RESUMO
TNFRSF13B mutations are widely associated with common variable immunodeficiency. TNFRSF13B was recently counted among relevant genes associated with childhood-onset of hematological malignancies; nonetheless, its role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unexplored. We report the study of a family with two cases of AML, sharing a germline TNFRSF13B mutation favoring the formation of a more stable complex with its ligand TNFSF13: a positive regulator of AML-initiating cells. Our data turn the spotlight onto the TNFRSF13B role in AML onset, inserting a new fragment into the complex scenario of a hereditary predisposition to myeloid neoplasms.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Hematológicas , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Humanos , Criança , Mutação , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Neoplasias Hematológicas/genética , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Proteína Transmembrana Ativadora e Interagente do CAML/genéticaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a transcriptional factor with a key role in the modulation of inflammation and immune surveillance. The IRF4 gene is downregulated in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms, and its expression is associated with prognosis and response to treatment. METHODS: We evaluated the IRF4 expression kinetics during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in a cohort of 116 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients to elucidate its role in the disease course. RESULTS: A relationship between the IRF4 expression and the disease burden was observed at various disease stages. A correlation analysis between the International Scale (IS) and IRF4 values confirmed this close association. A significant increase is detected after 3 months of TKI treatment. Patients achieving an early molecular response (EMR) had higher IRF4 values at both diagnosis and after 3 months of therapy as compared to those failing the EMR target. Patients achieving treatment-free remission did not show IRF4 fluctuations during monitoring, while a decreased IRF4 expression emerged at the time of molecular relapse. CONCLUSION: Our data seem to confirm the relevance of IRF4 in the pathogenesis of CML, suggesting a pivotal role at the disease onset and a predictive value during the CML course.
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Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva , Leucemia Mieloide , Humanos , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva/diagnóstico , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva/tratamento farmacológico , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva/genética , Doença Crônica , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/farmacologia , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/uso terapêutico , Expressão GênicaRESUMO
One key process that controls leukemogenesis is the regulation of oncogenic gene expression by transcription factors acting as tumor suppressors. Understanding this intricate mechanism is crucial to elucidating leukemia pathophysiology and discovering new targeted treatments. In this review, we make a brief overview of the physiological role of IKAROS and the molecular pathway that contributes to acute leukemia pathogenesis through IKZF1 gene lesions. IKAROS is a zinc finger transcription factor of the Krüppel family that acts as the main character during hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. It can activate or repress tumor suppressors or oncogenes, regulating the survival and proliferation of leukemic cells. More than 70% of Ph+ and Ph-like cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia exhibit IKZF1 gene variants, which are linked to worse treatment outcomes in both childhood and adult B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the last few years, much evidence supporting IKAROS involvement in myeloid differentiation has been reported, suggesting that loss of IKZF1 might also be a determinant of oncogenesis in acute myeloid leukemia. Considering the complicated "social" network that IKAROS manages in hematopoietic cells, we aim to focus on its involvement and the numerous alterations of molecular pathways it can support in acute leukemias.
Assuntos
Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras , Adulto , Humanos , Criança , Fator de Transcrição Ikaros/genética , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/genética , Transformação Celular Neoplásica , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is the most widely investigated inflammasome member whose overactivation can be a driver of several carcinomas. It is activated in response to different signals and plays an important role in metabolic disorders and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. NLRP3 belongs to the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) family, expressed in numerous immune cells, and it plays its primary function in myeloid cells. NLRP3 has a crucial role in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), considered to be the diseases best studied in the inflammasome context. The investigation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex is a new horizon to explore, and inhibiting IL-1ß or NLRP3 could be a helpful cancer-related therapeutic strategy to improve the existing protocols.
Assuntos
Doenças Autoimunes , Neoplasias , Humanos , Inflamassomos/metabolismo , Proteína 3 que Contém Domínio de Pirina da Família NLR/metabolismo , Células Mieloides/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismoRESUMO
The risk of developing a solid cancer is a major issue arising in the disease course of a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Although the connection between the two diseases has been widely described, the backstage of this complex scenario has still to be explored. Several cellular and molecular mechanisms have been suggested to link the two tumors. Sometimes the MPN is considered to trigger a second cancer but at other times both diseases seem to depend on the same source. Increasing knowledge in recent years has revealed emerging pathways, supporting older, more consolidated theories, but there are still many unresolved issues. Our work aims to present the biological face of the complex clinical scenario in MPN patients developing a second cancer, focusing on the main cellular and molecular pathways linking the two diseases.
