Article
Oncology
Quentin Klopfenstein, Valentin Derangere, Laurent Arnould, Marion Thibaudin, Emeric Limagne, Francois Ghiringhelli, Caroline Truntzer, Sylvain Ladoire
Summary: The prognosis of early breast cancer is associated with the clinic-pathological stage and the molecular characteristics of tumor cells. In some patients, the presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells can impact long term outcome. A new gene expression deconvolution algorithm was developed to estimate immune cell populations in tumors and found that myeloid cells were associated with poor outcomes, while lymphoid cells were linked to favorable prognosis. This information, when combined with clinical stage and PAM50, can improve the prediction of relapse or death in early breast cancer patients.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Jie Qiu, Da Qian, Yuancong Jiang, Liwei Meng, Liming Huang
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, and there is a need for more accurate and effective methods to detect it in the early stages. Blood-based biomarkers derived from the tumor microenvironment have emerged as potential targets for detecting breast tumors at various stages of progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of early breast cancer and current approaches to detecting blood-based biomarkers.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
James Mason, Erik Lundberg, Par Jonsson, Hanna Nystrom, Oskar Franklin, Christina Lundin, Peter Naredi, Henrik Antti, Malin Sund, Daniel Ohlund
Summary: This study proposes an effective method for early diagnosis of PDAC. By comparing different biomarkers and multivariable models, it was found that CA19-9 performed best within six months of diagnosis with high accuracy. Longitudinal analysis revealed a gradual increase in CA19-9 up to two years before diagnosis, providing an opportunity for early detection of PDAC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Young Hoon Choi, Tae Ho Hong, Seung Bae Yoon, In Seok Lee, Myung Ah Lee, Ho Joong Choi, Moon Hyung Choi, Eun Sun Jung
Summary: Portal venous circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can serve as a biomarker for early recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. The number of CTCs is associated with stage and regional lymph node metastasis, and low portal venous CTCs are associated with better overall and recurrence-free survival.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Zhijun Zhou, Anuj K. Saluja, Courtney W. Houchen, Min Li
Summary: Replication stress is a prominent feature of tumor cells and plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic integrity. This study establishes a novel biomarker, REST18, based on 18 replication-stress associated genes, which can indicate prognosis and treatment response of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer.
Review
Oncology
Klaus Pantel, Catherine Alix-Panabieres
Summary: The research on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of cancer metastasis, the response to therapies, and the identification of new therapeutic targets. The presence and characteristics of CTCs have potential clinical applications in guiding decision-making in cancer management.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xuan Zou, Xuan Lin, He Cheng, Yusheng Chen, Ruijie Wang, Mingjian Ma, Yu Liu, Zhengjie Dai, Yesboli Tasiheng, Yu Yan, Qinqin Hou, Fei Ding, Huan Chen, Xianjun Yu, Xu Wang, Chen Liu
Summary: This study systematically revealed the cellular properties and prognostic values of intratumoral TLSs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and described the potential impact of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) on TLS development and function.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Fawaz N. Al-Shaheri, Mohamed S. S. Alhamdani, Andrea S. Bauer, Nathalia Giese, Markus W. Buechler, Thilo Hackert, Joerg D. Hoheisel
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is currently the most lethal tumor entity, with rising case numbers, and is expected to soon become the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Blood-based diagnostics could be a crucial factor for improving this situation, and further research and development are needed.
CANCER TREATMENT REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Alessandro Di Federico, Mirta Mosca, Rachele Pagani, Riccardo Carloni, Giorgio Frega, Andrea De Giglio, Alessandro Rizzo, Dalia Ricci, Simona Tavolari, Mariacristina Di Marco, Andrea Palloni, Giovanni Brandi
Summary: Immunotherapy and targeted therapies have not been as successful in treating pancreatic cancer as they have in other malignancies, possibly due to the unique tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the distinctive tumor immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and summarizes existing data on the use of immunotherapy and immune biomarkers in this cancer.
