Association of personalized and tumor-informed ctDNA with patient survival outcomes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Personalized and tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing is feasible and allows for molecular residual disease (MRD) identification in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of commercial cases from multiple US institutions, personalized, tumor-informed, whole-exome sequenced, and germline-controlled ctDNA levels were quantified and analyzed in patients with PDAC. Plasma samples (n = 1329) from 298 clinically validated patients were collected at diagnosis, perioperatively (MRD-window; within 2-12 weeks after surgery, before therapy), and during surveillance (>12 weeks post-surgery if no ACT or starting 4 weeks post-ACT) from November 2019 to March 2023. RESULTS: Of the initially diagnosed patients with stages I-III PDAC who went for resection, the median follow-up time from surgery was 13 months (range 0.1-214). Positive ctDNA detection rates were 29% (29/100) and 29.6% (45/152) during the MRD and surveillance windows, respectively. Positive ctDNA detection was significantly associated with shorter DFS within the MRD window (median DFS of 6.37 months for ctDNA-positive vs 33.31 months for ctDNA-negative patients; HR: 5.45, P < .0001) as well as during the surveillance period (median DFS: 11.40 months for ctDNA-positive vs NR for ctDNA-negative; HR: 12.38, P < .0001). Additionally, DFS was significantly better with KRAS wildtype status followed by KRASG12R (HR: 0.99, P = .97), KRASG12D (HR: 1.42, P = .194), and worse with KRASG12V (HR: 2.19, P = .002) status. In multivariate analysis, ctDNA detection at surveillance was found to be the most significant prognostic factor for recurrence (HR: 24.28, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative tumor-informed ctDNA detection in PDAC is feasible across all stages and is associated with patient survival outcomes.

Using Tumor-Informed Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)-Based Testing for Patients with Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) is an uncommon malignancy with a rising incidence that has a high cure rate in its early stages. There is an unmet need for a reliable method to monitor response to treatment and assist in surveillance. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing has shown great promise in other solid tumors for monitoring disease progression and detecting relapse in real time. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and use of personalized and tumor-informed ctDNA testing in SCCA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed real-world data from 251 patients (817 plasma samples) with stages I-IV SCCA, collected between 11/5/19 and 5/31/22. The tumor genomic landscape and feasibility of ctDNA testing was examined for all patients. The prognostic value of longitudinal ctDNA testing was assessed in patients with clinical follow-up (N = 37). RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed PIK3CA as the most commonly mutated gene, and no associations between mutations and stage. Anytime ctDNA positivity and higher ctDNA levels (MTM/mL) were associated with metastatic disease (P = .004). For 37 patients with clinical follow-up, median follow-up time was 21.0 months (range: 4.1-67.3) post-diagnosis. For patients with stages I-III disease, anytime ctDNA-positivity after definitive treatment was associated with reduced DFS (HR: 28.0; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of personalized and tumor-informed ctDNA testing as an adjunctive tool in patients with SCCA as well as potential use for detection of molecular/minuteimal residual disease, and relapse during surveillance. Prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the use of ctDNA testing in this indication.

Tri-modal management of primary small cell carcinoma of the pancreas (SCCP): a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC).

BACKGROUND: Primary small cell carcinoma of the pancreas (SCCP) is a rare malignant neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). Typically, it presents with lymphovascular invasion as well as metastasis at the time of diagnosis which portends a dismal prognosis. Treatment is typically based on therapy used for other aggressive NECs such as small cell lung cancer. Although multimodal surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may improve prognosis, the outcome generally remains poor. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a primary SCCP managed with neoadjuvant multi-agent chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy and surgery CONCLUSIONS: Multi-disciplinary therapy resulted in an ongoing 28 + month radiographic complete response and overall survival.

Metastatic gastric cancer target lesion complete response with Claudin18.2-CAR T cells.

Treatment of hematologic malignancies with patient-derived anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells has demonstrated long-term remissions for patients with otherwise treatment-refractory advanced leukemia and lymphoma. Conversely, CAR T-cell treatment of solid tumors, including advanced gastric cancer (GC), has proven more challenging due to on-target off-tumor toxicities, poor tumor T-cell infiltration, inefficient CAR T-cell expansion, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, and demanding preconditioning regimens. We report the exceptional results of autologous Claudin18.2-targeted CAR T cells (CT041) in a patient with metastatic GC, who had progressed on four lines of combined systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. After two CT041 infusions, the patient had target lesion complete response and sustained an 8-month overall partial response with only minimal ascites. Moreover, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) reductions coincided with rapid CAR T-cell expansion and radiologic response. No severe toxicities occurred, and the patient's quality of life significantly improved. This experience supports targeting Claudin18.2-positive GC with CAR T-cell therapy and helps to validate ctDNA as a biomarker in CAR T-cell therapy. Clinical Insight: Claudin18.2-targeted CAR T cells can safely provide complete objective and ctDNA response in salvage metastatic GC.

