Research

10 pages, 1077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

WRN-Mutated Colorectal Cancer Is Characterized by a Distinct Genetic Phenotype

by Kai Zimmer, Alberto Puccini, Joanne Xiu, Yasmine Baca, Gilbert Spizzo, Heinz-Josef Lenz, Francesca Battaglin, Richard M. Goldberg, Axel Grothey, Anthony F. Shields, Mohamed E. Salem, John L. Marshall, W. Michael Korn, Dominik Wolf, Florian Kocher and Andreas Seeber

Cancers 2020, 12(5), 1319; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12051319 - 22 May 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4411

Abstract

Werner syndrome gene (WRN) contributes to DNA repair. In cancer, WRN mutations (WRN-mut) lead to genomic instability. Thus, WRN is a promising target in cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI). We assessed this study to investigate the molecular profile of [...] Read more.

Werner syndrome gene (WRN) contributes to DNA repair. In cancer, WRN mutations (WRN-mut) lead to genomic instability. Thus, WRN is a promising target in cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI). We assessed this study to investigate the molecular profile of WRN-mut in colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was calculated based on somatic nonsynonymous missense mutations. Determination of tumor mismatch repair (MMR) or microsatellite instability (MSI) status was conducted by fragment analysis. WRN-mut were detected in 80 of 6854 samples (1.2%). WRN-mut were more prevalent in right-sided compared to left-sided CRC (2.5% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.0001). TMB, PD-L1 and MSI-H/dMMR were significantly higher in WRN-mut than in WRN wild-type (WRN-wt). WRN-mut were associated with a higher TMB in the MSI-H/dMMR and in the MSS (microsatellite stable) subgroups. Several genetic differences between WRN-mut and WRN-wt CRC were observed, i.e., TP53 (47% vs. 71%), KRAS (34% vs. 49%) and APC (56% vs. 73%). This is the largest molecular profiling study investigating the genetic landscape of WRN-mut CRCs so far. A high prevalence of MSI-H/dMMR, higher TMB and PD-L1 in WRN-mut tumors were observed. Our data might serve as an additional selection tool for trials testing immune checkpoint antibodies in WRN-mut CRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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29 pages, 4752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of lncRNAs TAPIR-1 and -2 as Diagnostic Markers and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Prostate Cancer

by Maik Friedrich, Karolin Wiedemann, Kristin Reiche, Sven-Holger Puppel, Gabriele Pfeifer, Ivonne Zipfel, Stefanie Binder, Ulrike Köhl, Gerd A. Müller, Kurt Engeland, Achim Aigner, Susanne Füssel, Michael Fröhner, Claudia Peitzsch, Anna Dubrovska, Michael Rade, Sabina Christ, Stephan Schreiber, Jörg Hackermüller, Jörg Lehmann, Marieta I. Toma, Michael H. Muders, Ulrich Sommer, Gustavo B. Baretton, Manfred Wirth and Friedemann Horn Show full author list Hide full author list

Cancers 2020, 12(5), 1122; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12051122 - 30 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3716

Abstract

In search of new biomarkers suitable for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, genome-wide transcriptome sequencing was carried out with tissue specimens from 40 prostate cancer (PCa) and 8 benign prostate hyperplasia patients. We identified two intergenic long non-coding transcripts, located in [...] Read more.

In search of new biomarkers suitable for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, genome-wide transcriptome sequencing was carried out with tissue specimens from 40 prostate cancer (PCa) and 8 benign prostate hyperplasia patients. We identified two intergenic long non-coding transcripts, located in close genomic proximity, which are highly expressed in PCa. Microarray studies on a larger cohort comprising 155 patients showed a profound diagnostic potential of these transcripts (AUC~0.94), which we designated as tumor associated prostate cancer increased lncRNA (TAPIR-1 and -2). To test their therapeutic potential, knockdown experiments with siRNA were carried out. The knockdown caused an increase in the p53/TP53 tumor suppressor protein level followed by downregulation of a large number of cell cycle- and DNA-damage repair key regulators. Furthermore, in radiation therapy resistant tumor cells, the knockdown leads to a renewed sensitization of these cells to radiation treatment. Accordingly, in a preclinical PCa xenograft model in mice, the systemic application of nanoparticles loaded with siRNA targeting TAPIR-1 significantly reduced tumor growth. These findings point to a crucial role of TAPIR-1 and -2 in PCa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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16 pages, 3793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Approach for Quantifying Cancer Cells Showing Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal States in Large Series of Tissue Samples: Towards a New Prognostic Marker

by Louis Godin, Cédric Balsat, Yves-Rémi Van Eycke, Justine Allard, Claire Royer, Myriam Remmelink, Ievgenia Pastushenko, Nicky D’Haene, Cédric Blanpain, Isabelle Salmon, Sandrine Rorive and Christine Decaestecker

Cancers 2020, 12(4), 906; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12040906 - 08 Apr 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3717

Abstract

In cancer biology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumorigenesis, stemness, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Evidence of co-expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers suggests that EMT should be a stepwise process with distinct intermediate states rather than a binary switch. In [...] Read more.

In cancer biology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumorigenesis, stemness, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Evidence of co-expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers suggests that EMT should be a stepwise process with distinct intermediate states rather than a binary switch. In the present study, we propose a morphological approach that enables the detection and quantification of cancer cells with hybrid E/M states, i.e., which combine partially epithelial (E) and partially mesenchymal (M) states. This approach is based on a sequential immunohistochemistry technique performed on the same tissue section, the digitization of whole slides, and image processing. The aim is to extract quantitative indicators able to quantify the presence of hybrid E/M states in large series of human cancer samples and to analyze their relationship with cancer aggressiveness. As a proof of concept, we applied our methodology to a series of about a hundred urothelial carcinomas and demonstrated that the presence of cancer cells with hybrid E/M phenotypes at the time of diagnosis is strongly associated with a poor prognostic value, independently of standard clinicopathological features. Although validation on a larger case series and other cancer types is required, our data support the hybrid E/M score as a promising prognostic biomarker for carcinoma patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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12 pages, 2735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EGFR Protein Expression in KRAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Is Another Negative Predictive Factor of the Cetuximab Therapy

by Andrea Uhlyarik, Violetta Piurko, Zsuzsanna Papai, Erzsebet Raso, Erika Lahm, Edina Kiss, Marta Sikter, Jozsef Vachaja, Istvan Kenessey and Jozsef Timar

Cancers 2020, 12(3), 614; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12030614 - 06 Mar 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3664

Abstract

The selection of colorectal cancer patients for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody therapy is based on the determination of their RAS mutation status—a strongly negative predictive factor—since the protein target, EGFR, is not a reliable predictor of therapeutic response. In this study, [...] Read more.

The selection of colorectal cancer patients for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody therapy is based on the determination of their RAS mutation status—a strongly negative predictive factor—since the protein target, EGFR, is not a reliable predictor of therapeutic response. In this study, we revisited the EGFR protein issue using a cohort of 90 patients with KRAS exon2 wild-type colorectal cancer who have been treated with cetuximab therapy. Twenty-nine of these patients had metastatic tissue available for analysis. The level of EGFR protein expression in the patients was determined by immunohistochemistry and evaluated by H-score (HS) methodology. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the patients were determined according to the EGFR-HS ranges of both the primary and metastatic tissues using Kaplan–Meyer statistics. In the case of primary tumors, EGFR scores lower than HS = 200 were associated with significantly longer OS. In the case of metastatic tissues, all levels lower than the EGFR-HS range chosen were associated with significantly longer OS. These results are explained by the fact that metastatic tissues rarely maintained the expression levels of the primary tumors. On the other hand, high EGFR expression levels in either primary tumors or metastatic tissues were associated with multiple metastatic disease. This suggests a negative prognostic role of EGFR expression. However, in a multivariate analysis, one-sidedness remained a strong independent predictive factor of survival. Previous studies demonstrated that the EGFR expression level depends on sidedness. Therefore, a subgroup analysis of the left- and right-sided cases was performed on both primary and metastatic tissues. In the case of metastic tissues, an analysis confirmed a better OS in low EGFR protein-expressing cases than in high EGFR protein-expressing cases. Collectively, these data suggest that EGFR protein expression is another negative predictive factor of the efficacy of cetuximab therapy of KRAS exon2 wild-type colorectal cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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14 pages, 3196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscle Loss after Chemoradiotherapy as a Biomarker of Distant Failures in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

by Jie Lee, Jhen-Bin Lin, Meng-Hao Wu, Chih-Long Chang, Ya-Ting Jan and Yu-Jen Chen

Cancers 2020, 12(3), 595; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12030595 - 05 Mar 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2660

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate whether computed tomography (CT)-based muscle measurement predicts distant failure in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Data from 278 patients with LACC who underwent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) between 2004 and 2017 were analysed. Changes in the skeletal [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate whether computed tomography (CT)-based muscle measurement predicts distant failure in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Data from 278 patients with LACC who underwent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) between 2004 and 2017 were analysed. Changes in the skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle density, and total adipose tissue index during CCRT were calculated from CT images taken at the baseline and after CCRT. The predictive capability of CT-based muscle measurement for distant failure was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves. SMI loss ≥ 5% was independently associated with worse distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) (HR: 6.31, 95% CI: 3.18–12.53; p < 0.001). The addition of muscle change to clinical models, including International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph nodes, pathology, and squamous cell carcinoma-antigen, achieved higher C-indices (0.824 vs. 0.756; p < 0.001). Models including muscle change had superior C-indices than those including weight change (0.824 vs. 0.758; p < 0.001). The area under the curve for predicting 3-year DRFS was the highest for the muscle-loss model (0.802, muscle-loss model; 0.635, clinical model; and 0.646, weight-loss model). Our study demonstrated that muscle loss after CCRT was independently associated with worse DRFS and that integrating muscle loss into models including classical prognostic factors improved the prediction of distant failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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12 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Clinicopathological Features and Genetic Mutations in Gastric Cancer Patients According to EMAST and MSI Status

by Wen-Liang Fang, Ming-Huang Chen, Kuo-Hung Huang, Shih-Ching Chang, Chien-Hsing Lin, Yee Chao, Su-Shun Lo, Anna Fen-Yau Li, Chew-Wun Wu and Yi-Ming Shyr

Cancers 2020, 12(3), 551; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12030551 - 27 Feb 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2718

Abstract

Background: There has been no report regarding the clinicopathological features and genetic mutations regarding elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotide repeats (EMAST) in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: The correlation among EMAST status, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, mutations of common GC-related genes and 16 [...] Read more.

