Journal Description
Onco
Onco
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the whole field of oncotargets and cancer therapies research published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Onco is a companion journal of Cancers.
Latest Articles
Impact of Extent of Resection on Overall Survival in Glioblastomas: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses
Onco 2024, 4(4), 359-368; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040025 - 25 Oct 2024
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(1) Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Due to a lack of level 1 evidence, there is no clear consensus on the optimal extent of resection to improve overall survival. This umbrella review aggregates existing meta-analyses (MAs)
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(1) Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Due to a lack of level 1 evidence, there is no clear consensus on the optimal extent of resection to improve overall survival. This umbrella review aggregates existing meta-analyses (MAs) to assess overall survival in patients undergoing subtotal resection (STR) versus gross total resection (GTR). (2) Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 441 studies, with four MAs meeting inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using the metaumbrella R package, focusing on overall survival. Quality was assessed using AMSTAR2, with scores ranging from 0 to 11. The Ioannidis criteria were applied to evaluate the credibility of the evidence. (3) Results: The quality assessment rated all four studies highly, with a mean AMSTAR2 score of 10.25. The pooled analysis revealed a significant survival advantage for GTR over STR. However, the Ioannidis classification graded the evidence as Class III, indicating weak credibility. (4) Conclusions: GTR offers a slight survival benefit over STR in GBM patients, but the credibility of the evidence is weak, highlighting the need for further research.
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Open AccessReview
Tumour Heterogeneity and Disease Infiltration as Paradigms of Glioblastoma Treatment Resistance
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Pulkit Malhotra and Ruman Rahman
Onco 2024, 4(4), 349-358; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040024 - 18 Oct 2024
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Isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type glioblastoma, a Grade 4 malignant brain neoplasm, remains resistant to multimodal treatment, with a median survival of 16 months from diagnosis with no geographical bias. Despite increasing appreciation of intra-tumour genotypic variation and stem cell plasticity, such knowledge has yet
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Isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type glioblastoma, a Grade 4 malignant brain neoplasm, remains resistant to multimodal treatment, with a median survival of 16 months from diagnosis with no geographical bias. Despite increasing appreciation of intra-tumour genotypic variation and stem cell plasticity, such knowledge has yet to translate to efficacious molecular targeted therapies in this post-genomic era. Critically, the manifestation of molecular heterogeneity and stem cell biological process within clinically relevant infiltrative disease is little understood. Here, we review the interactions between neural plasticity, intra-tumour heterogeneity and residual infiltrative disease, and we draw upon antibiotic resistance as an insightful analogy to further explain tumour heterogeneity.
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Open AccessReview
The Emerging Applications of Raman Spectroscopy in Clinical Oncology: A Narrative Review Focused on Circulating Tumor DNA Detection and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
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Sathya Narayanan, Yuling Wang and Howard Gurney
Onco 2024, 4(4), 335-348; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040023 - 16 Oct 2024
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Raman spectroscopy is a technique which involves quantitative and qualitative molecular analysis based on the interaction between incident light and isolation of scattered wavelengths in generating a molecular fingerprint. It has a broad array of potential scientific applications, encompassing areas as diverse as
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Raman spectroscopy is a technique which involves quantitative and qualitative molecular analysis based on the interaction between incident light and isolation of scattered wavelengths in generating a molecular fingerprint. It has a broad array of potential scientific applications, encompassing areas as diverse as food science and forensics. However, it may also be highly useful in clinical oncology. A recent focus of research in oncology has been in achieving the individualisation of care. Two important strategies to achieve a so-called “precision oncology” approach may include the detection of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in more objectively evaluating treatment response and guiding de-escalation and intensification approaches in systemic therapy and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Therapeutic drug monitoring involves the quantitation of plasma drug levels in order to tailor medication dosing in optimizing outcomes. The existing approaches to characterize small molecules, such as fluorescence-based and chromatographic strategies, may be limited by high costs, long turnaround times, and bulky equipment. