Quantitative evaluation of the lumbar ligamentum flavum using MRI T2-mapping: Efficacy of its clinical application in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

OBEJECTIVE: To perform a magnetic resonance imaging T2-mapping of the ligamentum flavum in healthy individuals and patients with lumbar spinal stenosis scheduled for surgery and compare the T2 relaxation times. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The T2 relaxation time of the ligamentum flavum was compared among 3 groups, healthy young individuals (H group (age< 50)), healthy middle-aged and older individuals (H group (age≥50)), and patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (L group). Additionally, the thickness of the ligament was measured in the axial image plane, and the occupied area ratio of each fiber was measured by staining the surgically obtained ligament, and each was correlated with the T2 relaxation time. We also evaluated the adhesion of the ligamentum flavum with the dura mater during the surgery. RESULTS: The T2 relaxation times were significantly prolonged in H group (age ≥50) and L group (P < 0.001) compared to H group (age<50). The relationship between collagen fiber and T2 relaxation times was significantly positive (r = 0.720, P < 0.001). Moreover, the relaxation times were significantly prolonged in those with adhesion of the ligamentum flavum with the dura mater (P < 0.05). The cut-off for the relaxation time was 50 ms (sensitivity: 62.50%, false positive rate: 10.8%). CONCLUSION: Healthy middle-aged and older individuals and patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and adhesion of the ligamentum flavum with the dura mater have prolonged T2 relaxation times. Hence, the adhesion between the ligamentum flavum and dura mater should be considered in cases with a relaxation time ≥50 ms.

Integrating analysis of proteome profile and drug screening identifies therapeutic potential of MET pathway for the treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

BACKGROUND: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an aggressive sarcoma with a poor prognosis that requires novel therapeutic agents. Proteome information is useful for identifying new therapeutic candidates because it directly reflects the biological phenotype. Additionally, in vitro drug screening is an effective tool to identify candidate drugs for common cancers. Hence, we attempted to identify novel therapeutic candidates for MPNST by integrating proteomic analysis and drug screening. METHODS: We performed comprehensive proteomic analysis on 23 MPNST tumor samples using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry to identify therapeutic targets. We also conducted drug screening of six MPNST cell lines using 214 drugs. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis revealed that the MET and IGF pathways were significantly enriched in the local recurrence/distant metastasis group of MPNST, whereas drug screening revealed that 24 drugs showed remarkable antitumor effects on the MPNST cell lines. By integrating the results of these two approaches, MET inhibitors, crizotinib and foretinib, were identified as novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of MPNST. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully identified novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of MPNST, namely crizotinib and foretinib, which target the MET pathway. We hope that these candidate drugs will contribute to the treatment of MPNST.

Analgesic effects and arthritic changes following intra-articular injection of diclofenac etalhyaluronate in a rat knee osteoarthritis model.

BACKGROUND: Diclofenac etalhyaluronate (DF-HA) is a recently developed analgesic conjugate of diclofenac and hyaluronic acid that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on acute arthritis. In this study, we investigated its analgesic effect on osteoarthritis, using a rat model of monoiodoacetate (MIA). METHODS: We injected MIA into the right knees of eight 6-weeks-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Four weeks later, rats were randomly injected with DF-HA or vehicle into the right knee. Seven weeks after the MIA injection, fluorogold (FG) and sterile saline were injected into the right knees of all the rats. We assessed hyperalgesia with weekly von Frey tests for 8 weeks after MIA administration. We took the right knee computed tomography (CT) as radiographical evaluation every 2 weeks. All rats were sacrificed 8 weeks after administration of MIA for histological evaluation of the right knee and immunohistochemical evaluation of the DRG and spinal cord. We also evaluated the number of FG-labeled calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive(ir) neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)-ir microglia in the spinal cord. RESULTS: Administration of DF-HA significantly improved pain sensitivity and reduced CGRP and Iba1 expression in the DRG and spinal cord, respectively. However, computed tomography and histological evaluation of the right knee showed similar levels of joint deformity, despite DF-HA administration. CONCLUSION: DF-HA exerted analgesic effects on osteoarthritic pain, but did not affect joint deformity.

