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1.
Tumori ; : 3008916241257754, 2024 Jun 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38869029

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Several biomarkers are currently available to address targeted treatments in cancer patients, with lung malignancies representing one of the best examples. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a patient affected by advanced non-small cell lung cancer with an uncommon histology and a complex biology. The use of a large next-generation sequencing (NGS) NGS panel allowed us to identify an extremely rare BRAF mutation (V600Q), a MET amplification, a high tumor mutational burden, a germline pathogenetic BRCA1 mutation and a homologous recombination deficiency through RAD51 assay. The treatment decision was driven by the abundance of molecular information. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights that an attentive and critical evaluation of molecular reports is key for the tailoring of treatment algorithms at the patient-level scale.

2.
Front Oncol ; 13: 1132564, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36925919

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and its ligands Jagged-1(Jag1), Delta-like ligand (DLL-3) and DLL4 play an important role in neoangiogenesis. Previous studies suggest a correlation between the tissue levels of NICD and response to therapy with bevacizumab in colorectal cancer (CRC). Another marker that may predict outcome in CRC is radiomics of liver metastases. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of NICD and its ligands and the role of radiomics in the selection of treatment-naive metastatic CRC patients receiving bevacizumab. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for NICD, Jag1 and E-cadherin was performed on the tissue microarrays (TMAs) of 111 patients with metastatic CRC treated with bevacizumab and chemotherapy. Both the intensity and the percentage of stained cells were evaluated. The absolute number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes was counted in three different high-power fields and the mean values obtained were used to determine the CD4/CD8 ratio. The positivity of tumor cells to DLL3 and DLL4 was studied. The microvascular density (MVD) was assessed in fifteen cases by counting the microvessels at 20x magnification and expressed as MVD score. Abdominal CT scans were retrieved and imported into a dedicated workstation for radiomic analysis. Manually drawn regions of interest (ROI) allowed the extraction of radiomic features (RFs) from the tumor. Results: A positive association was found between NICD and Jag1 expression (p < 0.001). Median PFS was significantly shorter in patients whose tumors expressed high NICD and Jag1 (6.43 months vs 11.53 months for negative cases; p = 0.001). Those with an MVD score ≥5 (CD31-high, NICD/Jag1 positive) experienced significantly poorer survival. The radiomic model developed to predict short and long-term survival and PFS yielded a ROC-AUC of 0.709; when integrated with clinical and histopathological data, the integrated model improved the predictive score (ROC-AUC of 0.823). Discussion: These results show that high NICD and Jag1 expression are associated with progressive disease and early disease progression to anti VEGF-based therapy; the preliminary radiomic analyses show that the integration of quantitative information with clinical and histological data display the highest performance in predicting the outcome of CRC patients.

3.
Clin Lung Cancer ; 23(7): e478-e488, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36002369

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Targeting Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) has been deemed impossible for long time, but new drugs have recently demonstrated promising results. Evidence on the outcome of KRAS-mutant advanced-NSCLC treated with new standard regimens are still scarce. Thus, we aimed at assessing the incidence and clinical impact of KRAS mutations in a real-life population of advanced-NSCLC, exploring the prognostic significance of distinct alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present multicenter retrospective study, conducted by 5 Italian Centers from January 2018 to February 2020, involved 297 advanced KRAS mutant NSCLC. Complete clinico-pathological data were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 297 patients, 130 carried KRAS_G12C mutation, while 167 presented with mutations other than G12C. Within KRAS_non-G12C group, 73%, 16.8% and 8.9% harboured G12X, codon 13 and Q61H alterations, respectively. No significant differences in survival outcome and treatment response were documented according to KRAS_G12C versus non-G12C, nor KRAS_G12C versus G12X versus other mutations. On univariate analysis ECOG PS, number and sites of metastatic lesions and PD-L1 status significantly impacted on survival. A clear trend towards worse prognosis was apparent in chemotherapy-treated patients, while immunotherapy-based regimens were associated to prolonged survival. Investigating the outcome of PD-L1 ≥ 50% population, we did not detect any significant difference between KRAS_G12C and non-G12C subsets. CONCLUSION: Here, we report on real-life data from a large retrospective cohort of advanced NSCLC harbouring KRAS alterations, with particular attention to G12C mutation. Our study offers useful clues on survival outcome, therapeutic response and clinico-pathological correlations in KRAS-mutant setting, especially in the upcoming era of KRAS G12C targeting therapy.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Retrospective Studies , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , B7-H1 Antigen/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Mutation/genetics , Treatment Outcome
4.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(8)2022 Apr 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35456940

