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Cancer Treatment and Research... Jun 2024Recently, some evidence emphasized the value of MSH2 and MSH6 inactivation and their hypermutation in predicting different cancers. The present consideration is to...
BACKGROUND
Recently, some evidence emphasized the value of MSH2 and MSH6 inactivation and their hypermutation in predicting different cancers. The present consideration is to evaluate the value of MSH2 and MSH6 protein deficient studied by the immunohistochemistry (IHC) method and the tumor behaviors and aggressiveness in prostatic carcinoma.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was performed on 80 examples extricated from patients who endured prostate cancer and were planned for radical prostatectomy surgery. The expression levels of the genes were studied by IHC staining.
RESULTS
The deficiency in MSH2 and MSH6 expression was revealed in 10.0 % and 11.3 % of patients respectively, while the reduction of simultaneous expression in two genes was found in 6.2 % of patients. In the two subgroups with and without MSH2 and/or MSH6 staining, there was no difference in patients' mean age and history of prostate cancer. There was also no difference in tumor-related behaviors including combined Gleason grade group, tumor stage, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, and prostatic capsular invasion between the groups with and without gene loss.
CONCLUSION
The evaluation of the deficient rate of two genes among patients with prostate cancer to predict the tumor grade and its aggressive behavior needs further study in every population.
PubMed: 38870667
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100826 -
Translational Andrology and Urology May 2024Small cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer (SCNC) is a rare aggressive type of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) characterized by aggressive clinical course and lack...
BACKGROUND
Small cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer (SCNC) is a rare aggressive type of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) characterized by aggressive clinical course and lack of response to hormone therapy.
CASE DESCRIPTION
We present a case report of a 60-year-old man diagnosed with a histologically confirmed primary metastatic (bone, lymph nodes and visceral) SCNC with small components of an adenocarcinoma with clinical symptoms mimicking an acute prostatitis. Of note, serum based neuroendocrine markers (carcinoembryonic antigen, chromogranin A) were negative and the patient had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) elevation. Genetic testing of tumor tissue revealed breast cancer gene 2 () copy number loss and a retinoblastoma gene () mutation reflecting again the aggressiveness of the disease. Germline testing for the copy number loss was unremarkable. After 6 cycles of carboplatin and etoposide in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status has improved from 3 to 0, in addition the patient was free of pain. In line with clinical improvement, both prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) revealed a significant reduction of metastatic load. Currently, the patient is treated with ADT plus apalutamide.
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate for the first time a case of a primary metastatic SCNC with adenocarcinoma components successfully treated by the combination of platinum-based chemotherapy plus hormonal therapy. In addition, we provide a literature overview on management of SCNC as there is no standard treatment established for this disease.
PubMed: 38855597
DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-541 -
Translational Andrology and Urology May 2024
PubMed: 38855591
DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-674 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Urothelial Bladder Cancer (BC) is the ninth most common cancer worldwide. It is classified into Non Muscle Invasive (NMIBC) and Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC),...
INTRODUCTION
Urothelial Bladder Cancer (BC) is the ninth most common cancer worldwide. It is classified into Non Muscle Invasive (NMIBC) and Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC), which are characterized by frequent recurrences and progression rate, respectively. The diagnosis and monitoring are obtained through invasive methods as cystoscopy and post-surgery biopsies. Thus, a panel of biomarkers able to discriminate BC based on grading or staging represents a significant step forward in the patients' workup. In this perspective, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerged as reliable candidates as potential biomarker given their specific and regulated expression. In the present work we propose two lncRNAs, the Small Ubiquitin Modifier 1 pseudogene 3 (SUMO1P3), a poorly characterized pseudogene, and the Urothelial Carcinoma Associated 1 (UCA1) as candidates to monitor the BC progression.
METHODS
This study was a retrospective trial enrolling NMIBC and MIBC patients undergoing surgical intervention: the expression of the lncRNA SUMO1P3 and UCA1 was evaluated in urine from 113 subjects (cases and controls). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the performance of single or combined biomarkers in discriminating cases from controls.
RESULTS
SUMO1P3 and UCA1 expression in urine was able to significantly discriminate low grade NMIBC, healthy control and benign prostatic hyperplasia subjects versus high grade NMIBC and MIBC patients. We also demonstrated that miR-320a, which binds SUMO1P3, was reduced in high grade NMIBC and MIBC patients and the SUMO1P3/miR-320a ratio was used to differentiate cases versus controls, showing a statistically significant power. Finally, we provided an automated method of RNA extraction coupled to ddPCR analysis in a perspective of clinical application.
