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Cancer Causes & Control : CCC Feb 2024African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality of all racial groups in the USA, which may relate to differences in healthcare access or advanced...
PURPOSE
African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality of all racial groups in the USA, which may relate to differences in healthcare access or advanced stage at diagnosis. Recent evidence indicates that differences in tumor characteristics may also underlie disparities in mortality. To highlight recent findings and areas for investigation, we completed the first systematic review of racial disparities in CRC tumor prognostic markers, including clinicopathological markers, microsatellite instability (MSI), oncogene mutations, and novel markers, including cancer stem cells and immune markers.
METHODS
Relevant studies were identified via PubMed, limited to original research published within the last 10 years. Ninety-six articles were identified that compared the prevalence of mortality-related CRC tumor characteristics in African Americans (or other African ancestry populations) to White cases.
RESULTS
Tumors from African ancestry cases are approximately 10% more likely to contain mutations in KRAS, which confer elevated mortality and resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition. Conversely, African Americans have approximately 50% lower odds for BRAF-mutant tumors, which occur less frequently but have similar effects on mortality and therapeutic resistance. There is less consistent evidence supporting disparities in mutations for other oncogenes, including PIK3CA, TP53, APC, NRAS, HER2, and PTEN, although higher rates of PIK3CA mutations and lower prevalence of MSI status for African ancestry cases are supported by recent evidence. Although emerging evidence suggests that immune markers reflecting anti-tumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment may be lower for African American cases, there is insufficient evidence to evaluate disparities in other novel markers, cancer stem cells, microRNAs, and the consensus molecular subtypes.
CONCLUSION
Higher rates of KRAS-mutant tumors in in African Americans may contribute to disparities in CRC mortality. Additional work is required to understand whether emerging markers, including immune cells, underlie the elevated CRC mortality observed for African Americans.
Topics: Humans; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Racial Groups; Colorectal Neoplasms; Mutation; Microsatellite Instability; Biomarkers; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37688643
DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01783-y -
Malaria Journal Jan 2022The usefulness of histidine-rich protein-2/3 (HRP2/3)-based rapid diagnostic tests of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum has been threatened by the appearance of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The usefulness of histidine-rich protein-2/3 (HRP2/3)-based rapid diagnostic tests of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum has been threatened by the appearance of mutant PfHRP2/3 genes. This study was undertaken to determine the global pooled estimates of PfHRP2/3gene deletions.
METHODS
Relevant publications were identified from electronic databases such as; PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE online. Besides, all the relevant literatures were retrieved through Google and Google Scholar. STATA software was used for data analysis. The pooled estimates were calculated using random effect model. The summary estimates were presented using forest plots and tables.
RESULTS
A total of 27 studies were included in the systematic review. However, only 24 and 17 studies were included for PfHRP2 and 3 gene deletion meta-analysis, respectively. The prevalence of PfHRP2 gene deletion across the individual studies ranged from the highest 100% to the lowest 0%. However, the meta-analysis result showed that the global pooled prevalence of PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 gene deletions were 21.30% and 34.50%, respectively. The pooled proportion of PfHRP2 gene deletion among false negative PfHRP2-based RDTs results was found to be 41.10%. The gene deletion status was higher in South America and followed by Africa. The pooled estimate of PfHRP2 gene deletion among studies, which did not follow the WHO PfHRP2/3 gene deletion analysis protocol was higher than their counter parts (21.3% vs 10.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
This review showed that there is a high pooled prevalence of PfHRP2/3 gene deletions in Plasmodium falciparum confirmed isolates and also a high proportion of their deletions among false-negative malaria cases using PfHRP2-based RDT results. Hence, malaria diagnosis based on PfHRP2-based rapid tests seems to be less sensitive and warrants further evaluation of PfHRP2/3 gene deletions.
Topics: Antigens, Protozoan; Gene Deletion; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Prevalence; Protozoan Proteins
PubMed: 35093092
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04051-7 -
Asian Journal of Andrology 2020Fusion between the transmembrane protease serine 2 and v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (TMPRSS2-ERG fusion) is a common genetic alteration in prostate...
