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Aleksandrowicz K, Hempel D, Polityńska B, Wojtukiewicz AM, Honn KV, Tang DG, Wojtukiewicz MZ. The Complex Role of Thrombin in Cancer and Metastasis: Focus on Interactions with the Immune System. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024; 50:462-473. [PMID: 37984359 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Thrombin, a pleiotropic enzyme involved in coagulation, plays a crucial role in both procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways. Thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin, initiates platelet activation, and promotes clot formation. Thrombin also activates anticoagulant pathways, indirectly inhibiting factors involved in coagulation. Tissue factor triggers thrombin generation, and the overexpression of thrombin in various cancers suggests that it is involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased thrombin generation has been observed in cancer patients, especially those with metastases. Thrombin exerts its effects through protease-activated receptors (PARs), particularly PAR-1 and PAR-2, which are involved in cancer progression, angiogenesis, and immunological responses. Thrombin-mediated signaling promotes angiogenesis by activating endothelial cells and platelets, thereby releasing proangiogenic factors. These functions of thrombin are well recognized and have been widely described. However, in recent years, intriguing new findings concerning the association between thrombin activity and cancer development have come to light, which justifies a review of this research. In particular, there is evidence that thrombin-mediated events interact with the immune system, and may regulate its response to tumor growth. It is also worth reevaluating the impact of thrombin on thrombocytes in conjunction with its multifaceted influence on tumor progression. Understanding the role of thrombin/PAR-mediated signaling in cancer and immunological responses is crucial, particularly in the context of developing immunotherapies. In this systematic review, we focus on the impact of the thrombin-related immune system response on cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Aleksandrowicz
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dominika Hempel
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Polityńska
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna M Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Marek Z Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
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Wojtukiewicz MZ, Rek MM, Karpowicz K, Górska M, Polityńska B, Wojtukiewicz AM, Moniuszko M, Radziwon P, Tucker SC, Honn KV. Inhibitors of immune checkpoints-PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4-new opportunities for cancer patients and a new challenge for internists and general practitioners. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:949-982. [PMID: 34236546 PMCID: PMC8556173 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09976-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of cancer patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) (anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, combined therapy anti-PD-1/PD-L1 with anti-CTLA-4) has without doubt been a significant breakthrough in the field of oncology in recent years and constitutes a major step forward as a novel type of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. ICIs have contributed to a significant improvement in the outcome of treatment and prognosis of patients with different types of malignancy. With the expansion of the use of ICIs, it is expected that caregivers will face new challenges, namely, they will have to manage the adverse side effects associated with the use of these drugs. New treatment options pose new challenges not only for oncologists but also for specialists in other clinical fields, including general practitioners (GPs). They also endorse the need for taking a holistic approach to the patient, which is a principle widely recognized in oncology and especially relevant in the case of the expanding use of ICIs, which may give rise to a wide variety of organ complications resulting from treatment. Knowledge and awareness of the spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) will allow doctors to qualify patients for treatment more appropriately, prevent complications, correctly recognize, and ultimately treat them. Additionally, patients with more non-specific symptoms would be expected, in the first instance, to consult their general practitioners, as complications may appear even after the termination of treatment and do not always proceed in line with disease progression. Dealing with any iatrogenic complications, will not only be the remit of oncologists but because of the likelihood that specific organs may be affected, is likely to extend also to specialists in various fields of internal medicine. These specialists, e.g., endocrinologists, dermatologists, pulmonologists, and gastroenterologists, are likely to receive referrals for patients suffering from specific types of adverse events or will be asked to provide care in cases requiring hospitalization of patients with complications in their field of expertise. In view of these considerations, we believe that there is an urgent need for multidisciplinary teamwork in the treatment of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy and suffering the consequent adverse reactions to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Z Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. .,Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Magdalena M Rek
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Białystok, Poland
| | - Kamil Karpowicz
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Białystok, Poland
| | - Maria Górska
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Polityńska
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland.,Robinson College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna M Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Moniuszko
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.,Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Radziwon
- Regional Centre for Transfusion Medicine, Bialystok, Poland.,Department of Hematology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Stephanie C Tucker
- Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Wojtukiewicz MZ, Mysliwiec M, Matuszewska E, Sulkowski S, Zimnoch L, Politynska B, Wojtukiewicz AM, Tucker SC, Honn KV. Imbalance in Coagulation/Fibrinolysis Inhibitors Resulting in Extravascular Thrombin Generation in Gliomas of Varying Levels of Malignancy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:663. [PMID: 33947134 PMCID: PMC8146081 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic processes are integrally related to disturbances in the mechanisms regulating hemostatic processes. Brain tumors, including gliomas, are neoplasms associated with a significantly increased risk of thromboembolic complications, affecting 20-30% of patients. As gliomas proliferate, they cause damage to the brain tissue and vascular structures, which leads to the release of procoagulant factors into the systemic circulation, and hence systemic activation of the blood coagulation system. Hypercoagulability in cancer patients may be, at least in part, a result of the inadequate activity of coagulation inhibitors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of the inhibitors of the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems (tissue factor pathway inhibitor, TFPI; tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 TFPI-2; protein C, PC; protein S, PS, thrombomodulin, TM; plasminogen activators inhibitor, PAI-1) in gliomas of varying degrees of malignancy. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on 40 gliomas, namely on 13 lower-grade (G2) gliomas (8 astrocytomas, 5 oligodendrogliomas) and 27 high-grade gliomas (G3-12 anaplastic astrocytomas, 4 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas; G4-11 glioblastomas). A strong expression of TFPI-2, PS, TM, PAI-1 was observed in lower-grade gliomas, while an intensive color immunohistochemical (IHC) reaction for the presence of TFPI antigens was detected in higher-grade gliomas. The presence of PC antigens was found in all gliomas. Prothrombin fragment 1+2 was observed in lower- and higher-grade gliomas reflecting local activation of blood coagulation. Differences in the expression of coagulation/fibrinolysis inhibitors in the tissues of gliomas with varying degrees of malignancy may be indicative of their altered role in gliomas, going beyond that of their functions in the hemostatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Z. Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Białystok, 12 Ogrodowa St., 15-027 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 12 OgrodowaSt., 15-369 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Marta Mysliwiec
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Białystok, 12 Ogrodowa St., 15-027 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Elwira Matuszewska
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 12 OgrodowaSt., 15-369 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Stanislaw Sulkowski
- Department of General Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 13, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Lech Zimnoch
- Department of Medical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Barbara Politynska
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland; (B.P.); (A.M.W.)
- Robinson College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9AN, UK
| | - Anna M. Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland; (B.P.); (A.M.W.)
| | - Stephanie C. Tucker
- Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Kenneth V. Honn
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Wojtukiewicz MZ, Mysliwiec M, Matuszewska E, Sulkowski S, Zimnoch L, Politynska B, Wojtukiewicz AM, Tucker SC, Honn KV. Heterogeneous Expression of Proangiogenic and Coagulation Proteins in Gliomas of Different Histopathological Grade. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:605017. [PMID: 34257567 PMCID: PMC8262224 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.605017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Brain gliomas are characterized by remarkably intense invasive growth and the ability to create new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is a key process in the progression of these tumors. Coagulation and fibrinolysis factors play a role in promoting angiogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of proangiogenic proteins (VEGF and bFGF) and hemostatic proteins (TF, fibrinogen, fibrin, D-dimers) associated with neoplastic cells and vascular endothelial cells in brain gliomas of various degrees of malignancy. Immunohistochemical tests were performed using the ABC method with the use of mono- and polyclonal antibodies. The obtained results indicated that both neoplastic cells and vascular endothelial cells in gliomas of various degrees of malignancy are characterized by heterogeneous expression of proteins of the hemostatic system and angiogenesis markers. The strongest expression of proangiogenic factors and procoagulant factors was demonstrated in gliomas of higher-grade malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Z Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marta Mysliwiec
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Elwira Matuszewska
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Sulkowski
- Department of General Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Lech Zimnoch
- Department of General Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Politynska
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.,Robinson College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Stephanie C Tucker
- Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.,Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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Wojtukiewicz MZ, Skalij P, Tokajuk P, Politynska B, Wojtukiewicz AM, Tucker SC, Honn KV. Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Cancer Patients. Time for a Change in Paradigm. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051144. [PMID: 32370207 PMCID: PMC7281117 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombosis is a more common occurrence in cancer patients compared to the general population and is one of the main causes of death in these patients. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been the recognized standard treatment for more than a decade, both in cancer-related thrombosis and in its prevention. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a new option for anticoagulation therapy. Recently published results of large randomized clinical trials have confirmed that DOAC may be a reasonable alternative to LMWH in cancer patients. The following review summarizes the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of DOAC in the treatment and prevention of cancer-related thrombosis. It also draws attention to the limitations of this group of drugs, knowledge of which will facilitate the selection of optimal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Z. Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Białystok, 12 Ogrodowa St., 15-027 Białystok, Poland; (P.S.); (P.T.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 12 OgrodowaSt., 15-369 Białystok, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Piotr Skalij
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Białystok, 12 Ogrodowa St., 15-027 Białystok, Poland; (P.S.); (P.T.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 12 OgrodowaSt., 15-369 Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Tokajuk
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Białystok, 12 Ogrodowa St., 15-027 Białystok, Poland; (P.S.); (P.T.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 12 OgrodowaSt., 15-369 Białystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Politynska
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Białystok, 37 Szpitalna St., 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (B.P.); (A.M.W.)
- Robinson College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9AN, UK
| | - Anna M. Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Philosophy and Human Psychology, Medical University of Białystok, 37 Szpitalna St., 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (B.P.); (A.M.W.)
| | - Stephanie C. Tucker
- Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (S.C.T.); (K.V.H.)
| | - Kenneth V. Honn
- Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (S.C.T.); (K.V.H.)
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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