (BC). This study was conducted to evaluate the pathologic response and 36-month recurrence and survival rates of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative BC treated with different NCT regimens. METHODS A total of 163 female patients with HER2-negative BC who received NCT during 2017-2020 were identified from the Clinical Breast Cancer Registry of Iran and entered the study. The prescribed NCT regimens included 4 cycles of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide, 4 cycles of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by 4 cycles of paclitaxel, 4 cycles of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel or 6 cycles of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide plus docetaxel (TAC). RESULTS Thirty-two patients (19.6%) experienced pathologic complete response (pCR). TAC regimen, triple negative-BC and ki67>10% were significantly associated with increased pCR. The recurrence, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate at 36 months for all patients were 16.6%, 84.7% and 79.8%, respectively. Type of neoadjuvant regimen as well as age, hormone receptor status, Ki67, grade, clinical stage, type of surgery and pathologic response to chemotherapy did not significantly influence the survival and recurrence; however, TAC results in improved recurrence, OS and DFS rates. CONCLUSION This study provides further evidence that NCT is a viable treatment option for patients with HER2-negative BC. The TAC regimen resulted in a significantly higher pCR rate compared to other regimens, but did not result in a significant improvement in recurrence, OS and DFS and rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Roudini
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Mirzania
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Yavari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Monireh Sadat Seyyedsalehi
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Azin Nahvijou
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jayran Zebardast
- Department of Cognitive Linguistics, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Saadat
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Science, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khajeh-Mehrizi
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zafar MN, Pitt WG, Husseini GA. Encapsulation and release of calcein from herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27882. [PMID: 38524567 PMCID: PMC10958368 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27882] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Achieving an optimal therapeutic level is crucial in effectively eradicating cancer cells during treatment. However, conventional chemotherapy-associated systemic administration of anticancer agents leads to many side effects. To achieve the desired control over the target site, active targeting of HER2-positive breast cancer cells can be achieved by conjugating liposomal vesicles with Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) and inducing release of the encapsulated drug using ultrasound. To further enhance the delivery efficiency, nanoemulsion droplets exhibiting responsiveness to low-frequency ultrasound are encapsulated within these lipid vesicles. In this study, we prepared four different liposomal formulations, namely pegylated liposomes, emulsion liposomes (eLiposomes), HER-conjugated liposomes, and HER-conjugated eLiposomes, each loaded with calcein and subjected to a thorough characterization process. Their sizes, phospholipid concentration, and amount of antibody conjugation were compared and analyzed. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the encapsulation of nanoemulsion droplets within the liposomes. The drug-releasing performance of Herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes was found to surpass that of other liposomal formulations with a notably higher calcein release and established it as a highly effective nanocarrier. The study showcases the efficacy of calcein-loaded and Herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes, which demonstrate rapid and efficient drug release among other liposomal formulations when subjected to ultrasound. This discovery paves the way for a more targeted, efficient, and humane approach to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mah Noor Zafar
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box. 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - William G. Pitt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Ghaleb A. Husseini
- Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. Program, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box. 26666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates
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Wilkerson AD, Gentle CK, Ortega C, Al-Hilli Z. Disparities in Breast Cancer Care-How Factors Related to Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Drive Inequity. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:462. [PMID: 38391837 PMCID: PMC10887556 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040462] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer survival has increased significantly over the last few decades due to more effective strategies for prevention and risk modification, advancements in imaging detection, screening, and multimodal treatment algorithms. However, many have observed disparities in benefits derived from such improvements across populations and demographic groups. This review summarizes published works that contextualize modern disparities in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and presents potential strategies for reducing disparities. We conducted searches for studies that directly investigated and/or reported disparities in breast cancer prevention, detection, or treatment. Demographic factors, social determinants of health, and inequitable healthcare delivery may impede the ability of individuals and communities to employ risk-mitigating behaviors and prevention strategies. The disparate access to quality screening and timely diagnosis experienced by various groups poses significant hurdles to optimal care and survival. Finally, barriers to access and inequitable healthcare delivery patterns reinforce inequitable application of standards of care. Cumulatively, these disparities underlie notable differences in the incidence, severity, and survival of breast cancers. Efforts toward mitigation will require collaborative approaches and partnerships between communities, governments, and healthcare organizations, which must be considered equal stakeholders in the fight for equity in breast cancer care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avia D Wilkerson