Fusion between the transmembrane protease serine 2 and v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (TMPRSS2-ERG fusion) is a common genetic alteration in prostate cancer among Western populations and has been suggested as playing a role in tumorigenesis and progression of prostate cancer. However, the prevalence of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion differs among different ethnic groups, and contradictory results have been reported in Asian patients. We aim to evaluate the prevalence and significance of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion as a molecular subtyping and prognosis indicator of prostate cancer in Asians. We identified the fusion status in 669 samples from prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or immunohistochemistry in China. We examined the association of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion with clinicopathological characteristics and biochemical recurrence by Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Finally, a systematic review was performed to investigate the positive rate of the fusion in Asian prostate cancer patients. McNemar's test was employed to compare the positive rates of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion detected using different methods. The positive rates of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion were 16% in our samples and 27% in Asian patients. In our samples, 9.4% and 19.3% of cases were recognized as fusion positive by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. No significant association between the fusion and clinical parameters was observed. TMPRSS2-ERG fusion is not a frequent genomic alteration among Asian prostate cancer patients and has limited significance in clinical practices in China. Besides ethnic difference, detection methods potentially influence the results showing a positive rate of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion.
Topics: Aged; China; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oncogene Fusion; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; Prostatic Neoplasms; Serine Endopeptidases; Transcriptional Regulator ERG
PubMed: 31210145
DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_45_19 -
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London,... Apr 2023Ameloblastoma in 66% of the cases harbor a somatic mutation of the "mitogen-activated protein kinase" signaling pathway (BRAF V600E). In V600E mutations, BRAF is in the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ameloblastoma in 66% of the cases harbor a somatic mutation of the "mitogen-activated protein kinase" signaling pathway (BRAF V600E). In V600E mutations, BRAF is in the permanent "on" state and relays the growth-promoting signals independently of the EGFR pathway. Therefore, mutant BRAF represents a target for handful of new drugs.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search, with the search terms "Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib, Ameloblastoma, and BRAF." These included seven case reports with nine patients who underwent monotherapy with Dabrafenib or Vemurafenib or combination therapy with Dabrafenib and Trametinib.
RESULTS
The patients age ranges from 10 years up to 86 years. The distribution of women and men is 4:5. Patients with an initial diagnosis of ameloblastoma, as well as recurrences or metastasized ameloblastoma were treated. Indications cover neoadjuvant therapy up to the use in metastasized patients in an irresectable state. Results ranging from "only" tumor size reduction to restitutio ad integrum.
CONCLUSION
We see the use of BRAF Inhibitors to reduce tumor size with consecutive surgical treatment as a reasonable option for therapy. However, we are aware that at present the data are based only on case reports with the longest follow-up of just 38 months. We encourage further clinical trials in the use of BRAF Inhibitors for selecting ameloblastoma patients in a multi-center setting.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Child; Vemurafenib; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Ameloblastoma; Imidazoles; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Mutation; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
PubMed: 37115331
DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-01993-z -
Current Osteoporosis Reports Apr 2021Atypical femur fractures (AFFs) are rare subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures regarded as side effects of bisphosphonates (BPs), possibly with a genetic background....
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Atypical femur fractures (AFFs) are rare subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures regarded as side effects of bisphosphonates (BPs), possibly with a genetic background. Here, we summarize the most recent knowledge about genetics of AFFs.
RECENT FINDINGS
AFF has been reported in 57 patients with seven different monogenic bone disorders including hypophosphatasia and osteogenesis imperfecta; 56.1% had never used BPs, while 17.5% were diagnosed with the disorder only after the AFF. Gene mutation finding in familial and sporadic cases identified possible AFF-related variants in the GGPS1 and ATRAID genes respectively. Functional follow-up studies of mutant proteins showed possible roles in AFF. A recent small genome-wide association study on 51 AFF cases did not identify significant hits associated with AFF. Recent findings have strengthened the hypothesis that AFFs have underlying genetic components but more studies are needed in AFF families and larger cohorts of sporadic cases to confirm previous results and/or find novel gene variants involved in the pathogenesis of AFFs.
