Article
Oncology
Jose Manuel Casanova, Jani-Sofia Almeida, John David Reith, Luana Madalena Sousa, Ruben Fonseca, Paulo Freitas-Tavares, Manuel Santos-Rosa, Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
Summary: Osteosarcoma is a common high-grade primary bone tumor that mainly affects young adults. The presence of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ cells is protective for patients, while CD8+ cells have a significant impact on overall survival and progression-free survival. There is a strong association between tumor-infiltrating CD4+ cells and CD44s expression in tumor samples, highlighting the importance of considering TIL and tumor markers for improving OST treatment.
Review
Oncology
Ji-Eun Irene Yum, Young-Kwon Hong
Summary: VISTA is an emerging immune checkpoint molecule that plays a significant role in cancer progression by predominantly acting in an immune-suppressing manner. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating therapies targeting VISTA in various cancers.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Iman M. M. Talaat, Noha M. M. Elemam, Shroque Zaher, Maha Saber-Ayad
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a prevalent cancer type worldwide, and the immune cells within the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in its initiation and progression. Immune checkpoint molecules are highlighted as potential targets for immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nour el Imane Issam Salah, Farida Marnissi, Abdelhakim Lakhdar, Mehdi Karkouri, Mohamed Elbelhadji, Abdallah Badou
Summary: This study analyzed the expression of a novel immune checkpoint, VISTA, in the rare and deadly tumor UM. The results showed that VISTA expression was associated with tumor aggressiveness, T cell exhaustion, and poor overall survival. VISTA may serve as a prognostic marker and a potential target for immunotherapy in UM patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Bogdan Marian Caraban, Elena Matei, Georgeta Camelia Cozaru, Mariana Aschie, Mariana Deacu, Manuela Enciu, Gabriela Izabela Baltatescu, Anca Chisoi, Nicolae Dobrin, Lucian Petcu, Emma Gheorghe, Laurentiu-Tony Hangan, Mihai Catalin Rosu, Cristian Ionut Orasanu, Antonela-Anca Nicolau
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the PD-L1 expression in melanomas and its association with T cell infiltrates. The results showed that most of the PD-L1 positive tumors had moderate scores of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs in tumoral melanoma cells. PD-L1 expression was associated with different degrees of lymphocytic infiltration and with Breslow tumor thickness. PD-L1 expression is a predictive biomarker for discriminating the presence or absence of malign tumoral melanoma cells and an independent predictor of good prognosis in melanoma patients.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Faruk Tas, Kayhan Erturk
Summary: The study showed that HR and TILs were associated with favorable survival rates in melanoma patients, with the HR (+)/TILs (+) subgroup having the most favorable survival rates compared to other subgroups.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Ikuko Hirai, Takeru Funakoshi, Hajime Kamijuku, Keitaro Fukuda, Mariko Mori, Masatoshi Sakurai, Yuya Koda, Jun Kato, Takehiko Mori, Naohide Watanabe, Shinobu Noji, Tomonori Yaguchi, Takashi Iwata, Shigeki Ohta, Tomonobu Fujita, Ryuji Tanosaki, Makoto Handa, Shinichiro Okamoto, Masayuki Amagai, Yutaka Kawakami
Summary: The study evaluated the feasibility of adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in Japanese melanoma patients who failed immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Different immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive factors were identified that may influence the efficacy of the therapy. Results showed that the TIL-ACT regimen was suitable for Japanese patients with melanoma, with further studies needed to explore immune-resistant mechanisms.