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) may be deployed by utilizing a handheld device, with the potential for point of care, rapid turnaround, low-cost assessment of clinically relevant parameters, and prompt implementation of attendant changes in treatment. Although there is a growing body of data supporting the implementation of TDM and evaluation of ctDNA in achieving precision medicine, the uptake of such approaches remains relatively limited outside of clinical trials. As stated, the nature of existing analytical methodologies may prove to be a significant barrier to the routine clinic-based implementation of such approaches. Therefore, we provide the existing evidence for SERS in alleviating these barriers. We also provide insights into how SERS could contribute to clinical oncology.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Evolving Landscape of Contemporary Cancer Therapies)
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Open AccessReview
Cancer Immunotherapy: Targeting TREX1 Has the Potential to Unleash the Host Immunity against Cancer Cells
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Karim Hawillo, Samira Kemiha and Hervé Técher
Onco 2024, 4(4), 322-334; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040022 - 14 Oct 2024
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Chromosomal instability and DNA damage are hallmarks of cancers that can result in the accumulation of micronuclei, cytosolic chromatin fragments (CCFs), or cytosolic DNA species (cytoDNA). The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a DNA sensor that recognizes cytosolic DNA and chromatin fragments and
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Chromosomal instability and DNA damage are hallmarks of cancers that can result in the accumulation of micronuclei, cytosolic chromatin fragments (CCFs), or cytosolic DNA species (cytoDNA). The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a DNA sensor that recognizes cytosolic DNA and chromatin fragments and subsequently triggers a systemic type I interferon response via the cGAS-STING pathway. Although cancer cells usually contain a high level of chromosomal instability, these cells can avoid the induction of the interferon (IFN) response either by silencing cGAS-STING or the upregulation of the three prime exonuclease 1 (TREX1). TREX1 restricts the spontaneous activation of the cGAS-STING pathway through the degradation of cytoDNA; this in turn limits tumor immunogenicity allowing cancer cells to evade immune detection. Deletion of TREX1 in different cancer types has been shown to decrease tumor growth and increase tumor immune infiltration in pre-clinical mice models. These recent studies also showed the efficacy of TREX1-targeting in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade. Therefore, targeting TREX1 represents a unique therapeutic strategy to induce an amplified induction of a type I IFN response, promoting the host’s immune response against chromosomally unstable cancer cells. We here discuss these recent advances obtained in preclinical cancer models that pave the way to develop TREX1 inhibitors and to find new avenues to target the broad cGAS-STING pathway signaling in cancer therapy.
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Open AccessReview
Phytocannabinoids as Chemotherapy Adjuncts—A Review for Users
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Gerhard Nahler
Onco 2024, 4(4), 287-321; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040021 - 11 Oct 2024
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Cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is on the rise. The high toxicity of conventional chemotherapy, often applied as drug cocktails, and the development of resistance limit the use of antineoplastic drugs and reduce the quality of life. With easier
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Cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is on the rise. The high toxicity of conventional chemotherapy, often applied as drug cocktails, and the development of resistance limit the use of antineoplastic drugs and reduce the quality of life. With easier access, a growing number of patients are using cannabis (cannabinoids) for alleviation of their symptoms, and in the hope of improving survival. This article summarizes results observed with combinations of phytocannabinoids and standard chemotherapeutic agents in animal tumour models and in patients. It is limited to approved phytocannabinoids. Preliminary preclinical data suggest that conventional antineoplastic agents combined with cannabinoids exert enhanced anti-cancer effects, reduce resistance development and improve survival. Corresponding experiences with patients are still very limited and only concern a few patients with glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. Benefits of combinations containing cannabinoids have also been reported for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite (dronabinol), and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain and anxiety (cannabidiol). In addition, phytocannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol, may play a role in protecting organs such as the heart, lungs or kidneys from chemotherapy-related toxicity. Although the results are promising, more research is needed to ensure whether the benefits of adjuvant cannabinoids outweigh the potential risks.
