Review
Oncology
Jennifer Sun, Chaelee Park, Nicole Guenthner, Shannon Gurley, Luna Zhang, Berit Lubben, Ola Adebayo, Hannah Bash, Yixuan Chen, Mina Maksimos, Barbara Muz, Abdel Kareem Azab
Summary: MM is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, with the tumor microenvironment playing a critical role in disease progression. TAMs in the TME have been found to support tumor survival and chemoresistance, highlighting the importance of exploring macrophage-targeted immunotherapy in MM treatment.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Samuel S. Y. Wang, Wee Joo Chng, Haiyan Liu, Sanjay de Mel
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common blood cancer that remains incurable. The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in MM pathogenesis and treatment response. Tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and dendritic cells are important components of the MM tumor microenvironment. Understanding the biology of these cells and utilizing novel technologies may impact future treatment strategies for MM.
Article
Oncology
Huizhong Wang, Ruonan Shao, Wenjian Liu, Shumei Peng, Shenrui Bai, Bibo Fu, Congling Zhao, Yue Lu
Summary: This study established an effective prognostic model for multiple myeloma using transcriptomic and clinical information. It identified CXCL11 as a key factor that promotes the progression of multiple myeloma and correlates with immune cell infiltration. The study provides insights into the complex interaction between myeloma cells and the tumor microenvironment, and has potential for the development of novel biomarker targets for anti-myeloma therapy.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Khatora S. Opperman, Kate Vandyke, Peter J. Psaltis, Jacqueline E. Noll, Andrew C. W. Zannettino
Summary: Recent research has made significant progress in understanding the crucial functional roles played by macrophages in multiple myeloma, affecting various pathways essential for tumor initiation and progression. Therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages within the bone marrow niche show promise in the clinical setting.
CANCER AND METASTASIS REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Raquel Lopes, Joana Caetano, Bruna Ferreira, Filipa Barahona, Emilie Arnault Carneiro, Cristina Joao
Summary: The interaction between multiple myeloma and immune cells in the bone marrow microenvironment is considered a key aspect of this hematological disease. Understanding how myeloma cells disrupt immune homeostasis is crucial in developing effective treatments, particularly through immunotherapy. Ongoing pre-clinical studies are focused on targeting immune populations within the bone marrow niche, aiming to improve outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma.
Article
Immunology
Junqiang Lv, Hao Sun, Lixin Gong, Xiaojing Wei, Yi He, Zhen Yu, Lanting Liu, Shuhua Yi, Weiwei Sui, Yan Xu, Shuhui Deng, Gang An, Zhi Yao, Lugui Qiu, Mu Hao
Summary: This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the dynamic features of immune cells in MM patients and found that immune cells were activated in patients with low tumor cell infiltration but suppressed with elevated MM cell infiltration, facilitating MM escape from immune surveillance. Abnormal expression of PIM kinases, KLRB1, and KLRC1 was also involved in the dysfunction of immune cells in MM patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niyati Seshagiri Sharma, Bibha Choudhary
Summary: Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood disease characterized by abnormal immunoglobulin production. The development of drug resistance in MM cells is due to various mutations and structural abnormalities, as well as a favorable microenvironment and immune suppression. The bone marrow microenvironment plays a crucial role in MM development, and advanced immune profiling techniques have provided insights into the specific immune cell fractions involved. This review discusses the role of bone marrow microenvironment components in MM development and ongoing clinical trials using immunotherapeutic approaches.
Review
Oncology
Emanuele Cencini, Anna Sicuranza, Sara Ciofini, Alberto Fabbri, Monica Bocchia, Alessandro Gozzetti
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease characterized by multiple relapse and drug resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) within the bone marrow niche plays a critical role in MM pathogenesis, with tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) being key components. TAM can promote tumor growth and progression through their polarization into M2 subtype. Several studies have shown correlation between TAM, disease progression, drug resistance, and reduced survival in lymphoproliferative neoplasms, including MM. Targeting TAM for immunotherapy may provide a potential treatment strategy for MM.