Topics: Bone Density Conservation Agents; Bone Diseases; Dimethylallyltranstransferase; Farnesyltranstransferase; Femoral Fractures; Genome-Wide Association Study; Geranyltranstransferase; Humans; Membrane Transport Proteins; Mutation
PubMed: 33587247
DOI: 10.1007/s11914-021-00658-y -
Cancer Treatment and Research... 2020KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma) is the most common oncogenic mutation detected in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of KRAS as either a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma) is the most common oncogenic mutation detected in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of KRAS as either a prognostic factor or predictive factor (modifier of treatment effects) in NSCLC is not well established at this time. This systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis synthesized the available evidence regarding the role of KRAS mutation as a predictive factor and/or prognostic factor of survival and response outcomes in patients with advanced/metastatic (stage IIIB-IV) NSCLC. Relevant clinical trials and observational studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Meta-analyses were performed using data extracted from multivariable and univariable analyses from clinical studies to assess the empirical evidence of KRAS mutation status as a prognostic or/and predicitive factor. 43 selected studies were identified by the SLR and included in this meta-analysis. Pairwise meta-analyses of hazard ratios (HRs) reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not demonstrate a significant prognostic effect of mutant KRAS on overall survival (OS) (HR=1.10; 95% CI [0.88, 1.38]) or progression free survival (PFS) (HR=1.03; 95% CI [0.80, 1.33]). However, when conducting meta-analyses on HRs reported in observational studies, a statistically significant negative prognostic effect of mutant KRAS was observed (OS HR=1.71; 95% CI [1.07, 2.84]; PFS HR=1.18; 95% CI [1.02, 1.36]). Meta-analyses of objective response rate (ORR) in RCTs demonstrated a negative prognostic effect of mutant KRAS (RR=0.38; 95% CI [0.16, 0.63]). Limited data were available to evaluate the role of KRAS mutation as a predictive factor. In conclusion, this research offers evidence that KRAS mutation may be a negative prognostic factor for survival and response outcomes in patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC, but further research is needed to address conflicting results on the importance of KRAS mutations as a predictive factor.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; DNA Mutational Analysis; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mutation; Neoplasm Staging; Observational Studies as Topic; Prognosis; Progression-Free Survival; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 32750661
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2020.100200 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Apr 2023H. pylori are generally considered as extracellular organisms, with exclusive colonization of the gastric milieu. Yet, several extra gastric manifestations are...
BACKGROUND
H. pylori are generally considered as extracellular organisms, with exclusive colonization of the gastric milieu. Yet, several extra gastric manifestations are associated with this infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of toxin transfer by extracellular vesicles, from bacterial and epithelial origins.
METHODS
Tox-positive H. pylori and its two cagA and vacA mutant strains were used to produce bacterial vesicles (BVs) and to infect AGS cells. The produced BVs and the infected cell vesicles (ICVs) were collected by ultracentrifugation and evaluated by western blotting, DLS and electron microscopy. These two sets of vesicles were applied to a second set of recipient AGS cells, in which the acellular transfer of toxins, IL-8 production and downstream morphologic changes were assessed, by western blotting, ELISA and light microscopy, respectively.
RESULTS
The BVs were positive for H. pylori membrane markers (BabA and UreB), VacA and CagA toxins, except for from the corresponding mutant strains. The ICVs were larger in size and positive for bacterial markers, as well as epithelial markers of CD9, LGR5, but negative for nuclear (Ki76) or cytoplasmic (β-actin) markers. Bacteria-independent transfer of CagA and VacA into the recipient cells occurred upon treatment of cells with BVs and ICVs, followed by cellular vacuolation and elongation. IL-8 production was induced in recipient AGS cells, treated with BVs (1279.4 ± 19.79 pg/10 cells), early (8 h, 1171.4 ± 11.31 pg/10 cells) and late (48 h, 965.4 ± 36.77 pg/10 cells) ICVs (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Our data indicates that ICVs, with mixed bacterial and epithelial constituents, similar to BVs, are capable of transferring bacterial toxins into the recipient cells, inducing IL-8 production and subsequent morphologic changes, in an acellular manner.
Topics: Humans; Antigens, Bacterial; Bacterial Proteins; Helicobacter pylori; Interleukin-8; Extracellular Vesicles; Helicobacter Infections
PubMed: 36758823
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106024 -
Neuro-oncology Apr 2022Detailed prevalence estimates of BRAFV600 mutations and BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment responses in V600-mutant glioma will inform trial development.
BACKGROUND
Detailed prevalence estimates of BRAFV600 mutations and BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment responses in V600-mutant glioma will inform trial development.
METHODS
Our systematic review analyzed overall prevalence of BRAFV600 mutations in glioma and BRAFi treatment response.