DISCUSSION
We have shown that the lncRNA SUMO1P3 is increased in urine from patients with high grade NMIBC and MIBC and that it is likely to be good candidate to predict bladder cancer progression if used alone or in combination with UCA1 or with miRNA320a.
PubMed: 38846969
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1325157 -
Journal of Cancer Immunology 2024The role of the microbiome in the development and treatment of genitourinary malignancies is just starting to be appreciated. Accumulating evidence suggests that the...
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE
The role of the microbiome in the development and treatment of genitourinary malignancies is just starting to be appreciated. Accumulating evidence suggests that the microbiome can modulate immunotherapy through signaling in the highly dynamic tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, much is still unknown about the immuno-oncology-microbiome axis, especially in urologic oncology. The objective of this review is to synthesize our current understanding of the microbiome's role in modulating and predicting immunotherapy response to genitourinary malignancies.
METHODS
A literature search for peer-reviewed publications about the microbiome and immunotherapy response in bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer was conducted. All research available in PubMed, Google Scholar, clinicaltrials.gov, and bioRxiv up to September 2023 was analyzed.
RESULTS
Significant differences in urinary microbiota composition have been found in patients with genitourinary cancers compared to healthy controls. Lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as and genera, may have value in augmenting BCG responsiveness to bladder cancer. BCG may also be a dynamic regulator of PD-L1. Thus, the combination of BCG and immune checkpoint inhibitors may be an effective strategy for bladder cancer management. In advanced renal cell carcinoma, studies show that recent antibiotic administration negatively impacts survival outcomes in patients undergoing immunotherapy, while administration of CBM588, a live bacterial product, is associated with improved progression-free survival. Specific bacterial taxa, such as , have been linked with response to pembrolizumab in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Fecal microbiota transplant has been shown to overcome resistance and reduce toxicity to immunotherapy; it is currently being investigated for both kidney and prostate cancers.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the exact mechanism is unclear, several studies identify a symbiotic relationship between microbiota-centered interventions and immunotherapy efficacy. It is possible to improve immunotherapy responsiveness in genitourinary malignancies using the microbiome, but further research with more standardized methodology is warranted.
PubMed: 38846356
DOI: 10.33696/cancerimmunol.6.078 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology 2024
PubMed: 38841224
DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_919_23 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of Prostate 2 (STEAP2) belongs to a family of metalloreductases, which indirectly aid in uptake of iron and copper ions. Its role in...
Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of Prostate 2 (STEAP2) belongs to a family of metalloreductases, which indirectly aid in uptake of iron and copper ions. Its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be characterized. Here, we report that STEAP2 expression was upregulated in HCC tumors compared with paired adjacent non-tumor tissues by RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Public HCC datasets demonstrated upregulated STEAP2 expression in HCC and positive association with tumor grade. Transient and stable knockdown (KD) of STEAP2 in HCC cell lines abrogated their malignant phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, while STEAP2 overexpression showed opposite effects. STEAP2 KD in HCC cells led to significant alteration of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion/chemotaxis, negative enrichment of an invasiveness signature gene set, and inhibition of cell migration/invasion. STEAP2 KD reduced intracellular copper levels and activation of stress-activated MAP kinases including p38 and JNK. Treatment with copper rescued the reduced HCC cell migration due to STEAP2 KD and activated p38 and JNK. Furthermore, treatment with p38 or JNK inhibitors significantly inhibited copper-mediated cell migration. Thus, STEAP2 plays a malignant-promoting role in HCC cells by driving migration/invasion via increased copper levels and MAP kinase activities. Our study uncovered a novel molecular mechanism contributing to HCC malignancy and a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Copper; Cell Movement; Cell Line, Tumor; Animals; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Mice; Disease Progression; Male; Oxidoreductases; Female
PubMed: 38830975
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63368-2 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jun 2024To describe the current real-world treatment landscape, sequence of therapies, and outcomes in patients with prostate cancer (PC).
OBJECTIVES
To describe the current real-world treatment landscape, sequence of therapies, and outcomes in patients with prostate cancer (PC).
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study for PC patients diagnosed at King Abdullah Medical City Cancer Center in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2011 and December 2021. Data extracted from electronic medical records.