Role of Circulating Tumor DNA Among Patients with Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases.

PURPOSE: This was a review of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer. METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for studies reporting detection of ctDNA in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and with peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRPM). We extracted data on the population included, number of subjects, study design, type of ctDNA assay used and schedule, and the major findings from these publications. RESULTS: We identified 13 studies for review investigating ctDNA, using a variety of ctDNA assays, among 1787 patients with CRC without PM, as well as four eligible published and one unpublished (in press) studies, which included 255 patients with PM from any primary site and 61 patients with CRPM. Among the 13 studies investigating ctDNA among CRC without PM, posttreatment surveillance ctDNA was associated with recurrence and was generally more sensitive than imaging or tumor markers. Among the five studies including patients with PM, ctDNA was not universally able to detect the presence of PM, but when present, ctDNA predicted worse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Circulating-tumor DNA is a potentially useful surveillance tool for patients with CRC. However, the sensitivity of ctDNA to detect CRPM is variable and warrants further inquiry.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy outcomes in borderline-resectable and locally-advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: There is no agreed upon standard of care for borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) or locally-advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients regarding the benefit of chemotherapy or radiation alone or in combination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We completed a retrospective cohort analysis of BRPC and LAPC patients at a cancer center with expertise in multi-disciplinary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment over a 5-year period from 03/01/2014 to 03/01/2019 (cut-off date). The total evaluable newly diagnosed, treatment naïve, BRPC, and LAPC patients with adequate organ function and ability to obtain treatment after multidisciplinary review was 52 patients. After analysis, patients were evaluated for rates of resection, extent of resection (R0 or R1), median progression-free survival (mPFS), and median overall survival (mOS). RESULTS: Patients were treated with chemotherapy alone (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel = 77% (20/26); FOLFIRINOX = 19% (5/26); single agent gemcitabine 3.8% (1/26)), or chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation (gemcitabine +5 Gy × 5 weeks), or chemoradiation alone prior to re-staging and potential resection. Of the 29% (15/52) of patients who went on to surgical resection, 73% (11/15) achieved R0 resection. An R0 resection was achieved in 35% (9/26) of patients treated with chemotherapy alone, 7.6% (1/13) in a patient treated with chemotherapy followed by radiation, and 7.6% (1/13) with concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone. Chemotherapy alone achieved a mPFS of 16.4 months (p < 0.0025) and mOS of 26.2 months (p < 0.0001), chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation was 13.0 months and 14.9 months respectively, while concurrent chemoradiotherapy was 6.9 months and 7.3 months. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: BRPC and LAPC patients capable of surgery after only receiving neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy had higher rates of R0 resection with prolonged median PFS and OS compared with any patient needing combination chemotherapy with radiotherapy.

Personalized matched targeted therapy in advanced pancreatic cancer: a pilot cohort analysis.

Despite progress, 2-year pancreatic cancer survival remains dismal. We evaluated a biomarker-driven, combination/N-of-one strategy in 18 patients (advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer) (from Molecular Tumor Board). Targeted agents administered/patient = 2.5 (median) (range, 1-4); first-line therapy (N = 5); second line, (N = 13). Comparing patients (high versus low degrees of matching) (matching score ≥50% versus <50%; reflecting number of alterations matched to targeted agents divided by number of pathogenic alterations), survival was significantly longer (hazard ratio [HR] 0.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.078-0.76, P = 0.016); clinical benefit rates (CBR) (stable disease ≥6 months/partial/complete response) trended higher (45.5 vs 0.0%, P = 0.10); progression-free survival, HR, 95% CI, 0.36 (0.12-1.10) (p = 0.075). First versus ≥2nd-line therapy had higher CBRs (80.0 vs 7.7%, P = 0.008). No grade 3-4 toxicities occurred. The longest responder achieved partial remission (17.5 months) by co-targeting MEK and CDK4/6 alterations (chemotherapy-free). Therefore, genomically matched targeted agent combinations were active in these advanced pancreatic cancers. Larger prospective trials are warranted.