Background: There has been no report regarding the clinicopathological features and genetic mutations regarding elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotide repeats (EMAST) in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: The correlation among EMAST status, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, mutations of common GC-related genes and 16 DNA repair-associated genes, and the clinicopathological features were analyzed. Results: Among the 360 GC patients enrolled, there were 76 (21.1%) with EMAST+ tumors and 284 with EMAST− tumors, and 59 (16.4%) were MSI-high (MSI-H) tumors, and 301 were microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. Patients with EMAST+ tumors exhibited an earlier pathological T category and had more genetic mutations in the PI3K/AKT pathway, ARID1A and DNA repair-associated genes than those with EMAST− tumors. Patients with MSI-H tumors have more genetic mutations in the PI3K/AKT pathway and DNA repair-associated genes than those with MSS tumors. In the subgroup analysis for MSI-H GC, EMAST+ tumors were associated with earlier pathological T and N categories, earlier TNM stages, higher frequency of DNA-repair-associated genetic mutations, and a better survival rate than EMAST− tumors. Conclusions: PI3K/AKT pathway mutations may play an important role in EMAST+ and/or MSI-H GC. EMAST+/MSI-H tumors seem to represent a different subtype of gastric cancer from EMAST−/MSI-H tumors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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15 pages, 4132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Expression of IGFBP-3 Reduces Radiosensitivity and Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

by Junki Sakata, Akiyuki Hirosue, Ryoji Yoshida, Yuichiro Matsuoka, Kenta Kawahara, Hidetaka Arita, Hikaru Nakashima, Tatsuro Yamamoto, Masashi Nagata, Sho Kawaguchi, Shunsuke Gohara, Yuka Nagao, Keisuke Yamana, Ryo Toya, Ryuji Murakami, Yoshikazu Kuwahara, Manabu Fukumoto and Hideki Nakayama

Cancers 2020, 12(2), 494; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12020494 - 20 Feb 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2870

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) modulates various cell functions through IGF-dependent or independent mechanisms. However, its biological roles in the radiosensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance [...] Read more.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) modulates various cell functions through IGF-dependent or independent mechanisms. However, its biological roles in the radiosensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance and molecular mechanisms of the association between IGFBP-3 and OSCC radiosensitivity. We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of IGFBP-3 in 52 OSCC specimens from patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery (phase II study). Associations between IGFBP-3 expression and clinicopathological features were also evaluated. In addition, we examined the effects of IGFBP-3 on post-X-ray irradiation radiosensitivity and DNA damage in vitro. High IGFBP-3 expression was significantly correlated with poor chemoradiotherapy responses and prognosis. With IGFBP-3 knockdown, irradiated OSCC cells exhibited significantly higher radiosensitivity compared with that of control cells. Moreover, IGFBP-3 depletion in OSCC cells reduced phosphorylation of the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), which is required for DNA double-strand break repair during non-homologous end joining. These findings indicate that IGFBP-3 may have a significant role in regulating DNA repair and is be a potential biomarker for predicting clinical response to radiotherapy and prognosis in OSCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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16 pages, 3081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CXCL1/CXCR2 Paracrine Axis Contributes to Lung Metastasis in Osteosarcoma

by Chia-Chia Chao, Chiang-Wen Lee, Tsung-Ming Chang, Po-Chun Chen and Ju-Fang Liu

Cancers 2020, 12(2), 459; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12020459 - 17 Feb 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4140

Abstract

Osteosarcoma, the most common of all bone malignancies, has a high likelihood of lung metastasis. Up until now, the molecular mechanisms involved in osteosarcomas with lung metastases are not clearly understood. Recent observations have shown that the chemokine CXCL1 and its receptor CXCR2 [...] Read more.

Osteosarcoma, the most common of all bone malignancies, has a high likelihood of lung metastasis. Up until now, the molecular mechanisms involved in osteosarcomas with lung metastases are not clearly understood. Recent observations have shown that the chemokine CXCL1 and its receptor CXCR2 assist with the homing of neutrophils into the tumor microenvironment. Here, we show that the CXCL1/CXCR2 paracrine axis is crucial for lung metastasis in osteosarcoma. In an in vivo lung metastasis model of osteosarcoma, lung blood vessels expressed CXCL1 and osteosarcoma cells expressed the CXCR2 receptor. CXCR2 expression was higher in osteosarcoma cell lines than in normal osteoblast cells. Immunohistochemistry staining of clinical osteosarcoma specimens revealed positive correlations between CXCR2 expression and pathology stage and also vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) expression. High levels of CXCL1 secreted by human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) promoted osteosarcoma cell mobility, which was mediated by the upregulation of VCAM-1 expression. When HPAECs-conditioned media was incubated in osteosarcoma cells, we observed that the CXCR2 receptor and FAK/PI₃K/Akt/NF-κB signaling cascade were required for VCAM-1 expression. Our findings illustrate a molecular mechanism of lung metastasis in osteosarcoma and indicate that CXCL1/CXCR2 is worth targeting in treatment schemas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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13 pages, 3638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dickkopf-2 (DKK2) as Context Dependent Factor in Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

by Lars M. Schiffmann, Heike Loeser, Anne Sophie Jacob, Martin Maus, Hans Fuchs, Yue Zhao, Lars Tharun, Ahlem Essakly, Alexander Iannos Damanakis, Thomas Zander, Reinhard Büttner, Wolfgang Schröder, Christiane Bruns, Alexander Quaas and Florian Gebauer

Cancers 2020, 12(2), 451; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12020451 - 14 Feb 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

Dickkopf-2 (DKK2) has been described as Wnt/beta-catenin pathway antagonist and its expression is mediated by micro RNA-221 (miRNA-221). So far, there is only limited data characterizing the role of DKK2 expression in esophageal cancer. A tissue micro array of 192 patients with esophageal [...] Read more.

Dickkopf-2 (DKK2) has been described as Wnt/beta-catenin pathway antagonist and its expression is mediated by micro RNA-221 (miRNA-221). So far, there is only limited data characterizing the role of DKK2 expression in esophageal cancer. A tissue micro array of 192 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma was analyzed immunohistochemically for DKK2, miRNA-221 expression by RNA scope, and GATA6 amplification by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. The data was correlated with clinical, pathological and molecular data (TP53, HER2, c-myc, GATA6, PIK3CA, and KRAS amplifications). DKK2 expression was detectable in 21.7% and miRNA-221 expression in 33.5% of the patients. We observed no correlation between DKK2 or miRNA-221 expression and clinico-pathological data DKK2 expression was correlated with TP53 mutations and amplification of GATA6. We did not detect a survival difference in dependence of DKK2 for the total cohort, however, in patients without neoadjuvant treatment DKK2 expression correlated with a prolonged survival (median overall-survival 202 vs. 55 months, p = 0.012) which turned opposite in patients that underwent neoadjuvant treatment. High amounts of miRNA-221 were in trend associated with a prolonged overall-survival (p = 0.070). DKK2 as a Wnt antagonist is associated with prolonged survival in patients without neoadjuvant treatment and changes its prognostic value to the contrary in patients after neoadjuvant therapy. The modulatory effects of neoadjuvant treatment in connection with DKK2 expression are not fully understood, but when considering DKK2 as a tumor marker, it is necessary to see it in the context of neoadjuvant therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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16 pages, 1594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Estrogen Receptor Status on Circulatory Immune and Metabolomics Profiles of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Enrolled for Neoadjuvant Targeted Chemotherapy

by Alessia Vignoli, Elena Muraro, Gianmaria Miolo, Leonardo Tenori, Paola Turano, Emanuela Di Gregorio, Agostino Steffan, Claudio Luchinat and Giuseppe Corona

Cancers 2020, 12(2), 314; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12020314 - 29 Jan 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3449

Abstract

HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) represents a heterogeneous cancer disease. In an attempt to identify new stratification models useful for prognosis and therapeutic strategy, we investigated the influence of estrogen receptor (ER) status on the host immune and metabolomics profile of HER2-positive BC patients [...] Read more.

HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) represents a heterogeneous cancer disease. In an attempt to identify new stratification models useful for prognosis and therapeutic strategy, we investigated the influence of estrogen receptor (ER) status on the host immune and metabolomics profile of HER2-positive BC patients enrolled for neoadjuvant targeted chemotherapy (NATC). The study enrolled 43 HER2-positive BC patients eligible for NATC based on the trastuzumab-paclitaxel combination. Baseline circulatory cytokines and ¹H NMR plasma metabolomics profiles were investigated. Differences in the immune cytokines and metabolomics profile as a function of the ER status, and their association with clinical outcomes were studied by multivariate and univariate analysis. Baseline metabolomics profiles were found to discriminate HER2-positive ER(+) from ER(−) BC patients. Within the ER(+) group an immune-metabolomics model, based on TNF-α and valine, predicted pathological complete response to NATC with 90.9% accuracy (AUROC = 0.92, p = 0.004). Moreover, metabolomics information integrated with IL-2 and IL-10 cytokine levels were prognostic of relapse with an accuracy of 95.5%. The results indicate that in HER2-positive BC patients the ER status influences the host circulatory immune-metabolomics profile. The baseline immune-metabolomics assessment in combination with ER status could represent an independent stratification tool able to predict NATC response and disease relapse of HER2-positive patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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15 pages, 1200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Body Composition During Adjuvant FOLFOX Chemotherapy and Overall Survival in Non-Metastatic Colon Cancer

by Eric Chung, Hye Sun Lee, Eun-Suk Cho, Eun Jung Park, Seung Hyuk Baik, Kang Young Lee and Jeonghyun Kang

Cancers 2020, 12(1), 60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12010060 - 24 Dec 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3986

Abstract

The impact of longitudinal anthropometric changes during adjuvant chemotherapy on long-term survival in non-metastatic colon cancer is unclear. Herein, we analyzed the prognostic significance of computed tomography (CT)-measured body composition changes in colon cancer patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant FOLFOX (folinic [...] Read more.

