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Aijaz P, Farooqi Baloch K, Faiz H, Durvesh AK, Tirmizi SJ, Khan M, Sohail H, Khalid S, Niazi MA, Kamran A. Clinical Presentation, Tumor Characteristics, and Management of Intradiverticular Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e62974. [PMID: 38912078 PMCID: PMC11194034 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62974] [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] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Intradiverticular transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder poses unique challenges due to its presentation within the bladder diverticula. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of this condition, emphasizing the need for early detection to optimize patient outcomes. The literature underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies, ranging from radical surgeries to adjuvant chemotherapy, to combat the aggressive nature of intradiverticular TCC. Additionally, stringent post-treatment surveillance protocols are vital in addressing high recurrence rates. Future research directions include biomarker identification, comparative efficacy studies of treatment modalities, and the exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapy. Longitudinal studies analyzing patient outcomes will provide valuable insights into survival rates and quality of life post-treatment, informing future clinical guidelines. This comprehensive review aims to enhance understanding and management strategies for intradiverticular TCC, paving the way for improved patient care and outcomes in this challenging form of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Aijaz
- Internal Medicine, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, USA
| | | | - Haseeb Faiz
- Internal Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, PAK
| | | | | | - Maimoona Khan
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Hassan Sohail
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Saad Khalid
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Muhammad A Niazi
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Amir Kamran
- Hematology and Oncology, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, USA
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Wong CHM, Ko ICH, Kang SH, Kitamura K, Horie S, Muto S, Ohyama C, Hatakeyama S, Patel M, Yang CK, Kijvikai K, Youl LJ, Chen HG, Zhang RY, Lin TX, Lee LS, Teoh JYC, Chan E. Long-Term Outcomes of Orthotopic Neobladder Versus Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion in Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy (RARC): Multicenter Results from the Asian RARC Consortium. Ann Surg Oncol 2024:10.1245/s10434-024-15396-5. [PMID: 38802711 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15396-5] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has gained traction in the management of muscle invasive bladder cancer. Urinary diversion for RARC was achieved with orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit. Evidence on the optimal method of urinary diversion was limited. Long-term outcomes were not reported before. This study was designed to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of ileal conduit versus orthotopic neobladder cases of nonmetastatic bladder cancer treated with RARC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Asian RARC consortium was a multicenter registry involving nine Asian centers. Consecutive patients receiving RARC were included. Cases were divided into the ileal conduit and neobladder groups. Background characteristics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, recurrence information, and survival outcomes were reviewed and compared. Primary outcomes include disease-free and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were perioperative results. Multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS From 2007 to 2020, 521 patients who underwent radical cystectomy were analyzed. Overall, 314 (60.3%) had ileal conduit and 207 (39.7%) had neobladder. The use of neobladder was found to be protective in terms of disease-free survival [Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.870, p = 0.037] and overall survival (HR = 0.670, p = 0.044) compared with ileal conduit. The difference became statistically nonsignificant after being adjusted in multivariate cox-regression analysis. Moreover, neobladder reconstruction was not associated with increased blood loss, nor additional risk of major complications. CONCLUSIONS Orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion is not inferior to ileal conduit in terms of perioperative safety profile and long-term oncological outcomes. Further prospective studies are warranted for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Ho-Ming Wong
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, New Territories, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ivan Ching-Ho Ko
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, New Territories, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Seok Ho Kang
- Department of Urology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kousuke Kitamura
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Horie
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Muto
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chikara Ohyama
- Department of Urology, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | | | - Manish Patel
- Department of Urology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cheung-Kuang Yang
