Review
Oncology
Beatrice Borelli, Carlotta Antoniotti, Martina Carullo, Marco Maria Germani, Veronica Conca, Gianluca Masi
Summary: The manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the treatment with ICIs in dMMR/MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer, discussing current challenges, mechanisms of resistance, and potential predictive biomarkers. It highlights the impressive results of ICIs in dMMR/MSI-H mCRC patients, but also addresses the limitations and future perspectives of immunotherapy in this context.
Article
Oncology
Huang Chen, Aiping Song, Ye Wang, Yifan He, Jie Tong, Jinxi Di, Chun Li, Zhongren Zhou, Xiaopin Cai, Dingrong Zhong, Jiping Da
Summary: The study demonstrated that combining fine-needle aspiration cytology with BRAF(V600E) mutation testing can improve the accuracy of papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis, especially for thyroid nodules with indeterminate or nondiagnostic cytology.
Article
Oncology
E. Martinelli, C. Cremolini, T. Mazard, J. Vidal, I Virchow, D. Tougeron, P-J Cuyle, B. Chibaudel, S. Kim, I Ghanem, B. Asselain, C. Castagne, A. Zkik, S. Khan, D. Arnold
Summary: This study is the largest real-world analysis to date of patients with BRAF(V600E) mutant mCRC, providing valuable insights into routine first-line treatment practices for these patients. The results highlight the intrinsic aggressiveness of this disease subgroup and emphasize the urgent need for more effective treatment options in this setting.
Article
Oncology
Roberto Moretto, Andrew Elliott, Daniele Rossini, Rossana Intini, Veronica Conca, Filippo Pietrantonio, Andrea Sartore-Bianchi, Carlotta Antoniotti, Cosimo Rasola, Mario Scartozzi, Massimiliano Salati, Nicoletta Pella, Maria Alessandra Calegari, Martina Carullo, Francesca Corti, Gianluca Mauri, Matteo Fassan, Gianluca Masi, Pavel Brodskiy, Heinz-Josef Lenz, Anthony Shields, Sara Lonardi, Michael Korn, Chiara Cremolini
Summary: Recent data suggest that BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with right-sided tumors may benefit from the triplet regimen, while those with left-sided tumors may have a detrimental effect. Differences in tumor biology between right- and left-sided BRAFV600E-mutated CRCs were observed. The use of FOLFOXIRI +/- bevacizumab is supported only in BRAFV600E-mutated mCRC patients with right-sided tumors.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Maria Alessandra Calegari, Lisa Salvatore, Brunella Di Stefano, Michele Basso, Armando Orlandi, Alessandra Boccaccino, Fiorella Lombardo, Alessandra Auriemma, Ina Valeria Zurlo, Maria Bensi, Floriana Camarda, Marta Ribelli, Raffaella Vivolo, Alessandra Cocomazzi, Carmelo Pozzo, Michele Milella, Maurizio Martini, Emilio Bria, Giampaolo Tortora
Summary: The study compared patients with BRAF V600E and BRAF non-V600 metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRCs), finding that patients with BRAF non-V600 mutations had more favorable clinical characteristics and survival rates.
Review
Oncology
Erika Martinelli, Dirk Arnold, Andres Cervantes, Sebastian Stintzing, Eric Van Cutsem, Josep Tabernero, Julien Taieb, Harpreet Wasan, Fortunato Ciardiello
Summary: This article reviews the current knowledge and consensus management on the clinical management of BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The treatment landscape for this specific type of mCRC has changed greatly due to the emergence of molecular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Tumor tissue analysis for DNA mismatch repair/microsatellite status and KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutational status is mandatory for appropriate clinical management and treatment decisions.