Assuntos
Transtornos Mieloproliferativos , Segunda Neoplasia Primária , Neoplasias , Humanos , Transtornos Mieloproliferativos/patologia , Neoplasias/patologiaRESUMO
Pulmonary Tumor Thrombotic Microangiopathy (PTTM) is a rare condition associated with neoplastic disorders, predominantly gastric cancer, leading to pre-capillary Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). The pathologic mechanism involved is a fibrocellular intimal proliferation of small pulmonary vessels sustained by nests of carcinomatous cells lodged in pulmonary vasculature. Clinical presentation is nonspecific, including progressive dyspnea and dry cough. Diagnosis of PTTM is extremely challenging ante-mortem and prognosis is poor. Here we describe the case of a middle-aged man, without known previous cancer history. The clinical course was rapidly unfavorable, with progressive dyspnea and PH associated with hemodynamic instability, eventually culminating in patient's death. PTTM diagnosis was made post-mortem. PTTM should be considered in any patient presenting with unexplained PH, especially if it is rapidly progressive, poorly responsive to standard approaches or there is suspected history of malignancy. A prompt diagnosis of PTTM could help in bringing light into this still under-recognized condition.
Assuntos
Hipertensão Pulmonar , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Neoplasias Gástricas , Microangiopatias Trombóticas , Humanos , Hipertensão Pulmonar/diagnóstico , Hipertensão Pulmonar/etiologia , Pulmão/patologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/complicações , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias Gástricas/complicações , Microangiopatias Trombóticas/complicações , Microangiopatias Trombóticas/diagnóstico , Microangiopatias Trombóticas/patologiaAssuntos
Vacina BNT162/uso terapêutico , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , Adulto , Idoso , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Anticorpos Antivirais/imunologia , Vacina BNT162/farmacologia , COVID-19/sangue , COVID-19/imunologia , Feminino , Humanos , Imunogenicidade da Vacina , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Soroconversão , Adulto JovemAssuntos
Betacoronavirus/isolamento & purificação , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar/virologia , Broncoscopia , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/métodos , Infecções por Coronavirus , Pandemias , Pneumonia Viral , Utilização de Procedimentos e Técnicas , Broncoscopia/efeitos adversos , Broncoscopia/métodos , Broncoscopia/estatística & dados numéricos , COVID-19 , Teste para COVID-19 , Coinfecção/diagnóstico , Infecções por Coronavirus/diagnóstico , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/fisiopatologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/virologia , Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa/prevenção & controle , Diagnóstico Precoce , Feminino , Humanos , Controle de Infecções/métodos , Itália/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Pneumonia Viral/diagnóstico , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Pneumonia Viral/fisiopatologia , Pneumonia Viral/virologia , SARS-CoV-2 , Avaliação de Sintomas/métodos , Avaliação de Sintomas/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoke accounts for over 90,000 deaths each year in Italy. Tobacco dependence treatment guidelines suggest adopting an integrated pharmacological-behavioral model of intervention. Cytisine is a partial agonist of nicotinic receptors. Trials conducted to date have demonstrated its good efficacy in promoting smoking cessation. The cytisine scheme of treatment consists of 25 days of treatment. A 40-day regimen, with an escalating dose and an extended duration of the treatment, has been in use in many anti-smoking centers in Italy for several years, but to date there are no reports on the use of cytisine with this scheme. METHODS: A retrospective, real-life, observational study was conducted between January 2016 and September 2022. The 300 patients who had received at least one dose of study medication were selected. Continuous variables were compared by the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were implemented for self-reported seven-day point prevalence for abstinence at three, six and 12 months. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 59 years, 57% were women. The median smoking exposure was 33.8 pack-years. Self-reported smoking abstinence at three, six and 12 months was 68.7%, 56.3% and 47.3% respectively. 84% completed the cytisine treatment, 31.3% reported adverse events and in 8.3% these led to dropping out of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Cytisine, administered with a novel therapeutic scheme in the real-life setting of a specialized anti-smoking center, significantly promotes smoking abstinence. However, more studies are needed to assess the tolerability and efficacy of this new regimen.
