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Nafea H, Youness RA, Dawoud A, Khater N, Manie T, Abdel-Kader R, Bourquin C, Szabo C, Gad MZ. Dual targeting of H 2S synthesizing enzymes; cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase by miR-939-5p effectively curbs triple negative breast cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21063. [PMID: 37916110 PMCID: PMC10616356 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recently scrutinized for its critical role in aggravating breast cancer (BC) tumorigenicity. Several cancers aberrantly express H2S synthesizing enzymes; Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). However, their levels and interdependence in BC require further studies. Objectives Firstly, this study aimed to demonstrate a comparative expression profile of H2S synthesizing enzymes in BC vs normal tissue. Moreover, to investigate the reciprocal relationship between CBS and CSE and highlight the importance of dual targeting. Finally, to search for a valid dual repressor of the H2S synthesizing enzymes that could cease H2S production and reduce TNBC pathogenicity. Methods Pairwise analysis of tumor vs. normal tissues of 40 BC patients was carried out. The TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 was transfected with oligonucleotides to study the H2S mediated molecular mechanisms. In silico screening was performed to identify dual regulator(s) for CBS and CSE. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR and was confirmed on protein level using Western blot. TNBC hallmarks were evaluated using MTT, migration, and clonogenicity assays. H2S levels were detected using a AzMc fluorescent probe. Results BC tissues exhibited elevated levels of both CBS and CSE. Interestingly, upon CBS knockdown, CSE levels increased compensating for H2S production in TNBC cells, underlining the importance of dually targeting both enzymes in TNBC. In silico screening suggested miR-939-5p as a regulator of both CBS and CSE with high binding scores. Low expression levels of miR-939-5p were found in BC tissues, especially the aggressive subtypes. Ectopic expression of miR-939-5p significantly repressed CBS and CSE transcript and protein levels, diminished H2S production and attenuated TNBC hallmarks. Moreover, it improved the immune surveillance potency of TNBC cells through up regulating the NKG2D ligands, MICB and ULBP2 and reducing the immune suppressive cytokine IL-10. Conclusion This study sheds light on the reciprocal relationship between CBS and CSE and on the importance of their dual targeting, particularly in TNBC. It also postulates miR-939-5p as a potent dual repressor for CBS and CSE overcoming their redundancy in H2S production, a mechanism that can potentially attenuate TNBC oncogenicity and improves the immunogenic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Nafea
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nour Khater
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer Manie
- Breast Surgery Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Abdel-Kader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Carole Bourquin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland and Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Z. Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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Fabi A, Carbognin L, Botticelli A, Paris I, Fuso P, Savastano MC, La Verde N, Strina C, Pedersini R, Guarino S, Curigliano G, Criscitiello C, Raffaele M, Beano A, Franco A, Valerio MR, Verderame F, Fontana A, Haspinger ER, Caldara A, Di Leone A, Tortora G, Giannarelli D, Scambia G. Real-world ANASTASE study of atezolizumab+nab-paclitaxel as first-line treatment of PD-L1-positive metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:73. [PMID: 37684252 PMCID: PMC10491680 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00579-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel is recommended in the EU as first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), based on the results of phase III IMpassion130 trial. However, 'real-world' data on this combination are limited. The ANASTASE study (NCT05609903) collected data on atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel in PD-L1-positive mTNBC patients enrolled in the Italian Compassionate Use Program. A retrospective analysis was conducted in 29 Italian oncology centers among patients who completed at least one cycle of treatment. Data from 52 patients were gathered. Among them, 21.1% presented de novo stage IV; 78.8% previously received (neo)adjuvant treatment; 55.8% patients had only one site of metastasis; median number of treatment cycles was five (IQR: 3-8); objective response rate was 42.3% (95% CI: 28.9-55.7%). The median time-to-treatment discontinuation was 5 months (95% CI: 2.8-7.1); clinical benefit at 12 months was 45.8%. The median duration of response was 12.7 months (95% CI: 4.1-21.4). At a median follow-up of 20 months, the median progression-free survival was 6.3 months (95% CI: 3.9-8.7) and the median time to next treatment or death was 8.1 months (95% CI: 5.5-10.7). At 12 months and 24 months, the overall survival rates were 66.3% and 49.1%, respectively. The most common immune-related adverse events included rash (23.1%), hepatitis (11.5%), thyroiditis (11.5%) and pneumonia (9.6%). Within the ANASTASE study, patients with PD-L1-positive mTNBC treated with first-line atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel achieved PFS and ORR similar to those reported in the IMpassion130 study, with no unexpected adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fabi
- Precision Medicine Unit in Senology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Carbognin
- Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, La Sapienza, University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Paris
- Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Fuso
- Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicla La Verde
- Medical Oncology Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco PO Luigi Sacco - Polo Universitario, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Strina
- Medical Oncology Unit Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Guarino
- Medical Oncology Unit Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Urbino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mimma Raffaele
- Presidio Cassia Sant'andrea, Dipartimento Oncologico, Asl Roma1, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Beano
- Department of Medical Oncology1, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Franco
- Breast Unit, Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Fontana
- Medical Oncology Unit 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Alba Di Leone
- Breast Unit, Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Vardas V, Tolios A, Christopoulou A, Georgoulias V, Xagara A, Koinis F, Kotsakis A, Kallergi G. Immune Checkpoint and EMT-Related Molecules in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients and Their Clinical Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1974. [PMID: 37046635 PMCID: PMC10093450 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. There are few targeted therapies for these patients, leading to an unmet need for new biomarkers. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of PD-L1, CTLA-4, GLU, and VIM in CTCs of TNBC patients. Ninety-five patients were enrolled in this study: sixty-four TNBC and thirty-one luminal. Of these patients, 60 were in the early stage, while 35 had metastatic disease. Protein expression was identified by immunofluorescence staining experiments and VyCAP analysis. All the examined proteins were upregulated in TNBC patients. The expression of the GLU+VIM+CK+ phenotype was higher (50%) in metastatic TNBC compared to early TNBC patients (17%) (p = 0.005). Among all the BC patients, a significant correlation was found between PD-L1+CD45-CK+ and CTLA-4+CD45-CK+ phenotypes (Spearman test, p = 0.024), implying an important role of dual inhibition in BC. Finally, the phenotypes GLU+VIM+CK+ and PD-L1+CD45-CK+ were associated with shorter OS in TNBC patients (OS: log-rank p = 0.048, HR = 2.9, OS: log-rank p < 0.001, HR = 8.7, respectively). Thus, PD-L1, CTLA-4, GLU, and VIM constitute significant biomarkers in TNBC associated with patients' outcome, providing new therapeutic targets for this difficult breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Vardas
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Anastasios Tolios
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Anastasia Xagara
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Filippos Koinis
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Galatea Kallergi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry/Metastatic Signaling, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
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Wang G, Romero Y, Thevarajan I, Zolkiewska A. ADAM12 abrogation alters immune cell infiltration and improves response to checkpoint blockade therapy in the T11 murine model of triple-negative breast cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 12:2158006. [PMID: 36545255 PMCID: PMC9762783 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2158006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) impedes anti-tumor immune responses and contributes to immunotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). ADAM12, a member of cell surface metalloproteases, is selectively upregulated in mesenchymal/claudin-low TNBCs, where its expression is largely restricted to tumor cells. The role of cancer cell-expressed ADAM12 in modulating the immune TME is not known. We show that Adam12 knockout in the T11 mouse syngeneic transplantation model of claudin-low TNBC leads to decreased numbers of tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs)/polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating B cells and T cells. ADAM12 loss in cancer cells increases chemotaxis of B cells in vitro and this effect is eliminated by inhibition of CXCR4, a receptor for CXCL12, or anti-CXCL12 blocking antibody. Importantly, ADAM12 loss in T11 cancer cells sensitizes tumors to anti-PD1/anti-CTLA4 combination therapy, although the initial responsiveness is followed by acquired therapy resistance. Depletion of B cells in mice eliminates the improved response to immune checkpoint blockade of Adam12 knockout T11 tumors. Analysis of gene expression data for claudin-low TNBCs from the METABRIC patient cohort shows significant inverse correlations between ADAM12 and gene expression signatures of several anti-tumor immune cell populations, as well as a significant positive correlation between ADAM12 and gene expression signature of TINs/PMN-MDSCs. Collectively, these results implicate ADAM12 in immunosuppression within the TME in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanpeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Yeni Romero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Indhujah Thevarajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Anna Zolkiewska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA,CONTACT Anna Zolkiewska Department of Biochemistry and molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, 141 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS66506, USA