Article
Oncology
Niklas Kehl, Michael Kilian, Julius Michel, Tim R. Wagner, Sebastian Uhrig, Alexander Brobeil, Lilli-Sophie Sester, Sven Blobner, Simon Steiger, Michael Hundemer, Niels Weinhold, Karsten Rippe, Stefan Froehling, Stefan B. Eichmueller, Lukas Bunse, Carsten Mueller-Tidow, Hartmut Goldschmidt, Michael Platten, Marc-Steffen Raab, Mirco J. Friedrich
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare and aggressive hematological malignancy, and its classification and evolution can be deciphered by molecular features. IgE type MM is a subtype with a small percentage but poor prognosis, and currently there is limited genetic and immunological data available. In this study, comprehensive analysis at the genomic and immune repertoire level revealed the pathophysiological mechanisms and potential targeted therapy opportunities for IgE type MM.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Rodrigo Carlini Fernando, Fabricio de Carvalho, Adriana Franco Paes Leme, Gisele Wally Braga Colleoni
Summary: The tumor microenvironment plays a central role in promoting the proliferation, survival, migration, and drug resistance of tumor cells in cancers like multiple myeloma. Understanding and targeting the dysregulated biological pathways in the microenvironment may lead to new therapeutic opportunities for these patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Lingli Long, Yue Hu, Tengfei Long, Xiaofang Lu, Ying Tuo, Yubing Li, Zunfu Ke
Summary: This study revealed a positive relationship between the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids and the malignancy of OvCa cells, with M2-TAMs inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of OvCa cells through the release of CCL18. The overexpression of ZEB1 in OvCa cells in ovarian mice models promoted the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids in ascites, leading to faster transcoelomic metastasis.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Cong Zhang, Sisi Wei, Suli Dai, Xiaoya Li, Huixia Wang, Hongtao Zhang, Guogui Sun, Baoen Shan, Lianmei Zhao
Summary: The lncRNA NR_109 plays a crucial role in regulating the polarization of M2-like macrophages through the NR_109/FUBP1/c-Myc positive feedback loop. High expression of NR_109 is associated with poor clinical stages in gastric cancer and breast cancer patients.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Mengyuan Li, Ping Jiang, Shuhua Wei, Junjie Wang, Chunxiao Li
Summary: Recent studies have shown that tumor-associated macrophages play a crucial role in tumor initiation and progression as the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. The proportion of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment is associated with cancer prognosis. These macrophages can polarize into anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic phenotypes, exerting opposing effects on tumor progression. Additionally, there is extensive communication between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune cells, impacting tumor development and treatment outcomes. Targeting the molecules and signaling pathways involved in these interactions can be a potential immunotherapeutic strategy for malignant tumors.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Mathilde Bied, William W. Ho, Florent Ginhoux, Camille Bleriot
Summary: Macrophages are both important regulators of tissue homeostasis and abundant in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where they seem to support tumor development. However, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit vast heterogeneity and their associated functions have only recently been uncovered. This review outlines the various TAM populations identified thus far and their specialized roles in different stages of cancer progression. The article also discusses how macrophages may prime the premetastatic niche to facilitate metastasis and how subsequent metastasis-associated macrophages can support secondary tumor growth. Finally, the challenges in TAM research are addressed.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Chunxiao Li, Xiaofei Xu, Shuhua Wei, Ping Jiang, Lixiang Xue, Junjie Wang
Summary: Macrophages play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment, where they can be polarized into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The abundance of TAMs in tumors is closely linked with poor prognosis, leading to investigations into therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs. These strategies include inhibiting macrophage recruitment to tumors, repolarizing TAMs towards an anti-tumor phenotype, and inducing macrophage-mediated destruction of cancer cells. As tumor immunotherapy gains more importance, new anti-tumor strategies focusing on TAMs are being discussed.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Antonio Giovanni Solimando, Nicola Susca, Antonella Argentiero, Oronzo Brunetti, Patrizia Leone, Valli De Re, Rossella Fasano, Markus Krebs, Elisabetta Petracci, Irene Azzali, Oriana Nanni, Nicola Silvestris, Angelo Vacca, Vito Racanelli
Summary: A meta-analysis of second-line therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) identified regorafenib and cabozantinib as potential treatment options, showing significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival compared with placebo in randomized controlled trials. None of the compared drugs stood out as clearly superior after stratification of patients.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Rosanna Dammacco, Walter Lisch, Tero T. Kivela, Evangelos Terpos, Efstathios Kastritis, Dario Sisto, Alberto Mavilio, Roberto Ria, Giovanni Alessio, Angelo Vacca, Franco Dammacco
Summary: The study investigated the ocular manifestations in 91 Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) patients, revealing a variety of ocular impairments that can potentially threaten vision. Genetic analysis and treatment have significantly improved ophthalmological outcomes, highlighting the importance of managing both the hematological and ocular aspects of WM patients.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Alessandra Bettiol, Maria Letizia Urban, Lorenzo Dagna, Vincent Cottin, Franco Franceschini, Stefano Del Giacco, Franco Schiavon, Thomas Neumann, Giuseppe Lopalco, Pavel Novikov, Chiara Baldini, Carlo Lombardi, Alvise Berti, Federico Alberici, Marco Folci, Simone Negrini, Renato Alberto Sinico, Luca Quartuccio, Claudio Lunardi, Paola Parronchi, Frank Moosig, Georgina Espigol-Frigole, Jan Schroeder, Anna Luise Kernder, Sara Monti, Ettore Silvagni, Claudia Crimi, Francesco Cinetto, Paolo Fraticelli, Dario Roccatello, Angelo Vacca, Aladdin J. Mohammad, Bernhard Hellmich, Maxime Samson, Elena Bargagli, Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert, Camillo Ribi, Davide Fiori, Federica Bello, Filippo Fagni, Luca Moroni, Giuseppe Alvise Ramirez, Mouhamad Nasser, Chiara Marvisi, Paola Toniati, Davide Firinu, Roberto Padoan, Allyson Egan, Benjamin Seeliger, Florenzo Iannone, Carlo Salvarani, David Jayne, Domenico Prisco, Augusto Vaglio, Giacomo Emmi
Summary: Mepolizumab at both 100 mg every 4 weeks and 300 mg every 4 weeks proved effective in treating EGPA, with no significant difference between the two doses. Complete response rates reached 30.4% at 12 months and 35.7% at 24 months, with some patients experiencing exacerbations in asthma and ENT.