CANCER TREATMENT REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Matthew Fowler, Helene Tobback, Alice Karuri, Paz Fernandez-Ortega
Summary: Encorafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, in combination with cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of BRAF(V600E)-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. Nurses play a crucial role in managing the care of these patients, including early identification and management of treatment-related adverse events, as well as educating patients and caregivers about these events.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marta Martin-Richard, Maria Tobena
Summary: Many randomized clinical trials evaluating maintenance therapy strategies suffer from incorrect design and methodology flaws, making it challenging to draw conclusions and vague in recommendations. By focusing on design quality and clinical benefit measure with a more objective and accurate methodology, researchers were able to provide a clearer and more exact overview of maintenance treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Gianluca Mauri, Erica Bonazzina, Alessio Amatu, Federica Tosi, Katia Bencardino, Viviana Gori, Daniela Massihnia, Tiziana Cipani, Francesco Spina, Silvia Ghezzi, Salvatore Siena, Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
Summary: The BRAF(V600E) mutation is detected in 8-10% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and has a poor prognostic outlook, with median overall survival below 20 months. Treatment options include immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) for those with concomitant MSI-H status, and a combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy + anti-VEGF or EGFR and BRAF inhibitors for first and second line treatment, respectively. However, acquired resistance limits the potential benefits and survival remains poor. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring various strategies to improve treatment outcomes for this subset of patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoshuang Li, Yanmin Wu, Tian Tian
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a significant public health issue with high incidence and mortality rates. This review summarizes the alterations of TGF-beta signaling and its role in CRC progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Zenghui Ma, Zhenguang Qi, Chaofeng Gu, Zhou Yang, Yue Ding, Yichan Zhou, Wei Wang, Qi Zou
Summary: This study analyzed the association between BRAF mutation and clinical features of colorectal cancer (CRC) using TCGA database. BRAF mutation was found to be closely related to age and pathological stage of CRC patients. Moreover, BRAF mutation indicated poor overall survival in stage II CRC patients. Experimental findings revealed that BRAFV600E mutation not only promoted invasion and proliferation of HCT116 cells, but also increased chemoresistance to 5-FU and oxaliplatin. Mouse xenograft model confirmed the in vitro results, showing increased tumor growth and resistance to 5-FU in BRAFV600E-expressing HCT116 cells.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Sebastian Stintzing, Kathrin Heinrich, David Tougeron, Dominik Paul Modest, Ingo Schwaner, Jan Eucker, Rudolf Pihusch, Martina Stauch, Florian Kaiser, Christoph Kahl, Meinolf Karthaus, Christian Mueller, Christof Burkart, Anke Reinacher-Schick, Stefan Kasper-Virchow, Ludwig Fischer von Weikersthal, Beate Krammer-Steiner, Gerald Wolfgang Prager, Julien Taieb, Volker Heinemann
Summary: This clinical trial investigated the efficacy of triplet chemotherapy combined with either cetuximab or bevacizumab in previously untreated BRAF(V600E)-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. The results showed that bevacizumab-based chemotherapy remains the preferable first-line treatment for patients with BRAF(V600E)-mutant mCRC.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Satoshi Fujii, Daisuke Kotani, Masahiro Hattori, Masato Nishihara, Toshihide Shikanai, Junji Hashimoto, Yuki Hama, Takuya Nishino, Mizuto Suzuki, Ayatoshi Yoshidumi, Makoto Ueno, Yoshito Komatsu, Toshiki Masuishi, Hiroki Hara, Taito Esaki, Yoshiaki Nakamura, Hideaki Bando, Tomoyuki Yamada, Takayuki Yoshino
Summary: This study utilized deep learning techniques to extract pathomorphologic features from tissue section images, enabling the accurate prediction of genetic abnormalities in cancer. The results demonstrated high accuracy of this method and its potential for predicting genetic abnormalities without the need for gene tests.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Elez, Javier Ros, Jose Fernandez, Guillermo Villacampa, Ana Belen Moreno-Cardenas, Carlota Arenillas, Kinga Bernatowicz, Raquel Comas, Shanshan Li, David Philip Kodack, Roberta Fasani, Ariadna Garcia, Javier Gonzalo-Ruiz, Alejandro Piris-Gimenez, Paolo Nuciforo, Grainne Kerr, Rossana Intini, Aldo Montagna, Marco Maria Germani, Giovanni Randon, Ana Vivancos, Ron Smits, Diana Graus, Raquel Perez-Lopez, Chiara Cremolini, Sara Lonardi, Filippo Pietrantonio, Rodrigo Dienstmann, Josep Tabernero, Rodrigo A. Toledo
Summary: In colorectal cancer patients, inactivating mutations in the RNF43 gene are associated with patients' response rates and survival outcomes to anti-BRAF/EGFR therapy. This suggests that the status of the RNF43 gene may serve as a predictive biomarker for patients' clinical outcomes.