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Open AccessReview
Clinical Evidence of Methods and Timing of Proper Follow-Up for Head and Neck Cancers
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Riccardo Gili, Simone Caprioli, Paola Lovino Camerino, Gianluca Sacco, Tommaso Ruelle, Daria Maria Filippini, Silvia Pamparino, Stefania Vecchio, Filippo Marchi, Lucia Del Mastro and Giuseppe Cittadini
Onco 2024, 4(4), 275-286; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040020 - 29 Sep 2024
Abstract
Background: For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), after a single or multi-modality treatment, a specific follow-up strategy is needed, but there is no agreement between the main international societies on the proper methods and timing of follow-up. Methods: We
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Background: For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), after a single or multi-modality treatment, a specific follow-up strategy is needed, but there is no agreement between the main international societies on the proper methods and timing of follow-up. Methods: We performed a descriptive review to evaluate the available data and compare the main guidelines, giving some practical guidance to perform effective personalized follow-up strategies. Results and Conclusions: While clinical and endoscopic follow-up alone seems to be appropriate for early-stage HNSCCs, the addition of close radiologic follow-up in locally advanced HNSCCs is still debated, as there are no data indicating that an earlier detection of recurrence correlates with increased survival, while it is mandatory in the first three-six months to define the response to treatment. For patients who have undergone conservative surgery or have major pathological risk factors, the incidence of locoregional recurrence is higher, and locoregional radiologic follow-up (magnetic resonance imaging is preferred to computed tomography) should be considered. Positron emission tomography may be useful in cases of suspected locoregional persistence of disease, differentiating it from post-irradiation outcomes. Distant radiological follow-up can be considered in the detection of the second primary in cases of specific risk factors and for virus-related tumors. For the latter, the use of circulating DNA should always be considered. A brain scan is not recommended without specific symptoms. For all patients who do not fall into the above categories, clinical and endoscopic follow-up should be proposed, reserving radiological investigations only at the onset of symptoms.
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Open AccessReview
Exploring the Potential of Epiregulin and Amphiregulin as Prognostic, Predictive, and Therapeutic Targets in Colorectal Cancer
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Cara Guernsey-Biddle, Peyton High and Kendra S. Carmon
Onco 2024, 4(4), 257-274; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040019 - 26 Sep 2024
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The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in regulating essential cellular processes that are frequently hijacked to promote cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC) in particular, the EGFR signaling pathway is frequently hyperactivated via receptor and/or ligand overexpression and downstream oncogenic
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The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in regulating essential cellular processes that are frequently hijacked to promote cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC) in particular, the EGFR signaling pathway is frequently hyperactivated via receptor and/or ligand overexpression and downstream oncogenic mutations. Current EGFR-targeted therapies for metastatic CRC (mCRC) include the mAbs cetuximab and panitumumab. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance to EGFR-targeted mAbs are commonly observed. Thus, additional biomarkers are necessary to better understand patient sensitivity to EGFR-targeted therapies. Furthermore, therapeutic targeting of alternative EGFR pathway components may serve as one mechanism to overcome EGFR-targeted mAb resistance. In this review, we discuss the mounting evidence supporting EGFR ligands epiregulin (EREG) and amphiregulin (AREG), which are overexpressed in CRC with potential key roles in tumor progression, as predictive biomarkers for EGFR-targeted therapy sensitivity, as well as mediators of therapy resistance, though further studies are necessary to validate the prognostic roles and mechanisms by which these ligands contribute to resistance. Additionally, we review recent advances towards therapeutic targeting of EREG and AREG in cancer through the development and use of EREG- and AREG-targeted mAbs as well as antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). We conclude with a discussion on the roadblocks to clinical implementation of EREG and AREG as biomarkers, as well as approaches to enhance the efficacy of current EREG- and AREG-targeted strategies.
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Open AccessArticle
Association of JAK2 Haplotype GGCC_46/1 with the Response to Onco-Drug in MPNs Patients Positive for JAK2V617F Mutation
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Michela Perrone, Sara Sergio, Amalia Tarantino, Giuseppina Loglisci, Rosella Matera, Davide Seripa, Michele Maffia and Nicola Di Renzo
Onco 2024, 4(3), 241-256; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030018 - 21 Sep 2024
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Background: JAK2 V617F is a somatic mutation associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). In MPNs, this mutation is associated with the germline GGCC (46/1) haplotype. Several studies associated JAK2 haplotype GGCC_46/1 with some
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Background: JAK2 V617F is a somatic mutation associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). In MPNs, this mutation is associated with the germline GGCC (46/1) haplotype. Several studies associated JAK2 haplotype GGCC_46/1 with some MPNs clinical parameters, but not one explore the link between JAK2 haplotype GGCC_46/1 and onco-drug resistance. Thus, we assessed for the JAK2 46/1 haplotype’s correlation with therapy response in JAK2 V617F-positive patients. Methods: Patients with MPN, selected by the Hematology Laboratory of “V. Fazzi” Hospital (LE), were analyzed with RLFP-PCR assay with rs10974944 SNP. Results: Results show how the majority of patients had PV (63%) or PMF (61%) and that 58% of patients who developed drug resistance had the C/G genotype, while only 11% had the G/G allele. While no direct correlation between JAK2 46/1 haplotype variants and drug resistance was found, the G/G allele was associated with disease progression to myelofibrosis and certain resistance-related clinical parameters (p = 0.002449, odds ratio = 3.701209). Conclusions: Although other analyses are required, due to the narrow cardinality of sample, our findings suggest how the G/G allele could be useful for MPNs diagnosis and for the prediction of the disease outcome.
