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Heliyon Nov 2023T cells are among the most potent anti-tumor cells that are found in humans. Our study sought to develop a reliable signature incorporating T cell marker genes (TMGs)...
Identification and validation of a novel signature based on T cell marker genes to predict prognosis, immunotherapy response and chemotherapy sensitivity in head and neck squamous carcinoma by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing.
T cells are among the most potent anti-tumor cells that are found in humans. Our study sought to develop a reliable signature incorporating T cell marker genes (TMGs) for predicting the prognosis and therapy responsiveness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. We downloaded scRNA-seq data from the GSE181919 to identify TMGs. Subsequently, we devised a 12 TMG signature in the TCGA HNSCC cohort by using LASSO analysis. Patients with high-risk scores were shown to experience unfavorable progression-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival, which was validated in the GSE65858 cohort. Additionally, the nomogram integrated risk score and clinical features are more suitable for clinical application. The enrichment analyses of both pathways and functions showed that high- and low-risk patients had functionally related distinctions. Furthermore, analysis of the immunological landscape confirmed that the low-risk patients had a larger percentage of infiltrating immune cells as well as a higher incidence rate of immune-related events. In the meantime, a greater IPS score and expression of immune checkpoint genes suggested significantly favorable responsiveness to immunotherapy in low-risk patients. On the other hand, the high-risk patients had a greater degree of sensitivity to the chemotherapy agents, which included paclitaxel, gemcitabine, docetaxel, and cisplatin. Our finding revealed that this TMG signature independently functioned as a prognostic marker and guided individualized immunotherapy and chemotherapy selection for patients with HNSCC.
PubMed: 37954266
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21381 -
Esophagus : Official Journal of the... Jul 2024Chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel is the standard perioperative treatment for resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma and...
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel is the standard perioperative treatment for resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (EGJ-AC) in Western countries. Meanwhile, preoperative chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) has been developed for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Japan. However, there are few reports on the safety and efficacy of preoperative DCF for resectable EGJ-AC in the Japanese population.
METHODS
Patients with histologically confirmed resectable EGJ-AC who received preoperative DCF (docetaxel 70 mg/m and cisplatin 70 mg/m on day 1 and continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m/day on days 1-5 every 3 weeks with a maximum of three cycles) between January 2015 and April 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. We assessed the rates of completion of ≥ 2 courses of DCF and R0 resection, histopathological response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events.
RESULTS
Thirty-two patients were included. Median follow-up was 28.7 (range, 5.2-70.8) months and median age was 63 (range, 42-80) years. Twenty-one patients (66%) had a performance status of 0. The proportions of clinical stage IIA/IIB/III/IVA/IVB disease were 3%/0%/44%/44%/9%, respectively. The treatment completion rate was 84%. A histopathological response of grade 1a/1b/2/3 was obtained in 58%/26%/13%/3% of cases. Median PFS was 40.7 months (95% confidence interval 11.8-NA). Median OS was not reached (80.8% at 3 years). Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 63% of cases (neutropenia, 44%; febrile neutropenia, 13%). No treatment-related deaths occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative DCF for resectable EGJ-AC was well tolerated and has promising efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Esophageal Neoplasms; Male; Esophagogastric Junction; Middle Aged; Aged; Fluorouracil; Female; Docetaxel; Cisplatin; Adenocarcinoma; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Japan; Esophagectomy; Treatment Outcome; Stomach Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy
PubMed: 38467986
DOI: 10.1007/s10388-024-01050-2 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) has been primarily studied in the cardiovascular field however, its role in cancer pathophysiology remains incompletely...
INTRODUCTION
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) has been primarily studied in the cardiovascular field however, its role in cancer pathophysiology remains incompletely defined. Recently, a pivotal role for PCSK9 in cancer immunotherapy was proposed based on the finding that PCSK9 inhibition was associated with enhancing the antigen presentation efficacy of target programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Herein, we provide results of a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of PCSK9 that assessed its prognostic and immunological functions in cancer.
METHODS
Using a variety of available online cancer-related databases including TIMER, cBioPortal, and GEPIA, we identified the abnormal expression of and its potential clinical associations in diverse cancer types including liver, brain and lung. We also validated its role in progression-free survival (PFS) and immune infiltration in neuroblastoma.