ABSTRACT

Mutations in KRAS are among the most frequent aberrations in cancer, including colon cancer. KRAS direct targeting is daunting due to KRAS protein resistance to small molecule inhibition. Moreover, its elevated affinity to cellular guanosine triphosphate (GTP) has made the design of specific drugs challenging. Indeed, KRAS was considered 'undruggable'. KRASG12C is the most commonly mutated variant of KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer. Currently, the achievements obtained with covalent inhibitors of this variant have given the possibility to assess the best therapeutic approach to KRAS-driven tumors. Mutation-related biochemical assets and the tissue of origin are expected to influence responses to treatment. Further attempts to obtain mutant-specific KRAS (KRASG12C) switch-II covalent inhibitors are ongoing and the results are promising. Drugs targeted to block KRAS effector pathways could be combined with direct KRAS inhibitors, immunotherapy or T cell-targeting approaches in KRAS-mutant tumors. The development of valuable combination regimens will be essential against potential mechanisms of resistance that may arise during treatment.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Colonic Neoplasms , Lung Neoplasms , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Colonic Neoplasms/genetics , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Mutation , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics
5.
Cancers (Basel) ; 14(8)2022 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35454926

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: BRAF mutation involved 2-4% of lung adenocarcinoma. Differences in clinicopathologic features and patient outcome exist between V600E and non-V600E BRAF mutated NSCLC. Thus, we sought to assess the frequency and clinical relevance of BRAF mutations in a real-life population of advanced-NSCLC, investigating the potential prognostic significance of distinct genetic alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present multicenter Italian retrospective study involved advanced BRAF mutant NSCLC. Complete clinicopathologic data were evaluated for BRAF V600E and non-V600E patients. RESULTS: A total of 44 BRAFmut NSCLC patients were included (V600E, n = 23; non-V600E, n = 21). No significant differences in survival outcome and treatment response were documented, according to V600E vs. non-V600E mutations, although a trend towards prolonged PFS was observed in the V600E subgroup (median PFS = 11.3 vs. 6.0 months in non-V600E). In the overall population, ECOG PS and age significantly impacted on OS, while bone lesions were associated with shorter PFS. Compared to immunotherapy, first-line chemotherapy was associated with longer OS in the overall population, and especially in the BRAF V600E subtype. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we report on real-life data from a retrospective cohort of advanced-NSCLC harboring BRAF alterations. Our study offers relevant clues on survival outcome, therapeutic response, and clinicopathologic correlations of BRAF-mutant NSCLC.

6.
JTO Clin Res Rep ; 3(2): 100278, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35199053

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard treatment for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. Nevertheless, drug resistance inevitably occurs. Here, we report a case of a patient with metastatic ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma with an impressive resistance to sequential treatment with ALK TKIs mediated by YES1 and MYC amplification in a contest of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and high progressive chromosomal instability. METHODS: The patient received, after chemotherapy and 7 months of crizotinib, brigatinib and lorlatinib with no clinical benefit to both treatments. A study of resistance mechanisms was performed with whole exome sequencing on different biological samples; primary cell lines were established from pleural effusion after lorlatinib progression. RESULTS: At whole exome sequencing analysis, YES1 and MYC amplifications were observed both in the pericardial biopsy and the pleural effusion samples collected at brigatinib and lorlatinib progression, respectively. Increasing chromosomal instability from diagnostic biopsy to pleural effusion was also observed. The addition of dasatinib to brigatinib or lorlatinib restored the sensitivity in primary cell lines; data were confirmed also in H3122_ALK-positive model overexpressing both YES1 and MYC. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, YES1 and MYC amplifications are candidates to justify a rapid acquired resistance to crizotinib entailing primary brigatinib and lorlatinib resistance. In this context, a combination strategy of ALK TKI with dasatinib could be effective to overcome a rapid resistance.