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Corey K Gentle
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Camila Ortega
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Zahraa Al-Hilli
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Breast Center, Integrated Surgical Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Liu CH, Leu SJ, Lee CH, Lin CY, Wang WC, Tsai BY, Lee YC, Chen CL, Yang YY, Lin LT. Production and characterization of single-chain variable fragment antibodies targeting the breast cancer tumor marker nectin-4. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1292019. [PMID: 38288120 PMCID: PMC10822971 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nectin-4 is a novel biomarker overexpressed in various types of cancer, including breast cancer, in which it has been associated with poor prognosis. Current literature suggests that nectin-4 has a role in cancer progression and may have prognostic and therapeutic implications. The present study aims to produce nectin-4-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies and evaluate their applications in breast cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. Methods We generated recombinant nectin-4 ectodomain fragments as immunogens to immunize chickens and the chickens' immunoglobulin genes were amplified for construction of anti-nectin-4 scFv libraries using phage display. The binding capacities of the selected clones were evaluated with the recombinant nectin-4 fragments, breast cancer cell lines, and paraffin-embedded tissue sections using various laboratory approaches. The binding affinity and in silico docking profile were also characterized. Results We have selected two clones (S21 and L4) from the libraries with superior binding capacity. S21 yielded higher signals when used as the primry antibody for western blot analysis and flow cytometry, whereas clone L4 generated cleaner and stronger signals in immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining. In addition, both scFvs could diminish attachment-free cell aggregation of nectin-4-positive breast cancer cells. As results from ELISA indicated that L4 bound more efficiently to fixed nectin-4 ectodomain, molecular docking analysis was further performed and demonstrated that L4 possesses multiple polar contacts with nectin-4 and diversity in interacting residues. Conclusion Overall, the nectin-4-specific scFvs could recognize nectin-4 expressed by breast cancer cells and have the merit of being further explored for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hsuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sy-Jye Leu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsin Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Lin
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chu Wang
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Yu-Ching Lee
- The Center of Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Long Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University and Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yuan Yang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Core Laboratory of Antibody Generation and Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Mahmoudi G, Ehteshaminia Y, Kokhaei P, Jalali SF, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Pagheh AS, Enderami SE, Kenari SA, Hassannia H. Enhancement of targeted therapy in combination with metformin on human breast cancer cell lines. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:10. [PMID: 38167105 PMCID: PMC10763326 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer remains a primary global health concern due to its limited treatment options, frequent disease recurrence, and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Thereby, there is a need for more effective treatment approaches. The proposal suggests that the combination of targeted therapy with other antitumoral agents could potentially address drug resistance. In this study, we examined the antitumoral effect of combining metformin, an antidiabetic drug, with targeted therapies, including tamoxifen for estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7), trastuzumab for HER2-positive (SKBR-3), and antibody against ROR1 receptor for triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). METHODS Once the expression of relevant receptors on each cell line was confirmed and appropriate drug concentrations were selected through cytotoxicity assays, the antitumor effects of both monotherapy and combination therapy on colony formation, migration, invasion were assessed in in vitro as well as tumor area and metastatic potential in ex ovo Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models. RESULTS The results exhibited the enhanced effects of tamoxifen when combined with targeted therapy. This combination effectively inhibited cell growth, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Additionally, it significantly reduced tumor size and metastatic potential in an ex ovo CAM model. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that a favorable strategy to enhance the efficacy of breast cancer treatment would be to combine metformin with targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Yahya Ehteshaminia