Establishment and characterization of NCC-LMS3-C1: a novel patient-derived cell line of leiomyosarcoma.

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive mesenchymal malignancy, which originates from the smooth muscle cells or from the precursor mesenchymal stem cells that potentially differentiate into smooth muscle cells. LMS is one of the most common sarcomas. LMS has genomic instability, reflecting complex and unbalanced karyotypes, and the cytogenetic and molecular changes in LMS are not consistent. The standard treatment of the primary LMS is complete resection, and the metastasis is often observed even after curative surgery. Patient-derived cancer models are a key bioresource to develop a novel therapy, and we aimed to establish and characterize a novel cell line for LMS. We established a cell line from tumor tissues of the patient with LMS and named it NCC-LMS3-C1. We maintained NCC-LMS3-C1 cells for 12 months and passed them more than 30 times. Genome-wide copy number analysis demonstrated that NCC-LMS3-C1 cells harbored genetic abnormalities. NCC-LMS3-C1 cells exhibited aggressive phenotypes such as continuous growth, spheroid formation, and invasion in the tissue culture condition, which may reflect the clinical behaviors of LMS. We performed a drug screening using NCC-LMS3-C1 cells and found that four anti-cancer agents, such as bortezomib, dasatinib, mitoxantrone, and romidepsin, had remarkable anti-proliferative effects on NCC-LMS3-C1 cells. We conclude that NCC-LMS3-C1 cells will be a useful resource for the study of LMS.

Establishment and characterization of NCC-PMP2-C1: a novel patient-derived cell line of pseudomyxoma peritonei with signet ring cells.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare phenomenon, characterized by accumulation of mucus in the abdominal cavity due to a mucinous neoplasm. Histologically, PMP is divided into three prognostic classes, namely low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei (LGMCP), high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei (HGMCP), and high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei with signet ring cells (HGMCP-S); HGMCP-S exhibits the worst prognosis. Complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy have been established as the standard therapy for PMP. However, 50% of patients with PMP experience a recurrence, and 30-40% are unable to receive the standard treatment due to invasive diseases. Therefore, novel therapies are required for their treatment. Although patient-derived cell lines are important tools for basic and pre-clinical research, PMP cell lines derived from patients with HGMCP-S have never been reported. Thus, we established a novel PMP cell line NCC-PMP2-C1, using surgically resected tumor tissue from a patient with HGMCP-S. NCC-PMP2-C1 cells were maintained for more than five months and passaged 30 times under culture conditions. NCC-PMP2-C1 cells exhibited multiple deletions and somatic mutations, slow growth, histological features, and dissemination of tumor cells in nude mice. Screening for the anti-proliferative effects of anti-cancer drugs on cells revealed that bortezomib, mubritinib, and romidepsin had a significant response against NCC-PMP2-C1 cells. Thus, the NCC-PMP2-C1 cell line is the first PMP cell line harboring signet ring cells and will be a valuable resource for basic and preclinical studies of HGMCP-S.

Establishment and characterization of two novel patient-derived cell lines from giant cell tumor of bone: NCC-GCTB8-C1 and NCC-GCTB9-C1.