7.
Cancers (Basel) ; 13(21)2021 Oct 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34771566

ABSTRACT

In order to study alternatives at the tissue biopsy to study EGFR status in NSCLC patients, we evaluated three different liquid biopsy platforms (plasma, urine and exhaled breath condensate, EBC). We also reviewed the literature of the cfDNA biological sources other than plasma and compared our results with it about the sensitivity to EGFR mutation determination. Twenty-two EGFR T790M-mutated NSCLC patients in progression to first-line treatment were enrolled and candidate to osimertinib. Plasma, urine and EBC samples were collected at baseline and every two months until progression. Molecular analysis of cfDNA was performed by ddPCR and compared to tissue results. At progression NGS analysis was performed. The EGFR activating mutation detection reached a sensitivity of 58 and 11% and for the T790M mutation of 45 and 10%, in plasma and urine samples, respectively. Any DNA content was recovered from EBC samples. Considering the plasma monitoring study, the worst survival was associated with positive shedding status; both plasma and urine molecular progression anticipated the radiological worsening. Our results confirmed the role of plasma liquid biopsy in testing EGFR mutational status, but unfortunately, did not evidence any improvement from the combination with alternative sources, as urine and EBC.

8.
Am J Transplant ; 21(10): 3280-3295, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33764625

ABSTRACT

Despite much progress in improving graft outcome during cardiac transplantation, chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains an impediment to long-term graft survival. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) emerged as regulators of the immune response. Here, we aimed to examine the miRNA network involved in CAV. miRNA profiling of heart samples obtained from a murine model of CAV and from cardiac-transplanted patients with CAV demonstrated that miR-21 was most significantly expressed and was primarily localized to macrophages. Interestingly, macrophage depletion with clodronate did not significantly prolong allograft survival in mice, while conditional deletion of miR-21 in macrophages or the use of a specific miR-21 antagomir resulted in indefinite cardiac allograft survival and abrogated CAV. The immunophenotype, secretome, ability to phagocytose, migration, and antigen presentation of macrophages were unaffected by miR-21 targeting, while macrophage metabolism was reprogrammed, with a shift toward oxidative phosphorylation in naïve macrophages and with an inhibition of glycolysis in pro-inflammatory macrophages. The aforementioned effects resulted in an increase in M2-like macrophages, which could be reverted by the addition of L-arginine. RNA-seq analysis confirmed alterations in arginase-associated pathways associated with miR-21 antagonism. In conclusion, miR-21 is overexpressed in murine and human CAV, and its targeting delays CAV onset by reprogramming macrophages metabolism.


Subject(s)
Heart Transplantation , MicroRNAs , Allografts , Animals , Graft Rejection/genetics , Graft Rejection/prevention & control , Heart Transplantation/adverse effects , Humans , Macrophages , Mice , MicroRNAs/genetics
9.
Anticancer Drugs ; 32(7): 758-762, 2021 08 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33675607

ABSTRACT

Osimertinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) used both as the first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients and in second-line after T790M-positive disease progression to first- or second-generation TKIs. Unfortunately, patients unavoidably experience disease progression to osimertinib and the current research is focused on resistance mechanisms and the relative therapeutic strategy. We report the case of a patient with advanced EGFR-mutated (exon 19 deletion and T790M-positive) non-small cell lung cancer who developed disease progression to osimertinib characterized by the loss of T790M concurrently with the emergence of G724S EGFR mutation, which was tackled by subsequent afatinib treatment. Next-generation sequencing molecular study of rebiopsy at time of progression to osimertinib revealed the persistence of EGFR exon 19 deletion, loss of T790M with a new G724S EGFR mutation; other concomitant mechanisms were excluded. Retrospective analysis of cell-free DNA revealed the emergence of G724S EGFR mutation four months before the radiologically-proven disease progression. The patient, after chemotherapy, was treated with afatinib with clinical and radiological benefit. Our case report contributes to increase the knowledge on acquired resistance mechanisms to osimertinib treatment, and it shows, for the first time, the efficacy of afatinib in the case of T790M loss and emergence of G724S EGFR mutation.