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Open AccessReview
State of the Art on CAR T-Cell Therapies for Onco-Haematological Disorders and Other Conditions
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Jose Alejandro Madrigal and José C. Crispín
Onco 2024, 4(3), 232-240; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030017 - 8 Sep 2024
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The use of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T-cells) for the treatment of patients with malignant haematological diseases has become a well-established application for conditions such as refractory or relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL), B-cell lymphomas (BCL), and multiple myeloma (MM). Nearly 35,000
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The use of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T-cells) for the treatment of patients with malignant haematological diseases has become a well-established application for conditions such as refractory or relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL), B-cell lymphomas (BCL), and multiple myeloma (MM). Nearly 35,000 patients have received autologous CAR T-cells for the treatment of these conditions only in the USA. Since their approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, over 1200 clinical trials have been initiated globally and there are at least 10 different CAR T-cells with approval by different regulatory agencies around the globe. In the USA, the FDA has approved six commercial CAR T-cells that are widely distributed worldwide. At the time of writing, several clinical trials have been performed in patients with solid tumours such as glioblastoma, renal and pancreatic cancer, as well as in patients with autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM), and systemic sclerosis (SS). There are also several studies showing the potential benefit of CAR T-cells for other non-malignant diseases such as asthma and even fungal infections. In this review, without pretending to cover all current areas of treatments with CAR T-cells, we offer a brief summary of some of the most relevant aspects of the use of CAR T-cells for some of these conditions.
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Open AccessReview
Targeting the Hippo- Yes-Associated Protein/Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Signaling Pathway in Primary Liver Cancer Therapy
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Yina Wang and Liangyou Rui
Onco 2024, 4(3), 217-231; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030016 - 22 Aug 2024
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Liver cancer imposes a pervasive global health challenge, ranking among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Its prevalence and mortality rates are on a concerning upward trajectory and exacerbated by the dearth of efficacious treatment options. The Hippo signaling pathway, originally discovered in Drosophila,
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Liver cancer imposes a pervasive global health challenge, ranking among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Its prevalence and mortality rates are on a concerning upward trajectory and exacerbated by the dearth of efficacious treatment options. The Hippo signaling pathway, originally discovered in Drosophila, comprises the following four core components: MST1/2, WW45, MOB1A/B, and LATS1/2. This pathway regulates the cellular localization of the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) through a series of enzymatic reactions. The Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway maintains a balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, regulates tissue and organ sizes, and stabilizes the internal environment. Abnormalities of any genes within the Hippo signaling pathway, such as deletion or mutation, disturb the delicate balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, creating a favorable condition for tumor initiation and progression. Mutations or epigenetic alterations in the Hippo signaling pathway components can lead to its inactivation. Consequently, YAP/TAZ becomes overexpressed and activated, promoting excessive cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. This dysregulation is closely associated with the development of liver cancer. This review discusses the pivotal role of the Hippo signaling pathway in the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer. By elucidating its mechanisms, we aim to offer new insights into potential therapeutic targets for effectively combating liver cancer.