Review
Immunology
Alexander S. Martin, Michael Molloy, Andrey Ugolkov, Reinhard W. von Roemeling, Randolph J. Noelle, Lionel D. Lewis, Melissa Johnson, Laszlo Radvanyi, Robert E. Martell
Summary: V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a novel immunotherapy target for solid tumors, playing key roles in maintaining T cell quiescence and regulating myeloid cell populations. Understanding the biology of VISTA and its interactions with tumor and immune cells is crucial for anti-VISTA therapy. We provide a general framework to describe patterns of VISTA expression in correlation with other immune biomarkers across solid tumors, facilitating the investigation of effective tumor microenvironments for VISTA-targeted treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claire Y. Li, Hyeung Ju Park, Jinyeon Shin, Jung Eun Baik, Babak J. Mehrara, Raghu P. Kataru
Summary: This study suggests that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) can act as immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in an MHC-II dependent manner. LECs in the TME increase MHC-II expression and co-inhibitory signals, suppressing the immune response. This finding highlights the importance of understanding the role of LECs in tumor immunity and opens up new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Veronica Finisguerra, Tereza Dvorakova, Matteo Formenti, Pierre Van Meerbeeck, Lionel Mignion, Bernard Gallez, Benoit J. van den Eynde
Summary: Despite limitations in certain tumor types and patients, immunotherapies have achieved revolutionary success in cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of immunotherapies is dependent on the viability and functionality of tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cells within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, where oxygen levels are often low. This study reveals that the antidiabetic drug metformin can improve CD8 T cell fitness in hypoxia, increasing their proliferation and cytokine production, and enhancing their infiltration and survival in hypoxic tumor areas. This presents a promising strategy to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumors.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Richard J. Straker, Katharine Krupp, Cimarron E. Sharon, Alexandra S. Thaler, Nicholas J. Kelly, Emily Y. Chu, David E. Elder, Xiaowei Xu, John T. Miura, Giorgos C. Karakousis
Summary: The study investigated the prognostic impact of primary tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in melanoma patients, showing associations with regression rates, histology, and sentinel lymph node positivity. However, no significant associations were found with disease-specific survival. The presence of brisk TILs may be associated with an advantage in recurrence-free survival, but further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Felix C. Popp, Ingracia Capino, Joana Bartels, Alexander I. Damanakis, Jiahui Li, Rabi R. Datta, Heike Loeser, Yue Zhao, Alexander Quaas, Philipp Lohneis, Christiane J. Bruns
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is highly resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The potential of new immune molecules to restore the antitumor immune response was explored, with IDO expression associated with improved survival while VISTA, LAG3, and TIM3 expression were not correlated with survival. The study suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting VISTA, LAG3, and TIM3 may be inefficient in clinical application.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Francesco De Logu, Filippo Ugolini, Luigi Francesco Iannone, Sara Simi, Vincenza Maio, Vincenzo de Giorgi, Anna Maria di Giacomo, Clelia Miracco, Antonio Cossu, Giuseppe Palmieri, Mario Mandala, Daniela Massi
Summary: The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the progression of primary cutaneous melanoma. The spatial proximity between tumor cells and immune cells has an impact on disease-free and overall survival. These findings could help identify high-risk patients.
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Maud Plaschka, Valentin Benboubker, Maxime Grimont, Justine Berthet, Laurie Tonon, Jonathan Lopez, Myrtille Le-Bouar, Brigitte Balme, Garance Tondeur, Arnaud de la Fouchardiere, Lionel Larue, Alain Puisieux, Yenkel Grinberg-Bleyer, Nathalie Bendriss-Vermare, Bertrand Dubois, Christophe Caux, Stephane Dalle, Julie Caramel
Summary: This study reveals that ZEB1 expression in melanoma cells is associated with decreased CD8(+) T cell infiltration, leading to tumor immune evasion and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. ZEB1 directly represses the secretion of T cell-attracting chemokines, such as CXCL10, and targeting ZEB1 may enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in melanoma.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Steven L. Morrison, Gang Han, Faith Elenwa, John T. Vetto, Graham Fowler, Stanley P. Leong, Mohammed Kashani-Sabet, Barbara A. Pockaj, Heidi E. Kosiorek, Jonathan S. Zager, Vernon K. Sondak, Jane L. Messina, Nicola Mozzillo, Schlomo Schneebaum, Dale Han
Summary: This multicenter retrospective study assessed the predictive and prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in melanoma. The study found that the presence of TILs predicted a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy and the absence of TILs may indicate worse survival in patients with a positive sentinel lymph node. TILs can also serve as a prognostic marker of survival when the sentinel lymph node status is not considered.
