Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liubov A. Tashireva, Olga E. Savelieva, Evgeniya S. Grigoryeva, Yuri V. Nikitin, Evgeny V. Denisov, Sergey V. Vtorushin, Marina V. Zavyalova, Nadezhda V. Cherdyntseva, Vladimir M. Perelmuter
Summary: Significant heterogeneity of CTCs in breast cancer is observed, particularly in terms of EMT plasticity. The majority of CTC phenotypes exhibit epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, contributing to the understanding of the metastatic process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Maha Elazezy, Sandra Schwentesius, Luisa Stegat, Harriet Wikman, Stefan Werner, Wael Y. Mansour, Antonio Virgilio Failla, Sven Peine, Volkmar Mueller, Jean Paul Thiery, Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani, Klaus Pantel, Simon A. Joosse
Summary: This study reveals that keratin 16 is a critical protein promoting cancer metastasis, associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and positive regulation of cell motility, with its expression in circulating tumor cells correlating with shorter relapse-free survival in patients. Therefore, keratin 16 could serve as a prognostic marker to identify cancer patients at higher risk of metastasis.
Review
Surgery
Francesca Savioli, Elizabeth S. Morrow, Ross D. Dolan, Laszlo Romics, Alison Lannigan, Joanne Edwards, Donald C. McMillan
Summary: Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, it was found that preoperative circulating markers of the systemic inflammatory response, such as NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, and CRP, may serve as prognostic markers in primary operable breast cancer.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Tongmei Zhang, Lina Zhang, Yuan Gao, Ying Wang, Yanxia Liu, Hongmei Zhang, Qunhui Wang, Fanbin Hu, Jie Li, Jinjing Tan, Daisy Dandan Wang, Olivier Gires, Peter Ping Lin, Baolan Li
Summary: Longitudinal monitoring and early detection of treatment resistance in cancer patients undergoing anti-angiogenic therapy is challenging. This study found that baseline Vim(+) CTECs and post-therapeutic EpCAM(+) CTCs and CTECs can serve as predictive biomarkers for monitoring response to anti-angiogenesis combination regimens in NSCLC patients.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yanling Jin, Wei Cai, Chanyuan Zhao, Feng Yang, Chenguang Yang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Quan Zhou, Wenjie Zhao, Chenli Zhang, Fangfang Zhang, Min Wang, Min Li
Summary: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial in the metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer. However, the phenotypic and biological characteristics of CTCs at different stages of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) remain poorly defined. This study used a breast cancer mouse model to isolate CTCs and identified two phenotypes: intermediate E/M and mesenchymal CTCs. The results showed that both phenotypes had lower rates of proliferation, colony formation, and invasion compared to primary tumor cells. Mesenchymal CTCs exhibited a higher rate of invasion but lower rates of proliferation and colony formation than intermediate E/M CTCs. They also had lower rates of growth and metastasis than primary tumor cells in vivo, but a higher rate of metastasis than intermediate E/M CTCs. Fluid shear stress was found to induce the EMT transition of CTCs. Proteomic analysis revealed differentially expressed proteins between the two types of CTCs and their primary tumor cells.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Han Wang, Xin Chen, Yanshan Jin, Tingxian Liu, Yizuo Song, Xuejie Zhu, Xueqiong Zhu
Summary: This study aims to clarify the role and underlying molecular pathways of DYNLT3 in breast cancer tumorigenesis. Differential expression of DYNLT3 was detected in breast cancer tissues and cells, showing that DYNLT3 may act as a tumor-promoter in age-associated breast cancer. Knockdown of DYNLT3 suppressed cell growth, migration, and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Article
Oncology
Yi-Fei Wang, Xue-Jian Wang, Zhong Lu, Shu-Rong Liu, Yu Jiang, Xiao-Qing Wan, Cong-Cong Cheng, Li-Hong Shi, Li-Hua Wang, Yi Ding
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between Stat3 and the release of cfDNA in breast cancer patients. The data showed that Stat3 increased circulating cfDNA, which correlated with tumor burden and the number of CTCs. High levels of total cfDNA and Stat3-cfDNA were detected in breast cancer patients using quantitative real-time PCR.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Crina E. Tiron, Emilia Patrascanu, Paula A. Postu, Irina C. Vacarean Trandafir, Adrian Tiron, Ioana Grigoras
Summary: This study demonstrated that exposure of TNBC cells to sevoflurane resulted in morphological and behavioral changes, as well as differential regulation of AKT isoforms, especially early upregulation of AKT3. Treatment with sevoflurane at specific time points and concentrations significantly increased cell viability, proliferation, aggressiveness, and expression of vimentin and HIF.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Vasileios Vardas, Julia A. Ju, Athina Christopoulou, Anastasia Xagara, Vassilis Georgoulias, Athanasios Kotsakis, Catherine Alix-Panabieres, Stuart S. Martin, Galatea Kallergi