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of Physical Exercise on Quality of Life, Self-Esteem, and Depression in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study
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Eduarda Maria Rocha Teles de Castro Coelho, Helena Isabel Azevedo Mendes, Carla Afonso Varajidás and Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca
Onco 2024, 4(3), 207-216; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030015 - 22 Aug 2024
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Controlled study designs usually report that physical exercise improves the health of women living with breast cancer. However, many of these women are not sufficiently active to experience the benefits of exercise. The main objective was to analyze the effect of a physical
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Controlled study designs usually report that physical exercise improves the health of women living with breast cancer. However, many of these women are not sufficiently active to experience the benefits of exercise. The main objective was to analyze the effect of a physical exercise program on quality of life, self-esteem, and depression in breast cancer survivors. Thirteen participants (46.54 ± 6.31 years old) completed the exercise intervention. Three patient-reported questionnaires were used: Supplementary Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (QLQ-BR23), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). All participants had significantly improved self-esteem (p = 0.004). Although there were no statistically significant changes in depression, there was a notable decrease in scores (6.39 ± 4.75 vs. 5.00 ± 4.75; p = 0.080). Regarding quality of life, significant improvements were observed in “future perspectives” (p = 0.047) and “arm symptoms” (p = 0.015). No significant changes were noted in the other variables. Our results suggest that physical exercise is an effective strategy that positively affects breast cancer survivors’ quality of life and self-esteem. The results reinforce the need for community-based exercise programs for breast cancer survivors. Healthcare professionals should promote physical exercise to improve health outcomes before, during, and after treatment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Evolving Landscape of Contemporary Cancer Therapies)
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Open AccessArticle
Predicting Resistance to Immunotherapy in Melanoma, Glioblastoma, Renal, Stomach and Bladder Cancers by Machine Learning on Immune Profiles
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Guillaume Mestrallet
Onco 2024, 4(3), 192-206; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030014 - 20 Aug 2024
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Strategies for tackling cancer involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICB). However, the effectiveness of ICB remains constrained, prompting the need for a proactive strategy to foresee treatment responses and resistances. This study undertook an analysis across diverse cancer patient cohorts
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Strategies for tackling cancer involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICB). However, the effectiveness of ICB remains constrained, prompting the need for a proactive strategy to foresee treatment responses and resistances. This study undertook an analysis across diverse cancer patient cohorts (including melanoma, clear cell renal carcinoma, glioblastoma, bladder, and stomach cancers) subjected to various immune checkpoint blockade treatments. Surprisingly, our findings unveiled that over 38% of patients demonstrated resistance and persistent disease progression despite undergoing ICB intervention. To unravel the intricacies of resistance, we scrutinized the immune profiles of cancer patients experiencing ongoing disease progression and resistance post-ICB therapy. These profiles delineated multifaceted defects, including compromised macrophage, monocyte, and T cell responses, impaired antigen presentation, aberrant regulatory T cell (Tregs) responses, and an elevated expression of immunosuppressive and G protein-coupled receptor molecules (TGFB1, IL2RA, IL1B, EDNRB, ADORA2A, SELP, and CD276). Building upon these insights into resistance profiles, we harnessed machine learning algorithms to construct models predicting the response and resistance to ICB and developed the accompanying software. While previous work on glioblastoma with only one type of algorithm had an accuracy of 0.82, we managed to develop 20 models that provided estimates of future events of resistance or response in five cancer types, with accuracies ranging between 0.79 and 1, based on their distinct immune characteristics. In conclusion, our approach advocates for the personalized application of immunotherapy in cancer patients based on patient-specific attributes and computational models.
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Open AccessArticle
A Systems Biology Analysis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
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Giulia Pozzati, Jinrui Zhou, Hananel Hazan, Giannoula Lakka Klement, Hava T. Siegelmann, Jack A. Tuszynski and Edward A. Rietman
Onco 2024, 4(3), 163-191; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030013 - 6 Aug 2024
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Whole-genome sequencing has revealed that TP53, NOTCH1, ATM, SF3B1, BIRC3, ABL, NXF1, BCR, and ZAP70 are often mutated in CLL, but not consistently across all CLL patients. This paper employs a statistical thermodynamics approach in combination with the systems biology of the CLL
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Whole-genome sequencing has revealed that TP53, NOTCH1, ATM, SF3B1, BIRC3, ABL, NXF1, BCR, and ZAP70 are often mutated in CLL, but not consistently across all CLL patients. This paper employs a statistical thermodynamics approach in combination with the systems biology of the CLL protein–protein interaction networks to identify the most significant participant proteins in the cancerous transformation. Betti number (a topology of complexity) estimates highlight a protein hierarchy, primarily in the Wnt pathway known for aberrant CLL activation. These individually identified proteins suggest a network-targeted strategy over single-target drug development. The findings advocate for a multi-target inhibition approach, limited to several key proteins to minimize side effects, thereby providing a foundation for designing therapies. This study emphasizes a shift towards a comprehensive, multi-scale analysis to enhance personalized treatment strategies for CLL, which could be experimentally validated using siRNA or small-molecule inhibitors. The result is not just the identification of these proteins but their rank-order, offering a potent signal amplification in the context of the 20,000 proteins produced by the human body, thus providing a strategic basis for therapeutic intervention in CLL, underscoring the necessity for a more holistic, cellular, chromosomal, and genome-wide study to develop tailored treatments for CLL patients.