- Department of Urology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kittinut Kijvikai
- Department of Urology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Lee Ji Youl
- Department of Urology, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Ge Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Yun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Xin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lui Shiong Lee
- Department of Urology, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, New Territories, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Eddie Chan
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, New Territories, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Bergman DR, Wang Y, Trujillo E, Fernald AA, Li L, Pearson AT, Sweis RF, Jackson TL. Dysregulated FGFR3 signaling alters the immune landscape in bladder cancer and presents therapeutic possibilities in an agent-based model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358019. [PMID: 38515743 PMCID: PMC10954792 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is an increasingly prevalent global disease that continues to cause morbidity and mortality despite recent advances in treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-targeted therapeutics have had modest success in bladder cancer when used as monotherapy. Emerging data suggests that the combination of these two therapies could lead to improved clinical outcomes, but the optimal strategy for combining these agents remains uncertain. Mathematical models, specifically agent-based models (ABMs), have shown recent successes in uncovering the multiscale dynamics that shape the trajectory of cancer. They have enabled the optimization of treatment methods and the identification of novel therapeutic strategies. To assess the combined effects of anti-PD-1 and anti-FGFR3 small molecule inhibitors (SMI) on tumor growth and the immune response, we built an ABM that captures key facets of tumor heterogeneity and CD8+ T cell phenotypes, their spatial interactions, and their response to therapeutic pressures. Our model quantifies how tumor antigenicity and FGFR3 activating mutations impact disease trajectory and response to anti-PD-1 antibodies and anti-FGFR3 SMI. We find that even a small population of weakly antigenic tumor cells bearing an FGFR3 mutation can render the tumor resistant to combination therapy. However, highly antigenic tumors can overcome therapeutic resistance mediated by FGFR3 mutation. The optimal therapy depends on the strength of the FGFR3 signaling pathway. Under certain conditions, ICI alone is optimal; in others, ICI followed by anti-FGFR3 therapy is best. These results indicate the need to quantify FGFR3 signaling and the fitness advantage conferred on bladder cancer cells harboring this mutation. This ABM approach may enable rationally designed treatment plans to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Bergman
- Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Erica Trujillo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Anthony A. Fernald
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lie Li
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alexander T. Pearson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Randy F. Sweis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Albadawy A, Alqudaimi M, Cui H, Yan X, Sun J, Shi P. Identification of Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 As a Potential Bladder Tumor Marker. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2024; 28:120-31. [PMID: 38850011 PMCID: PMC11186615 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.4068] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Background The 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B) family has been implicated in the prognosis and treatment prediction of various malignancies; however, its association with bladder cancer (BLCA) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of HSD17B1, as a prognostic biomarker, for the survival of patients with BLCA and to determine its effectiveness as a supplemental biomarker for BLCA. Methods A series of bioinformatics techniques were applied to investigate the expression of HSD17B1 in different types of cancer and its potential association with the prognosis of BLCA patients using diverse databases. The UALCAN, Human Protein Atlas, cBioPortal, Metascape, GEPIA, MethSurv, and TIMER were employed to analyze expression differences, mutation status, enrichment analysis, overall survival, methylation, and immune-infiltrating cells. The real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) was implemented to detect the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of HSD17B1 in vitro. Results Elevated mRNA and protein levels of HSD17B1, surpassing normal levels, were observed in BLCA samples. In addition, the BLCA patients with higher mRNA expression level of HSD17B1 significantly reduced the overall survival. Also, several immune infiltrating cells, including mast cell resting CIBERSORT-ABS, have been identified as tumor-associated biomarker genes, with the potential to significantly influence the immunological environment. Finally, qRT-PCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of HSD17B1 mRNA expression level in the cancer cells compared to the human 293T cells, which was consistent with the bioinformatics data. Conclusion There is a strong correlation between the elevated HSD17B1 expression and positive prognosis in patients with BLCA. Therefore, HSD17B1 can be used as a prognostic biomarker in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Albadawy