Article
Oncology
Moran Yang, Jiaqi Lu, Guodong Zhang, Yiying Wang, Mengdi He, Qing Xu, Congjian Xu, Haiou Liu
Summary: This study reveals the critical role of CXCL13 in shaping the antitumor microenvironment by facilitating the maintenance of CXCR5(+)CD8(+) T cells in TLSs, and supports a clinical investigation for a combination of CXCL13 and PD-1 blockade therapy in HGSC.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wojciech Jelski, Barbara Mroczko
Summary: Gastric cancer is a highly malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and early diagnosis and effective monitoring are crucial for reducing disease burden and mortality. Blood-based biomarker assays have the potential for early-stage detection of gastric cancer. However, the currently used tumor marker assays have limitations in sensitivity and specificity. In recent years, multiple markers have been identified and tested for their clinical relevance in gastric cancer management. This review summarizes the available literature on various blood-based biomarkers and discusses their potential for early diagnosis and accurate prediction of therapeutic approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xiaoyan Sun, Weiran Liu, Leina Sun, Huilan Mo, Yingnan Feng, Xinyi Wu, Chenguang Li, Chen Chen, Jingjing Li, Ying Xin, Zhenfa Zhang, Changli Wang, Bin Zhang, Dongsheng Yue
Summary: This study investigated the maturation and abundance of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving neoadjuvant treatments, and found that the maturation of TLS is associated with treatment response and patient prognosis. The neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy group showed the highest TLS maturation and abundance, as well as higher rates of major pathological response (MPR) and pathological complete response (pCR). The maturation and abundance of TLS were significantly correlated with MPR and disease-free survival (DFS), and were independent predictors for DFS.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Bilal Rah, Manzoor Ahmad Banday, Gh Rasool Bhat, Omar J. Shah, Humira Jeelani, Fizalah Kawoosa, Tahira Yousuf, Dil Afroze
Summary: Elevated levels of biological markers CA 19-9, TPS, CEA, and VEGF were found in pancreatic cancer patients, with KRAS gene mutations predominantly in codon 12 and less frequently in codon 13. Methylation of the p16 gene may also increase susceptibility to pancreatic cancer.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Wenjie Shi, Thomas Wartmann, Sara Accuffi, Sara Al-Madhi, Aristotelis Perrakis, Christoph Kahlert, Alexander Link, Marino Venerito, Verena Keitel-Anselmino, Christiane Bruns, Roland S. Croner, Yue Zhao, Ulf D. Kahlert
Summary: This study implemented machine-learning algorithms to aid in early pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It identified three candidate serum biomarkers with high accuracy.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stergios Boussios, Perry Devo, Iain C. A. Goodall, Konstantinos Sirlantzis, Aruni Ghose, Sayali D. Shinde, Vasileios Papadopoulos, Elisabet Sanchez, Elie Rassy, Saak V. Ovsepian
Summary: This article reviews the characteristics and functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It emphasizes the pivotal role of EVs in tumorigenesis, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug response, as well as their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Claudio Luchini, Antonio Pea, Aldo Scarpa
Summary: Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting the field of oncology, particularly in cancer diagnostics. Breast, lung, and prostate cancers are benefiting the most from AI-based devices. Future challenges include creating multidisciplinary platforms, recognizing the importance of all types of tumors, and providing continuous support for the growth of AI in oncology.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anastasios Gkountakos, Michele Simbolo, Elena Bariani, Aldo Scarpa, Claudio Luchini
Summary: Undifferentiated sarcomatoid carcinoma of the pancreas (SCP) is a rare and aggressive subtype of pancreatic cancer. Surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy can lead to a longer survival in some cases. Preliminary molecular insights indicate genetic similarities with conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Immunotherapy targeting the PD-L1/Notch3 axis may have potential for SCP treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anastasios Gkountakos, Giovanni Centonze, Emanuele Vita, Lorenzo Belluomini, Michele Milella, Emilio Bria, Massimo Milione, Aldo Scarpa, Michele Simbolo
Summary: The use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors has significantly improved the management of lung adenocarcinoma, but long-term clinical benefit is compromised by multiple resistance mechanisms, including metabolic remodeling. Metabolic pathways and metabolites have been implicated in resistance to EGFR TKIs and they may also serve as predictive biomarkers. Additionally, targeting nutrient dependencies may offer a potential strategy to counteract resistance.
Review
Cell Biology
Gaetano Paolino, Irene Esposito, Seung-Mo Hong, Olca Basturk, Paola Mattiolo, Takuma Kaneko, Nicola Veronese, Aldo Scarpa, Volkan Adsay, Claudio Luchini
Summary: Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas is a distinct pancreatic tumor entity with specific clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of ITPN and compares its features with those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). The findings contribute to the understanding of ITPN and have clinical implications for its diagnosis and treatment.
Article
Oncology
Cristina Matteo, Antonella Colombini, Laura Rachele Bettini, Luca Porcu, Silvia Barzaghi, Tommaso Ceruti, Daniela Silvestri, Angela Amoroso, Fabiola Dell'Acqua, Giacomo Gotti, Claudia Nastasi, Massimo Zucchetti, Carmelo Rizzari
Summary: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of GEN-PEG-ASP and the innovator product PEG-ASP in children with ALL. The results showed that compared to the reference cohort treated with PEG-ASP, patients receiving GEN-PEG-ASP had significantly lower serum asparaginase activity levels, and a higher proportion of hypersensitivity reactions and silent inactivation.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2022)
Letter
Surgery
Corrado Pedrazzani, Cristian Conti, Angelo Di Vittori, Giulia Turri, Laura Bernardoni, Andrea Mafficini, Claudio Luchini, Armando Gabbrielli, Aldo Scarpa, Alfredo Guglielmi
ASIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Anurag Kumar Srivastava, Giorgia Guadagnin, Paola Cappello, Francesco Novelli
Summary: Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are antigens present in tumor cells, but are also expressed in normal cells. This article provides an overview of how post-translational modifications in TAAs play a role in eliciting a specific immune response, making them targets for immuno-oncology therapy. Both preclinical and clinical studies will be discussed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Bevere, Anastasios Gkountakos, Filippo Maria Martelli, Aldo Scarpa, Claudio Luchini, Michele Simbolo
Summary: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are rare tumors originating from islets of the Langerhans in the pancreas. They can be classified into functioning and nonfunctioning PanNENs based on peptide hormone secretion. Surgery is currently the only curative treatment for PanNENs, despite advancements in therapeutic and molecular aspects. The development of high-throughput techniques has increased understanding of the molecular biology and potential vulnerabilities of PanNENs, but there is still limited knowledge about functioning PanNEN subgroups. Combining high-throughput platforms with new diagnostic tools may help characterize the differences among functioning PanNEN subgroups more efficiently.