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Open AccessArticle
A Transformative Technology Linking Patient’s mRNA Expression Profile to Anticancer Drug Efficacy
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Chen Yeh, Shu-Ti Lin and Hung-Chih Lai
Onco 2024, 4(3), 143-162; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030012 - 14 Jul 2024
Cited by 1
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As precision medicine such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy often have limited accessibility, low response rate, and evolved resistance, it is urgent to develop simple, low-cost, and quick-turnaround personalized diagnostic technologies for drug response prediction with high sensitivity, speed, and accuracy. The major
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As precision medicine such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy often have limited accessibility, low response rate, and evolved resistance, it is urgent to develop simple, low-cost, and quick-turnaround personalized diagnostic technologies for drug response prediction with high sensitivity, speed, and accuracy. The major challenges of drug response prediction strategies employing digital database modeling are the scarcity of labeled clinical data, applicability only to a few classes of drugs, and losing the resolution at the individual patient level. Although these challenges have been partially addressed by large-scale cancer cell line datasets and more patient-relevant cell-based systems, the integration of different data types and data translation from pre-clinical to clinical utilities are still far-fetched. To overcome the current limitations of precision medicine with a clinically proven drug response prediction assay, we have developed an innovative and proprietary technology based on in vitro patient testing and in silico data analytics. First, a patient-derived gene expression signature was established via the transcriptomic profiling of cell-free mRNA (cfmRNA) from the patient’s blood. Second, a gene-to-drug data fusion and overlaying mechanism to transfer data were performed. Finally, a semi-supervised method was used for the database searching, matching, annotation, and ranking of drug efficacies from a pool of ~700 approved, investigational, or clinical trial drug candidates. A personalized drug response report can be delivered to inform clinical decisions within a week. The PGA (patient-derived gene expression-informed anticancer drug efficacy) test has significantly improved patient outcomes when compared to the treatment plans without PGA support. The implementation of PGA, which combines patient-unique cfmRNA fingerprints with drug mapping power, has the potential to identify treatment options when patients are no longer responding to therapy and when standard-of-care is exhausted.
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Open AccessArticle
Revisiting the Role of PD-L1 Overexpression in Prognosis and Clinicopathological Features in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Fernando Leporace-Jiménez, Isabel Portillo-Hernandez, Justino Jiménez-Almonacid, Ignacio Zubillaga Rodriguez, María Mejía-Nieto, Pablo Caballero Pedrero and Gregorio Sanchez Aniceto
Onco 2024, 4(3), 131-142; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030011 - 12 Jul 2024
Abstract
Background: PD1 and its ligand PD-L1 are related to prognosis in many solid tumors; however, their role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective monocentric study including all patients with OSCC diagnosed and treated between January 2020 and May
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Background: PD1 and its ligand PD-L1 are related to prognosis in many solid tumors; however, their role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective monocentric study including all patients with OSCC diagnosed and treated between January 2020 and May 2022 was performed. PD-L1 expression was assessed per a combined positive score (CPS), considering a CPS of > or equal to 1 as positive (1–20 indicating “low expression” and ≥20 indicating “high”). A descriptive analysis of the patient cohort and tumors was performed, including tumor size, stage, lymph node involvement, recurrence, and survival. Results: In total, 65 patients (65 tumors) were analyzed. A total of 66.15% of the tumors were in advanced stages (III-IV), of which 97.67% expressed PD-L1+, compared with 71.42% in the early stages (I–II). T4 tumors expressed PD-L1 in 100% of cases, compared with 54% in T1 tumors. A total of 50.79% of the tumors showed lymph node involvement (pN+), with 100% of the pN+ showing PD-L1+. The prevalence of pN+ was 59.38% vs. 40.63% for high vs. low PD-L1 expression, respectively. Patients’ follow-ups ranged from 2 to 34.5 months. No significant difference was seen between overall survival (OS) and PD-L1 +/− (CPS ≥ 1 vs. CPS < 1) or high (CPS ≥ 20) and low (CPS < 20) PD-L1 expression (p < 0.97 and 0.64, respectively). Conclusions: The method used to measure PD-L1 (a laboratory test with Dako 22C3 anti-PD-L1 primary antibodies) was reliable and accurate, with a correlation coefficient between PD-L1 expression in the biopsy and the surgical piece of 0.83 (p < 0.0001). A CPS of ≥1 was observed in large tumors (p < 0.001) and was correlated with that of lymph node metastases (p < 0.004). Further analysis of PD-L1 expression in OSCC and studies to determine its relevance in tumor biology and prognosis is needed.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Individualized Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment in Tumor Metastasis)