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Mohammed Alqudaimi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hanyue Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xianghui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
| | - Ping Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Bourlotos G, Baigent W, Hong M, Plagakis S, Grundy L. BCG induced lower urinary tract symptoms during treatment for NMIBC-Mechanisms and management strategies. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1327053. [PMID: 38260019 PMCID: PMC10800852 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1327053] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) accounts for ~70-75% of total bladder cancer tumors and requires effective early intervention to avert progression. The cornerstone of high-risk NMIBC treatment involves trans-urethral resection of the tumor followed by intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy. However, BCG therapy is commonly accompanied by significant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including urinary urgency, urinary frequency, dysuria, and pelvic pain which can undermine treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Despite this burden, the mechanisms underlying the development of BCG-induced LUTS have yet to be characterized. This review provides a unique perspective on the mechanisms thought to be responsible for the development of BCG-induced LUTS by focussing on the sensory nerves responsible for bladder sensory transduction. This review focuses on how the physiological response to BCG, including inflammation, urothelial permeability, and direct interactions between BCG and sensory nerves could drive bladder afferent sensitization leading to the development of LUTS. Additionally, this review provides an up-to-date summary of the latest clinical data exploring interventions to relieve BCG-induced LUTS, including therapeutic targeting of bladder contractions, inflammation, increased bladder permeability, and direct inhibition of bladder sensory signaling. Addressing the clinical burden of BCG-induced LUTS holds significant potential to enhance patient quality of life, treatment compliance, and overall outcomes in NMIBC management. However, the lack of knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms that drive BCG-induced LUTS has limited the development of novel and efficacious therapeutic options. Further research is urgently required to unravel the mechanisms that drive BCG-induced LUTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Bourlotos
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - William Baigent
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Matthew Hong
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Urology Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Sophie Plagakis
- Urology Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Touala-Chaila Z, Abderrahmane RK, Kerroumi S, Yousfi MJ, Meroufel DN, Boudjema A. Association study of the polymorphisms rs2228611 of the DNMT1 gene and rs1569686 of the DNMT3B gene with bladder cancer development in a sample of the Algerian population. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 13:65-72. [PMID: 38504781 PMCID: PMC10946547 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2023.48569.1881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a multifactorial disease with a poorly understood main cause. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the polymorphisms rs2228611 of the DNMT1 gene and rs1569686 of the DNMT3B gene on the susceptibility to develop Bladder Cancer in the Algerian population. A case-control study design was adopted, with DNA samples of 114 BC patients and 123 healthy controls. We found that the rs2228611 of the DNMT1 gene was strongly associated with an increased risk of BC development under genetic models: Codominant AG vs. GG (OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.21-5.51, adj p=0.015) and dominant AA+AG vs. GG (OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.12-4.60, adj p=0.023). However, no statistically significant association was observed between the rs1569686 of the DNMT3B gene and the predisposition to BC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first peer-reviewed study to evaluate the effect of the rs2228611 polymorphism on bladder cancer occurrence. Our results suggest that the rs2228611 might be a potential biomarker for BC development risk. Additional studies are needed to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra Touala-Chaila
- Université Des Sciences Et de La Technologie d’Oran Mohamed-Boudiaf USTOMB El Mnaouar, BP 1505, Bir El Djir, 31000 Oran, Algerie. Laboratoire Génétique Moléculaire Et Cellulaire (LGMC) USTOMB
| | - Rym-Khadidja Abderrahmane
- Université Des Sciences Et de La Technologie d’Oran Mohamed-Boudiaf USTOMB El Mnaouar, BP 1505, Bir El Djir, 31000 Oran, Algerie. Laboratoire Génétique Moléculaire Et Cellulaire (LGMC) USTOMB
| | - Slimane Kerroumi
- Etablissement Hospitalier Universitaire d'Oran EHU 1 Novembre 1954, service Chirurgie Urologique, Oran, Algerie
| | - Mostefa-Jamel Yousfi
- Etablissement Hospitalier Universitaire d'Oran EHU 1 Novembre 1954, service Chirurgie Urologique, Oran, Algerie
| | - Djebaria-Naima Meroufel
- Université Des Sciences Et de La Technologie d’Oran Mohamed-Boudiaf USTOMB El Mnaouar, BP 1505, Bir El Djir, 31000 Oran, Algerie. Laboratoire Génétique Moléculaire Et Cellulaire (LGMC) USTOMB
| | - Abdallah Boudjema