Summary: Metastasis is the main cause of breast cancer patient deaths, and microtentacles formation plays a crucial role in this process. This study aimed to analyze the function of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in response to drug treatment in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. CTCs were isolated from 20 TNBC patients and cultured, and their biomarker expression and drug response were evaluated. The findings showed that TetherChips analysis increased the number of CTCs, allowing for drug evaluation. Vinorelbine treatment induced apoptosis and reduced specific markers in CTCs. This pilot study provides valuable insights for individualized targeting of metastasis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Misung Park, Dohee Kim, Sunghyub Ko, Ayoung Kim, Kyumin Mo, Hyunho Yoon
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and metastasis is the leading cause of high mortality. Currently, breast cancer is often discovered or diagnosed after metastasis has occurred, resulting in poor prognosis. Understanding the mechanisms and nature of breast cancer metastasis can facilitate the development of targeted therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Xavier Filella, Maria Rodriguez-Garcia, Esther Fernandez-Galan
Summary: Tumor markers are substances released by cancer cells into the bloodstream, providing valuable information for cancer patient management. However, interpreting and using tumor marker results correctly can be challenging, and various factors need to be considered. The Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journal has played an important role in promoting the appropriate use of tumor markers.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Alexcia C. Braun, Fernando A. B. Campos, Emne A. Abdallah, Anna P. C. Ruano, Tiago da S. Medina, Milena S. Tariki, Fabio F. E. Pinto, Celso A. L. de Mello, Ludmilla T. D. Chinen
Summary: Desmoid tumors are rare neoplasms with high recurrence rates, composed of fibroblastic cells expressing key molecules. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood could serve as early biomarkers for invasion and dissemination. This study found a high prevalence of CTCs in DT patients and showed concordance in beta-catenin expression between CTCs and primary tumors, suggesting new avenues for studying DT biology and predicting disease dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Shuangwu Dai, Xinxin Shao, Qingzhu Wei, Shaohua Du, Changhe Hou, Haomiao Li, Dadi Jin
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and osteosarcoma metastasis. The results showed that CTCs, especially IMP3-positive CTCs and H/M-type CTCs, are associated with the metastasis of osteosarcoma.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lorenz Isert, Aditi Mehta, Gabriele Loiudice, Altea Oliva, Andreas Roidl, Olivia M. Merkel
Summary: During the progression from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer (IBC), cells undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to acquire invasive features. In this study, the interplay between the tumor microenvironment and EMT phenotype was investigated in vitro. The combination of collagen with the growth factor TGF-beta 1 induced prominent phenotypic changes, independent of collagen type and cell line. The results highlight the potential of the EMT-phenotyping model to predict the efficacy of EMT-targeting drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hao Liao, Jiayang Zhang, Tiantian Zheng, Xiaoran Liu, Jianxin Zhong, Bin Shao, Xiaoxi Dong, Xiaohong Wang, Pan Du, Bonnie L. King, Shidong Jia, Jianjun Yu, Huiping Li
Summary: This study revealed the molecular profiles of Chinese patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) and highlighted the clinical importance of ctDNA-derived markers for predicting treatment response, prognosis, and disease progression. Common gene mutations included TP53 and PIK3CA, while frequent CNVs included amplifications of ERBB2 and FGFR1. Furthermore, TP53 and PIK3CA mutations were associated with survival outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, and high ctDNA fraction and blood-based tumor mutation burden (bTMB) were associated with progression-free survival (PFS) in TNBC and HER2+ patients.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Alexios Matikas, Athanasios Kotsakis, Maria Perraki, Dora Hatzidaki, Konstantinos Kalbakis, Emmanouil Kontopodis, Michail Nikolaou, Vasilios Georgoulias
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of subsequent treatment lines for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and the association between radiologic objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS). Results showed limited efficacy in late treatment lines for MBC, while response to first-line therapy was associated with long-term survival.
Article
Oncology
Alexios Matikas, Athanasios Kotsakis, Stella Apostolaki, Helen Politaki, Maria Perraki, Kostas Kalbakis, Michalis Nikolaou, Panagiota Economopoulou, Dora Hatzidaki, Vassilis Georgoulias
Summary: This study found that baseline CTC positivity is associated with shorter overall survival in breast cancer patients. CTC positivity predicts early recurrence but not late recurrence. Following adjuvant chemotherapy, more patients convert from CTC-positive to CTC-negative. CTC status at follow-up predicts disease recurrence.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikoletta Naoumi, Kleita Michaelidou, George Papadakis, Agapi E. Simaiaki, Roman Fernandez, Maria Calero, Antonio Arnau, Achilleas Tsortos, Sofia Agelaki, Electra Gizeli
Summary: Regular screening of cancer point mutations is crucial for cancer management and treatment selection. A new method combining allele-specific PCR and a high fundamental frequency quartz crystal microbalance array has been developed, which can detect mutations in a fast and cost-effective manner. The method has shown high sensitivity and good agreement with results from real samples.