Assuntos
Alcaloides , Alcaloides Quinolizidínicos , Abandono do Hábito de Fumar , Humanos , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Masculino , Vareniclina/uso terapêutico , Agonistas Nicotínicos/efeitos adversos , Benzazepinas/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Quinoxalinas/efeitos adversos , Alcaloides/uso terapêutico , Azocinas/uso terapêutico , Quinolizinas/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Despite the approval of new drugs, the inclusion of -omics-derived data and the integration of machine learning in both the diagnostic and therapeutic process, the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains dismal. The curative path is still aimed at achieving a successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in most patients. Nevertheless, access to this procedure is limited to eligible patients. Moreover, post-HSCT outcomes are influenced by AML heterogeneity and patient-related factors. The rise of venetoclax (VEN)-based combinations as standard of care in the treatment of older or unfit AML patients, together with their peculiar management profile, has led researchers to evaluate the feasibility of this approach in patients proceeding toward HSCT. We reviewed the available evidence to weigh up the advantages and pitfalls of this new therapeutic strategy.
RESUMO
Life expectation of chronic myeloid leukemia patients in the tyrosine kinase inhibitors era is almost equal to that of healthy subjects. On the other hand, their long-term management must take into account a higher risk of adverse events, at least partly related to the treatment. Various studies reported a higher incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients. Clonal hematopoiesis is broadly considered a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Of note, the underlying physiopathological mechanisms connect clonal hematopoiesis with a global proinflammatory status, triggering a vicious circle in which the somatic mutations and inflammation feed each other. All this considered, we investigated the occurrence of clonal hematopoiesis in chronic myeloid leukemia patients developing a cardiovascular event under tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
Assuntos
Doenças Cardiovasculares , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Humanos , Hematopoiese Clonal , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva/tratamento farmacológico , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva/genética , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva/patologia , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , Doenças Cardiovasculares/genética , Hematopoese/genética , MutaçãoRESUMO
Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a new genome-wide technology that can reveal both structural genomic variations (SVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in a single assay. OGM was initially employed to perform genome assembly and genome research, but it is now more widely used to study chromosome aberrations in genetic disorders and in human cancer. One of the most useful OGM applications is in hematological malignancies, where chromosomal rearrangements are frequent and conventional cytogenetic analysis alone is insufficient, necessitating further confirmation using ancillary techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization, chromosomal microarrays, or multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification. The first studies tested OGM efficiency and sensitivity for SV and CNV detection, comparing heterogeneous groups of lymphoid and myeloid hematological sample data with those obtained using standard cytogenetic diagnostic tests. Most of the work based on this innovative technology was focused on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), whereas little attention was paid to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or multiple myeloma (MM), and none was paid to lymphomas. The studies showed that OGM can now be considered as a highly reliable method, concordant with standard cytogenetic techniques but able to detect novel clinically significant SVs, thus allowing better patient classification, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic choices in hematological malignancies.
RESUMO
Standard cytogenetic techniques (chromosomal banding analysis-CBA, and fluorescence in situ hybridization-FISH) show limits in characterizing complex chromosomal rearrangements and structural variants arising from two or more chromosomal breaks. In this study, we applied optical genome mapping (OGM) to fully characterize two cases of complex chromosomal rearrangements at high resolution. In case 1, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient showing chromothripsis, OGM analysis was fully concordant with classic cytogenetic techniques and helped to better refine chromosomal breakpoints. The OGM results of case 2, a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, were only partially in agreement with previous cytogenetic analyses and helped to better define clonal heterogeneity, overcoming the bias related to clonal selection due to cell culture of cytogenetic techniques. In both cases, OGM analysis led to the identification of molecular markers, helping to define the pathogenesis, classification, and prognosis of the analyzed patients. Despite extensive efforts to study hematologic diseases, standard cytogenetic methods display unsurmountable limits, while OGM is a tool that has the power to overcome these limitations and provide a cytogenetic analysis at higher resolution. As OGM also shows limits in defining regions of a repetitive nature, combining OGM with CBA to obtain a complete cytogenetic characterization would be desirable.