RESULTS
A total of 282 patients with PC, with a mean age of 70 years and body mass index of 27. Among them, 274 (99%) had no family history of cancer, while 164 (58%) had hypertension and 125 (44%) had diabetes mellitus. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histology, found in 275 (97%) patients, with 99 (35%) having a Gleason score of 9. Notably, 184 (65%) patients presented with metastatic disease, and 147 (52%) with bone metastasis. While 198 (70%) patients underwent surgery, 184 (65%) did not receive radiotherapy. The most common first-line metastatic therapy was abiraterone in 23 (8%) patients, followed by enzalutamide in 7 (2.5%). During the study period, 167 (59%) patients survived, with an average treatment duration of 2.5 years.
CONCLUSION
This study provides insights into real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with PC. The findings of this study highlight the importance of adhering to treatment standards and making informed clinical decisions.
Topics: Humans; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Saudi Arabia; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Phenylthiohydantoin; Nitriles; Neoplasm Grading; Adenocarcinoma; Bone Neoplasms; Androstenes; Prostatectomy; Cohort Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Benzamides
PubMed: 38830651
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.6.20240042 -
ELife Jun 2024Cancer immune evasion contributes to checkpoint immunotherapy failure in many patients with metastatic cancers. The embryonic transcription factor DUX4 was recently...
Cancer immune evasion contributes to checkpoint immunotherapy failure in many patients with metastatic cancers. The embryonic transcription factor DUX4 was recently characterized as a suppressor of interferon-γ signaling and antigen presentation that is aberrantly expressed in a small subset of primary tumors. Here, we report that expression is a common feature of metastatic tumors, with ~10-50% of advanced bladder, breast, kidney, prostate, and skin cancers expressing expression is significantly associated with immune cell exclusion and decreased objective response to PD-L1 blockade in a large cohort of urothelial carcinoma patients. expression is a significant predictor of survival even after accounting for tumor mutational burden and other molecular and clinical features in this cohort, with expression associated with a median reduction in survival of over 1 year. Our data motivate future attempts to develop DUX4 as a biomarker and therapeutic target for checkpoint immunotherapy resistance.
Topics: Humans; Homeodomain Proteins; Immunotherapy; Immune Evasion; Neoplasms; Male; Female; Neoplasm Metastasis; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38829686
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.89017 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... May 2024Immunotherapy is defined as a therapeutic approach that targets or manipulates the immune system. A deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular composition of the...
Immunotherapy is defined as a therapeutic approach that targets or manipulates the immune system. A deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular composition of the tumour environment, as well as the mechanisms controlling the immune system, has made possible the development and clinical investigation of many innovative cancer therapies. Historically, immunotherapy has played an essential role in treating urologic malignancies, while in the modern era, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been critical to urology. Urothelial carcinoma is a common type of cancer in the genitourinary system, and treatment strategies in this area are constantly evolving. Intravesical and systemic immunotherapeutic agents have begun to be used increasingly frequently in treating urothelial carcinoma. These agents increase the anti-tumour response by affecting the body's defence mechanisms. Immunotherapeutic agents used in urothelial carcinoma include various options such as BCG, interferon, anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and anti-PD-L1 (atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab). Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been known for many years as a tumour with unique sensitivity to immunotherapies. The recent emergence of ICIs that block PD-1/PD-L1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab) or CTLA4 (ipilimumab) signalling pathways has reestablished systemic immunotherapy as central to the treatment of advanced RCC. In light of randomized clinical trials conducted with increasing interest in the application of immunotherapies in the adjuvant setting, combination therapies (nivolumab/ipilimumab, nivolumab/cabozantinib, pembrolizumab/ axitinib, pembrolizumab/lenvantinib) have become the standard first-line treatment of metastatic RCC. Prostate cancer is in the immunologically "cold" tumour category; on the contrary, in recent years, immunotherapeutic agents have come to the fore as an essential area in the treatment of this disease. Especially in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer, immunotherapeutic agents constitute an alternative treatment method besides androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy. Ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and Sipuleucel T (Vaccine-based) are promising alternative treatment options. Considering ongoing randomized clinical trials, immunotherapeutic agents promise to transform the uro-oncology field significantly. In this review, we aimed to summarize the role of immunotherapy in urothelial, renal and prostate cancer in the light of randomized clinical trials.
PubMed: 38818794
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12307