Review
Oncology
Christina V. Angeles, Michael S. Sabel
Summary: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive form of skin cancer that, while responsive to chemotherapy, often relapses and develops resistance, limiting the effectiveness of treatment. The management of advanced MCC has been significantly impacted by the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing research is focusing on immunotherapy for MCC in unresectable and metastatic cases, as well as exploring future immune-based strategies for this challenging cancer.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sara L. Schaefer, Amy L. Strong, Sheena Bahroloomi, Jichang Han, Michella K. Whisman, Jodi M. Wilkowski, Christina V. Angeles
Summary: Lipoleiomyoma is a rare, benign variant of uterine leiomyoma consisting of smooth muscle cells admixed with mature adipose tissue. Diagnosis requires histopathological analysis, with consideration for surgical resection in symptomatic patients.
WORLD JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jennifer L. Vella, Aleksey Molodtsov, Christina Angeles, Bruce R. Branchini, Mary Jo Turk, Yina H. Huang
Summary: Dendritic cells play a crucial role in supporting T-RM responses to melanoma, with their close interaction being essential for maintaining immune protection. Chemotaxis and adhesion mediated by the CXCR6/CXCL16 axis are critical for T-RM migration and persistence in the skin, with the interaction between CXCR6-expressing T-RM cells and CXCL16-expressing APCs being pivotal for sustaining T-RM cell-mediated tumor protection.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Christina Angeles, Ana Velez, Jordan Rios, Bernadette Laxa, David Shum, Penelope D. Ruiz, Yawei Shen, Irina Ostrovnaya, Rodrigo Gularte-Merida, Benjamin A. Nacev, Mark A. Dickson, Hakim Djaballah, Tomoyo Okada, Samuel Singer
Summary: This study aims to find potential treatments for dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) by increasing the expression of C/EBP alpha. The results showed that irinotecan can induce apoptosis in DDLS cells through C/EBP alpha-dependent, p53-independent mechanisms, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Ourania Parra, Konstantinos Linos, Zhongze Li, Shaofeng Yan
Summary: PRAME immunoreactivity is a relatively sensitive and highly specific marker in differentiating benign from malignant nail melanocytic lesions. Correlation with morphology is imperative.
JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Brooke C. Bredbeck, Lia D. Delaney, Varun G. Kathawate, Cameron A. Harter, Jodi Wilkowski, Rashmi Chugh, Kyle C. Cuneo, Lesly A. Dossett, Michael S. Sabel, Christina Angeles
Summary: This study focused on the treatment outcomes of patients with retroperitoneal and abdominopelvic sarcomas. The results showed that neoadjuvant radiation therapy improved disease-free survival and abdominal recurrence-free survival. A follow-up of over three years was needed to observe the difference in outcomes.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Justin T. Snow, Natalia Georgantzoglou, Donald C. Green, Ourania Parra, Robert E. LeBlanc, Shaofeng Yan, Aravindhan Sriharan, Shabnam Momtahen, Kimberley N. Winnick, Emmanouil Dimonitsas, Spiros Stavrianos, Eleftheria Lakiotaki, Penelope Korkolopoulou, Kyriakos Revelos, Ruifeng Guo, Konstantinos Linos
Summary: This study identified the potential new NUTM1 fusion partners in NUT IHC-positive poromas and porocarcinomas. YAP1-NUTM1 fusion was found to be the most common, while WWTR1-NUTM1 fusion was rare. These findings further support the use of NUT IHC in diagnosing a subset of poroid neoplasms.
JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Wenting Du, Rosa E. Menjivar, Katelyn L. Donahue, Padma Kadiyala, Ashley Velez-Delgado, Kristee L. Brown, Hannah R. Watkoske, Xi He, Eileen S. Carpenter, Christina V. Angeles, Yaqing Zhang, Marina Pasca di Magliano
Summary: The study found that targeting the WNT signaling pathway and PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer can reduce tumor growth by influencing the immune microenvironment.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
David G. Grand, Dorothea T. Barton, Shaofeng Yan, Aravindhan Sriharan, Shabnam Momtahen, Jeffrey M. Cloutier, Robert E. LeBlanc
Summary: Melanoma and benign histiocytic proliferations can overlap clinically and histopathologically. A case of melanoma closely mimicking reticulohistiocytoma is reported. The clinical context and regression changes at the lesion perimeter were helpful in distinguishing melanoma from reticulohistiocytoma.
JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Chiamaka L. L. Okorie, Iman Salem, Andrew J. J. Scripture, Brian J. J. Simmons, Shabnam Momtahen, Shaofeng Yan
Summary: Skin is frequently affected by GVHD, a complication of BMT. Unusual presentations of GVHD are increasingly common due to the use of non-myeloablative transplant therapy. In this case, the patient showed both a psoriasiform pattern and a solitary syringotropic pattern of chronic GVHD. This report highlights the uncommon psoriasiform GVHD and a novel description of isolated syringotropic chronic GVHD.
JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Chiamaka L. Okorie, Shaofeng Yan, Darcy A. Kerr, Laura J. Tafe, Aravindhan Sriharan
Summary: Cutaneous myoepithelioma is a rare benign soft tissue tumor of myoepithelial cells in the skin and subcutis. It presents diagnostic challenges due to the variability in its cytomorphology, immunophenotype, and genetic features. Distinguishing it from malignancy is crucial. This case reports a cutaneous myoepithelioma that resembled Ewing sarcoma, and highlights the important morphologic, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic features of this benign basaloid cutaneous tumor.
JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Alvaro J. Ramos-Rodriguez, Jason R. Mcfadden, Shabnam Momtahen, Robert E. Leblanc, Shaofeng Yan, Advaita S. Chaudhari, Jeffrey M. Cloutier, Mirjana Stevanovic, Rachael Barney, Marie Syku, Mario Lozano-Franco, Edward Hughes, Aravindhan Sriharan
Summary: This study aims to develop a relatively inexpensive, fast, and accessible molecular assay using ddPCR technology for the detection of CNVs relevant to melanoma. The results showed good concordance between ddPCR and CMA in quantifying MYC and MYB CNVs.
JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Lindsay A. Janes, Christina V. Angeles
Summary: Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare and show distant metastasis in 20% of cases, with the lungs and liver being the most common sites. Surgical resection is the main treatment for localized disease, but guidelines for abdominal and distant metastases are limited. Limited systemic treatment options necessitate surgical consideration for selected patients. Multidisciplinary tumor board discussion is essential for optimal care. This review aims to summarize the role of surgery in oligometastatic retroperitoneal sarcoma to inform management.
Article
Oncology
Jichang Han, Yanding Zhao, Keisuke Shirai, Aleksey Molodtsov, Fred W. Kolling, Jan L. Fisher, Peisheng Zhang, Shaofeng Yan, Tyler G. Searles, Justin M. Bader, Jiang Gui, Chao Cheng, Marc S. Ernstoff, Mary Jo Turk, Christina V. Angeles
Summary: The study analyzed exceptional responders to checkpoint blockade for melanoma and found long-lasting tissue-resident memory and effector memory T-cell clonotypes in skin and blood. These clonotypes with tumor-related immunity memory could serve as a prognostic value for patients with melanoma.
Article
Oncology
Marie-Anne Durand, Renata W. Yen, A. James O'Malley, Danielle Schubbe, Mary C. Politi, Catherine H. Saunders, Shubhada Dhage, Kari Rosenkranz, Julie Margenthaler, Anna N. A. Tosteson, Eloise Crayton, Sherrill Jackson, Ann Bradley, Linda Walling, Christine M. Marx, Robert J. Volk, Karen Sepucha, Elissa Ozanne, Sanja Percac-Lima, Emily Bergin, Courtney Goodwin, Caity Miller, Camille Harris, Richard J. Barth, Rebecca Aft, Sheldon Feldman, Amy E. Cyr, Christina V. Angeles, Shuai Jiang, Glyn Elwyn
Summary: Women of lower socioeconomic status with early-stage breast cancer may face communication challenges and lower satisfaction with surgery compared to those with higher SES. This study aimed to support women in making breast cancer surgery choices across different socioeconomic strata. Using conversation aids with pictures and text improved knowledge, decision process, shared decision making, and decision regret, especially among disadvantaged patients. Text-only conversation aids also led to improvements in decision process, coordinated care, and shared decision making compared to usual care.