Subject(s)
Afatinib/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Acrylamides/therapeutic use , Aniline Compounds/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Exons , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Male , Middle Aged
10.
Nutrients ; 12(11)2020 Nov 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33233787

ABSTRACT

The reasons behind the increasing prevalence of celiac disease (CD) worldwide are still not fully understood. This study adopted a multilevel approach (in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo) to assess the potential of gluten from different wheat varieties in triggering CD. Peptides triggering CD were identified and quantified in mixtures generated from simulated gastrointestinal digestion of wheat varieties (n = 82). Multivariate statistics enabled the discrimination of varieties generating low impact on CD (e.g., Saragolla) and high impact (e.g., Cappelli). Enrolled subjects (n = 46) were: 19 healthy subjects included in the control group; 27 celiac patients enrolled for the in vivo phase. Celiacs were divided into a gluten-free diet group (CD-GFD), and a GFD with Saragolla-based pasta group (CD-Sar). The diet was followed for 3 months. Data were compared between CD-Sar and CD-GFD before and after the experimental diet, demonstrating a limited ability of Saragolla to trigger immunity, although not comparable to a GFD. Ex vivo studies showed that Saragolla and Cappelli activated immune responses, although with great variability among patients. The diverse potential of durum wheat varieties in triggering CD immune response was demonstrated. Saragolla is not indicated for celiacs, yet it has a limited potential to trigger adverse immune response.


Subject(s)
Celiac Disease/diet therapy , Glutens/therapeutic use , Triticum/chemistry , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Celiac Disease/immunology , Child , Child, Preschool , Diet, Gluten-Free , Digestion , Female , Glutens/administration & dosage , Humans , Immunity , Italy , Male , Middle Aged , Peptides , Young Adult
11.
Transl Lung Cancer Res ; 9(3): 787-792, 2020 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32676339

ABSTRACT

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) are the standard treatment for advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) allowing survivals up to 5 years. However, duration of responses is limited by the almost certain occurrence of drug resistance. Here, we report a case of a never smoker, 59-year-old female with metastatic ALK-positive adenocarcinoma, solid and signet ring patterns, who developed resistance to alectinib, a second-generation ALK-TKI, mediated by HER2 gene amplification. The patient received 22 months of crizotinib as first-line and subsequently 1-year of alectinib therapy. A study of resistance mechanism was performed with next generation sequencing (NGS) on tissue re-biopsy. A HER2-amplified emerging clone was identified by NGS in a liver metastasis and confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. The resistant clone was detectable 2 months before disease progression in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) copy number variation (CNV) assay and it was retrospectively traced in rare cells of the lung primary by FISH. To our best knowledge, this is first evidence of HER2 gene amplification as a resistance mechanism to ALK-TKI in a NSCLC. Future strategies against oncogene-addicted NSCLC might benefit of combined drug treatments, such as ALK and HER2 inhibition.