Challenges and prospects of CSF1R targeting for advanced malignancies.

CSF1R expression modulates tumor-associated macrophages, making CSF1R blockade an appealing immune-modulating therapeutic target. We evaluated the correlation between CSF1R tumor RNA expression and outcome (pan-cancer setting). RNA expression was ranked as a percentile (0-100) using a standardized internal reference population (735 tumors; 35 histologies). Among 514 patients, there was no difference in survival from biopsy between high and low CSF1R expressors (< 50 percentile versus ≥ 50 percentile rank). There was also no significant difference in median progression-free or overall survival (from treatment) based on CSF1R expression in 21 patients who received CSF1R inhibitors (all p values ≥ 0.08). Concurrent upregulation of ≥ 2 additional immune checkpoint markers (e.g. PD-L1, BTLA, CTLA4, LAG3, TIM3) was observed in all tumor samples with CSF1R expression ≥ 50th percentile. Pending further large prospective studies, patients with high tumor CSF1R expression may need treatment that co-targets the specific immune checkpoint pathways activated in order to impact outcome.

Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA to Predict Risk of Recurrence in Patients With Esophageal and Gastric Cancers.

PURPOSE: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses allow for postoperative risk stratification in patients with curatively treated colon and breast cancers. Use of ctDNA in esophagogastric cancers (EGC) is less characterized and could identify high-risk patients who have been treated with curative intent. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of real-world data, ctDNA levels were analyzed in the preoperative, postoperative, and surveillance settings in patients with EGC using a personalized multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based next-generation sequencing assay. Plasma samples (n = 943) from 295 patients at > 70 institutions were collected before surgery, postoperatively, and/or serially during routine clinical follow-up from September 19, 2019, to February 21, 2022. ctDNA detection was annotated to clinicopathologic features and recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 295 patients with EGC were analyzed, and 212 patients with stages I-III disease were further explored. Pretreatment ctDNA was detected in 96% (23/24) of patients with preoperative time points. Postoperative ctDNA was detected in 23.5% (16/68) of patients with stage I-III EGC within 16 weeks (molecular residual disease window) after surgery without receiving systemic therapy. ctDNA detection at any time point after surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 23.6; 95% CI, 10.2 to 66.0; P < .0001), within the molecular residual disease window (HR, 10.7; 95% CI, 4.3 to 29.3; P < .0001), and during the surveillance period (HR, 17.7; 95% CI, 7.3 to 50.7; P < .0001) was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival. In multivariable analysis, ctDNA status and clinical stage of disease were independently associated with outcomes. CONCLUSION: Using real-world data, we demonstrate that postoperative tumor-informed ctDNA detection in EGC is feasible and allows for enhanced patient risk stratification and prognostication during curative-intent therapy.

SWI/SNF complex alterations as a biomarker of immunotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUNDImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) fail to demonstrate efficacy in pancreatic cancer. Recently, genomic biomarkers have been associated with response to ICIs: microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) and tumor mutation burden (TMB) > 10 mutations/Mb. Alterations in Switch/Sucrose Nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling genes may predispose to improved outcomes with immunotherapy. The current study examined a possible role for SWI/SNF complex abnormalities in pancreatic cancer responsiveness to ICIs.METHODSA database of 6831 cancer patients that had undergone next-generation sequencing (NGS) was filtered for advanced pancreatic cancer, SWI/SNF alterations, and outcomes depending on immunotherapy treatment.RESULTSNine patients had metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma harboring SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling gene alterations and had received ICIs: 7 had an ARID1A alteration (77%); 2, ARID1B (22%); 3, SMARCA4 (33%); 1, SMARCB1 (11%); and 1, PBRM1 (11%). Three patients possessed more than 1 SWI/SNF complex alteration. Only 3 tumors were microsatellite unstable. Eight of 9 patients (89%) achieved an objective response, including a complete remission, with the 2 longest responses ongoing at 33+ and 36+ months. Median progression-free and overall survival was 9 and 15 months, respectively. Responses occurred even in the presence of microsatellite stability, low TMB, and/or low PD-L1 expression.CONCLUSIONA small subset of patients with pancreatic cancer have genomic alterations in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling components and appear to be responsive to ICIs, suggesting the need for prospective trials.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02478931.FUNDINGJoan and Irwin Jacobs Fund, NIH P30 CA023100 (RK) and LRP KYGF9753 (GPB), the Gershenson, Duarte, and anonymous patient families (GPB).