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Open AccessReview
The World of Immunotherapy Needs More Than PD-1/PD-L1—Two of the New Kids on the Block: LAG-3 and TIGIT
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João Martins Gama, Paulo Teixeira and Rui Caetano Oliveira
Onco 2024, 4(3), 116-130; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4030010 - 1 Jul 2024
Abstract
Immunotherapy has paved the way for the development of solid tumor new treatments in the last decade. The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti PD-1/PD-L1 provided a revolution with optimal results. However, a considerable proportion of patients experience adverse therapeutic effects,
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Immunotherapy has paved the way for the development of solid tumor new treatments in the last decade. The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti PD-1/PD-L1 provided a revolution with optimal results. However, a considerable proportion of patients experience adverse therapeutic effects, and up to 50% may develop secondary resistance in the first three to five years. This has prompted the need for identifying new targets for immunotherapy that have good tolerance and biosafety and, of course, good tumoral response, either alone or in combination. Two of these new targets are the Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) and the T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT). They are responsible for several interactions with the immune system, prompting an immunosuppressive phenotype in the tumor microenvironment. Both LAG-3 and TIGIT can be druggable, alone or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1, with rather safe profiles making them attractive. In this review, we highlight some of the immune mechanisms of TIGIT and LAG-3 and their detection by immunohistochemistry, providing some insight into their use in the clinical setting.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Individualized Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment in Tumor Metastasis)
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Open AccessReview
The Prognostic Role of Prognostic Nutritional Index and Controlling Nutritional Status in Predicting Survival in Older Adults with Oncological Disease: A Systematic Review
by
Ana Filipa Ferreira, Tatiana Fernandes, Maria do Carmo Carvalho and Helena Soares Loureiro
Onco 2024, 4(2), 101-115; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4020009 - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
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The increase in new cancer diagnoses in the elderly calls for new, accessible, and easy-to-use prognostic tools that contribute to lowering the burden of the disease. Recognising the importance of inflammation and nutritional status in the progression of the disease, the purpose of
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The increase in new cancer diagnoses in the elderly calls for new, accessible, and easy-to-use prognostic tools that contribute to lowering the burden of the disease. Recognising the importance of inflammation and nutritional status in the progression of the disease, the purpose of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence on the prognostic role of Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) in predicting survival of older adult cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection databases until 22 February 2024. The articles included in this review (n = 38) examined the relationships of PNI and CONUT with survival outcomes in elderly cancer patients. Despite high heterogeneity between the studies, most concluded that low PNI values are associated with poor overall survival (OS), particularly in gastric cancer patients. Most studies did not find an association between PNI and cancer-specific survival, progression-free survival, disease-free survival, recurrence-free survival, and mortality. Results regarding the prognostic role of CONUT in predicting survival were inconclusive. This study suggests that PNI could be used to predict OS in elderly cancer patients, while more studies are needed to assess the prognostic role of CONUT.