12.
Oncol Rep ; 42(6): 2750-2758, 2019 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31578584

ABSTRACT

δ­like ligand 4 (DLL4)­Notch signaling is associated with tumor resistance to anti­vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Furthermore, Notch signaling is critical for the maintenance of colon cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are relevant in drug resistance and tumor angiogenesis. CD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein and is considered a putative marker of CSCs. To assess the association of Notch intracellular cleaved domain (NICD), DLL4 and CD44 expression with the efficacy of anti­angiogenic drugs, a series of samples derived from patients with advanced colon cancer enrolled in prospective clinical trials were analyzed. Histological samples from 51 primary tumors that originated from patients treated with bevacizumab­based first­line chemotherapy were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for NICD, DLL4 and CD44 expression, and CD31 for microvessel count. The expression levels of genes relevant for angiogenesis [angiopoietin (ANGPT)1, ANGPT2, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)1, FGF2, epidermal growth factor, placental growth factor, VEGFA and DLL4] were detected by reverse transcription­quantitative PCR using RNA extracted from the frozen tissues of four tumors with low and four tumors with high NICD expression. Strong NICD levels were observed in 12/51 (24%) of the patients, whereas 16/51 (31%) of the colon cancer subjects exhibited high CD44 expression. Strong CD44 staining was associated with high NICD levels compared with the CD44 expression levels noted in samples with low NICD levels (67 vs. 20%, P=0.005). No association was observed with regards to the expression levels of NICD, CD44 and the other aforementioned biomarkers. High expression levels of NICD and CD44 predicted reduced progression­free survival (P<0.001) and overall survival (P=0.002). No significant differences in the expression of angiogenesis­related genes were detected between low and high NICD­expressing tumors. In conclusion, NICD and CD44 tissue levels exhibited an association and may be related to a reduced survival rate in patients with advanced colon cancer treated with bevacizumab.


Subject(s)
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Bevacizumab/administration & dosage , Calcium-Binding Proteins/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Hyaluronan Receptors/genetics , Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Bevacizumab/adverse effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Colonic Neoplasms/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/pathology , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects , Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics , Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology , Receptors, Notch/genetics , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics
13.
Lung Cancer ; 131: 78-85, 2019 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31027702

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for the identification of T790M mutation in advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients can replace tissue re-biopsy for resistance characterization and, being non-invasive, may be applied for disease monitoring. We analysed ctDNA during osimertinib treatment to correlate mutational levels with clinical outcome and to predict pattern of resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with advanced NSCLC receiving osimertinib for T790M + disease after previous EGFR-TKI were enrolled in a pilot study to collect plasma at baseline and every 12 weeks until progression. Molecular analysis of ctDNA was performed by ddPCR and Therascreen®. When feasible at progression, tissue re-biopsy and NGS analysis were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients had baseline plasma samples suitable for molecular analysis. Patients with low levels of the EGFR activating mutation in ctDNA [< 2200 copies/mL or allele frequency (AF) < 6.1%] showed better progression-free survival (17.8 or 17.8 months vs. 4.3 or 2.7, p = 0.022 or p = 0.018, respectively) and overall survival (23.6 or 23.6 vs. 7.7 or 7.3, p = 0.016 or p = 0.013, respectively) than patients with high levels (≥ 2200 copies/mL or AF ≥ 6.1%). Patients with detectable EGFR mutations in plasma (shedders) presented worse outcome than negative subjects (non-shedders). Low levels of T790M, higher T790M/activating mutation ratio and complete clearance after 2 months were associated with a trend towards better outcome. Tissue re-biopsy at resistance showed 3 patients with EGFR C797S, 1 with MET amplification, 1 with MYC amplification, 1 with PTEN loss, 3 with SCLC transformation. CONCLUSIONS: The mutational analysis performed on plasma plays a significant role in prognostic stratification, especially for the EGFR activating mutation, since patients with absence or low levels of mutations presented a better outcome to osimertinib. At progression, tissue re-biopsy remains a crucial issue for the identification of resistance mechanisms.


Subject(s)
Acrylamides/therapeutic use , Aniline Compounds/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnosis , Circulating Tumor DNA/analysis , Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality , Cohort Studies , DNA Mutational Analysis , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Female , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation/genetics , Neoplasm Staging , Pathology, Molecular , Survival Analysis
14.
Sci Rep ; 9(1): 3668, 2019 03 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30842570