RESULTS
Overall, the pan-cancer survival analysis revealed an association between dysregulated PCSK9 and poor clinical outcomes in various cancer types. Specifically, PCSK9 was extensively genetically altered across most cancer types and was consistently found in different tumor types and substages when compared with adjacent normal tissues. Thus, aberrant DNA methylation may be responsible for PCSK9 expression in many cancer types. Focusing on liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), we found that PCSK9 expression correlated with clinicopathological characteristics following stratified prognostic analyses. PCSK9 expression was significantly associated with immune infiltrate since specific markers of CD8+ T cells, macrophage polarization, and exhausted T cells exhibited different PCSK9-related immune infiltration patterns in LIHC and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, PCSK9 was connected with resistance of drugs such as erlotinib and docetaxel. Finally, we validated PCSK9 expression in clinical neuroblastoma samples and concluded that PCSK9 appeared to correlate with a poor PFS and natural killer cell infiltration in neuroblastoma patients.
CONCLUSION
could serve as a robust prognostic pan-cancer biomarker given its correlation with immune infiltrates in different cancer types, thus potentially highlighting a new direction for targeted clinical therapy of cancers.
PubMed: 37860186
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1134063 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Nov 2023It is possible to induce immunomodulation in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) by modifying the route of administration of trastuzumab. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized, open-label, phase II, biomarker study of immune-mediated mechanism of action of neoadjuvant subcutaneous trastuzumab in patients with locally advanced, inflammatory, or early HER2-positive breast cancer-Immun-HER trial (GOIRC-01-2016).
BACKGROUND
It is possible to induce immunomodulation in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) by modifying the route of administration of trastuzumab.
METHODS
In this multicenter randomized phase II trial, all enrolled patients (pts) with T2-T4d HER2-positive BC received 3 cycles of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) with fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks (q21), followed by docetaxel/pertuzumab plus intravenous trastuzumab (arm A) or, docetaxel/pertuzumab plus subcutaneous (SC) trastuzumab (arm B) q21x4 cycles. After surgical operation, each pt was treated with trastuzumab q21x14 cycles using the same SC or intravenous formulation of NAT. Primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with high stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) in postneoadjuvant residual disease (RD).
RESULTS
Sixty-three pts (31 (arm A) and 32 (arm B)) were enrolled. Pathological complete response was obtained by 20/31 pts (64.5%; 95% CI 45.4% to 80.1%) in arm A and 19/32 pts (59.4%; 95% CI 40.1% to 76.3%) in arm B. High sTILs were observed in 27% and 46% of postneoadjuvant residual tumors in arms A and B, respectively. CD8+ T cells increased significantly in RDs of both arms (p=0.014 and 0.002 for arm A and B, respectively), whereas a significant decline in the level of CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells was observed only in arm B (p=0.016). A significant upregulation of PD-1 on sTILs was found in RD of pts enrolled in arm B (p=0.012), while programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was significantly overexpressed in residual tumors of arm A (p=0.02). A strong negative correlation was reported in arm B between expression of PD-L1 on pretreatment sTILs and CD3 expression on sTILs in RD (τ: -0.73). Grade≥3 AE incidence rates were similar between the two arms.
CONCLUSIONS
SC trastuzumab induced relevant sTILs enrichment, with favorable variations of immune parameters in HER2-positive BC pts with RD after NAT. Novel immunotherapy strategies should be tested to achieve SC-specific, antitumor immune response.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT03144947, and EudraCT number: 2016-000435-41.
Topics: Humans; Female; Trastuzumab; Breast Neoplasms; B7-H1 Antigen; Docetaxel; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm, Residual; Receptor, ErbB-2; Treatment Outcome; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
PubMed: 38016718
DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007667 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) presents significant treatment selection challenges due to limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to...