The impact of longitudinal anthropometric changes during adjuvant chemotherapy on long-term survival in non-metastatic colon cancer is unclear. Herein, we analyzed the prognostic significance of computed tomography (CT)-measured body composition changes in colon cancer patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant FOLFOX (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) chemotherapy. Data of 167 patients with stage III or high-risk stage II colon cancer were analyzed. Skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMR), visceral fat index (VFI), subcutaneous fat index (SFI), and total fat index (TFI) changes during chemotherapy were calculated using preoperative and postchemotherapy CT image data. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the correlation between changes in anthropometric values and overall survival (OS). The median changes (%) in SMI, SMR, VFI, SFI, and TFI over 210 days during chemotherapy were 8.7% (p < 0.001), 3.4% (p = 0.001), −19% (p < 0.001), −3.4% (p = 0.936), and −11.9% (p < 0.001), respectively. Cut-off values of changes in SMI (skeletal muscle index change, SMIC) and SMR (skeletal muscle radiodensity change, SMRC) were defined at −2% and −2 Hounsfield units (HU) respectively, whereas those of changes in VFI (visceral fat index change, VFIC), SFI (subcutaneous fat index change, SFIC), and TFI (total fat index change, TFIC) were based on values that provided the largest χ2 on the Mantel–Cox test. Multivariable analysis revealed that low SMR measured on a postchemotherapy CT scan (hazard ratio, HR: 0.32, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.15–0.70, p = 0.004) and visceral fat loss of at least 46.57% (HR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14–0.69, p = 0.004) were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. Severe visceral fat loss during FOLFOX chemotherapy and low skeletal muscle radiodensity measured on postchemotherapy CT scans are associated with poor OS in stage III and high-risk stage II colon cancer patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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12 pages, 2037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Gene Signature-Based Model Predicts Biochemical Recurrence-Free Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients after Radical Prostatectomy

by Run Shi, Xuanwen Bao, Joachim Weischenfeldt, Christian Schaefer, Paul Rogowski, Nina-Sophie Schmidt-Hegemann, Kristian Unger, Kirsten Lauber, Xuanbin Wang, Alexander Buchner, Christian Stief, Thorsten Schlomm, Claus Belka and Minglun Li

Cancers 2020, 12(1), 1; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12010001 - 18 Dec 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4277

Abstract

Abstract: Currently, decision-making regarding biochemical recurrence (BCR) following prostatectomy relies solely on clinical parameters. We therefore attempted to develop an integrated prediction model based on a molecular signature and clinicopathological features, in order to forecast the risk for BCR and guide [...] Read more.

Abstract: Currently, decision-making regarding biochemical recurrence (BCR) following prostatectomy relies solely on clinical parameters. We therefore attempted to develop an integrated prediction model based on a molecular signature and clinicopathological features, in order to forecast the risk for BCR and guide clinical decision-making for postoperative therapy. Using high-throughput screening and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) in the training set, a novel gene signature for biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) was established. Validation of the prognostic value was performed in five other independent datasets, including our patient cohort. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the importance of risk for BCR. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (tROC) was used to evaluate the predictive power. In combination with relevant clinicopathological features, a decision tree was built to improve the risk stratification. The gene signature exhibited a strong capacity for identifying high-risk BCR patients, and multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the gene signature consistently acted as a risk factor for BCR. The decision tree was successfully able to identify the high-risk subgroup. Overall, the gene signature established in the present study is a powerful predictor and risk factor for BCR after radical prostatectomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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19 pages, 1333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Circulating Genomic and Metabolic Biomarkers in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

by Helen Winter, Pamela J. Kaisaki, Joe Harvey, Edoardo Giacopuzzi, Matteo P. Ferla, Melissa M. Pentony, Samantha J.L. Knight, Ricky A. Sharma, Jenny C. Taylor and James S.O. McCullagh

Cancers 2019, 11(12), 1895; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11121895 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4062

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive cancer arising from the bile ducts with a need for earlier diagnosis and a greater range of treatment options. KRAS/NRAS mutations are common in ICC tumours and 6–32% of patients also have isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 [...] Read more.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive cancer arising from the bile ducts with a need for earlier diagnosis and a greater range of treatment options. KRAS/NRAS mutations are common in ICC tumours and 6–32% of patients also have isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) gene mutations associated with metabolic changes. This feasibility study investigated sequencing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) combined with metabolite profiling of plasma as a method for biomarker discovery in ICC patients. Plasma was collected from four ICC patients receiving radio-embolisation and healthy controls at multiple time points. ctDNA was sequenced using Ampliseq cancer hotspot panel-v2 on Ion Torrent PGM for single nucleotide variants (SNV) detection and with Illumina whole genome sequencing for copy number variants (CNV) and further targeted examination for SNVs. Untargeted analysis of metabolites from patient and control plasma was performed using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Metabolite identification was performed using multi-parameter comparisons with analysis of authentic standards, and univariate statistical analysis was performed to identify differences in metabolite abundance between patient and control samples. Recurrent somatic SNVs and CNVs were identified in ctDNA from three out of four patients that included both NRAS and IDH1 mutations linked to ICC. Plasma metabolite analysis revealed biomarker metabolites associated with ICC and in particular 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) levels were elevated in both samples from the only patient showing a variant allele in IDH1. A reduction in the number of CNVs was observed with treatment. This study demonstrates that ctDNA and metabolite levels can be identified and correlated in ICC patient blood samples and differentiated from healthy controls. We conclude that combining genomic and metabolic analysis of plasma offers an effective approach to biomarker identification with potential for disease stratification and early detection studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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16 pages, 2006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ANLN and TLE2 in Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Functional and Clinical Evaluation Based on In Silico and In Vitro Data

by Sheng Wu, Katja Nitschke, Jakob Heinkele, Cleo-Aron Weis, Thomas Stefan Worst, Markus Eckstein, Stefan Porubsky and Philipp Erben

Cancers 2019, 11(12), 1840; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11121840 - 21 Nov 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2937

Abstract

Anilin actin binding protein (ANLN) and transducing-like enhancer protein 2 (TLE2) are associated with cancer patient survival and progression. The impact of their gene expression on progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with radical cystectomy (RC) and [...] Read more.

Anilin actin binding protein (ANLN) and transducing-like enhancer protein 2 (TLE2) are associated with cancer patient survival and progression. The impact of their gene expression on progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with radical cystectomy (RC) and subtype association has not yet been investigated. qRT-PCR was used to measure the transcript levels of ANLN and TLE2 in the Mannheim cohort, and validated in silico by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses identified predictors for disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). In the Mannheim cohort, tumors with high ANLN expression were associated with lower OS and DSS, while high TLE2 expression was associated with a favorable OS. The TCGA cohort confirmed that high ANLN and low TLE2 expression was associated with shorter OS and disease-free survival (DFS). In both cohorts, multivariate analyses showed ANLN and TLE2 expression as independent outcome predictors. Furthermore, ANLN was more highly expressed in cell lines and patients with the basal subtype, while TLE2 expression was higher in cell lines and patients with the luminal subtype. ANLN and TLE2 are promising biomarkers for individualized bladder cancer therapy including cancer subclassification and informed MIBC prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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21 pages, 2065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tumor Mutational Burden and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Jong Yeob Kim, Andreas Kronbichler, Michael Eisenhut, Sung Hwi Hong, Hans J. van der Vliet, Jeonghyun Kang, Jae Il Shin and Gabriele Gamerith

Cancers 2019, 11(11), 1798; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11111798 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 5314

Abstract

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a genomic biomarker that predicts favorable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Here, we set out to assess the predictive value of TMB on long-term survival outcomes in patients undergoing ICIs. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and [...] Read more.

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a genomic biomarker that predicts favorable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Here, we set out to assess the predictive value of TMB on long-term survival outcomes in patients undergoing ICIs. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to 6 August 2019. We included retrospective studies or clinical trials of ICIs that reported hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) according to TMB. Data on 5712 patients from 26 studies were included. Among patients who received ICIs, high TMB groups showed better OS (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.67) and PFS (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.67) compared to low TMB groups. In patients with high TMB, those who received ICIs had a better OS (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.95) and PFS (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.92) compared to those who received chemotherapy alone, while in patients with low TMB, such ICI benefits of OS or PFS were not statistically significant. In conclusion, TMB may be an effective biomarker to predict survival in patients undergoing ICI treatment. The role of TMB in identifying patient groups who may benefit from ICIs should be determined in future randomized controlled trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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16 pages, 2015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is there an Exposure–Response Relationship for Nivolumab in Real-World NSCLC Patients?

by Audrey Bellesoeur, Edouard Ollier, Marie Allard, Laure Hirsch, Pascaline Boudou-Rouquette, Jennifer Arrondeau, Audrey Thomas-Schoemann, Manuela Tiako, Nihel Khoudour, Jeanne Chapron, Frédérique Giraud, Marie Wislez, Diane Damotte, Audrey Lupo, Michel Vidal, Jérôme Alexandre, François Goldwasser, Michel Tod and Benoit Blanchet

Cancers 2019, 11(11), 1784; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11111784 - 13 Nov 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3474

Abstract

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data from real-world cohort are sparse in non small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with nivolumab. The aim of this prospective observational study was to explore the exposure-response relationship for effectiveness and toxicity of nivolumab in 81 outpatients with metastatic lung cancer. [...] Read more.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data from real-world cohort are sparse in non small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with nivolumab. The aim of this prospective observational study was to explore the exposure-response relationship for effectiveness and toxicity of nivolumab in 81 outpatients with metastatic lung cancer. Nivolumab plasma trough concentrations (Cmin) were assayed at days 14, 28, and 42. Prognostic factors (including Cmin) regarding progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were explored using a multivariate Cox model. A Spearman’s rank test was used to investigate the relationship between Cmin and grade >2 immune-related adverse events (irAE). Mean nivolumab Cmin was 16.2 ± 6.0 µg/mL (n = 76), 25.6 ± 10.2 µg/mL (n = 64) and 33.4 ± 11.3 µg/mL (n = 53) at days 14, 28, and 42, respectively. No pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship was observed with either survival or onset of irAE. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (hazard ratio 1.85, 95%confidence interval 1.02–3.38, p-value = 0.043) and baseline use of corticosteroids (HR 8.08, 95%CI 1.78–36.62, p-value = 0.007) as independent risk factor for PFS and only baseline use of corticosteroids (HR 6.29, 95%CI 1.46–27.08, p-value = 0.013) for OS. No PK/PD relationship for nivolumab was observed in real-world NSCLC patients. This supports the recent use of flat dose regimens without plasma drug monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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18 pages, 955 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hyperprogressive Disease during Anti-PD-1 (PDCD1) / PD-L1 (CD274) Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Jong Yeob Kim, Keum Hwa Lee, Jeonghyun Kang, Edith Borcoman, Esma Saada-Bouzid, Andreas Kronbichler, Sung Hwi Hong, Leandro Fórnias Machado de Rezende, Shuji Ogino, Nana Keum, Mingyang Song, Claudio Luchini, Hans J. van der Vliet, Jae Il Shin and Gabriele Gamerith

Cancers 2019, 11(11), 1699; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11111699 - 01 Nov 2019

Cited by 76 | Viewed by 6062

Abstract

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a recently acknowledged pattern of rapid tumor progression after the initiation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. HPD has been observed across various types of tumors and has been associated with poor survival. We performed a meta-analysis to identify baseline (i.e., [...] Read more.