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Open AccessReview
Can Tumour Antigens Act as Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?
by
Eithar Mohamed, Daniel Fletcher, Simon Hart and Barbara-ann Guinn
Onco 2024, 4(2), 87-100; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4020008 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Pulmonary nodules are one of the risk factors, and their discovery rate has been increasing due to enhanced performance of chest CT scans, but more than 90% are non-malignant, causing unnecessary
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Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Pulmonary nodules are one of the risk factors, and their discovery rate has been increasing due to enhanced performance of chest CT scans, but more than 90% are non-malignant, causing unnecessary stress to patients and costs to healthcare providers. Early diagnosis of LC is associated with a 5-year survival rate of up to 75% following surgical resection, but LC is often diagnosed late due to a lack of symptoms and poor 5-year survival rates as low as 10%. The cost of LC diagnosis is high, with 40% of it associated with benign lesions, which are difficult to differentiate from malignant lesions. Tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) may provide one way in which LC could be diagnosed early using minimally-invasive techniques, under their association with immune responses and specificity for disease. Here we discuss the potential of cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) to act as non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of non-small cell lung cancer.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Vaccination against Cancer - 2023 (PIVAC-23))
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Open AccessArticle
Inhibitory Effects of Metformin for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Experimental Study on Mitochondrial Function
by
Shogo Maruzen, Seiichi Munesue, Mitsuyoshi Okazaki, Satoshi Takada, Shinichi Nakanuma, Isamu Makino, Linxiang Gong, Susumu Kohno, Chiaki Takahashi, Hidehiro Tajima, Yasuhiko Yamamoto and Shintaro Yagi
Onco 2024, 4(2), 77-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4020007 - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Although pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) are much less common and have a better prognosis than exocrine pancreatic cancers, their recurrence rate is not low, even in Grade 1 (World Health Organization classification) panNEN. Recently, there have been several reports that the progression-free survival
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Although pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) are much less common and have a better prognosis than exocrine pancreatic cancers, their recurrence rate is not low, even in Grade 1 (World Health Organization classification) panNEN. Recently, there have been several reports that the progression-free survival in patients with unresectable panNEN could be improved by an antidiabetic drug, metformin, with the co-treatment of everolimus or a somatostatin analog. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of metformin on cell metabolism and viability using the panNEN cell line, QGP-1, and RIN-m in culture. We observed an inhibitory effect of metformin on QGP-1 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Metformin was found to decrease the oxygen consumption rate in QGP-1 and RIN-m cells after metformin 48 h treatment and immediately after exposure. Cell proliferation was suppressed after metformin treatment. Phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression was increased, and cyclin D1 expression was decreased in RIN-m cells 24 h after metformin treatment by Western blotting in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, suppressive mitochondrial respiration and AMPK activation by metformin are, thus, suggested to inhibit panNEN cell viability and cell survival.
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Open AccessCommentary
How Reliable Are Predictions of CD8+ T Cell Epitope Recognition? Lessons for Cancer
by
Alexander A. Lehmann, Paul V. Lehmann and Stephen Todryk
Onco 2024, 4(2), 68-76; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4020006 - 17 Apr 2024
Abstract
Synthetic peptides derived from antigen sequences are essential reagents for the detection of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), in assays such as ELISPOT/ImmunoSpot®. Indeed, the combination of peptides and ImmunoSpot® has been widely used for immune monitoring in numerous
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Synthetic peptides derived from antigen sequences are essential reagents for the detection of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), in assays such as ELISPOT/ImmunoSpot®. Indeed, the combination of peptides and ImmunoSpot® has been widely used for immune monitoring in numerous vaccine trials. Target antigens in pathogens or cancers may be large in size and multiple in number, often seemingly necessitating in silico peptide epitope predictions using algorithms and programs for certain HLA alleles to narrow down the numbers of required peptides. In this commentary, we discuss our data in the context of immune responses to viral and cancer antigens, concluding that systematic high-throughput immune monitoring of CD8+ T cells will provide more reliable insights on the host’s response to cancer than the reliance on select CD8+ T cell epitopes, no matter whether these are in silico predicted or even if they had been empirically established. We show the feasibility of large scale, high-throughput systematic CD8+ T cell epitope testing towards this goal.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Vaccination against Cancer - 2023 (PIVAC-23))
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