Review
Oncology
Nicolo Caldonazzi, Paola Chiara Rizzo, Albino Eccher, Ilaria Girolami, Giuseppe Nicolo Fanelli, Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato, Giuseppina Bonizzi, Nicola Fusco, Giulia d'Amati, Aldo Scarpa, Liron Pantanowitz, Stefano Marletta
Summary: The assessment of lymph node metastases is important in cancer staging and prognosis. By applying artificial intelligence to whole slide images, the automatic detection of metastatic cells can be achieved, leading to increased diagnostic quality. This study reviews the literature on using AI for the assessment of metastases in lymph nodes in whole slide images.
Article
Oncology
Davide Valsecchi, Luca Porcu, Abdelrahman Khater, Rosa Alessia Battista, Leone Giordano, Stefano Cascinu, Andrea Assanelli, Chiara Lazzari, Vanesa Gregorc, Aurora Mirabile
Summary: This study analyzed emergency department (ED) visits during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, comparing them to visits in the same period in 2019 and 2021. The study found that pandemic-related emotional distress and hospital reorganization may have negatively affected ED admissions. The aim was to highlight the impact of government restrictive measures on emergency care for vulnerable patients, such as those with cancer, and help find a balance between their health needs and public health.
Review
Oncology
Anastasios Gkountakos, Filippo M. M. Martelli, Nicola Silvestris, Michele Bevere, Mario De Bellis, Laura Alaimo, Elena Sapuppo, Francesca Masetto, Aldo Mombello, Michele Simbolo, Elena Bariani, Michele Milella, Matteo Fassan, Aldo Scarpa, Claudio Luchini
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) are aggressive tumors with limited treatment options. They share histomolecular features, making differential diagnosis challenging, but also have significant differences with clinical implications. PDAC and dCCA have different prognosis and oncogenic targets, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatments.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Michele Bevere, Francesca Masetto, Maria Elena Carazzolo, Alice Bettega, Anastasios Gkountakos, Aldo Scarpa, Michele Simbolo
Summary: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases with different behavior and clinical manifestations. However, current mono-analyte biomarkers are ineffective in describing these complex tumors, while multi-analytical biomarkers like NETest are emerging as more effective tools for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This review analyzes the capabilities and limitations of different circulating biomarkers in accurate diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and response to therapy, and detecting early relapse.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chiara Frascarelli, Giuseppina Bonizzi, Camilla Rosella Musico, Eltjona Mane, Cristina Cassi, Elena Guerini Rocco, Annarosa Farina, Aldo Scarpa, Rita Lawlor, Luca Reggiani Bonetti, Stefania Caramaschi, Albino Eccher, Stefano Marletta, Nicola Fusco
Summary: This paper explores how AI and machine learning can respond to the digital evolution of biobanks. By leveraging AI, biobanks can address the challenges faced in translational and clinical research, enhancing their capabilities in data management, analysis, and interpretation. The application of AI can unlock valuable insights from biobank repositories, enabling the identification of novel biomarkers and prediction of treatment responses, and ultimately facilitating the development of personalized cancer therapies.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Danzi, Raffaella Pacchiana, Andrea Mafficini, Maria T. Scupoli, Aldo Scarpa, Massimo Donadelli, Alessandra Fiore
Summary: Tumour cells possess the ability to reprogram their metabolism in order to support tumor growth, progression, and resistance. This reprogramming involves significant changes in bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and redox status to meet the increased energetic demands of the cells. Recent advancements in biochemical technologies, such as metabolomics and fluxomics, have provided researchers with powerful tools to study cancer metabolism and gain a better understanding of its complex activities on both qualitative and mechanistic levels. Additionally, the development of single-cell analysis technologies and functional genomic screening have further enhanced our ability to investigate cancer biology, identify biomarkers, and discover new therapeutic targets and treatment strategies.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Elisa Longhi, Laura Carminati, Elena Carlessi, Dorina Belotti, Giulia Taraboletti
Summary: Thrombospondins (TSPs) play important roles in cancer by regulating the behavior of cancer cells and non-neoplastic cells, defining tumor cell responses to environmental changes, and controlling drug delivery and activity, tumor response, and therapy resistance. The specific effects of TSPs depend on the interactions between TSPs and cell types, receptors, and ligands.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