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a rare osteolytic bone tumor consisting of mononuclear stromal cells, macrophages, and osteoclast-like giant cells. Although GCTB predominantly exhibits benign behavior, the tumor carries a significant risk of high local recurrence. Furthermore, GCTB can occasionally undergo malignant transformation and distal metastasis, making it potentially fatal. The standard treatment is complete surgical resection; nonetheless, an optimal treatment strategy for advanced GCTB remains unestablished, necessitating expanded preclinical research to identify appropriate therapeutic options. However, only one GCTB cell line is publicly available from a cell bank for research use worldwide. The present study reports the establishment of two novel cell lines, NCC-GCTB8-C1 and NCC-GCTB9-C1, derived from the primary tumor tissues of two patients with GCTB. Both cell lines maintained the hallmark mutation in the H3-3A gene, which is associated with tumor formation and development in GCTB. Characterization of these cell lines revealed their steady growth, spheroid-formation capability, and invasive traits. Potential therapeutic agents were identified via extensive drug screening of the two cell lines and seven previously established GCTB cell lines. Among the 214 antitumor agents tested, romidepsin, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and mitoxantrone, a topoisomerase inhibitor, were identified as potential therapeutic agents against GCTB. Conclusively, the establishment of NCC-GCTB8-C1 and NCC-GCTB9-C1 provides novel and crucial resources that are expected to advance GCTB research and potentially revolutionize treatment strategies.

Bone union-promoting effect of romosozumab in an ovariectomized rat posterolateral lumbar fusion model.

Spinal fixation surgery has been increasingly performed in patients with osteoporosis. Romosozumab, a drug that was introduced in Japan recently, is known to possibly promote bone healing. However, few studies have reported the therapeutic effects of romosozumab in clinical practice in Japan. Therefore, here, we investigated the effects of romosozumab dosage on bone fusion promotion using an ovariectomized rat spinal fusion model. Eight-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were matched by body weight and divided into three groups: 1.0 romosozumab (R) group (Evenity®, 25 mg/kg), 1/10R group (Evenity®, 2.5 mg/kg), and control (C) group (saline). Subcutaneous injections were administered twice a week for 8 weeks postoperatively. Computed tomography scans were performed every 2 weeks from the time of surgery till 8 weeks postoperatively. The mean fusion rates in terms of volume were significantly higher in the R groups [1/10R, 1.0R] than in the C group from 4 weeks postoperatively. The rate of increase was significantly higher in the 1.0R group from 4 weeks postoperatively and in the 1/10R group from 6 weeks postoperatively, than in the C group. The proportion of trabecular bone area was approximately 1.5 times higher in the R groups than in the C group. No significant differences were observed between the R groups. Our results suggest that romosozumab stimulates bone growth at the graft site, and similar effects were achieved at 1/10 of the standard dosage.

Outcomes of Sling Procedure Using a Free Vascularized Fibular Graft After Resection of the Proximal Humerus.