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Kokhaei
- Department of Immunology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Farzaneh Jalali
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeid Abedian Kenari
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Ebrahimnejad P, Mohammadi Z, Babaei A, Ahmadi M, Amirkhanloo S, Asare-Addo K, Nokhodchid A. Novel Strategies Using Sagacious Targeting for Site-Specific Drug Delivery in Breast Cancer Treatment: Clinical Potential and Applications. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst 2024; 41:35-84. [PMID: 37824418 DOI: 10.1615/critrevtherdrugcarriersyst.v41.i1.20] [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: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
For more than a decade, researchers have been working to achieve new strategies and smart targeting drug delivery techniques and technologies to treat breast cancer (BC). Nanotechnology presents a hopeful strategy for targeted drug delivery into the building of new therapeutics using the properties of nanomaterials. Nanoparticles are of high regard in the field of diagnosis and the treatment of cancer. The use of these nanoparticles as an encouraging approach in the treatment of various cancers has drawn the interest of researchers in recent years. In order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of BC, combination therapy has also been adopted, leading to minimal side effects and thus an enhancement in the quality of life for patients. This review article compares, discusses and criticizes the approaches to treat BC using novel design strategies and smart targeting of site-specific drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Ebrahimnejad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Mohammadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Babaei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Melika Ahmadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shervin Amirkhanloo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Kofi Asare-Addo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Ali Nokhodchid
- Lupin Pharmaceutical Research Center, Coral Springs, Florida, USA; Pharmaceutics Research Lab, Arundel Building, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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Shaikh N, Sivaram A, Vyas R. Screening of natural product libraries in MCF7 cell line reveals the pro-apoptotic properties of β tetralone. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:876-884. [PMID: 37014028 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2196697] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the exponential increase in research toward better treatment options for breast cancer patients, developing an effective drug with fewer side effects continues to remain a challenge. Natural compounds have emerged as a viable option and several drugs have been derived or inspired from them. In this study, we screened a library of natural compounds with diverse chemical structures against selected kinase proteins using in silico methods such as molecular docking and dynamics simulation. The best results were obtained between β tetralone and MDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase protein. In vitro experiments such as cytotoxicity, scratch assays and flow cytometry analysis using an MCF7 cell line were performed to determine the anti-cancer potential of the compound. As the treatment resulted in cell death and apoptosis, β tetralone was screened in silico against anti-apoptotic targets where the best results were obtained between Bcl-w and β tetralone. This comprehensive study suggests that the anti-cancer activity of β tetralone is probably through the dual targeting of MDM2 E3 ubiquitin kinase and Bcl-w anti-apoptotic protein.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilofer Shaikh
- MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aruna Sivaram
- MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Renu Vyas
- MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Lee MG, Hong HJ, Nam KS. Anthocyanin Oligomers Induce Apoptosis and Autophagy by Inhibiting the mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:24. [PMID: 38256858 PMCID: PMC10820553 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthocyanin oligomers (AOs) are phytochemicals synthesized by fermenting anthocyanins extracted from grape skins and are more biologically active than monomeric anthocyanins. In this study, we evaluate the effects of an AO on triple-negative MDA-MB-231 and HER2-overexpressing SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. The cell viability of MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by AO treatment for 24 h, while delphinidin (a monomeric anthocyanin) had no effect on cell viability. In addition, the AO increased H2A.X phosphorylation (a marker of DNA damage), reduced RAD51 (a DNA repair protein) and survivin (a cell survival factor) protein levels, and induced apoptosis by caspase-3-dependent PARP1 cleavage in both cell lines. Surprisingly, the AO induced autophagy by increasing intracellular LC3-II puncta and LC3-II and p62 protein levels. In addition, the AO inhibited the mTOR pathway in MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cells by suppressing the HER2, EGFR1, and AKT pathways. These results demonstrate that the anti-cancer effect of the AO was due to the induction of apoptosis and autophagy via cleaved caspase-3-mediated PARP1 cleavage and mTOR pathway inhibition, respectively. Furthermore, our results suggest that anthocyanin oligomers could be considered potential candidates for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyung-Soo Nam
- Department of Pharmacology and Intractable Disease Research Center, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea; (M.-G.L.); (H.-J.H.)