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Wang Z, Cordova LE, Chalasani P, Lu J. Camptothesome Potentiates PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Improved Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Immunochemotherapy. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:4665-4674. [PMID: 36413426 PMCID: PMC9744414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we focus on investigating the therapeutic effects of camptothesome on treating metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We elucidate that camptothesome elicited stronger immunogenic cell death (ICD) compared to free camptothecin (CPT) and Onivyde in 4T1 TNBC cells. In addition, camptothesome is mainly internalized by the 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis based on the results of flow cytometry. Through real-time Lago optical imaging, camptothesome shows excellent tumor-targeting efficiency in orthotopic TNBC tumors. We demonstrate that camptothesome can upregulate programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in 4T1 tumors in an interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-TNBC efficacy studies reveal that camptothesome is superior to Onivyde and markedly potentiates PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy with complete lung metastasis remission in an orthotopic 4T1-Luc2 tumor model. This combination therapy eliciting robust cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) response via boosting tumor-infiltrating cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), calreticulin (CRT), high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB-1), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), IFN-γ, and granzyme B. Our work corroborates the promise of camptothesome in favorably modulating tumor immune microenvironment via inducing ICD to fortify the PD-L1 checkpoint blockade therapy for improved treatment of intractable TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiren Wang
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Leyla Estrella Cordova
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Pavani Chalasani
- NCI-designated University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States
| | - Jianqin Lu
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States,NCI-designated University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States,BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, United States,Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, 85721, United States
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Lowe L, LaValley JW, Felsher DW. Tackling heterogeneity in treatment-resistant breast cancer using a broad-spectrum therapeutic approach. Cancer Drug Resist 2022; 5:917-925. [PMID: 36627896 PMCID: PMC9771755 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity can contribute to the development of therapeutic resistance in cancer, including advanced breast cancers. The object of the Halifax project was to identify new treatments that would address mechanisms of therapeutic resistance through tumor heterogeneity by uncovering combinations of therapeutics that could target the hallmarks of cancer rather than focusing on individual gene products. A taskforce of 180 cancer researchers, used molecular profiling to highlight key targets responsible for each of the hallmarks of cancer and then find existing therapeutic agents that could be used to reach those targets with limited toxicity. In many cases, natural health products and re-purposed pharmaceuticals were identified as potential agents. Hence, by combining the molecular profiling of tumors with therapeutics that target the hallmark features of cancer, the heterogeneity of advanced-stage breast cancers can be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leroy Lowe
- Getting to Know Cancer (NGO), Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 1X5, Canada
| | | | - Dean W. Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Stanford University, CA CCSR 1105, USA
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Yamashita N, Kufe D. Addiction of Cancer Stem Cells to MUC1-C in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8219. [PMID: 35897789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. TNBC progression is associated with expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Few insights are available regarding druggable targets that drive the TNBC CSC state. This review summarizes the literature on TNBC CSCs and the compelling evidence that they are addicted to the MUC1-C transmembrane protein. In normal epithelia, MUC1-C is activated by loss of homeostasis and induces reversible wound-healing responses of inflammation and repair. However, in settings of chronic inflammation, MUC1-C promotes carcinogenesis. MUC1-C induces EMT, epigenetic reprogramming and chromatin remodeling in TNBC CSCs, which are dependent on MUC1-C for self-renewal and tumorigenicity. MUC1-C-induced lineage plasticity in TNBC CSCs confers DNA damage resistance and immune evasion by chronic activation of inflammatory pathways and global changes in chromatin architecture. Of therapeutic significance, an antibody generated against the MUC1-C extracellular domain has been advanced in a clinical trial of anti-MUC1-C CAR T cells and in IND-enabling studies for development as an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC). Agents targeting the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain have also entered the clinic and are undergoing further development as candidates for advancing TNBC treatment. Eliminating TNBC CSCs will be necessary for curing this recalcitrant cancer and MUC1-C represents a promising druggable target for achieving that goal.