Background: The proximal humerus is a common site for both primary and metastatic bone tumors. Although various methods have been developed for reconstruction following resection of the proximal humerus, a consensus on which technique is best has not been established. We focused on the sling procedure using a free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) and conducted what we believe to be the largest retrospective study of patients to undergo this surgery to date. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 19 patients who underwent the sling procedure with use of an FVFG at our hospital between 1998 and 2022. The median age was 20 years, and the median follow-up duration was 63.1 months. Surgical data, oncological outcomes, the postoperative course, complications, and functional outcomes as measured with use of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score were thoroughly reviewed. Results: The median operative duration was 555 minutes, and the median blood loss was 374 mL. The median length of the bone defect was 17.0 cm, and the median length of the graft was 20.0 cm. With respect to oncological outcomes, 9 patients were continuously disease-free, 9 patients had no evidence of disease, and 1 patient was alive with disease. Bone union was present in 13 of the 17 patients for whom it was evaluable. The median time to bone union was 4 months. Graft growth was observed in 2 pediatric patients. Postoperative fracture was a major complication at the recipient site. The incidence of pseudarthrosis significantly increased when the FVFG could not be inserted into the remaining humeral bone or was split in half (p = 0.002). Although a few patients demonstrated peroneal nerve palsy at the donor site, the symptom was temporary. The overall functional outcome was favorable, with an average MSTS score of 66.9%. Conclusions: The sling procedure demonstrated a low complication rate and a favorable functional outcome overall. Therefore, we believe that this procedure is a useful reconstruction method for patients in a broad age range who have a wide defect of the proximal humerus. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Correction: Noguchi et al. Establishment and Characterization of NCC-PMP1-C1: A Novel Patient-Derived Cell Line of Metastatic Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12, 258.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Establishment and characterization of NCC-DFSP4-C1: a novel cell line from a patient with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans having the fibrosarcomatous transformation.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a superficial low-grade sarcoma, genetically characterized by a fusion gene in collagen type I α (COL1A1) gene and platelet-derived growth factor subunit ß (PDGFB). DFSP is locally aggressive and does not typically metastasize. However, DFSP with fibrosarcomatous transformation, which occurs in 7-16% of DFSP cases, demonstrates a poor prognosis than classic DFSP with a higher local recurrence rate and metastatic potential. Although imatinib, a PDGF receptor inhibitor, is a potent therapeutic agent for classic DFSP, it is less effective for DFSP with fibrosarcomatous transformation. The development of definitive chemotherapies for DFSP with fibrosarcomatous transformation is required. Patient-derived tumor cell lines are indispensable tools for preclinical research to discover novel therapeutic agents. However, only seven cell lines were derived from DFSP, out of which only two were established from DFSP with fibrosarcomatous transformation. Hence, in the present study, we established a novel DFSP cell line, NCC-DFSP4-C1, from a surgically resected DFSP tumor specimen with fibrosarcomatous transformation. NCC-DFSP4-C1 harbored an identical COL1A1-PDGFB fusion gene as its donor tumor. NCC-DFSP4-C1 cells retained the morphology of their donor tumor and demonstrated constant proliferation, spheroid formation, and invasion capability in vitro. By screening a drug library, we found that bortezomib and romidepsin demonstrated the strongest suppressive effects on the proliferation of NCC-DFSP4-C1 cells. In conclusion, we report a novel cell line of DFSP with fibrosarcomatous transformation, and demonstrate its utility in the development of novel therapeutic agents for DFSP.

Establishment and characterization of NCC-DSM1-C1: a novel cell line derived from a patient with desmoid fibromatosis.

Desmoid fibromatosis (DSM) is a rare, locally aggressive mesenchymal tumor genetically characterized by mutations in the CTNNB1 gene. A local control rate of up to 65‒80% for DSM is achieved with multiple modality treatments, including watchful monitoring, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, several variables, such as age < 30 years, extremity tumor location, and tumor size of > 10 cm in diameter, are associated with poor local control rates in patients with DSM. The definitive treatments for DSM have not been established. Therefore, it is necessary to develop novel treatments for DSM. Moreover, although patient-derived tumor cell lines are potent tools for preclinical research, no DSM cell lines have been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to establish and characterize a novel DSM cell line for preclinical studies on DSM. Herein, we established the first cell line derived from a patient with DSM exhibiting poor prognostic factors (27-year-old male patient with a DSM tumor of > 10 cm in diameter located at the lower extremity) and named it NCC-DSM1-C1. NCC-DSM1-C1 cells had a T41A mutation in CTNNB1 and exhibited constant proliferation, spheroid formation, and invasion capability in vitro. Screening of antitumor agents in NCC-DSM1-C1 cells showed that bortezomib and romidepsin are effective against DSM. In conclusion, we report the first officially characterized DSM cell line derived from a patient with DSM exhibiting factors associated with poor prognosis. We believe that NCC-DSM1-C1 cell line is a useful tool for developing novel treatments for DSM.

Establishment and characterization of NCC-PLPS2-C1: a novel cell line of pleomorphic liposarcoma.

Pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLPS) is a highly malignant subtype of liposarcoma. It is histologically characterized by the presence of pleomorphic lipoblasts and can be accompanied by morphological foci that demonstrate differentiation to other histological lineages. PLPS is rare and accounts for only 5% of all liposarcomas. PLPS exhibits poor prognosis; distant metastases develop in 30-50% of patients after curative surgical resection, tumor-associated mortality occurs in up to 50% of patients, and effective chemotherapies for PLPS have not been established. The histological accompaniment of other morphological foci is an important prognostic factor for PLPS, and the development of chemotherapies for PLPS considering the histological morphology is necessary. Patient-derived cancer cell lines are critical tools for basic and pre-clinical research to understand diseases and develop chemotherapies. However, only two PLPS-derived cell lines have been reported, and their donor tumor specimens did not histologically accompany morphological foci other than lipoblasts. Thus, there is a need to establish patient-derived PLPS cell lines from various histological morphologies. Here, we report a novel PLPS cell line from a tumor specimen that histologically accompanied pleomorphic and bone-forming foci, and named it NCC-PLPS2-C1. NCC-PLPS2-C1 cells demonstrated constant proliferation, spheroid formation, and invasion capability in vitro. Screening of antitumor agents in NCC-PLPS2-C1 cells showed that bortezomib, romidepsin, and trabectedin were effective against NCC-PLPS2-C1. In conclusion, we report the first PLPS cell line from a tumor specimen that was morphologically accompanied by pleomorphic and born-forming foci. We believe that NCC-PLPS2-C1 will be useful for the development of novel chemotherapies for PLPS.

Establishment and characterization of two novel patient-derived cell lines from giant cell tumor of bone.

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a rare bone tumor with osteolytic features, composed of stromal cells with a monotonous appearance, macrophages, and osteoclast-like giant cells. GCTB is commonly associated with a pathogenic mutation in the H3-3A gene. While complete surgical resection is the standard cure for GCTB, it often results in local recurrence and, rarely, metastasis. Thus, an effective multidisciplinary treatment approach is necessary. Although patient-derived cell lines is an essential tool for investigating novel treatment strategies, there are only four GCTB cell lines available in public cell banks. Therefore, this study aimed to establish novel GCTB cell lines and successfully created NCC-GCTB6-C1 and NCC-GCTB7-C1 cell lines from two patients' surgically removed tumor tissues. These cell lines exhibited H3-3A gene mutations, consistent proliferation, and invasive properties. After characterizing their behaviors, we performed high-throughput screening of 214 anti-cancer drugs for NCC-GCTB6-C1 and NCC-GCTB7-C1 and integrated their screening data with those of NCC-GCTB1-C1, NCC-GCTB2-C1, NCC-GCTB3-C1, NCC-GCTB4-C1, and NCC-GCTB5-C1 that we previously established. We identified histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin as a possible treatment for GCTB. These findings suggest that NCC-GCTB6-C1 and NCC-GCTB7-C1 could be valuable tools for preclinical and basic research on GCTB.

Combined effect of DBM, PRP, and bone marrow fluid on bone union in a rat posterolateral fusion model.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) promotes bone union through osteoinduction. We investigated whether adding demineralized bone matrix (DBM), derived naturally from biomaterial and with various growth factors, for osteoconductivity and bone marrow fluid for osteogenesis results in different bone unions. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of five based on transplantation material: sham control (C group); DBM alone (D group); DBM + PRP (DP group); and DBM + PRP + bone marrow fluid (DPB group). After posterolateral fusion at L3-5, postoperative weekly CT imaging determined average number of bone union in facet joints (4 joints × 5 animals = 20 joints) and bone formation. Pathological evaluation and bone strength were assessed using 3-point bending two weeks postoperatively. Facet joint bone union at four weeks postoperatively was 4/20 (20%, DP group) and 8/20 (40%, DPB group) joints. Six weeks postoperatively, it was 7/20 (35%, D group), 12/20 (60%, DP group), and 16/20 (80%, DPB group). Eight weeks postoperatively, it was 13/20 (65%, D group), 17/20 (85%, DP group), and 20/20 (100%, DPB group), suggesting that DPB > DP > D > C. Bone formation and bone strength showed a similar DPB > DP > D > C group trend. Adding PRP and bone marrow fluid to DBM promotes bone union and strength.

