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Toadere TM, Ţichindeleanu A, Bondor DA, Topor I, Trella ŞE, Nenu I. Bridging the divide: unveiling mutual immunological pathways of cancer and pregnancy. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:793-807. [PMID: 38492049 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01866-9] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate physiological phenomena within the human body-namely, cancer and pregnancy-may offer profound insights into the intricate interplay between malignancies and the immune system. Recent investigations have unveiled striking similarities between the pivotal processes underpinning fetal implantation and successful gestation and those governing tumor initiation and progression. Notably, a confluence of features has emerged, underscoring parallels between the microenvironment of tumors and the maternal-fetal interface. These shared attributes encompass establishing vascular networks, cellular mobilization, recruitment of auxiliary tissue components to facilitate continued growth, and, most significantly, the orchestration of immune-suppressive mechanisms.Our particular focus herein centers on the phenomenon of immune suppression and its protective utility in both of these contexts. In the context of pregnancy, immune suppression assumes a paramount role in shielding the semi-allogeneic fetus from the potentially hostile immune responses of the maternal host. In stark contrast, in the milieu of cancer, this very same immunological suppression fosters the transformation of the tumor microenvironment into a sanctuary personalized for the neoplastic cells.Thus, the striking parallels between the immunosuppressive strategies deployed during pregnancy and those co-opted by malignancies offer a tantalizing reservoir of insights. These insights promise to inform novel avenues in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. By harnessing our understanding of the immunological events that detrimentally impact fetal development, a knowledge grounded in the context of conditions such as preeclampsia or miscarriage, we may uncover innovative immunotherapeutic strategies to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Maria Toadere
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andra Ţichindeleanu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Daniela Andreea Bondor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Topor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Şerban Ellias Trella
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana Nenu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Joshi V, Beecher K, Lim M, Stacey A, Feng Y, Jat PS, Duijf PHG, Simpson PT, Lakhani SR, McCart Reed AE. B7-H3 Expression in Breast Cancer and Brain Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3976. [PMID: 38612786 PMCID: PMC11012592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073976] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is a significant challenge for some breast cancer patients, marked by its aggressive nature, limited treatment options, and poor clinical outcomes. Immunotherapies have emerged as a promising avenue for brain metastasis treatment. B7-H3 (CD276) is an immune checkpoint molecule involved in T cell suppression, which is associated with poor survival in cancer patients. Given the increasing number of clinical trials using B7-H3 targeting CAR T cell therapies, we examined B7-H3 expression across breast cancer subtypes and in breast cancer brain metastases to assess its potential as an interventional target. B7-H3 expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays of three clinical cohorts: (i) unselected primary breast cancers (n = 347); (ii) brain metastatic breast cancers (n = 61) and breast cancer brain metastases (n = 80, including a subset of 53 patient-matched breast and brain metastasis cases); and (iii) mixed brain metastases from a range of primary tumours (n = 137). In primary breast cancers, B7-H3 expression significantly correlated with higher tumour grades and aggressive breast cancer subtypes, as well as poorer 5-year survival outcomes. Subcellular localisation of B7-H3 impacted breast cancer-specific survival, with cytoplasmic staining also correlating with a poorer outcome. Its expression was frequently detected in brain metastases from breast cancers, with up to 90% expressing B7-H3. However, not all brain metastases showed high levels of expression, with those from colorectal and renal tumours showing a low frequency of B7-H3 expression (0/14 and 2/16, respectively). The prevalence of B7-H3 expression in breast cancers and breast cancer brain metastases indicates potential opportunities for B7-H3 targeted therapies in breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhavi Joshi
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
| | - Kate Beecher
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
| | - Malcolm Lim
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
| | - Andrew Stacey
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
| | - Yufan Feng
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
| | - Parmjit S. Jat
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, Courtauld Building, London W1W 7FF, UK;
| | - Pascal H. G. Duijf
- Centre for Cancer Biology, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia & SA Pathology, Adelaide 5001, Australia;
| | - Peter T. Simpson
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
| | - Sunil R. Lakhani
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - Amy E. McCart Reed
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (V.J.); (K.B.); (M.L.); (A.S.); (Y.F.); (P.T.S.)
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Tojjari A, Park R, Yu J, Saeed A. Targeting Angiogenesis Alone and in Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Gastroesophageal Malignancies. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2024; 26:57-67. [PMID: 38294661 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-024-00920-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review critically examines the latest approaches in treating advanced gastroesophageal malignancies. It emphasizes the significance of angiogenesis as a therapeutic target and discusses the potential synergy of combining angiogenesis inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to enhance treatment efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence from clinical trials, such as the INTEGRATE IIa trial with regorafenib and studies involving apatinib and sunitinib, underscores the efficacy of targeting the VEGFR pathway. These studies indicate substantial benefits in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced stages of the disease who have limited treatment options. Additionally, the recent introduction of combination therapies involving ICIs has shown an increased response rate, suggesting a promising direction for future treatment protocols. The landscape of treatment for gastroesophageal malignancies is rapidly evolving. Research is now pivoting from conventional chemotherapy to a more nuanced approach that includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Tojjari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Robin Park
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - James Yu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Nafe R, Hattingen E. Cellular Components of the Tumor Environment in Gliomas-What Do We Know Today? Biomedicines 2023; 12:14. [PMID: 38275375 PMCID: PMC10813739 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010014] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A generation ago, the molecular properties of tumor cells were the focus of scientific interest in oncology research. Since then, it has become increasingly apparent that the tumor environment (TEM), whose major components are non-neoplastic cell types, is also of utmost importance for our understanding of tumor growth, maintenance and resistance. In this review, we present the current knowledge concerning all cellular components within the TEM in gliomas, focusing on their molecular properties, expression patterns and influence on the biological behavior of gliomas. Insight into the TEM of gliomas has expanded considerably in recent years, including many aspects that previously received only marginal attention, such as the phenomenon of phagocytosis of glioma cells by macrophages and the role of the thyroid-stimulating hormone on glioma growth. We also discuss other topics such as the migration of lymphocytes into the tumor, phenotypic similarities between chemoresistant glioma cells and stem cells, and new clinical approaches with immunotherapies involving the cells of TEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhold Nafe
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Schleusenweg 2-16, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
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