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) presents significant treatment selection challenges due to limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy of multiple treatment regimens for mCRPC through a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematically comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The network meta-analysis was employed to compare the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) among different interventions at specific time points. This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023422823). A total of 29 RCTs, involving 12,706 patients and investigating 16 interventions, were included in the analysis. Chempretarget ((capivasertib or cabozantinib) + docetaxel + prednisone)) and PARP (Olaparib or rucaparib) inhibitors emerged as interventions that significantly improved survival outcomes compared to first-line treatment in mCRPC patients. Chempretarget demonstrated superior overall survival starting from the 12th month, while PARP inhibitors showed a clear advantage in progression-free survival within the 3-18 months range. Notably, chempre ((Docetaxel or Cabazitaxel) + prednisone) exhibited favorable performance in radiographic progression-free survival during the 3-18 month period. Our findings underscore the efficacy of chempretarget, PARP inhibitors, and chempre in enhancing survival outcomes for mCRPC patients. Further head-to-head comparisons are warranted to validate these results. These findings carry important implications for treatment decision-making in mCRPC and may guide the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
PubMed: 38074136
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1290990 -
Discover Oncology Nov 2023To investigate the influence of β-arrestin2 on the docetaxel resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
PURPOSE
To investigate the influence of β-arrestin2 on the docetaxel resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS
PC3 and DU145 cells with stable β-arrestin2 overexpression and C4-2 cells with stable β-arrestin2 knockdown, were constructed via using lentivirus and puromycin selection. MTT and colony formation assays were carried out to investigate the effect of β-arrestin2 expression on the docetaxel resistance of CRPC cells. Glycolysis analysis was used to assess the glycolytic capacity modulated by β-arrestin2. GO enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis and Spearman correlation test were carried out to explore the potential biological function and mechanism via using public data from GEO and TCGA. The expressions of PKM2, Phospho-PKM2, Phospho-ERK1/2 and hnRNP A1 were detected by western blot. Functional blocking experiments were carried out to confirm the roles of PKM2 and hnRNP A1 in the regulation of β-arrestin2's biological functions via silencing PKM2 or hnRNP A1 expression in cells with stable β-arrestin2 overexpression. Finally, nude mice xenograft models were established to confirm the experimental results of cell experiments.
RESULTS
β-Arrestin2 significantly decreased the sensitivity of CRPC cells to docetaxel stimulation, through enhancing the phosphorylation and expression of PKM2. Additionally, β-arrestin2 increased PKM2 phosphorylation via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and induced PKM2 expression in a post-transcriptional manner through an hnRNP A1-dependent PKM alternative splicing mechanism, rather than by inhibiting its ubiquitination degradation.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that the β-arrestin2/hnRNP A1/PKM2 pathway could be a promising target for treating docetaxel-resistant CRPC.
PubMed: 38019357
DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00740-0 -
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences Sep 2023Autophagy is a conservative mechanism for cell survival as the main response of cells to stress conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effect of docetaxel on...
BACKGROUND
Autophagy is a conservative mechanism for cell survival as the main response of cells to stress conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effect of docetaxel on the survival, fertilization, and expression of autophagy-related genes in vitrified oocytes.
METHODS
The study was conducted in 2018 at the Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran). Denuded oocytes were randomly selected and assigned to five groups, namely control (n=133), docetaxel (n=136), docetaxel+cryoprotectants (n=146), docetaxel+vitrification (n=138), and vitrification (n=145). The effect of vitrification on the expression of autophagy-related gene 5 () and was determined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26.0) and GraphPad Prism 9.
RESULTS
Survival and fertilization rates in each experimental group were significantly reduced compared to the control group (P=0.001). After fertilization of oocytes, the 2-cell formation rate was significantly reduced in the docetaxel+vitrification and vitrification groups compared to the control and docetaxel groups (P=0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). Pre-incubation of oocytes with docetaxel reduced gene expression levels of and in the docetaxel+cryoprotectants and docetaxel+vitrification groups (P=0.001 and P=0.019, respectively). The expression level of these genes was also reduced in the docetaxel group compared to the control group (P=0.001).
CONCLUSION
Incubation of mouse metaphase II oocytes with docetaxel prior to vitrification reduced the expression of autophagy-related genes and increased survival and fertilization rates compared to untreated oocytes.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Vitrification; Docetaxel; Cryopreservation; Metaphase; Beclin-1; Oocytes; Cryoprotective Agents; Autophagy
PubMed: 37786462
DOI: 10.30476/IJMS.2023.88390.2811 -
Cancers Jan 2024Surgery, anticancer drugs (chemotherapy, hormonal medicines, and targeted treatments), and/or radiation are common treatment strategies for neoplastic diseases.... (Review)
Review
Surgery, anticancer drugs (chemotherapy, hormonal medicines, and targeted treatments), and/or radiation are common treatment strategies for neoplastic diseases. Anticancer drugs eliminate malignant cells through the inhibition of specific pathways that contribute to the formation and development of cancer. Given the ability of such pharmacological medications to combat cancerous cells, their role in the management of neoplastic diseases has become essential. However, these drugs may also lead to undesirable systemic and ocular adverse effects due to cyto/neuro-toxicity and inflammatory reactions. Ocular surface side effects are recognized to significantly impact patient's quality of life and quality of vision. Blepharoconjunctivitis is known to be a common side effect caused by oxaliplatin, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, and docetaxel, while anastrozole, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil can all determine dry eye disease. However, the potential processes involved in the development of these alterations are yet not fully understood, especially for novel drugs currently available for cancer treatment. This review aims at analyzing the potential ocular surface and adnexal side effects of novel anticancer medications, trying to provide a better understanding of the underlying pharmacological processes and useful insights on the choice of proper management.