- Université Des Sciences Et de La Technologie d’Oran Mohamed-Boudiaf USTOMB El Mnaouar, BP 1505, Bir El Djir, 31000 Oran, Algerie. Laboratoire Génétique Moléculaire Et Cellulaire (LGMC) USTOMB
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Chai J, Yin S, Feng W, Zhang T, Ke C. The Role of Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1 in Bladder Cancer. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:827-834. [PMID: 37475553 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230720163448] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and poses a significant hazard to human health. During the development of BC, hypoxia plays a crucial role. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a key transcription factor for hypoxic adaptation, which regulates the transcription of various genes, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and glycolytic metabolism. Recent studies have shown the precise role of HIF in various biological behaviors of BC. More importantly, a new antitumor medication targeting HIF-2 has been used to treat renal cancer. However, therapies targeting HIF-1 in BC have not yet been developed. In this review, we discussed how HIF-1 is expressed and affects the growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis of BC. At the same time, we investigated several HIF-1 inhibitors that provide new perspectives for targeting HIF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiagui Chai
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Sifan Yin
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Wenbo Feng
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Changxing Ke
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650106, China
- Yunnan Institute of Urology, Kunming, 650106, China
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Benjamin DJ, Hsu R. Treatment approaches for FGFR-altered urothelial carcinoma: targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1258388. [PMID: 37675102 PMCID: PMC10477976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258388] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma has dramatically changed over the past decade with the approval of several therapies from multiple drug classes including immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and antibody drug conjugates. Although next generation sequencing of urothelial carcinoma has revealed multiple recurring mutations, only one targeted therapy has been developed and approved to date. Erdafitinib, a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, has been approved for treating patients with select FGFR2 and FGFR3 alterations and fusions since 2019. Since then, emerging data has demonstrated efficacy of combining erdafitinib with immunotherapy in treating FGFR-altered urothelial carcinoma. Ongoing trials are evaluating the use of erdafitinib in non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma as well as in combination with enfortumab vedotin in the metastatic setting, while other FGFR targeted agents such as infigratinib, AZD4547, rogaratinib and pemigatinib continue to be in development. Future challenges will include strategies to overcome FGFR acquired resistance and efficacy and safety of combination therapies with erdafitinib and other FGFR targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Burlibasa L, Nicu AT, Chifiriuc MC, Medar C, Petrescu A, Jinga V, Stoica I. H3 histone methylation landscape in male urogenital cancers: from molecular mechanisms to epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1181764. [PMID: 37228649 PMCID: PMC10203431 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1181764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, male urogenital cancers (including prostate, renal, bladder and testicular cancers) have become one of the most frequently encountered malignancies affecting all ages. While their great variety has promoted the development of various diagnosis, treatment and monitoring strategies, some aspects such as the common involvement of epigenetic mechanisms are still not elucidated. Epigenetic processes have come into the spotlight in the past years as important players in the initiation and progression of tumors, leading to a plethora of studies highlighting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and even as therapeutic targets. Thus, fostering research on the various epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in cancer remains a priority for the scientific community. This review focuses on one of the main epigenetic mechanisms, namely, the methylation of the histone H3 at various sites and its involvement in male urogenital cancers. This histone modification presents a great interest due to its modulatory effect on gene expression, leading either to activation (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K36me3) or repression (e.g., H3K27me3, H3K9me3). In the last few years, growing evidence has demonstrated the aberrant expression of enzymes that methylate/demethylate histone H3 in cancer and inflammatory diseases, that might contribute to the initiation and progression of such disorders. We highlight how these particular epigenetic modifications are emerging as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or targets for the treatment of urogenital cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Medar
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Amelia Petrescu
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
- Clinical Hospital “Prof. dr Theodor Burghele”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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