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Sklias T, Vardas V, Pantazaka E, Christopoulou A, Georgoulias V, Kotsakis A, Vasilopoulos Y, Kallergi G. PARP-1 Expression and BRCA1 Mutations in Breast Cancer Patients' CTCs. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1731. [PMID: 35406503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent estimates have shown that approx. 70% of individuals with BRCA1 mutations will develop breast cancer by the age of 70. To make matters worse, breast cancer patients with BRCA1 mutations are more likely to have the more aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. PARPs, belong to a family of nuclear enzymes, which are involved in many cellular processes, including DNA repair. PARP inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of BRCA-mutated breast cancer. The aim of the study was the determination of PARP-1 expression in the context of the presence of BRCA1 mutations in circulating tumor cells of breast cancer patients. PARP-1 (nuclear) expression and BRCA1 mutations were mainly detected in triple negative breast cancer patients, and the latter were correlated with decreased survival. Our data suggest that PARP-1, in conjunction with BRCA1, could potentially be used as (a) biomarker(s) for patients’ stratification. Abstract BRCA1 and PARP are involved in DNA damage repair pathways. BRCA1 mutations have been linked to higher likelihood of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of the study was to determine PARP-1 expression and BRCA1 mutations in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) of BC patients. Fifty patients were enrolled: 23 luminal and 27 TNBC. PARP expression in CTCs was identified by immunofluorescence. Genotyping was performed by PCR-Sanger sequencing in the same samples. PARP-1 expression was higher in luminal (61%) and early BC (54%), compared to TNBC (41%) and metastatic (33%) patients. In addition, PARP-1 distribution was mostly cytoplasmic in luminal patients (p = 0.024), whereas it was mostly nuclear in TNBC patients. In cytokeratin (CK)-positive patients, those with the CK+PARP+ phenotype had longer overall survival (OS, log-rank p = 0.046). Overall, nine mutations were detected; M1 and M2 were completely new and M4, M7 and M8 were characterized as pathogenic. M7 and M8 were predominantly found in metastatic TNBC patients (p = 0.014 and p = 0.002). Thus, PARP-1 expression and increased mutagenic burden in TNBC patients’ CTCs, could be used as an indicator to stratify patients regarding therapeutic approaches.
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Rajaratinam H, Mokhtar NF, Asma-abdullah N, Fuad WEM. Discovering the Triad between Nav1.5, Breast Cancer, and the Immune System: A Fundamental Review and Future Perspectives. Biomolecules 2022; 12:310. [PMID: 35204811 PMCID: PMC8869595 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nav1.5 is one of the nine voltage-gated sodium channel-alpha subunit (VGSC-α) family members. The Nav1.5 channel typically carries an inward sodium ion current that depolarises the membrane potential during the upstroke of the cardiac action potential. The neonatal isoform of Nav1.5, nNav1.5, is produced via VGSC-α alternative splicing. nNav1.5 is known to potentiate breast cancer metastasis. Despite their well-known biological functions, the immunological perspectives of these channels are poorly explored. The current review has attempted to summarise the triad between Nav1.5 (nNav1.5), breast cancer, and the immune system. To date, there is no such review available that encompasses these three components as most reviews focus on the molecular and pharmacological prospects of Nav1.5. This review is divided into three major subsections: (1) the review highlights the roles of Nav1.5 and nNav1.5 in potentiating the progression of breast cancer, (2) focuses on the general connection between breast cancer and the immune system, and finally (3) the review emphasises the involvements of Nav1.5 and nNav1.5 in the functionality of the immune system and the immunogenicity. Compared to the other subsections, section three is pretty unexploited; it would be interesting to study this subsection as it completes the triad.
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Latif F, Bint Abdul Jabbar H, Malik H, Sadaf H, Sarfraz A, Sarfraz Z, Cherrez-Ojeda I. Atezolizumab and pembrolizumab in triple-negative breast cancer: a meta-analysis. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 22:229-235. [PMID: 34949142 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2023011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The approval of anti-PD-L1 drugs, including atezolizumab/pembrolizumab in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), offer potential improvement to current treatment regimens available for TNBC. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis to review the efficacy of Atezolizumab/Pembrolizumab for the treatment of TNBC in both the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. We calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) for the associations of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) and odds ratios (ORs) to estimate the association between objective response rate (ORR) and pathological complete response (pCR), using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Six clinical trials comprising 3612 patients were identified. For adjuvant therapies, the ORR (OR=1.26, P=0.04) of atezolizumab/pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy was higher in the intention to treat (ITT) arms than the placebo groups in TNBC. The positive effect size was found for PFS in the ITT arms (Cohen's d=1.55, P<0.001). The atezolizumab plus chemotherapy group had a positive effect size for OS compared to the control groups (Cohen's d=0.52, P<0.001). In the neoadjuvant setting, patients in ITT arms had higher pCR rates than the control groups (OR=1.61, P=0.001). CONCLUSION We collate evidence of atezolizumab/pembrolizumab as viable therapeutics among patients with TNBC with PD-L1 subgroups deriving higher benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Latif
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Hamna Malik
- Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Humaira Sadaf
- University of Texas Health Science Centers, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Azza Sarfraz
- The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
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