ABSTRACT

Recent data suggest that tumor laterality and mucinous histology may be clinically relevant. We investigated how both variables impact on the prognosis and the response to therapies in a large population-based cohort of cancer patients. Incidence data, clinical and pathological features, and outcome were systematically collected from the Tumor Registry of Parma over the years 2004-2009. Survival data were modeled by multivariable analysis. 1358 patients affected by stage I-IV colon cancer were considered; 661 (49%) had right-sided and 697 (51%) left-sided tumors. 144 (11%) had mucinous (MAC) and 1214 (89%) non-mucinous (NMAC) histology. MACs and NMACs of the right colon showed no difference in stage distribution, whereas left colon MACs were more frequently in an advanced stage (stage IV) (p = 0.008). Stage IV right colon tumors had a poorer overall survival than stage IV left-sided colon cancers (75th percentile 20 vs 34 months, p < 0.001). At relapse, MACs were less responsive to systemic therapy and had worse survival compared with NMACs regardless of tumor side (7.1 vs 13.1 months, p = 0.018). Right-sided colon cancers had poorer survival compared to left-sided tumors; the effect was mainly attributable to NMACs. At relapse, MACs had unfavorable prognosis regardless of the primary tumor-side.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/mortality , Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/mortality , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/therapy , Aged , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy , Female , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate
15.
Acta Biomed ; 90(4): 468-474, 2019 12 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31910171

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In clinical trials with immunotherapy, histological features such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are investigated as potential predictive biomarkers, with the limit of an outdated parameter for a typically dynamic element. METHODS: This explorative study compared, in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients, basal pathological data about TILs on diagnostic histological specimens with circulating lymphocyte subpopulations measured before and during therapy with nivolumab. RESULTS: Of 11 mRCC patients, 5 had low presence of TILs (L-TILs), 3 moderate amount (M-TILs) and 3 high number (H-TILs). Overall, 8 patients had low intratumoral pathological CD4+/CD8+ ratio (LIPR) ≤1 and 3 cases high intratumoral pathological ratio (HIPR) ≥2. Of 8 patients with LIPR, only 2 matched with low circulating CD4+/CD8+ ratio (LCR) ≤1; 5 had high circulating ratio (HCR) ≥2. All 3 cases with HIPR (≥2) conversely had LCR (≤1). Circulating CD4+/CD8+ ratio remained unchanged during therapy (mean -0.12 in 8 weeks). The respective percentage values of CD4+ and CD8+ circulating T cells also remained stable (variation 0%); the absolute value of CD4+ was more likely to increase (mean +46.3/mm3); the level of CD8+ tended to slightly decrease (mean -6.5/mm3). No correlation of lymphocyte subpopulations with treatment outcome was found. Of note, we did not evidence correspondence between histopathological and circulating findings in terms of T-lymphocyte subpopulations, also suggesting the inconsistency of circulating data in terms of relative variations. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the likely high dynamism of TILs, rebiopsy before therapy might be proposed to assess the utility of TILs characterization for predictive purpose. (www.actabiomedica.it).


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/blood , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/drug therapy , Kidney Neoplasms/blood , Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lymphocyte Subsets , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating , Nivolumab/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/secondary , Correlation of Data , Female , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging
16.
Acta Biomed ; 89(9-S): 97-101, 2018 12 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30561401

ABSTRACT

Microsatellites are short tandem repeat DNA sequences of one to tetra base pairs distributed throughout the human genome, both in coding and non-coding regions. Owing to their repeated structure, microsatellites are particularly prone to replication errors that are normally repaired by the Mismatch Repair (MMR) system. MMR is a very highly conserved cellular process, involving many proteins, resulting in the identification, and subsequent repair of mismatched bases, likely to have arisen during DNA replication, genetic recombination or chemical or physical damage. Proteins within the MMR system include MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6, MLH3, MSH3, PMS1, and Exo1. Deficient MMR (dMMR) results in a strong mutator phenotype known as microsatellite instability (MSI), characterized by widespread length polymorphisms of microsatellite sequences due to DNA polymerase slippage. MSI is recognized as one of the major carcinogenetic pathways of colorectal cancer (CRC): it represents a molecular hallmark of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome (LS); moreover it is detected in 15% of sporadic colorectal cancers, more often due to an epigenetic inactivation of MLH1. Identification of MSI CRC is important, as MSI may serve as a screening tool for detecting LS, a prognostic marker for patient outcome, and a predictive marker for response to chemotherapy and to immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/genetics , DNA Mismatch Repair , Humans , Microsatellite Instability
17.
Acta Biomed ; 89(9-S): 102-106, 2018 12 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30561402