SMARCA4: Implications of an Altered Chromatin-Remodeling Gene for Cancer Development and Therapy.

The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, via nucleosome topology modulation, regulates transcription. The SMARCA4 (BRG1) subunit codes for the ATPase energy engine of the SWI/SNF complex. SMARCA4 is a tumor suppressor that is aberrant in ∼5% to 7% of human malignancies. Class I SMARCA4 alterations (truncating mutations, fusions, and homozygous deletion) lead to loss of function whereas class II alterations (missense mutations) have a dominant negative/gain-of-function effect and/or loss-of function. SMARCA4 alterations typify the ultra-rare small cell carcinomas of the ovary hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) and SMARCA4-deficient thoracic and uterine sarcomas; they are also found in a subset of more common tumors, for example, lung, colon, bladder, and breast carcinomas. Germline variants in the SMARCA4 gene lead to various hereditary conditions: rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome-2 (RTPS2), characterized by loss-of-function alterations and aggressive rhabdoid tumors presenting in infants and young children; and Coffin-Siris syndrome, characterized by dominant negative/gain-of function alterations and developmental delays, microcephaly, unique facies, and hypoplastic nails of the fifth fingers or toes. A minority of rhabdoid tumors have a germline SMARCA4 variant as do >40% of women with SCCOHT. Importantly, immune checkpoint blockade has shown remarkable, albeit anecdotal, responses in SCCOHT. In addition, there is ongoing research into BET, EZH2, HDAC, CDK4/6, and FGFR inhibitors, as well as agents that might induce synthetic lethality via DNA damage repair impairment (ATR inhibitors and platinum chemotherapy), or via the exploitation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors or AURKA inhibitors, in SMARCA4-aberrant cancers.

Tumor-penetrating therapy for ß5 integrin-rich pancreas cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by marked desmoplasia and drug resistance due, in part, to poor drug delivery to extravascular tumor tissue. Here, we report that carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) induce ß5 integrin expression in tumor cells in a TGF-ß dependent manner, making them an efficient drug delivery target for the tumor-penetrating peptide iRGD. The capacity of iRGD to deliver conjugated and co-injected payloads is markedly suppressed when ß5 integrins are knocked out in the tumor cells. Of note, ß5 integrin knock-out in tumor cells leads to reduced disease burden and prolonged survival of the mice, demonstrating its contribution to PDAC progression. iRGD significantly potentiates co-injected chemotherapy in KPC mice with high ß5 integrin expression and may be a powerful strategy to target an aggressive PDAC subpopulation.

Hemorrhagic Cystitis: Treatment With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a rare treatment modality for hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) following BK virus reactivation in the immunosuppressed population. Clinicians need to be aware of the etiology, preventive measures, complications, and various management techniques in HC while treating patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. OBJECTIVES: This study details the pathologic progression of HC in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia harboring BK virus after cytotoxic induction chemotherapy and haploidentical marrow transplantation. METHODS: A search of PubMed for literature published from 1973-2018 was conducted using keywords. FINDINGS: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chemotherapy-induced and BK virus-associated HC is a viable management option in parallel with tapering of immunosuppressives, bladder irrigation, and IV resuscitation within the post-transplantation acute lymphoblastic leukemia population.

Reversible intrahepatic cholestasis in metastatic prostate cancer: An uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome.

As with other genitourinary malignancies, a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes have been revealed to occur in patients with prostate cancer. Stauffer's Syndrome is a well-described clinical syndrome which manifests via intrahepatic cholestasis in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Less common is intrahepatic cholestasis occurring in association with prostate cancer. The current case report discusses a 67-year-old man presenting with liver failure secondary to intrahepatic cholestasis co-existing with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. The patient's liver failure completely resolved with androgen-deprivation therapy suggesting an association between these two entities. The case report evaluates existing literature on this uncommon syndrome including the clinical presentation, natural history, and potential pathophysiology.

Advances on immunotherapy in genitourinary and renal cell carcinoma.