Review
Oncology
Julian E. Riedesser, Matthias P. Ebert, Johannes Betge
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in personalized treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. We provide an overview of current multimodal therapy and explain novel immunotherapy and targeted therapy approaches in detail. We emphasize clinically relevant therapies and provide recommendations for clinical practice.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria A. Papadaki, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Oraianthi Fiste, John Souglakos, Eleni Politaki, Athanasios Kotsakis, Vassilis Georgoulias, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Sofia Agelaki
Summary: Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using CellSearch and CEACAM5 mRNA assays provides valuable and complementary clinical information for chemo-naive advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients. High CTC detection rates and the presence of CEACAM5 mRNA+ CTCs are associated with disease progression and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Asimina Koulouridi, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Nikolaos Gouvas, John Tsiaoussis, John Souglakos
Summary: Immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of various neoplasms, with gut microbiota playing an important role in their efficacy. While colorectal cancer patients have had limited benefit from immunotherapy, the microbiome may hold the key to extending its effectiveness to a broader range of patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chara Papadaki, Konstantina Thomopoulou, Alexia Monastirioti, George Koronakis, Maria A. Papadaki, Konstantinos Rounis, Lambros Vamvakas, Christoforos Nikolaou, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Sofia Agelaki
Summary: MicroRNAs play a crucial role in immune response regulation and tumor immune escape. In this study, miR-155 was found to be expressed lower in patients with early stage breast cancer compared to healthy women, and miR-155 and miR-10b were even lower in patients who experienced relapse. Combination of miR-19a and miR-20a expression showed the highest performance in discriminating patients with early relapse, while miR-10b combined with lymph node status and grade had the highest accuracy in discriminating patients with late relapse. Relapse predicting models based on circulating miRNAs may provide valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies in early stage breast cancer.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Konstantinos Rounis, Dimitrios Makrakis, Chara Papadaki, Alexia Monastirioti, Lambros Vamvakas, Konstantinos Kalbakis, Krystallia Gourlia, Iordanis Xanthopoulos, Ioannis Tsamardinos, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Sofia Agelaki
Summary: In patients with non-oncogenic driven metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, prolonged use of antibiotics, bone metastases, liver metastases, and low body mass index are important factors affecting treatment outcomes.
Review
Oncology
Andreas Koulouris, Christos Tsagkaris, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Nikolaos Gouvas, Maria Sfakianaki, Maria Trypaki, Vasiliki Spyrou, Manousos Christodoulakis, Elias Athanasakis, Evangelos Xynos, Maria Tzardi, Dimitrios Mavroudis, John Souglakos
Summary: CRC recurrence poses a major challenge to disease management, requiring urgent need for novel biomarkers. The interplay of microbiota in immune and inflammatory responses plays a crucial role in CRC development. Early detection of post-operative CRC recurrence is crucial, and ongoing trials on CTCs and ctDNA show promise as minimally invasive monitoring methods.
Article
Oncology
Asimina Koulouridi, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Emmanouil Theodorakis, Maria Chondrozoumaki, Maria Sfakianaki, Nikolaos Gouvas, John Tsiaoussis, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Maria Tzardi, John Souglakos
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the non-inferiority of three over six months treatment with FOLFOX or CAPOX in stage III CRC patients. Findings showed a significant decrease in CTCs after 3 months of treatment, followed by an increase after 6 months. Significant correlations were found between microbial DNA detection and CTCs increase between baseline and 3 months of treatment.
Correction
Oncology
S. Kachris, C. Papadaki, K. Rounis
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Maria A. Papadaki, Alexia Monastirioti, Christina A. Apostolopoulou, Despoina Aggouraki, Chara Papadaki, Kleita Michaelidou, Maria Vassilakopoulou, Katerina Alexakou, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Sofia Agelaki
Summary: This study provides evidence that the expression of TLR4 and pSTAT3 in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients may be associated with disease progression and outcomes.