Assuntos
Aberrações Cromossômicas , Humanos , Hibridização in Situ Fluorescente/métodos , Cariotipagem , Análise Citogenética/métodos , Mapeamento por RestriçãoRESUMO
DNMT3A gene mutations, detected in 20-25% of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, are typically heterozygous. Biallelic variants are uncommon, affecting ~3% of cases and identifying a worse prognosis. Indeed, two concomitant DNMT3A mutations were recently associated with shorter event-free survival and overall survival in AML. We present an AML case bearing an unusual DNMT3A molecular status, strongly affecting its function and strangely impacting the global genomic methylation profile. A 56-year-old Caucasian male with a diagnosis of AML not otherwise specified (NOS) presented a complex DNMT3A molecular profile consisting of four different somatic variants mapping on different alleles (in trans). 3D modelling analysis predicted the effect of the DNMT3A mutational status, showing that all the investigated mutations decreased or abolished DNMT3A activity. Although unexpected, DNMT3A's severe loss of function resulted in a global genomic hypermethylation in genes generally involved in cell differentiation. The mechanisms through which DNMT3A contributes to AML remain elusive. We present a unique AML case bearing multiple biallelic DNMT3A variants abolishing its activity and resulting in an unexpected global hypermethylation. The unusual DNMT3A behavior described requires a reflection on its role in AML development and persistence, highlighting the heterogeneity of its deregulation.
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FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is one of the most closely studied genes in blood diseases. Numerous methods have been adopted for analyses, mainly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnostic work-up. According to international recommendations, the current gold standard approach allows FLT3 canonical mutations to be investigated, providing the main information for risk assessment and treatment choice. However, the technological improvements of the last decade have permitted "black side" gene exploration, revealing numerous hidden aspects of its role in leukemogenesis. The advent of the next-generation sequencing era emphasizes lights and shadows of FLT3 conventional mutational analysis, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive study of the gene. However, more extensive analysis is opening new, unexplored questions whose impact on clinical outcomes is still unknown. The present work is focused on the main topics regarding FLT3 mutational analysis in AML, debating the strengths and weaknesses of the current gold standard approach. The rights and wrongs of NGS introduction in clinical practice will be discussed, showing that a more extensive knowledge of FLT3 mutational status could lead to reconsidering its role in AML management.
Assuntos
Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Tirosina Quinase 3 Semelhante a fms , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Humanos , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/diagnóstico , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , Mutação , Tirosina Quinase 3 Semelhante a fms/genéticaRESUMO
The understanding of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) and its features is rapidly evolving in step with the spread of sequencing techniques. Indeed, CH detection is now an emerging aspect in clinical practice. The awareness of CH intersects with consolidated diagnostic paths, thus exposing 'grey zone' circumstances under the magnifying lens of clinicians. The interpretation of genomic data poses, in some cases, a true clinical challenge, sometimes further complicating the route to diagnosis. The line separating different entities is thin. The present work aims to review some of these challenging situations to help clinicians keep their balance along this tightrope.
Assuntos
Hematopoiese Clonal , Hematopoese , Humanos , Hematopoiese Clonal/genética , Hematopoese/genética , MutaçãoRESUMO
Since its introduction in clinical practice, eltrombopag (ELT) has demonstrated efficacy in heterogeneous clinical contexts, encompassing both benign and malignant diseases, thus leading researchers to make a more in-depth study of its mechanism of action. As a result, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that ELT displays many effects ranging from native thrombopoietin agonism to immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. These features collectively explain ELT effectiveness in a broad spectrum of indications; moreover, they suggest that ELT could be effective in different, challenging clinical scenarios. We reviewed the extended ELT mechanism of action in various diseases, with the aim of further exploring its full potential and hypothesize new, fascinating indications.