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a recently acknowledged pattern of rapid tumor progression after the initiation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. HPD has been observed across various types of tumors and has been associated with poor survival. We performed a meta-analysis to identify baseline (i.e., prior to programmed cell death 1 [PD-1, PDCD1] / programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 [PD-L1, CD274] inhibitor therapy) patient factors associated with risks of developing HPD during PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy. We searched eight databases until 6 June 2019. We calculated the summary odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model and explored between-study heterogeneity and small-study effects. A total of nine articles was eligible (217 HPD cases, 1519 cancer patients) for meta-analysis. There was no standard definition of HPD, and the incidence of HPD ranged from 1 to 30%. We identified twenty-three baseline patient factors, of which five factors were statistically significantly associated with HPD. These were serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) above the upper normal limit (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.02–3.49, p = 0.043), more than two metastatic sites (OR = 1.86, 1.34–2.57, p < 0.001), liver metastases (OR = 3.33, 2.07–5.34, p < 0.001), Royal Marsden Hospital prognostic score of 2 or above (OR = 3.33, 1.96–5.66, p < 0.001), and positive PD-L1 expression status that was inversely correlated with HPD (OR = 0.60, 0.36–0.99, p = 0.044). Between-study heterogeneity was low. Evidence of small-study effect was found in one association (PD-L1 expression). Subset analyses of patients with non-small cell lung cancer showed similar results. Future studies are warranted to identify underlying molecular mechanisms and to test their roles as predictive biomarkers of HPD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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16 pages, 2834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PD-1-Associated Gene Expression Signature of Neoadjuvant Trastuzumab-Treated Tumors Correlates with Patient Survival in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

by William P. D. Hendricks, Natalia Briones, Rebecca F. Halperin, Salvatore Facista, Paul R. Heaton, Daruka Mahadevan and Suwon Kim

Cancers 2019, 11(10), 1566; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11101566 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3482

Abstract

The therapeutic HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab has been shown to elicit tumor immune response in a subset of HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. We performed genomic and immunohistochemical profiling of tumors from eight patients who have completed multiple rounds of neoadjuvant trastuzumabb to identify predictive [...] Read more.

The therapeutic HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab has been shown to elicit tumor immune response in a subset of HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. We performed genomic and immunohistochemical profiling of tumors from eight patients who have completed multiple rounds of neoadjuvant trastuzumabb to identify predictive biomarkers for trastuzumab-elicited tumor immune responses. Immunohistochemistry showed that all tumors had an activated tumor immune microenvironment positive for nuclear NF-κB/p65RelA, CD4, and CD8 T cell markers, but only four out of eight tumors were positive for the PD-1 immune checkpoint molecule, which is indicative of an exhausted immune environment. Exome sequencing showed no specific driver mutations correlating with PD-1 positivity. Hierarchical clustering of the RNA sequencing data revealed two distinct groups, of which Group 2 represented the PD-1 positive tumors. A gene expression signature that was derived from this clustering composed of 89 genes stratified HER2+ breast cancer patients in the TCGA dataset and it was named PD-1-Associated Gene Expression Signature in HER2+ Breast Cancer (PAGES-HBC). Patients with the Group 2 PAGES-HBC composition had significantly more favorable survival outcomes with mortality reduced by 83% (hazard ratio 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.60; p = 0.011). Analysis of three longitudinal samples from a single patient showed that PAGES-HBC might be transiently induced by trastuzumab, independent of clonal tumor expansion over time. We conclude that PAGES-HBC could be further developed as a prognostic predictor of trastuzumab response in HER2+ breast cancer patients and be potentially used as an alternative biomarker for anti-PD-1 therapy trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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14 pages, 2091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FAK-Copy-Gain Is a Predictive Marker for Sensitivity to FAK Inhibition in Breast Cancer

by Young-Ho Kim, Hyun-Kyoung Kim, Hee Yeon Kim, HyeRan Gawk, Seung-Hyun Bae, Hye Won Sim, Eun-Kyung Kang, Ju-Young Seoh, Hyonchol Jang and Kyeong-Man Hong

Cancers 2019, 11(9), 1288; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11091288 - 02 Sep 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3774

Abstract

Background: Cancers with copy-gain drug-target genes are excellent candidates for targeted therapy. In order to search for new predictive marker genes, we investigated the correlation between sensitivity to targeted drugs and the copy gain of candidate target genes in NCI-60 cells. Methods: For [...] Read more.

Background: Cancers with copy-gain drug-target genes are excellent candidates for targeted therapy. In order to search for new predictive marker genes, we investigated the correlation between sensitivity to targeted drugs and the copy gain of candidate target genes in NCI-60 cells. Methods: For eight candidate genes showing copy gains in NCI-60 cells identified in our previous study, sensitivity to corresponding target drugs was tested on cells showing copy gains of the candidate genes. Results: Breast cancer cells with Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK)-copy-gain showed a significantly higher sensitivity to the target inhibitor, FAK inhibitor 14 (F14). In addition, treatment of F14 or FAK-knockdown showed a specific apoptotic effect only in breast cancer cells showing FAK-copy-gain. Expression-profiling analyses on inducible FAK shRNA-transfected cells showed that FAK/AKT signaling might be important to the apoptotic effect by target inhibition. An animal experiment employing a mouse xenograft model also showed a significant growth-inhibitory effect of F14 on breast cancer cells showing FAK-copy-gain, but not on those without FAK-copy-gain. Conclusion: FAK-copy-gain may be a predictive marker for FAK inhibition therapy in breast cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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17 pages, 5583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Mammary Epithelial Cell Models: A Goldmine of DCIS Biomarkers and Morphogenetic Mechanisms

by Stefano Rossetti and Nicoletta Sacchi

Cancers 2019, 11(2), 130; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11020130 - 23 Jan 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3355

Abstract

Breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been typically recognized by pathologists on the basis of aberrant mammary duct morphology. Thus, there are increasing efforts to detect DCIS biomarkers and druggable targets. In this study we focused on the molecular mechanism involving Annexin [...] Read more.

Breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has been typically recognized by pathologists on the basis of aberrant mammary duct morphology. Thus, there are increasing efforts to detect DCIS biomarkers and druggable targets. In this study we focused on the molecular mechanism involving Annexin A8 (ANXA8), a Ca²⁺ and phospholipid binding protein, which is regulated by all-trans Retinoic Acid (RA), and it is highly expressed in breast DCIS tissue samples relative to atypical ductal hyperplasia, and normal breast tissue. Using a panel of human mammary epithelial HME1 cell lines that share a common protein signature, and develop in vitro three dimensional (3D) “DCIS-like” amorphous structures, we identified by bioinformatics analysis protein-miRNA pairs, potentially involved in mammary morphogenetic mechanisms, including the ANXA8 mechanism. HME1 cells with genetic mutations hampering the physiological RA regulation of the RA receptor alpha (RARA) transcriptional function, but retain the RARA function controlling the PI3KCA-AKT signaling, develop 3D “DCIS-like” amorphous structures with upregulated ANXA8. Consistently, ectopic ANXA8 expression, by affecting the RARA transcriptional function, induced HME1 DCIS-like amorphous acini expressing phosphorylated AKT (P-AKT). Apparently, a RA-RARA-ANXA8 feedback loop fosters a vicious circle of aberrant morphogenesis. Interestingly, a few miRNAs regulated by RA are predicted to target ANXA8 mRNA. These miRNAs are candidate components of the RA-RARA-ANXA8 mechanism, and their deregulation might induce DCIS initiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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19 pages, 2810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prognostic Impact of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Neutrophils on Survival of Patients with Upfront Resection of Pancreatic Cancer

by Rainer C. Miksch, Markus B. Schoenberg, Maximilian Weniger, Florian Bösch, Steffen Ormanns, Barbara Mayer, Jens Werner, Alexandr V. Bazhin and Jan G. D’Haese

Cancers 2019, 11(1), 39; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11010039 - 03 Jan 2019

Cited by 79 | Viewed by 5539

Abstract

In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the tumor microenvironment consists of cellular and stromal components that influence prognosis. Hence, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) may predict prognosis more precisely than conventional staging systems. Studies on the impact of TILs are heterogeneous and further research [...] Read more.

In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the tumor microenvironment consists of cellular and stromal components that influence prognosis. Hence, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) may predict prognosis more precisely than conventional staging systems. Studies on the impact of TILs are heterogeneous and further research is needed. Therefore, this study aims to point out the importance of peritumoral TILs, tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs), and immune subtype classification in PDAC. Material from 57 patients was analyzed with immunohistochemistry performed for CD3, CD8, CD20, CD66b, α-sma, and collagen. Hot spots with peritumoral TILs and TINs were quantified according to the QTiS algorithm and the distance of TILs hot spots to the tumor front was measured. Results were correlated with overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). High densities of peritumoral hot spots with CD3⁺, CD8⁺, and CD20⁺ TILs correlated significantly with improved OS and PFS. Combined immune cell subtypes predicted improved OS and PFS. High infiltration of CD3⁺ TILs predicted progression after 12 months. The location of TILs’ hot spots and their distance to the tumor front did not correlate with patient survival. Peritumoral TILs and the composition of the stroma predict OS and PFS in PDAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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15 pages, 10738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Approach for Immunohistochemical Evaluation of a Cytoplasmic Marker in Breast Cancer

by Claudia Mazo, Estibaliz Orue-Etxebarria, Ignacio Zabalza, Maria d. M. Vivanco, Robert M. Kypta and Andoni Beristain

Cancers 2018, 10(12), 517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10120517 - 15 Dec 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4737

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall, with nearly

1.7

million new cases worldwide every year. Breast cancer patients need accurate tools for early diagnosis and to improve treatment. Biomarkers are increasingly used [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall, with nearly

1.7

million new cases worldwide every year. Breast cancer patients need accurate tools for early diagnosis and to improve treatment. Biomarkers are increasingly used to describe and evaluate tumours for prognosis, to facilitate and predict response to therapy and to evaluate residual tumor, post-treatment. Here, we evaluate different methods to separate Diaminobenzidine (DAB) from Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining for Wnt-1, a potential cytoplasmic breast cancer biomarker. A method comprising clustering and Color deconvolution allowed us to recognize and quantify Wnt-1 levels accurately at pixel levels. Experimental validation was conducted using a set of 12,288 blocks of

m \times n

pixels without overlap, extracted from a Tissue Microarray (TMA) composed of 192 tissue cores. Intraclass Correlations (ICC) among evaluators of the data of

0.634

,

0.791

,

0.551

and

0.63

for each Allred class and an average ICC of

0.752

among evaluators and automatic classification were obtained. Furthermore, this method received an average rating of

4.26

out of 5 in the Wnt-1 segmentation process from the evaluators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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15 pages, 6188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cancer-Specific Biomarker hNQO1-Activatable Fluorescent Probe for Imaging Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

by Surendra Reddy Punganuru, Hanumantha Rao Madala, Viswanath Arutla and Kalkunte S. Srivenugopal

Cancers 2018, 10(12), 470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10120470 - 28 Nov 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4328

Abstract

Human NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (hNQO1) is an important cancer-related biomarker, which shows significant overexpression in malignant cells. Developing an effective method for detecting NQO1 activity with high sensitivity and selectivity in tumors holds a great potential for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. In [...] Read more.