Article
Oncology
Asimina Koulouridi, Michaela Karagianni, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Maria Sfakianaki, Alexandra Voutsina, Maria Trypaki, Maria Bachlitzanaki, Evangelos Koustas, Michalis Karamouzis, Anastasios Ntavatzikos, Anna Koumarianou, Nikolaos Androulakis, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Maria Tzardi, John Souglakos
Summary: The study reveals that KRAS G12D mutation is associated with better overall survival, while KRAS G12C mutation may indicate worse prognosis in terms of progression-free and overall survival. KRAS exon 3 and exon 4 mutations also have different impacts on progression-free and overall survival.
Review
Oncology
Charalampos Fotsitzoudis, Asimina Koulouridi, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Theocharis Konstantinidis, Nikolaos Gouvas, John Tsiaoussis, John Souglakos
Summary: Tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), plays a significant role in tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Detecting CAFs is crucial for prognosis assessment and potential treatment targets, but further research is needed.
Article
Oncology
Ippokratis Messaritakis, Asimina Koulouridi, Eleni Boukla, Maria Sfakianaki, Konstantinos Vogiatzoglou, Michaela Karagianni, Nikolaos Gouvas, John Tsiaoussis, Evangelos Xynos, Elias Athanasakis, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Maria Tzardi, John Souglakos
Summary: Gut microbial dysbiosis and microbial passage into the peripheral blood leads to colorectal cancer (CRC) and disease progression. Toll-like (TLR) and vitamin D (VDR) receptors play important role in the immune modulation and polymorphisms that may increase CRC risk. This study demonstrates the prognostic value of microbial DNA fragments in the blood of stage III CRC patients and their correlation with TLR/VDR polymorphisms.
Article
Oncology
Maria Sfakianaki, Maria Tzardi, Konstantina Tsantaki, Chara Koutoulaki, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Galateia Datseri, Eleni Moustou, Dimitrios Mavroudis, John Souglakos
Summary: Mismatch repair (MMR) system deficiency leads to increased mutation rates, microsatellite instability (MSI), and susceptibility to carcinogenesis. Testing MSI status is important for early detection of Lynch syndrome and predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Both molecular testing of MSI status and loss of protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) have substantial agreement and should be established as first-line screening tests for all cancer types.
Article
Oncology
Ippokratis Messaritakis, Eleni Psaroudaki, Konstantinos Vogiatzoglou, Maria Sfakianaki, Pantelis Topalis, Ioannis Iliopoulos, Dimitrios Mavroudis, John Tsiaoussis, Nikolaos Gouvas, Maria Tzardi, John Souglakos
Summary: This study investigated the molecular profiles of stage III CRC patients and found that mutations in specific genes are associated with patient outcomes. These mutations may serve as prognostic biomarkers and provide improved treatment options.
Article
Oncology
Filippos Koinis, Zafeiris Zafeiriou, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Panagiotis Katsaounis, Anna Koumarianou, Emmanouil Kontopodis, Evangelia Chantzara, Chrissovalantis Aidarinis, Alexandros Lazarou, George Christodoulopoulos, Christos Emmanouilides, Dora Hatzidaki, Galatea Kallergi, Vassilis Georgoulias, Athanasios Kotsakis
Summary: This study assessed the clinical relevance of monitoring circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with cabazitaxel. The study demonstrated that CTC counts at baseline and after the first treatment cycle retain their prognostic significance.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Bachlitzanaki, George Aletras, Eirini Bachlitzanaki, Ippokratis Messaritakis, Stergos Koukias, Asimina Koulouridi, Emmanouil Bachlitzanakis, Eleni Kaloeidi, Elena Vakonaki, Emmanouil Kontopodis, Nikolaos Androulakis, Georgios Chamilos, Dimitrios Mavroudis, Petros Ioannou, Diamantis Kofteridis
Summary: Febrile neutropenia is a common and serious complication in cancer patients, and this study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of hospitalized patients with solid tumors and neutropenia, as well as factors influencing patient outcomes.