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Fortunato Morabito, Elena Zamagni, Concetta Conticello, Vincenzo Pavone, Salvatore Palmieri, Sara Bringhen, Monica Galli, Silvia Mangiacavalli, Daniele Derudas, Elena Rossi, Roberto Ria, Lucio Catalano, Paola Tacchetti, Giuseppe Mele, Iolanda Donatella Vincelli, Enrica Antonia Martino, Ernesto Vigna, Cirino Botta, Antonella Bruzzese, Anna Mele, Lucia Pantani, Serena Rocchi, Bruno Garibaldi, Nicola Cascavilla, Stelvio Ballanti, Giovanni Tripepi, Ferdinando Frigeri, Antonetta Pia Falcone, Clotilde Cangialosi, Giovanni Reddiconto, Giuliana Farina, Marialucia Barone, Ilaria Rizzello, Pellegrino Musto, Valerio De Stefano, Maurizio Musso, Maria Teresa Petrucci, Massimo Offidani, Antonino Neri, Nicola Di Renzo, Francesco Di Raimondo, Mario Boccadoro, Michele Cavo, Massimo Gentile
Summary: The non-randomized comparison between KRd and EloRd therapies in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients showed that KRd treatment led to a higher probability of achieving a CR+VGPR response, reduced progression or death risk, and had a greater effect on patients achieving CR+VGPR compared to those achieving < VGPR. The overall results suggest potential benefits of KRd therapy over EloRd in clinical practice.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Ilaria Saltarella, Aurelia Lamanuzzi, Vanessa Desantis, Lucia Di Marzo, Assunta Melaccio, Paola Curci, Tiziana Annese, Beatrice Nico, Antonio Giovanni Solimando, Giulia Bartoli, Doron Tolomeo, Clelia Tiziana Storlazzi, Maria Addolorata Mariggio, Roberto Ria, Pellegrino Musto, Angelo Vacca, Maria Antonia Frassanito
Summary: The crosstalk between multiple myeloma cells and bone marrow fibroblasts plays a crucial role in disease progression and drug resistance. Researchers have found that MM cell-derived exosomes can reprogram the miRNA profile of fibroblasts, and tumor cells can neutralize exosomal miRs through lncRNA expression to ensure their survival.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilaria Saltarella, Concetta Altamura, Aurelia Lamanuzzi, Benedetta Apollonio, Angelo Vacca, Maria Antonia Frassanito, Jean-Francois Desaphy
Summary: Ion channels play a critical role in multiple myeloma by modulating intracellular pathways that promote tumor cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance, making them a potential therapeutic target for MM treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Assunta Melaccio, Antonia Reale, Ilaria Saltarella, Vanessa Desantis, Aurelia Lamanuzzi, Sebastiano Cicco, Maria Antonia Frassanito, Angelo Vacca, Roberto Ria
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy. Researchers are actively searching for early and non-invasive biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses. The interaction between malignant plasma cells and bone marrow stromal cells plays a crucial role in MM progression. This article discusses the roles of cytokines and growth factors in the pathogenesis of MM and their potential as prognostic and predictive biomarkers. It also explores the potential of targeted drugs that can simultaneously block plasma cell proliferation and survival, plasma cell-bone marrow stromal cell interactions, and bone marrow stromal cell activity, which may be the future goal of MM therapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gerardo Cazzato, Eliano Cascardi, Anna Colagrande, Caterina Foti, Alessandra Stellacci, Maricla Marrone, Giuseppe Ingravallo, Francesca Arezzo, Vera Loizzi, Antonio Giovanni Solimando, Paola Parente, Eugenio Maiorano, Gennaro Cormio, Angelo Vacca, Leonardo Resta
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has disrupted global health systems and brought the entire globe to its knees. Although born as a disease of the respiratory system, COVID-19 can affect different parts of the body, including the skin. Researchers conducted immunohistochemical investigations and literature reviews to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, TMPRSS2, and skin manifestations. They found no statistically significant differences in the immune expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 between SARS-CoV-2-positive patients and healthy controls. ACE2 appears to be a target of SARS-CoV-2, and further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying skin manifestations.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanessa Desantis, Maria Assunta Potenza, Luca Sgarra, Carmela Nacci, Antonietta Scaringella, Sebastiano Cicco, Antonio Giovanni Solimando, Angelo Vacca, Monica Montagnani