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Nickoloff JA, Jaiswal AS, Sharma N, Williamson EA, Tran MT, Arris D, Yang M, Hromas R. Cellular Responses to Widespread DNA Replication Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16903. [PMID: 38069223 PMCID: PMC10707325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Replicative DNA polymerases are blocked by nearly all types of DNA damage. The resulting DNA replication stress threatens genome stability. DNA replication stress is also caused by depletion of nucleotide pools, DNA polymerase inhibitors, and DNA sequences or structures that are difficult to replicate. Replication stress triggers complex cellular responses that include cell cycle arrest, replication fork collapse to one-ended DNA double-strand breaks, induction of DNA repair, and programmed cell death after excessive damage. Replication stress caused by specific structures (e.g., G-rich sequences that form G-quadruplexes) is localized but occurs during the S phase of every cell division. This review focuses on cellular responses to widespread stress such as that caused by random DNA damage, DNA polymerase inhibition/nucleotide pool depletion, and R-loops. Another form of global replication stress is seen in cancer cells and is termed oncogenic stress, reflecting dysregulated replication origin firing and/or replication fork progression. Replication stress responses are often dysregulated in cancer cells, and this too contributes to ongoing genome instability that can drive cancer progression. Nucleases play critical roles in replication stress responses, including MUS81, EEPD1, Metnase, CtIP, MRE11, EXO1, DNA2-BLM, SLX1-SLX4, XPF-ERCC1-SLX4, Artemis, XPG, FEN1, and TATDN2. Several of these nucleases cleave branched DNA structures at stressed replication forks to promote repair and restart of these forks. We recently defined roles for EEPD1 in restarting stressed replication forks after oxidative DNA damage, and for TATDN2 in mitigating replication stress caused by R-loop accumulation in BRCA1-defective cells. We also discuss how insights into biological responses to genome-wide replication stress can inform novel cancer treatment strategies that exploit synthetic lethal relationships among replication stress response factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jac A. Nickoloff
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Aruna S. Jaiswal
- Department of Medicine and the Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.S.J.); (M.T.T.); (R.H.)
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Williamson
- Department of Medicine and the Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.S.J.); (M.T.T.); (R.H.)
| | - Manh T. Tran
- Department of Medicine and the Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.S.J.); (M.T.T.); (R.H.)
| | - Dominic Arris
- Department of Medicine and the Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.S.J.); (M.T.T.); (R.H.)
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Medicine and the Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.S.J.); (M.T.T.); (R.H.)
| | - Robert Hromas
- Department of Medicine and the Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.S.J.); (M.T.T.); (R.H.)
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50
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Onwusah DO, Ojewole EB, Manyangadze T, Chimbari MJ. Barriers and Facilitators of Adherence to Oral Anticancer Medications Among Women with Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:2821-2839. [PMID: 37953981 PMCID: PMC10637192 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s416843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Despite the life-saving benefits of oral anticancer medications (OAMs) to women with breast cancer (BC), adherence remains suboptimal and, in many cases, not well documented. The study examined barriers and facilitators of adherence to OAMs among women receiving BC treatment in Nigeria. Patients and Methods The study was framed within the World Health Organization (WHO) Multidimensional Model of Adherence. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews of 16 purposively sampled women in two tertiary hospitals in Southern Nigeria. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interview data were analyzed using the Framework Method. Results The key barriers to OAM adherence mentioned were socioeconomic factors (high cost of medication) and therapy-related factors (medication side effects). The key facilitating mechanisms for adherence to OAMs mentioned included; (i) patient-related psychosocial factors such as self-encouragement and self-discipline in sticking to the prescription, taking the medication at a particular time each day, receiving practical support from family members; and (ii) healthcare team/system factors such as obtaining an adequate supply of the medication at the pharmacy. Conclusion Barriers and facilitators to OAM adherence are multidimensional. The study findings highlight the potential benefit of a multifaceted intervention (such as patient education and monitoring or strategies promoting cost-containment and side effects management) to optimize adherence. Therefore, our findings may inform the designing and evaluating of context-specific adherence measures and multifaceted intervention strategies targeting key barriers and approaches that enable adherence to enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Obehi Onwusah
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Bolanle Ojewole
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Tawanda Manyangadze
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Geosciences, School of Geosciences, Disasters and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe
| | - Moses John Chimbari
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Public Health, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
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