Establishment and characterization of NCC-SS5-C1: a novel patient-derived cell line of synovial sarcoma.

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare and aggressive mesenchymal malignancy driven by a unique chromosomal translocation that generates the expression of the SS18:SSX fusion protein. It occurs at almost any anatomical site and most commonly in young adults. The standard curative treatment for primary SS is a wide surgical resection combined with radiotherapy and/or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The prognosis of SS varies among patients, with the 5 years survival rate ranging from 50 to 60% in adults and 90% in children. Although patient-derived cell lines are a useful resource for the development of new therapies, only a few are available from public cell banks. Therefore, this study aimed to establish and characterize a novel SS cell line. We successfully established a novel cell line, NCC-SS5-C1, harboring an SS18-SSX1 fusion gene. NCC-SS5-C1 cells demonstrated constant growth and invasion ability. We performed integrative drug screening using eight SS cell lines, including NCC-SS5-C1 cells, and examined the response spectrum of existing anticancer agents. We conclude that NCC-SS5-C1 is a useful resource for studying SS.

Establishment and characterization of two novel patient-derived myxoid liposarcoma cell lines.

Myxoid liposarcoma (MLPS) is a lipogenic sarcoma, characterized by myxoid appearance histology and the presence of the FUS-DDIT3 fusion gene. MLPS shows frequent recurrence and poor prognosis after standard treatments, such as surgery. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches for MLPS are needed. Development of novel treatments requires patient-derived cell lines to study the drug responses and their molecular backgrounds. Presently, only three cell lines of MLPS have been reported, and no line is available from public cell banks. Thus, this study aimed to establish and characterize novel MLPS cell lines. Using surgically resected tumor tissue from two patients with MLPS, two novel lines NCC-MLPS2-C1 and NCC-MLPS3-C1 were established. The presence of FUS-DDIT3 fusion, slow growth, spheroid formation, and invasive capability in these cell lines was confirmed. Growth retardation was monitored for 213 anti-cancer agents using NCC-MLPS2-C1 and NCC-MLPS3-C1 cells, and the results were integrated with the response to treatments in an MLPS cell line, NCC-MLPS1-C1, which was previously established in our laboratory. We found that romidepsin suppressed cell proliferation at considerably low concentrations in all three examined cell lines. NCC-MLPS2-C1 and NCC-MLPS3-C1 cell lines developed here represent a useful tool for basic and preclinical studies of MLPS.

Establishment and Characterization of NCC-PMP1-C1: A Novel Patient-Derived Cell Line of Metastatic Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is the intraperitoneal accumulation of mucus due to a mucinous tumor. PMP predominantly occurs in low-grade carcinomas. The incidence rate of PMP is one to two cases per million people per year. The standard therapy of PMP comprises complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. PMP recurs in about 50% of patients, and 30-40% are unable to receive the standard treatment because of its invasiveness. Therefore, novel therapies are of the utmost necessity. For basic and pre-clinical research, patient-derived cell lines are essential resources. However, only two PMP cell lines have been reported. Thus, we established a novel PMP cell line from resected metastatic PMP tissue. The cell line, named NCC-PMP1-C1, was maintained for more than 5 months and was passaged 25 times. NCC-PMP1-C1 cells demonstrated multiple amplifications and deletions, slow growth, tumorigenic ability, and dissemination of tumor cells in nude mice. We also used NCC-PMP1-C1 cells to screen drugs, which demonstrated a significant response to daunorubicin HCl, homoharringtonine, mitomycin C, and ponatinib. The NCC-PMP1-C1 cell line is the first PMP cell line derived from metastasized tissue and will be a potential resource for basic and pre-clinical research of metastasized PMP.