PubMed: 38254833
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020344 -
Cancer Cell International Sep 2023Docetaxel (DTX) resistance reduces therapeutic efficacy in prostate cancer (PCa). Accumulating reports support the role of phytochemicals in the reversal of DTX...
BACKGROUND
Docetaxel (DTX) resistance reduces therapeutic efficacy in prostate cancer (PCa). Accumulating reports support the role of phytochemicals in the reversal of DTX resistance. This study aimed to determine whether Epimedium brevicornu and Curcuma zedoaria extracts (ECe), specially icariin-curcumol, attenuates DTX resistance and explore their potential mechanisms.
METHODS
Regulatory pathways were predicted between ECe active ingredients and PCa using network pharmacology. DTX-resistant cell LNCaP/R were established based on DTX-sensitive LNCaP, and xenograft models were further established. Active ingredients in ECe by HLPC-MS were identified. The binding of icariin and curcumol to the target was analyzed by molecular docking. Biochemical experiments were applied to determine the possible mechanisms by which Icariin-Curcumol regulates DTX sensitivity.
RESULTS
Akt1 and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were predicted as the primary functional target between drug and PCa. ECe and DTX inhibited xenograft tumor growth, inflammation, cell viability and promoted apoptosis. Icariin and curcumol were detected in ECe, and icariin and curcumol docked with Akt1. ECe, Icariin-Curcumol and DTX downregulated AR, PSA, PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, and HIF-1ɑ. Moreover, ECe, Icariin-Curcumol and DTX increased glucose and PDH, decreased lactic acid, ATP and LDH, and downregulated c-Myc, hnRNPs, VEGF, PFK1, and PKM2. Notably, the anti-PCa effect of DTX was attenuated compared to ECe or Icariin-Curcumol in the LNCaP/R model. The combined effect of Icariin-Curcumol and DTX was superior to that of DTX.
CONCLUSION
Our data support that Icariin-Curcumol reverses DTX resistance by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt signaling and the Warburg effect, providing new ideas for improving therapeutic measures for PCa.
PubMed: 37660001
DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03042-1 -
British Journal of Cancer May 2024To explore the anti-tumour activity of combining AKT inhibition and docetaxel in PTEN protein null and WT prostate tumours.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
To explore the anti-tumour activity of combining AKT inhibition and docetaxel in PTEN protein null and WT prostate tumours.
METHODS
Mechanisms associated with docetaxel capivasertib treatment activity in prostate cancer were examined using a panel of in vivo tumour models and cell lines.
RESULTS
Combining docetaxel and capivasertib had increased activity in PTEN null and WT prostate tumour models in vivo. In vitro short-term docetaxel treatment caused cell cycle arrest in the majority of cells. However, a sub-population of docetaxel-persister cells did not undergo G2/M arrest but upregulated phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT pathway effectors GSK3β, p70S6K, 4E-BP1, but to a lesser extent AKT. In vivo acute docetaxel treatment induced p70S6K and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. Treating PTEN null and WT docetaxel-persister cells with capivasertib reduced PI3K/AKT pathway activation and cell cycle progression. In vitro and in vivo it reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis or DNA damage though effects were more marked in PTEN null cells. Docetaxel-persister cells were partly reliant on GSK3β as a GSK3β inhibitor AZD2858 reversed capivasertib-induced apoptosis and DNA damage.
CONCLUSION
Capivasertib can enhance anti-tumour effects of docetaxel by targeting residual docetaxel-persister cells, independent of PTEN status, to induce apoptosis and DNA damage in part through GSK3β.
Topics: Male; Humans; Docetaxel; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 70-kDa; Signal Transduction; Apoptosis; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; Cell Line, Tumor; G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Prostatic Neoplasms; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles
PubMed: 38396173
DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02614-w