Human NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (hNQO1) is an important cancer-related biomarker, which shows significant overexpression in malignant cells. Developing an effective method for detecting NQO1 activity with high sensitivity and selectivity in tumors holds a great potential for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. In the present study, we report a new dicyanoisophorone (DCP) based fluorescent probe (NQ-DCP) capable of monitoring hNQO1 activity in vitro and in vivo in both ratiometric and turn-on model. NQ-DCP was prepared by conjugating dicyanoisophorone fluoroprobe with hNQO1 activatable quinone propionic acid (QPA), which remain non-fluorescent until activation by tumor-specific hNQO1. NQ-DCP featured a large Stokes shift (145 nm), excellent biocompatibility, cell permeability, and selectivity towards hNQO1 allowed to differentiate cancer cells from healthy cells. We have successfully employed NQ-DCP to monitor non-invasive endogenous hNQO1 activity in brain tumor cells in vitro and in xenografted tumors developed in nude mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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17 pages, 3244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DNA Methylation Predicts the Response of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers to All-Trans Retinoic Acid

by Krysta Mila Coyle, Cheryl A. Dean, Margaret Lois Thomas, Dejan Vidovic, Carman A. Giacomantonio, Lucy Helyer and Paola Marcato

Cancers 2018, 10(11), 397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10110397 - 24 Oct 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4545

Abstract

All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) regulates gene expression and is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia. Attempts to use atRA in breast cancer without a stratification strategy have resulted in limited overall effectiveness. To identify biomarkers for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) [...] Read more.

All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) regulates gene expression and is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia. Attempts to use atRA in breast cancer without a stratification strategy have resulted in limited overall effectiveness. To identify biomarkers for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with atRA, we characterized the effects of atRA on the tumor growth of 13 TNBC cell lines. This resulted in a range of effects that was not predictable based on previously hypothesized predictors of response, such as the levels of atRA nuclear shuttling proteins fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) and cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2). Transcriptional profiling revealed that atRA induced distinct gene expression changes in the sensitive versus resistant cell lines that were mostly independent of the presence of retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) or peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPREs). Given the importance of DNA methylation in regulating gene expression, we hypothesized that differential DNA methylation could predict the response of TNBCs to atRA. We identified over 1400 sites that were differentially methylated between atRA resistant and sensitive cell lines. These CpG sites predicted the response of four TNBC patient-derived xenografts to atRA, and we utilized these xenografts to refine the profile and identified that as many as 17% of TNBC patients could benefit from atRA treatment. These data illustrate that differential methylation of specific CpGs may be useful biomarkers for predicting the response of patient tumors to atRA treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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13 pages, 2147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perivascular Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocyte Scoring for Prognosis of Resected Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

by Markus Bo Schoenberg, Jingcheng Hao, Julian Nikolaus Bucher, Rainer Christoph Miksch, Hubertus Johann Wolfgang Anger, Barbara Mayer, Julia Mayerle, Jens Neumann, Markus Otto Guba, Jens Werner and Alexandr V. Bazhin

Cancers 2018, 10(10), 389; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10100389 - 18 Oct 2018

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4498

Abstract

Liver resection is a curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) are important players in predicting HCC recurrence. However, the invasive margin could not be confirmed as relevant for HCC. The migration of immune cells into HCC may originate from intratumoral [...] Read more.

Liver resection is a curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) are important players in predicting HCC recurrence. However, the invasive margin could not be confirmed as relevant for HCC. The migration of immune cells into HCC may originate from intratumoral vessels. No previous study has examined perivascular (PV) infiltration. Tumors from 60 patients were examined. Immunohistochemistry was performed against CD3, CD8, CD20, and CD66b. TILs were counted in the PV regions using an algorithm for quantification of the tumor immune stroma (QTiS). The results were correlated with overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), clinical parameters, and laboratory values. PV infiltration of TILs was predominant in resected HCC. Higher PV infiltration of CD3⁺ (p = 0.016) and CD8⁺ (p = 0.028) independently predicted better OS and DFS, respectively. CD20⁺ showed a trend towards better DFS (p = 0.076). Scoring of CD3⁺, CD8⁺, and CD20⁺ independently predicted OS and DFS (p < 0.01). The amount of perivascular-infiltrating CD3⁺ cells is an independent predictor of better OS, and CD8⁺ cells independently predict prolonged DFS. Our novel perivascular infiltration scoring (PVIS) can independently predict both DFS and OS in resected HCC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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15 pages, 1492 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cell-Free DNA Methylation of Selected Genes Allows for Early Detection of the Major Cancers in Women

by Sandra P. Nunes, Catarina Moreira-Barbosa, Sofia Salta, Susana Palma de Sousa, Inês Pousa, Júlio Oliveira, Marta Soares, Licínio Rego, Teresa Dias, Jéssica Rodrigues, Luís Antunes, Rui Henrique and Carmen Jerónimo

Cancers 2018, 10(10), 357; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10100357 - 26 Sep 2018

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6386

Abstract

Background: Breast (BrC), colorectal (CRC) and lung (LC) cancers are the three most common and deadly cancers in women. Cancer screening entails an increase in early stage disease detection but is hampered by high false-positive rates and overdiagnosis/overtreatment. Aberrant DNA methylation occurs early [...] Read more.

Background: Breast (BrC), colorectal (CRC) and lung (LC) cancers are the three most common and deadly cancers in women. Cancer screening entails an increase in early stage disease detection but is hampered by high false-positive rates and overdiagnosis/overtreatment. Aberrant DNA methylation occurs early in cancer and may be detected in circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA), constituting a valuable biomarker and enabling non-invasive testing for cancer detection. We aimed to develop a ccfDNA methylation-based test for simultaneous detection of BrC, CRC and LC. Methods: CcfDNA from BrC, CRC and LC patients and asymptomatic controls were extracted from plasma, sodium-bisulfite modified and whole-genome amplified. APC, FOXA1, MGMT, RARβ2, RASSF1A, SCGB3A1, SEPT9, SHOX2 and SOX17 promoter methylation levels were determined by multiplex quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Associations between methylation and standard clinicopathological parameters were assessed. Biomarkers’ diagnostic performance was also evaluated. Results: A “PanCancer” panel (APC, FOXA1, RASSF1A) detected the three major cancers with 72% sensitivity and 74% specificity, whereas a “CancerType” panel (SCGB3A1, SEPT9 and SOX17) indicated the most likely cancer topography, with over 80% specificity, although with limited sensitivity. Conclusions: CcfDNA’s methylation assessment allows for simultaneous screening of BrC, CRC and LC, complementing current modalities, perfecting cancer suspects’ triage, increasing compliance and cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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15 pages, 1324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clonal Heterogeneity Reflected by PI3K-AKT-mTOR Signaling in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Its Association with Adverse Prognosis

by Ina Nepstad, Kimberley Joanne Hatfield, Tor Henrik Anderson Tvedt, Håkon Reikvam and Øystein Bruserud

Cancers 2018, 10(9), 332; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10090332 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3917

Abstract

Clonal heterogeneity detected by karyotyping is a biomarker associated with adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) pathway is present in AML cells, and this pathway integrates signaling from several upstream receptors/mediators. We suggest [...] Read more.

Clonal heterogeneity detected by karyotyping is a biomarker associated with adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) pathway is present in AML cells, and this pathway integrates signaling from several upstream receptors/mediators. We suggest that this pathway reflects biologically important clonal heterogeneity. We investigated constitutive PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway activation in primary human AML cells derived from 114 patients, together with 18 pathway mediators. The cohort included patients with normal karyotype or single karyotype abnormalities and with an expected heterogeneity of molecular genetic abnormalities. Clonal heterogeneity reflected as pathway mediator heterogeneity was detected for 49 patients. Global gene expression profiles of AML cell populations with and without clonal heterogeneity differed with regard to expression of ectopic olfactory receptors (a subset of G-protein coupled receptors) and proteins involved in G-protein coupled receptor signaling. Finally, the presence of clonal heterogeneity was associated with adverse prognosis for patients receiving intensive antileukemic treatment. The clonal heterogeneity as reflected in the activation status of selected mediators in the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway was associated with a different gene expression profile and had an independent prognostic impact. Biological heterogeneity reflected in the intracellular signaling status should be further investigated as a prognostic biomarker in human AML. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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18 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

miR-9-5p in Nephrectomy Specimens is a Potential Predictor of Primary Resistance to First-Line Treatment with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

by Bernhard Ralla, Jonas Busch, Anne Flörcken, Jörg Westermann, Zhongwei Zhao, Ergin Kilic, Sabine Weickmann, Monika Jung, Annika Fendler and Klaus Jung

Cancers 2018, 10(9), 321; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10090321 - 10 Sep 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3714

Abstract

Approximately 20–30% of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in first-line treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) do not respond due to primary resistance to this drug. At present, suitable robust biomarkers for prediction of a response are not available. Therefore, the [...] Read more.