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
K. Wang, I. Zerdes, E. G. Sifakis, H. J. Johansson, A. Mezheyeuski, J. Lehtio, J. Bergh, T. Hatschek, A. Matikas, T. Foukakis
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Caroline Boman, Luisa Edman Kessler, Jonas Bergh, Alexios Matikas, Theodoros Foukakis
Summary: Despite therapeutic advances, overall survival of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at the population level has seen little improvement. A population-based retrospective study identified characteristics of patients with very short survival time following MBC diagnosis.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2022)
Letter
Oncology
Alexios Matikas, Vassilis Georgoulias
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Kang Wang, Aafke Duinmeijer, Alexios Matikas, Renske Altena, Hemming Johansson, Hanna Fredholm, Theodoros Foukakis
Review
Oncology
Evangelos Tzoras, Ioannis Zerdes, Nikos Tsiknakis, Georgios C. Manikis, Artur Mezheyeuski, Jonas Bergh, Alexios Matikas, Theodoros Foukakis
Summary: The evaluation of breast cancer immune microenvironment is important in clinical practice, but the spatiotemporal organization of the anti-breast cancer immune response is not fully explored yet. Multiplex in situ methods with spectral imaging can deconvolute the different elements of tumor immune microenvironment and provide valuable information for classification and biomarker discovery. These methods enable the simultaneous evaluation of multiple targets and characterization of spatial organization of the tumor immune microenvironment.
Article
Oncology
Alexios Matikas, Hemming Johansson, Per Gryback, Judith Bjohle, Balazs Acs, Ceren Boyaci, Tobias Lekberg, Hanna Fredholm, Ellinor Elinder, Sara Margolin, Erika Isaksson-Friman, Ana Bosch, Henrik Lindman, Jamila Adra, Anne Andersson, Susanne Agartz, Mats Hellstrom, Ioannis Zerdes, Johan Hartman, Jonas Bergh, Thomas Hatschek, Theodoros Foukakis
Summary: PREDIX HER2 is a randomized Phase II trial that compared neoadjuvant docetaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (THP) with trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) for HER2-positive breast cancer. Rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) did not differ between the two groups. Here, we present the survival outcomes from PREDIX HER2 and investigate metabolic response and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) as prognostic factors.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Maximilian J. Mair, Claudia Cardone, Liz Connolly, Maria Kfoury, Matteo Lambertini, Jonathan Lim, Elene Mariamidze, Alexios Matikas, Rille Pihlak, Kevin Punie, Christoph Oing, Rodrigo Sanchez-Bayona, Pawel Sobczuk, Hongcheng Zhu, Anna S. Berghoff, Teresa Amaral
Summary: Young oncologists worldwide face various challenges in their career and professional development, including time management, work-life balance, career progression, and educational opportunities. Professional societies have recognized these challenges and have designed specific programs to address them. The importance of this strategy cannot be overstated, as young oncologists make up almost 50% of the oncology workforce. However, recent surveys indicate that many young oncologists are considering alternative career paths due to burnout exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
ONCOLOGY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Peter Schmid, Joo Hyuk Sohn, Yolanda Jerez Gilarranz, Lucia Gonzalez-Cortijo, Amir Sonnenblick, Dhanusha Sabanathan, Ernesto Korbenfeld, Daniel Egle, Brigitte Poirier, Flora Zagouri, Alexios Matikas, Sercan Aksoy, Umut Demirci, Pier Ramos-Elias, Seock-Ah Im, Fatima Cardoso, Liyi Jia, Kim Hirshfield, Konstantinos Tryfonidis, Hope S. Rugo
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Ioannis Zerdes, Yajing Zhu, Evangelos Tzoras, Alexios Matikas, Jonas C. S. Bergh, Antonios Valachis, Theodoros Foukakis
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Yajing Zhu, Kang Wang, Ioannis Zerdes, Alexios Matikas, Mattias Bergqvist, Ellinor Elinder, Ana Bosch, Henrik Lindman, Zakaria Einbeigi, Anne Andersson, Lena Carlsson, Ann Charlotte Dreifaldt, Erika Isaksson-Friman, Mats Hellstrom, Hemming Johansson, Jonas C. S. Bergh, Thomas Hatschek, Theodoros Foukakis
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Alexios Matikas, Hemming Johansson, Per Gryback, Judith Bjohle, Tobias Lekberg, Hanna Fredholm, Balazs Acs, Ellinor Elinder, Erika Isaksson-Friman, Susanne Agartz, Mats Hellstrom, Ioannis Zerdes, Johan Hartman, Jonas C. S. Bergh, Thomas Hatschek, Theodoros Foukakis
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Hope S. Rugo, Joohyuk Sohn, Yolanda Jerez Gilarranz, Lucia Gonzalez-Cortijo, Amir Sonnenblick, Dhanusha Sabanathan, Ernesto Pablo Korbenfeld, Daniel Egle, Brigitte Poirier, Flora Zagouri, Alexios Matikas, Sercan Aksoy, Umut Demirci, Pier Ramos-Elias, Seock-Ah Im, Fatima Cardoso, Liyi Jia, Carlos Baccan, Konstantinos Tryfonidis, Peter Schmid
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)