Establishment and characterization of NCC-DDLPS5-C1: a novel patient-derived cell line of dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a highly aggressive subtype of liposarcoma that is morphologically defined as a transition from a well-differentiated lipomatous component to a non-lipogenic one. Curative therapy for DDLPS is complete resection, and the benefits of current systemic chemotherapy remain marginal. Although DDLPS is molecularly characterized by co-amplification of MDM2 and CDK4 (12q14-15) and detailed genomic analyses have been conducted by multiple research groups, the effects of molecular targeted drugs are marginal, and novel therapeutic modalities are required. Although patient-derived cell lines are pivotal for cancer research, no DDLPS cell lines are currently available from public cell repositories. Accordingly, in this study, we established a novel DDLPS cell line, NCC-DDLPS5-C1, using surgically resected tumor tissues from a patient with DDLPS. NCC-DDLPS5-C1 cells exhibited typical gene amplification, overexpression of MDM2 and CDK4, and other DNA copy number alterations. The NCC-DDLPS5-C1 cells were capable of rapid cell proliferation, aggressive invasion, and spheroid formation, but not tumor formation in mice. We reported the utility of NCC-DDLPS5-C1 cells for a drug-response assay to detect anticancer drugs that significantly attenuated cell proliferation. Thus, we concluded that the NCC-DDLPS5-C1 cell line could be a useful resource for the study of DDLPS. Considering the diversity of disease in terms of clinical outcomes, continuous efforts are required to develop more patient-derived cancer models with different clinical and pathological backgrounds.

Establishment and characterization of the NCC-GCTB4-C1 cell line: a novel patient-derived cell line from giant cell tumor of bone.

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a rare osteolytic intermediate bone tumor that harbors a pathogenic H3F3A gene mutation and exhibits characteristic histology. The standard curative treatment for GCTB is complete surgical resection, but it frequently results in local recurrence and, more rarely, metastasis. Therefore, effective multidisciplinary treatment is needed. Although patient-derived tumor cell lines are promising tools for preclinical and basic research, there are only four available cell lines for GCTB in public cell banks. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish a novel GCTB cell line. Using surgically resected tumor tissues from a patient with GCTB, we established a cell line named NCC-GCTB4-C1. The cells harbored the typical H3F3A gene mutation and exhibited constant proliferation and invasive capabilities. After characterizing NCC-GCTB4-C1 cell behaviors, we conducted high-throughput screening of 214 anti-tumor drugs and identified seven effective drugs. Comparing the results of high-throughput screening using NCC-GCTB4-C1 cell line with the results using NCC-GCTB1-C1, NCC-GCTB2-C1, and NCC-GCTB3-C1 cell lines that we previously established, four drugs were in common effective. This study showed potential drugs for the treatment of GCTB. These data indicate that NCC-GCTB4-C1 has the potential to be a powerful tool in preclinical and basic research on GCTB.

Establishment and characterization of NCC-MPNST6-C1: a novel patient-derived cell line of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are a rare subtype of mesenchymal tumors that arise from the sheath of peripheral nerves. MPNSTs exhibit strong metastatic potential, leading to poor clinical outcomes. The clinical utility of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is marginal with respect to overall survival and effective systematic therapies for MPNSTs are still needed to improve patient outcome. Although patient-derived cell lines are an essential tool for the development of novel therapies, only a limited number of cell lines have been reported and are available from cell banks. Thus, we established the novel MPNST cell line, NCC-MPNST6-C1, using surgically resected MPNST tissue. The NCC-MPNST6-C1 cells retained copy-number alterations similar to those of the original tumors and demonstrated constant proliferation, spheroid formation, and invasion capability in vitro, which reflected the malignant features of the original tumor tissue. While the NCC-MPNST6-C1 cells did not exhibit tumorigenesis in nude mice, their use in drug screening resulted in anti-cancer agents with low IC50 values. Hence, we conclude that the NCC-MPNST6-C1 cell line is a useful resource for the study of MPNSTs.