Approximately 20–30% of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in first-line treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) do not respond due to primary resistance to this drug. At present, suitable robust biomarkers for prediction of a response are not available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate a panel of microRNAs (miRNAs) in nephrectomy specimens for use as predictive biomarkers for TKI resistance. Archived formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded nephrectomy samples from 60 mRCC patients treated with first-line TKIs (sunitinib, n = 51; pazopanib, n = 6; sorafenib, n = 3) were categorized into responders and non-responders. Using the standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, patients with progressive disease within 3 months after the start of treatment with TKI were considered as non-responders and those patients with stable disease and complete or partial response under the TKI treatment for at least 6 months as responders. Based on a miRNA microarray expression profile in the two stratified groups of patients, seven differentially expressed miRNAs were validated using droplet digital reverse-transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays in the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and binary logistic regression of response prediction were performed. MiR-9-5p and miR-489-3p were able to discriminate between the two groups. MiR-9-5p, as the most significant miRNA, improved the correct prediction of primary resistance against TKIs in comparison to that of conventional clinicopathological variables. The results of the decision curve analyses, Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox regression analyses confirmed the potential of miR-9-5p in the prediction of response to TKIs and the prediction of progression-free survival after the initiation of TKI treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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14 pages, 1215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multicenter Study to Assess EGFR Mutational Status in Plasma: Focus on an Optimized Workflow for Liquid Biopsy in a Clinical Setting

by Laure Sorber, Karen Zwaenepoel, Koen De Winne, Kaat Van Casteren, Elien Augustus, Julie Jacobs, Xiang Hua Zhang, Daniëlla Galdermans, Els De Droogh, Anneke Lefebure, Ann-Marie Morel, Erika Saenen, Frédérique Bustin, Ingel Demedts, Ulrike Himpe, Thierry Pieters, Paul Germonpré, Sofie Derijcke, Koen Deschepper, Jan P. Van Meerbeeck, Christian Rolfo and Patrick Pauwels Show full author list Hide full author list

Cancers 2018, 10(9), 290; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10090290 - 27 Aug 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3960

Abstract

A multicenter study was performed to determine an optimal workflow for liquid biopsy in a clinical setting. In total, 549 plasma samples from 234 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were collected. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) [...] Read more.

A multicenter study was performed to determine an optimal workflow for liquid biopsy in a clinical setting. In total, 549 plasma samples from 234 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were collected. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) mutational analysis was performed using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). The influence of (pre-) analytical variables on ctDNA analysis was investigated. Sensitivity of ctDNA analysis was influenced by an interplay between increased plasma volume (p < 0.001) and short transit time (p = 0.018). Multistep, high-speed centrifugation both increased plasma generation (p < 0.001) and reduced genomic DNA (gDNA) contamination. Longer transit time increased the risk of hemolysis (p < 0.001) and low temperatures were shown to have a negative effect. Metastatic sites were found to be strongly associated with ctDNA detection (p < 0.001), as well as allele frequency (p = 0.034). Activating mutations were detected in a higher concentration and allele frequency compared to the T790M mutation (p = 0.003, and p = 0.002, respectively). Optimization of (pre-) analytical variables is key to successful ctDNA analysis. Sufficient plasma volumes without hemolysis or gDNA contamination can be achieved by using multistep, high-speed centrifugation, coupled with short transit time and temperature regulation. Metastatic site location influenced ctDNA detection. Finally, ctDNA levels might have further value in detecting resistance mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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19 pages, 3191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DNA Replication Licensing Protein MCM10 Promotes Tumor Progression and Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer

by Ravikiran Mahadevappa, Henrique Neves, Shun Ming Yuen, Muhammad Jameel, Yuchen Bai, Hiu-Fung Yuen, Shu-Dong Zhang, Youzhi Zhu, Yao Lin and Hang Fai Kwok

Cancers 2018, 10(9), 282; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10090282 - 22 Aug 2018

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3710

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide. In breast cancer, the cell proliferation rate is known to influence the cancer malignancy. Recent studies have shown that DNA replication initiation/licensing factors are involved in cancer cell proliferation as well [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide. In breast cancer, the cell proliferation rate is known to influence the cancer malignancy. Recent studies have shown that DNA replication initiation/licensing factors are involved in cancer cell proliferation as well as cancer cell migration and invasion. Licensing factors have also been reported as important prognostic markers in lung, prostrate, and bladder cancers. Here, we studied the role of MCM10, a novel licensing factor, in breast cancer progression. From the public database, NCBI, we investigated six independent breast cancer patient cohorts, totaling 1283 patients. We observed a significant association between high MCM10 mRNA expression with tumor grading and patients’ survival time. Most importantly, using breast cancer cohorts with available treatment information, we also demonstrated that a high level of MCM10 is associated with a better response to conventional treatment. Similarly, in in vitro studies, the expression level of MCM10 in breast cancer cell lines is significantly higher compared to paired normal breast epithelium cells. Knockdown of MCM10 expression in the cancer cell line showed significantly decreased tumorigenic properties such as cell proliferation, migration and anchorage independence. The MCF7 breast cancer cell line, after MCM10 expression knockdown, showed significantly decreased tumorigenic properties such as cell proliferation, migration, and anchorage independent growth. Mechanistically, MCM10 expression is observed to be regulated by an Estrogen Receptor (ER) signaling pathway, where its expression is suppressed by the inhibition of the ER or serum withdrawal. Our results suggest that MCM10 plays an important role in breast cancer progression and is a potential prognostic/predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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12 pages, 1945 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multimodal Radiomic Features for the Predicting Gleason Score of Prostate Cancer

by Ahmad Chaddad, Michael J Kucharczyk and Tamim Niazi

Cancers 2018, 10(8), 249; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10080249 - 28 Jul 2018

Cited by 89 | Viewed by 7323

Abstract

Background: Novel radiomic features are enabling the extraction of biological data from routine sequences of MRI images. This study’s purpose was to establish a new model, based on the joint intensity matrix (JIM), to predict the Gleason score (GS) of prostate cancer (PCa) [...] Read more.

Background: Novel radiomic features are enabling the extraction of biological data from routine sequences of MRI images. This study’s purpose was to establish a new model, based on the joint intensity matrix (JIM), to predict the Gleason score (GS) of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Methods: A retrospective dataset comprised of the diagnostic imaging data of 99 PCa patients was used, extracted from The Cancer Imaging Archive’s (TCIA) T2-Weighted (T2-WI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images. Radiomic features derived from JIM and the grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) were extracted from the reported tumor locations. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s rank correlation identified features related to the GS. The Random Forest classifier model was implemented to identify the best performing signature of JIM and GLCM radiomic features to predict for GS. Results: Five JIM-derived features: contrast, homogeneity, difference variance, dissimilarity, and inverse difference were independent predictors of GS (p < 0.05). Combined JIM and GLCM analysis provided the best performing area-under-the-curve, with values of 78.40% for GS ≤ 6, 82.35% for GS = 3 + 4, and 64.76% for GS ≥ 4 + 3. Conclusion: This retrospective study produced a novel predictive model for GS by the incorporation of JIM data from standard diagnostic MRI images. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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14 pages, 2188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phosphorylation of Sox2 at Threonine 116 is a Potential Marker to Identify a Subset of Breast Cancer Cells with High Tumorigenecity and Stem-Like Features

by Nidhi Gupta, Keshav Gopal, Chengsheng Wu, Abdulraheem Alshareef, Alexandra Chow, Fang Wu, Peng Wang, Xiaoxia Ye, Gilbert Bigras and Raymond Lai

Cancers 2018, 10(2), 41; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10020041 - 03 Feb 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4260

Abstract

We have previously identified a novel phenotypic dichotomy in breast cancer (BC) based on the response to a SRR2 (Sox2 regulatory region 2) reporter, with reporter responsive (RR) cells being more tumorigenic/stem-like than reporter unresponsive (RU) cells. Since the expression level of Sox2 [...] Read more.

We have previously identified a novel phenotypic dichotomy in breast cancer (BC) based on the response to a SRR2 (Sox2 regulatory region 2) reporter, with reporter responsive (RR) cells being more tumorigenic/stem-like than reporter unresponsive (RU) cells. Since the expression level of Sox2 is comparable between the two cell subsets, we hypothesized that post-translational modifications of Sox2 contribute to their differential reporter response and phenotypic differences. By liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we found Sox2 to be phosphorylated in RR but not RU cells. Threonine 116 is an important phosphorylation site, since transfection of the T116A mutant into RR cells significantly decreased the SRR2 reporter luciferase activity and the RR-associated phenotype. Oxidative stress-induced conversion of RU into RR cells was accompanied by Sox2 phosphorylation at T116 and increased Sox2-DNA binding. In a cohort of BC, we found significant correlations between the proportion of tumor cells immuno-reactive with anti-phosphorylated Sox2^T116 and a high tumor grade (p = 0.006), vascular invasion (p = 0.001) and estrogen receptor expression (p = 0.032). In conclusion, our data suggests that phosphorylation of Sox2^T116 contributes to the tumorigenic/stem-like features in RR cells. Detection of phospho-Sox2^T116 may be useful in identifying a small subset of tumor cells carrying stem-like/tumorigenic features in BC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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14 pages, 1902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Site-Specific Methylation of Tumor-Related Genes in Head and Neck Cancer: Potential Utility as Biomarkers for Prognosis

by Kiyoshi Misawa, Daiki Mochizuki, Atsushi Imai, Masato Mima, Yuki Misawa and Hiroyuki Mineta

Cancers 2018, 10(1), 27; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10010027 - 22 Jan 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4777

Abstract

Clarifying the epigenetic regulation of tumor-related genes (TRGs) can provide insights into the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and the risk for disease recurrence in HPV-negative head and neck cancers, originating in the hypopharynx, larynx, and oral cavity. We analyzed the methylation status of the [...] Read more.

Clarifying the epigenetic regulation of tumor-related genes (TRGs) can provide insights into the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and the risk for disease recurrence in HPV-negative head and neck cancers, originating in the hypopharynx, larynx, and oral cavity. We analyzed the methylation status of the promoters of 30 TRGs in 178 HPV-negative head and neck cancer patients using a quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Promoter methylation was correlated with various clinical characteristics and patient survival. The mean number of methylated TRGs was 14.2 (range, 2–25). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, the methylation of COL1A2 and VEGFR1 was associated with poor survival for hypopharyngeal cancer, with hazard ratios: 3.19; p = 0.009 and 3.07; p = 0.014, respectively. The methylation of p16 and COL1A2 were independent prognostic factors for poor survival in laryngeal cancer (hazard ratio: 4.55; p = 0.013 and 3.12; p = 0.035, respectively). In patients with oral cancer, the methylation of TAC1 and SSTR1 best correlated with poor survival (hazard ratio: 4.29; p = 0.005 and 5.38; p = 0.029, respectively). Our findings suggest that methylation status of TRGs could serve as important site-specific biomarkers for prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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Open AccessArticle

Early Postoperative Low Expression of RAD50 in Rectal Cancer Patients Associates with Disease-Free Survival

by Vincent Ho, Liping Chung, Amandeep Singh, Vivienne Lea, Maxine Revoltar, Stephanie H. Lim, Thein-Ga Tut, Weng Ng, Mark Lee, Paul De Souza, Joo-Shik Shin and Cheok Soon Lee

Cancers 2017, 9(12), 163; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers9120163 - 30 Nov 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4694

Abstract

Background: Molecular biomarkers have the potential to predict response to the treatment of rectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological implication of RAD50 (DNA repair protein RAD50 homolog) expression in rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 266 [...] Read more.