ABSTRACT

Fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy represents a standard option for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. Randomized clinical trials have shown that fluorouracil concomitant to preoperative radiation enhances tumor shrinkage (with 10% to 15% of the patients showing a complete pathological tumor response) compared with preoperative radiation alone. A high response rate is of clinical importance in rectal cancer, since patients who achieve a complete pathological response may experience improved long-term survival. Adding oxaliplatin to fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy has no effect on response of the primary rectal tumor and single-agent fluoropyrimidine remains the standard chemotherapy in this setting. Despite novel biological insights and therapeutic advances, little is known about potential biological markers able to predict pathological tumor response before treatment and to subsequently impact patients' prognosis. This review focuses on the current available data on main molecular markers and molecular subtypes and the possible upcoming introduction of such analyses in the clinical setting.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Chemoradiotherapy , Rectal Neoplasms/therapy , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/pharmacology , Biomarkers, Tumor , Fluorouracil/administration & dosage , Fluorouracil/pharmacology , Genes, p53 , Humans , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating , Microsatellite Instability , Neoplasm Proteins/analysis , Oxaliplatin/administration & dosage , Oxaliplatin/pharmacology , Prognosis , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Rectal Neoplasms/blood , Rectal Neoplasms/genetics , Rectal Neoplasms/pathology , Thymidylate Synthase/analysis
18.
Immunotherapy ; 10(9): 743-752, 2018 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30008256

ABSTRACT

AIM: We studied the possible clinical significance of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at key tumor suppressor genes loci in advanced renal cancer patients treated with nivolumab. METHODS: LOH study was performed on 3p14.2 (FHIT gene); 3p21.3-21.2; 9p21 (BDMF gene); 9p22 (SH3GL2 gene). RESULTS: Of 12 patients, 8 (67%) had LOH. The most affected gene was FHIT. All five patients with LOH at FHIT locus had good outcome, mean progression free survival of 6.8 months. The patients LOH negative at FHIT locus had mean progression free survival of 4 months, 67% were treatment refractory. Overall, 75% of patients with LOH of at least one gene had benefit; 75% of LOH negative cases were refractory. CONCLUSION: LOH at key tumor suppressor genes should be further investigated as predictive for immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
Acid Anhydride Hydrolases/genetics , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/diet therapy , Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Nivolumab/therapeutic use , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/mortality , DNA Repair/genetics , Female , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/mortality , Loss of Heterozygosity , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Pilot Projects , Retrospective Studies , Survival Analysis , Treatment Outcome , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics
20.
Acta Biomed ; 88(1): 39-44, 2017 04 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28467332

ABSTRACT

AIM: Many aspects of the surgical management of multiple sporadic colorectal cancer syndrome, either synchronous and metachronous, remain to be cleared, in particular the prognostic influence of the extent of surgical resection. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed of patients diagnosed with multiple colorectal cancer from 1982 to May 2010. Clinical and pathologic data were collected and reviewed. Survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: We identified 23 patients with multiple sporadic colorectal cancers, of which 8 had synchronous (SC) and 15 metachronous cancers (MC). Of the MC patients, 2 (13%) had the second cancer within 2 years, 4 (27%) in the time period of 2-5 years and 9 (60%) after 5 years. Twenty-one patients underwent multiple segmental resections; 2 patients underwent subtotal colectomy. The 5-year overall survival rate of SC and MC patients was 100% and 87% (p<0.001) respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate of multiple segmental resection patients and subtotal colectomy was 94% and 75% (p=0.655) respectively. CONCLUSION: Either synchronous and metachronous MSCRC patients showed good prognosis independently from to the extent of resection. Our results support a less aggressive biological behaviour allowing a more conservative management. Multiple segmental colorectal resections seem appropriate from an oncologic point of view in MSCRC patients.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/surgery , Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/surgery , Neoplasms, Second Primary/surgery , Adenocarcinoma/mortality , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anastomosis, Surgical , Colectomy , Colorectal Neoplasms/mortality , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/mortality , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology , Neoplasms, Second Primary/mortality , Neoplasms, Second Primary/pathology , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate
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