Summary: The pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) may involve atrial fibrosis/remodeling and dysfunctional endothelial activities. miRNAs regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and may represent novel and attractive biomarker candidates in AF due to their ease of accessibility in biofluids and prognostic and diagnostic properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Ilaria Saltarella, Concetta Altamura, Carmen Campanale, Paola Laghetti, Angelo Vacca, Maria Antonia Frassanito, Jean-Francois Desaphy
Summary: Angiogenesis is a critical factor in multiple myeloma, affecting patients' prognosis, survival, and drug resistance. Various anti-angiogenic drugs targeting angiogenic cytokines and their receptors have been developed, along with standard antimyeloma drugs that also exhibit anti-angiogenic effects. This review examines the pharmacological profile and in vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic effects of these therapies. Although direct targeting of angiogenic cytokines/receptors has shown limited efficacy, there is a need for a deeper understanding of the bone marrow angiogenic niche to develop novel multi-targeting anti-angiogenic therapies.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Margherita Zen, Mariele Gatto, Roberto Depascale, Francesca Regola, Micaela Fredi, Laura Andreoli, Franco Franceschini, Maria Letizia Urban, Giacomo Emmi, Fulvia Ceccarelli, Fabrizio Conti, Alessandra Bortoluzzi, Marcello Govoni, Chiara Tani, Marta Mosca, Tania Ubiali, Maria Gerosa, Enrica P. Bozzolo, Valentina Canti, Paolo Cardinaletti, Armando Gabrielli, Giacomo Tanti, Elisa Gremese, Ginevra De Marchi, Salvatore De Vita, Serena Fasano, Francesco Ciccia, Giulia Pazzola, Carlo Salvarani, Simone Negrini, Andrea Di Matteo, Rossella De Angelis, Giovanni Orsolini, Maurizio Rossini, Paola Faggioli, Antonella Laria, Matteo Piga, Alberto Cauli, Salvatore Scarpato, Francesca Wanda Rossi, Amato De Paulis, Enrico Brunetta, Angela Ceribelli, Carlo Selmi, Marcella Prete, Vito Racanelli, Angelo Vacca, Elena Bartoloni, Roberto Gerli, Elisabetta Zanatta, Maddalena Larosa, Francesca Saccon, Andrea Doria, Luca Iaccarino
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy of belimumab in treating joint and skin manifestations in a nationwide cohort of SLE patients. The results showed that belimumab significantly improved joint and skin symptoms and reduced the use of glucocorticoids. A significant proportion of patients who did not achieve complete remission initially achieved remission during follow-up.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sebastiano Cicco, Marialuisa Sveva Marozzi, Carmen Alessandra Palumbo, Elisabetta Sturda, Antonio Fusillo, Flavio Scarilli, Federica Albanese, Claudia Morelli, Davide Fiore Bavaro, Lucia Diella, Annalisa Saracino, Fabrizio Pappagallo, Antonio Giovanni Solimando, Gianfranco Lauletta, Roberto Ria, Angelo Vacca
Summary: Lung ultrasound (LUS) can effectively evaluate and follow lung involvement in COVID-19 patients, and early treatment leads to better recovery and reduced lung involvement after three months.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Antonio Giovanni Solimando, Giuseppe Coniglio, Vanessa Desantis, Gianfranco Lauletta, Davide Fiore Bavaro, Lucia Diella, Anna Cirulli, Giuseppe Iodice, Piero Santoro, Sebastiano Cicco, Giuseppe Ingravallo, Fabio Signorile, Roberto Ria, Monica Montagnani, Annalisa Saracino, Angelo Vacca
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by parasitic infection, with various clinical syndromes depending on the site of infection. The disease phenotype is mainly determined by the biological characteristics of the parasite and the host's immune status.