Background: Molecular biomarkers have the potential to predict response to the treatment of rectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological implication of RAD50 (DNA repair protein RAD50 homolog) expression in rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 266 rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery and received chemo- and radiotherapy between 2000 and 2011 were involved in the study. Postoperative RAD50 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in surgical samples (n = 266). Results: Using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, we found that low RAD50 expression in postoperative samples was associated with worse disease free survival (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p < 0.001) in early stage/low-grade tumors. In a comparison of patients with low vs. high RAD50 expression, we found that low levels of postoperative RAD50 expression in rectal cancer tissues were significantly associated with perineural invasion (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Expression of RAD50 in rectal cancer may serve as a prognostic biomarker for long-term survival of patients with perineural invasion-positive tumors and for potential use in early stage and low-grade rectal cancer assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

20 pages, 637 KiB

Open AccessReview

Monitoring Immune Responses in Neuroblastoma Patients during Therapy

by Celina L. Szanto, Annelisa M. Cornel, Saskia V. Vijver and Stefan Nierkens

Cancers 2020, 12(2), 519; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12020519 - 24 Feb 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4361

Abstract

Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. Despite intense treatment, children with this high-risk disease have a poor prognosis. Immunotherapy showed a significant improvement in event-free survival in high-risk NBL patients receiving chimeric anti-GD2 in combination with cytokines and [...] Read more.

Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. Despite intense treatment, children with this high-risk disease have a poor prognosis. Immunotherapy showed a significant improvement in event-free survival in high-risk NBL patients receiving chimeric anti-GD2 in combination with cytokines and isotretinoin after myeloablative consolidation therapy. However, response to immunotherapy varies widely, and often therapy is stopped due to severe toxicities. Objective markers that help to predict which patients will respond or develop toxicity to a certain treatment are lacking. Immunotherapy guided via immune monitoring protocols will help to identify responders as early as possible, to decipher the immune response at play, and to adjust or develop new treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize recent studies investigating frequency and phenotype of immune cells in NBL patients prior and during current treatment protocols and highlight how these findings are related to clinical outcome. In addition, we discuss potential targets to improve immunogenicity and strategies that may help to improve therapy efficacy. We conclude that immune monitoring during therapy of NBL patients is essential to identify predictive biomarkers to guide patients towards effective treatment, with limited toxicities and optimal quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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25 pages, 403 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prognostic and Predictive Molecular Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer: Updates and Challenges

by Eric Koncina, Serge Haan, Stefan Rauh and Elisabeth Letellier

Cancers 2020, 12(2), 319; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12020319 - 30 Jan 2020

Cited by 124 | Viewed by 11234

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death among cancer patients. This heterogeneous disease is characterized by alterations in multiple molecular pathways throughout its development. Mutations in RAS, along with the mismatch repair gene deficiency, are currently routinely tested in clinics. [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death among cancer patients. This heterogeneous disease is characterized by alterations in multiple molecular pathways throughout its development. Mutations in RAS, along with the mismatch repair gene deficiency, are currently routinely tested in clinics. Such biomarkers provide information for patient risk stratification and for the choice of the best treatment options. Nevertheless, reliable and powerful prognostic markers that can identify “high-risk” CRC patients, who might benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, in early stages, are currently missing. To bridge this gap, genomic information has increasingly gained interest as a potential method for determining the risk of recurrence. However, due to several limitations of gene-based signatures, these have not yet been clinically implemented. In this review, we describe the different molecular markers in clinical use for CRC, highlight new markers that might become indispensable over the next years, discuss recently developed gene expression-based tests and highlight the challenges in biomarker research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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18 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessReview

PIK3CA Gene Mutations in Solid Malignancies: Association with Clinicopathological Parameters and Prognosis

by Ali Alqahtani, Hazem S. K. Ayesh and Hafez Halawani

Cancers 2020, 12(1), 93; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12010093 - 30 Dec 2019

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 10847

Abstract

Phosphoinositide kinases (PIKs) are a group of lipid kinases that are important upstream activators of various significant signaling pathways. Hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways—either via mutations or genomic amplification—confers key oncogenic activity, essential for the development and progression of several solid tumors. Alterations [...] Read more.

Phosphoinositide kinases (PIKs) are a group of lipid kinases that are important upstream activators of various significant signaling pathways. Hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways—either via mutations or genomic amplification—confers key oncogenic activity, essential for the development and progression of several solid tumors. Alterations in the PIK3CA gene are associated with poor prognosis of solid malignancies. Although the literature reports contradictory prognostic values of PIK3CA in aggressive cancers, most of the available data highlight the important role of PIK3CA mutation in mediating tumorigenesis via increased signaling of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR survival pathway. Several inhibitors of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways are investigated as potential therapeutic options in solid malignancies. This article reviews the role of PIK3CA mutations and inhibitors of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in major cancer types and examines its association with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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16 pages, 256 KiB

Open AccessReview

Circulating Extracellular Vesicle MicroRNA as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Early Colorectal Cancer—A Review

by Brendan J. Desmond, Elizabeth R. Dennett and Kirsty M. Danielson

Cancers 2020, 12(1), 52; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers12010052 - 23 Dec 2019

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 5087

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the developed world, with global deaths expected to double in the next decade. Disease stage at diagnosis is the single greatest prognostic indicator for long-term survival. Unfortunately, early stage CRC is often [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the developed world, with global deaths expected to double in the next decade. Disease stage at diagnosis is the single greatest prognostic indicator for long-term survival. Unfortunately, early stage CRC is often asymptomatic and diagnosis frequently occurs at an advanced stage, where long-term survival can be as low as 14%. Circulating microRNAs encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently come to prominence as novel diagnostic markers for cancer. EV-miRNAs are dysregulated in the circulation of CRC patients compared to healthy controls, and several specific miRNA candidates have been posited as diagnostic markers, including miR-21, miR-23a, miR-1246, and miR-92a. This review outlines the current landscape of EV-miRNAs as potential diagnostic markers for CRC, with a specific focus on those able to detect early stage disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

14 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Efficacy of miR-20a as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Laura Moody, Svyatoslav Dvoretskiy, Ruopeng An, Suparna Mantha and Yuan-Xiang Pan

Cancers 2019, 11(8), 1111; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers11081111 - 03 Aug 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3386

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs have altered expression levels in various diseases and may play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: We systemically reviewed and quantitatively synthesized the scientific evidence pertaining to microRNA-20a (miR-20a) as a CRC [...] Read more.

Background: MicroRNAs have altered expression levels in various diseases and may play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: We systemically reviewed and quantitatively synthesized the scientific evidence pertaining to microRNA-20a (miR-20a) as a CRC biomarker. A keyword and reference search in PubMed yielded 32 studies, in which miR-20a was measured in feces, serum, or tumor tissue. Data were extracted from a total of 5014 cancer cases and 2863 controls. Results: Twenty out of 21 relevant studies found that miR-20a was upregulated in CRC patients compared to controls. Meta-analysis revealed a pooled miR-20a fold change of 2.45 (95% CI: 2.24–2.66) in CRC patients versus controls. To estimate sensitivity and specificity of miR-20a as a diagnostic biomarker of CRC, a pooled area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated (0.70, 95% CI: 0.63–0.78). The prognostic capacity of miR-20a was assessed using hazard ratios (HRs) for the overall survival (OS). The meta-analysis estimated the pooled HR for OS to be 2.02 (95% CI: 0.90–3.14) in CRC patients with high miR-20a expression. Conclusions: miR-20a may be a valid biomarker for CRC detection but may not be a strong predictor of poor prognosis in CRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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13 pages, 437 KiB

Open AccessReview

Revisiting Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in Cancer: Saint or Sinner?

by Brigitte Bauvois and Santos A. Susin

Cancers 2018, 10(9), 336; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10090336 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5335

Abstract

Human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a glycoprotein present in a wide variety of tissues and cell types. NGAL exists as a 25 kDa monomer, a 46 kDa homodimer (the most abundant form in healthy subjects) and a 130 kDa disulfide-linked heterodimer bound [...] Read more.

Human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a glycoprotein present in a wide variety of tissues and cell types. NGAL exists as a 25 kDa monomer, a 46 kDa homodimer (the most abundant form in healthy subjects) and a 130 kDa disulfide-linked heterodimer bound to latent matrix metalloproteinase-9. Dysregulated expression of NGAL in human malignancies suggests its value as a clinical marker. A growing body of evidence is highlighting NGAL’s paradoxical (i.e., both beneficial and detrimental) effects on cellular processes associated with tumor development (proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, and multidrug resistance). At least two distinct cell surface receptors are identified for NGAL. This review (i) summarizes our current knowledge of NGAL’s expression profiles in solid tumors and leukemias, and (ii) critically evaluates the beneficial and detrimental activities of NGAL having been documented in a diverse range of cancer-derived cell lines. A better understanding of the causal relationships between NGAL dysregulation and tumor development will require a fine analysis of the molecular aspects and biological role(s) of NGAL both in primary tumors and at different stages of disease. Having an accurate picture of NGAL’s contribution to tumor progression is a prerequisite for attempting to modulate this protein as a putative therapeutic target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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22 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Circular RNAs: Characteristics, Function and Clinical Significance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Man Wang, Fei Yu and Peifeng Li

Cancers 2018, 10(8), 258; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10080258 - 02 Aug 2018

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 6141

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC patients are commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage, for which highly effective therapies are limited. Moreover, the five-year survival rate of HCC patients remains poor due to high frequency [...] Read more.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC patients are commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage, for which highly effective therapies are limited. Moreover, the five-year survival rate of HCC patients remains poor due to high frequency of tumor metastasis and recurrence. These challenges give rise to the emergent need to discover promising biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and identify novel targets for HCC therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of long-overlook non-coding RNA, have been revealed as multi-functional RNAs in recent years. Growing evidence indicates that circRNA expression alterations have a broad impact in biological characteristics of HCC. Most of these circRNAs regulate HCC progression by acting as miRNA sponges, suggesting that circRNAs may function as promising diagnostic biomarkers and ideal therapeutic targets for HCC. In this review, we summarize the current progress in studying the functional role of circRNAs in HCC pathogenesis and present their potential values as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In-depth investigations on the function and mechanism of circRNAs in HCC will enrich our knowledge of HCC pathogenesis and contribute to the development of effective diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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24 pages, 1039 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metabolomics Biomarkers for Detection of Colorectal Neoplasms: A Systematic Review

by Vanessa Erben, Megha Bhardwaj, Petra Schrotz-King and Hermann Brenner

Cancers 2018, 10(8), 246; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10080246 - 27 Jul 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5169

Abstract

Background: Several approaches have been suggested to be useful in the early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Since metabolites are closely related to the phenotype and are available from different human bio-fluids, metabolomics are candidates for non-invasive early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Objectives: We [...] Read more.