RESULTS
Based on 13 682 patients in 182 publications, the prevalence of BRAFV600 in epithelioid glioblastoma (eGBM) was 69% [95% CI: 45-89%]; pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA): 56% [48-64%] anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (aPXA): 38% [23-54%], ganglioglioma (GG): 40% [33-46%], and anaplastic ganglioglioma (aGG): 46% [18-76%]. Prevalence in astroblastoma was 24% [8-43%], desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma (DIA): 16% [0-57%], subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA): 8% [0-37%], dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET): 3% [0-11%], diffuse astrocytoma (DA): 3% [0-9%], and pilocytic astrocytoma (PA): 3% [2-5%]. We reviewed 394 V600-mutant gliomas treated with BRAFi from 130 publications. One hundred and twenty-nine pediatric low-grade gliomas showed 4 (3.1%) complete response (CR); 53 (41.1%) partial response (PR); 64 (49.6%) stable disease (SD) and 8 (6.2%) progressive disease (PD). 25 pediatric high-grade gliomas showed CR; PR; SD; PD in 4 (16.0%); 10 (40.0%), 4 (16.0%); and 7 (28.0%) respectively. Thirty-nine adult low-grade gliomas showed CR; PR; SD; PD of 4 (10.3%); 17 (43.6%); 16 (41.0%) and 2 (5.1%) respectively. Ninety-seven adult high-grade gliomas showed CR; PR; SD; PD of 6 (6.2%); 31 (32.0%); 27 (27.8%); and 33 (34.0%) respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
BRAFV600 prevalence is highest in eGBM, PXA, aPXA, GG, aGG, and lower in astroblastoma, DIA, SEGA, DNET, DA, and PA. Our data provide the rationale for adjuvant clinical trials of BRAFi in V600-mutant glioma.
Topics: Adult; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Child; Glioma; Humans; Mutation; Prevalence; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
PubMed: 34718782
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab247 -
Future Oncology (London, England) Feb 2020To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis feasibility of clinical, quality of life and economic evidence for neurotrophic tropomyosin-related receptor tyrosine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis feasibility of clinical, quality of life and economic evidence for neurotrophic tropomyosin-related receptor tyrosine kinases () inhibitors in patients with gene fusion-positive tumors. Databases were searched for studies on inhibitors in adult and pediatric patients. 27 publications reported clinical data for seven interventions. Efficacy/safety data were available for two interventions only. Four trials each reported data for larotrectinib and entrectinib with pooled analyses reporting objective response rates of 75% (95% CI: 61-85) and 57.4% (43.2-70.8), respectively. No publications reported economic or quality of life evidence. Preliminary data demonstrate that inhibitors are well tolerated and show impressive clinical benefit; corroboration of existing studies and real-world data are required.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Disease Management; Humans; Neoplasms; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Tropomyosin
PubMed: 31942815
DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0534 -
Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia Jul 2021Studies have recently shown that RHOA mutations play a crucial role in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) pathogenesis. We aimed to pool data from these studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Studies have recently shown that RHOA mutations play a crucial role in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) pathogenesis. We aimed to pool data from these studies to provide a comparison of clinicopathological features between the RHOA mutant and RHOA wild-type groups in the AITL population.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Web of Science for the keywords "RHOA AND lymphoma" and selected only studies reporting the clinical significance of RHOA mutations in AITL. We calculated the odds ratios (OR) or the mean difference with 95% CI using a random effect model.
RESULTS
Our pooled results showed a significant association between RHOA mutations and a T-follicular helper cell (TFH) phenotype, especially CD10 (OR, 5.16; 95% CI, 2.32-11.46), IDH2 mutations (OR, 10.70; 95% CI, 4.22-27.15), and TET2 mutations (OR, 7.03; 95% CI, 2.14-23.12). Although DNMT3A together with TET2 and IDH2 mutations are epigenetic gene alterations, we found an insignificant association between RHOA and DNMT3A mutations (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.73-4.05). No significant associations of RHOA mutations with other clinicopathological features and overall survival were found.
CONCLUSIONS
RHOA mutations are strongly correlated with a T-follicular helper cell phenotype and epigenetic mutations such as TET2 and IDH2. Further studies with large AITL samples should be conducted to validate the relationship of TET2, DNMT3A, and RHOA co-mutations.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; DNA Methyltransferase 3A; DNA-Binding Proteins; Dioxygenases; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Immunoblastic Lymphadenopathy; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Lymphoma, T-Cell; Mutation; T Follicular Helper Cells; rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
PubMed: 33849798
DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.03.002