Background: Several approaches have been suggested to be useful in the early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Since metabolites are closely related to the phenotype and are available from different human bio-fluids, metabolomics are candidates for non-invasive early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Objectives: We aimed to summarize current knowledge on performance characteristics of metabolomics biomarkers that are potentially applicable in a screening setting for the early detection of colorectal neoplasms. Design: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Science and searched for biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal neoplasms in easy-to-collect human bio-fluids. Information on study design and performance characteristics for diagnostic accuracy was extracted. Results: Finally, we included 41 studies in our analysis investigating biomarkers in different bio-fluids (blood, urine, and feces). Although single metabolites mostly had limited ability to distinguish people with and without colorectal neoplasms, promising results were reported for metabolite panels, especially amino acid panels in blood samples, as well as nucleosides in urine samples in several studies. However, validation of the results is limited. Conclusions: Panels of metabolites consisting of amino acids in blood and nucleosides in urinary samples might be useful biomarkers for early detection of advanced colorectal neoplasms. However, to make metabolomic biomarkers clinically applicable, future research in larger studies and external validation of the results is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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24 pages, 23433 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Challenges in Targeting Signaling Pathways in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by NGS Approaches: An Update

by Adrián Montaño, Maribel Forero-Castro, Darnel Marchena-Mendoza, Rocío Benito and Jesús María Hernández-Rivas

Cancers 2018, 10(4), 110; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10040110 - 07 Apr 2018

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8854

Abstract

The identification and study of genetic alterations involved in various signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the application of recent next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the identification of these lesions not only broaden our understanding of the involvement [...] Read more.

The identification and study of genetic alterations involved in various signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the application of recent next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the identification of these lesions not only broaden our understanding of the involvement of various genetic alterations in the pathogenesis of the disease but also identify new therapeutic targets for future clinical trials. The present review describes the main deletions, amplifications, sequence mutations, epigenetic lesions, and new structural DNA rearrangements detected by NGS in B-ALL and T-ALL and their clinical importance for therapeutic procedures. We reviewed the molecular basis of pathways including transcriptional regulation, lymphoid differentiation and development, TP53 and the cell cycle, RAS signaling, JAK/STAT, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, chromatin structure modifiers, and epigenetic regulators. The implementation of NGS strategies has enabled important mutated genes in each pathway, their associations with the genetic subtypes of ALL, and their outcomes, which will be described further. We also discuss classic and new cryptic DNA rearrangements in ALL identified by mRNA-seq strategies. Novel cooperative abnormalities in ALL could be key prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers for selecting the best frontline treatment and for developing therapies after the first relapse or refractory disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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21 pages, 2028 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Pattern Recognition Receptors in KSHV Infection

by Timsy Uppal, Roni Sarkar, Ranjit Dhelaria and Subhash C. Verma

Cancers 2018, 10(3), 85; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10030085 - 20 Mar 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7453

Abstract

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus or Human herpesvirus-8 (KSHV/HHV-8), an oncogenic human herpesvirus and the leading cause of cancer in HIV-infected individuals, is a major public health concern with recurring reports of epidemics on a global level. The early detection of KSHV virus and subsequent [...] Read more.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus or Human herpesvirus-8 (KSHV/HHV-8), an oncogenic human herpesvirus and the leading cause of cancer in HIV-infected individuals, is a major public health concern with recurring reports of epidemics on a global level. The early detection of KSHV virus and subsequent activation of the antiviral immune response by the host’s immune system are crucial to prevent KSHV infection. The host’s immune system is an evolutionary conserved system that provides the most important line of defense against invading microbial pathogens, including viruses. Viruses are initially detected by the cells of the host innate immune system, which evoke concerted antiviral responses via the secretion of interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines for elimination of the invaders. Type I IFN and cytokine gene expression are regulated by multiple intracellular signaling pathways that are activated by germline-encoded host sensors, i.e., pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize a conserved set of ligands, known as ‘pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)’. On the contrary, persistent and dysregulated signaling of PRRs promotes numerous tumor-causing inflammatory events in various human cancers. Being an integral component of the mammalian innate immune response and due to their constitutive activation in tumor cells, targeting PRRs appears to be an effective strategy for tumor prevention and/or treatment. Cellular PRRs are known to respond to KSHV infection, and KSHV has been shown to be armed with an array of strategies to selectively inhibit cellular PRR-based immune sensing to its benefit. In particular, KSHV has acquired specific immunomodulatory genes to effectively subvert PRR responses during the early stages of primary infection, lytic reactivation and latency, for a successful establishment of a life-long persistent infection. The current review aims to comprehensively summarize the latest advances in our knowledge of role of PRRs in KSHV infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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Open AccessReview

Cell Line Secretome and Tumor Tissue Proteome Markers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

by Megha Bhardwaj, Vanessa Erben, Petra Schrotz-King and Hermann Brenner

Cancers 2017, 9(11), 156; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers9110156 - 16 Nov 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5320

Abstract

Objective: In order to find low abundant proteins secretome and tumor tissue proteome data have been explored in the last few years for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this review we aim to summarize the results of studies evaluating markers derived [...] Read more.

Objective: In order to find low abundant proteins secretome and tumor tissue proteome data have been explored in the last few years for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this review we aim to summarize the results of studies evaluating markers derived from the secretome and tumor proteome for blood based detection of colorectal cancer. Methods: Observing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for relevant studies published up to 18 July 2017. After screening for predefined eligibility criteria a total of 47 studies were identified. Information on diagnostic performance indicators, methodological procedures and validation was extracted. Functions of proteins were identified from the UniProt database and the the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was used to assess study quality. Results: Forty seven studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Overall, 83 different proteins were identified, with carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) being by far the most commonly reported (reported in 24 studies). Evaluation of the markers or marker combinations in blood samples from CRC cases and controls yielded apparently very promising diagnostic performances, with area under the curve >0.9 in several cases, but lack of internal or external validation, overoptimism due to overfitting and spectrum bias due to evaluation in clinical setting rather than screening settings are major concerns. Conclusions: Secretome and tumor proteome-based biomarkers when validated in blood yield promising candidates. However, for discovered protein markers to be clinically applicable as screening tool they have to be specific for early stages and need to be validated externally in larger studies with participants recruited in true screening setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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13 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: The Quest Goes on

by Caterina Ledda, Paola Senia and Venerando Rapisarda

Cancers 2018, 10(6), 203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10060203 - 15 Jun 2018

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 10185

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor characterized by a poor prognosis. Although its carcinogenesis mechanism has not been strictly understood, about 80% of MM can be attributed to occupational and/or environmental exposure to asbestos fibers. The identification of non-invasive molecular [...] Read more.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor characterized by a poor prognosis. Although its carcinogenesis mechanism has not been strictly understood, about 80% of MM can be attributed to occupational and/or environmental exposure to asbestos fibers. The identification of non-invasive molecular markers for an early diagnosis of MM has been the subject of several studies aimed at diagnosing the disease at an early stage. The most studied biomarker is mesothelin, characterized by a good specificity, but it has low sensitivity, especially for non-epithelioid MM. Other protein markers are Fibulin-3 and osteopontin which have not, however, showed a superior diagnostic performance. Recently, interesting results have been reported for the HMGB1 protein in a small but limited series. An increase in channel proteins involved in water transport, aquaporins, have been identified as positive prognostic factors in MM, high levels of expression of aquaporins in tumor cells predict an increase in survival. MicroRNAs and protein panels are among the new indicators of interest. None of the markers available today are sufficiently reliable to be used in the surveillance of subjects exposed to asbestos or in the early detection of MM. Our aim is to give a detailed account of biomarkers available for MM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

12 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperPerspective

Protein Biomarkers for Early Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Progress and Challenges

by Alex Root, Peter Allen, Paul Tempst and Kenneth Yu

Cancers 2018, 10(3), 67; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers10030067 - 07 Mar 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6911

Abstract

Approximately 75% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are diagnosed with advanced cancer, which cannot be safely resected. The most commonly used biomarker CA19-9 has inadequate sensitivity and specificity for early detection, which we define as Stage I/II cancers. Therefore, progress in next-generation [...] Read more.

Approximately 75% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are diagnosed with advanced cancer, which cannot be safely resected. The most commonly used biomarker CA19-9 has inadequate sensitivity and specificity for early detection, which we define as Stage I/II cancers. Therefore, progress in next-generation biomarkers is greatly needed. Recent reports have validated a number of biomarkers, including combination assays of proteins and DNA mutations; however, the history of translating promising biomarkers to clinical utility suggests that several major hurdles require careful consideration by the medical community. The first set of challenges involves nominating and verifying biomarkers. Candidate biomarkers need to discriminate disease from benign controls with high sensitivity and specificity for an intended use, which we describe as a two-tiered strategy of identifying and screening high-risk patients. Community-wide efforts to share samples, data, and analysis methods have been beneficial and progress meeting this challenge has been achieved. The second set of challenges is assay optimization and validating biomarkers. After initial candidate validation, assays need to be refined into accurate, cost-effective, highly reproducible, and multiplexed targeted panels and then validated in large cohorts. To move the most promising candidates forward, ideally, biomarker panels, head-to-head comparisons, meta-analysis, and assessment in independent data sets might mitigate risk of failure. Much more investment is needed to overcome these challenges. The third challenge is achieving clinical translation. To moonshot an early detection test to the clinic requires a large clinical trial and organizational, regulatory, and entrepreneurial know-how. Additional factors, such as imaging technologies, will likely need to improve concomitant with molecular biomarker development. The magnitude of the clinical translational challenge is uncertain, but interdisciplinary cooperation within the PDAC community is poised to confront it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers)

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