Genitourinary (GU) cancers are a group of epithelial malignancies associated with the organs involved in the excretion of urine. Renal cell, urothelial, and prostatic carcinoma are the overwhelming subtypes diagnosed by oncologists. Each of these was traditionally treated surgically when local and non-invasive. When these carcinomas spread, invade, or metastasize, surgical control lacks in efficacy. Chemotherapeutic regimens have been implemented for decades and have increased overall survival but many patients progress. Molecular targeting through tyrosine kinase inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has emerged as a frontline therapy in kidney cancer with more durable responses. More recently, immunotherapy has begun to find efficacy in many other solid tumors including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. The inherent genetic instability of this group of cancers makes them ideal solid tumors for immune modulation. Vaccines manufactured to initiate T-Cell regulation through neoplastic-antigen presentation are available for prostate cancer and are currently on trial in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are intricate members of cellular immunity against neoplastic cells. In an activated, unbound state, these molecules permit T-cell activation and cytotoxic killing of cancer cells. However, when they are linked, cellular immunity is attenuated and local cancer cells are permitted the opportunity to proliferate and invade. A novel class of monoclonal antibodies have been developed which stop PD-1 linkage and thus uncouple the 'stop' signal of these neoplastic regulatory cells. The increased overall and progression free survival have made them attractive options alone as well as in combination with anti-VEGF inhibitors for patients. Although more tolerable than chemotherapy, immunotherapeutics have adverse potential toxicities. Overall, the use of immunomodulatory medications have opened a new paradigm in the anti-neoplastic regimen of GU cancers and further developments will determine the appropriate patient to treat for optimum tumor burden eradication.

Spontaneous Iliopsoas Muscle Hemorrhage Secondary to Ibrutinib (Imbruvica; Pharmacyclics): Brief Report.

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica; Pharmacyclics) is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved inhibitor of Burton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Attenuation of BTK signaling ultimately leads to inhibition of B-cell proliferation and apoptosis. After a series of clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration approved ibrutinib in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2014 and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia in 2015. Those trials included rare grade 3+ hemorrhagic events associated with ibrutinib. Herein, we report a unique presentation of back pain due to iliopsoas muscle hemorrhage in a patient with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia after initiation of ibrutinib.

Isolation, culture and genetic manipulation of mouse pancreatic ductal cells.

The most common subtype of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC resembles duct cells morphologically and, to some extent, at a molecular level. Recently, genetic-lineage labeling has become popular in the field of tumor biology in order to study cell-fate decisions or to trace cancer cells in the mouse. However, certain biological questions require a nongenetic labeling approach to purify a distinct cell population in the pancreas. Here we describe a protocol for isolating mouse pancreatic ductal epithelial cells and ductlike cells directly in vivo using ductal-specific Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) lectin labeling followed by magnetic bead separation. Isolated cells can be cultured (in two or three dimensions), manipulated by lentiviral transduction to modulate gene expression and directly used for molecular studies. This approach is fast (~4 h), affordable, results in cells with high viability, can be performed on the bench and is applicable to virtually all genetic and nongenetic disease models of the pancreas.

ERK2-regulated TIMP1 induces hyperproliferation of K-Ras(G12D)-transformed pancreatic ductal cells.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) commonly contains a mutation in K-Ras(G12D) and is characterized by a desmoplastic reaction composed of deregulated, proliferating cells embedded in an abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM). Our previous observations imply that inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK2) kinase signal pathway reverses a matrix metalloproteinase 1-specific invasive phenotype. Here, we investigated the specific genes downstream of MAPK-ERK2 responsible for the hyperproliferative abilities of human and murine primary ductal epithelial cells (PDCs) within an ECM. Compared with control, DNA synthesis and total cell proliferation was significantly increased in human PDCs harboring the PDAC common p53, Rb/p16(INK4a), and K-Ras (G12D) mutations. Both of these effects were readily reversed following small-molecule inhibition or lentiviral silencing of ERK2. Microarray analysis of PDCs in three-dimensional (3D) culture revealed a unique, MAPK-influenced gene signature downstream of K-Ras (G12D). Unbiased hierarchical analysis permitted filtration of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1). Pancreatic cells isolated from Pdx1-Cre; LSL-K-ras(G12D/+)-mutated mice exhibit increased TIMP1 RNA transcription compared to wild-type littermate controls. Analyses of both 3D, in vitro human K-Ras (G12D) PDCs and data mining of publicly annotated human pancreatic data sets correlatively indicate increased levels of TIMP1 RNA. While silencing TIMP1 did not significantly effect PDC proliferation, exogenous addition of human recombinant TIMP1 significantly increased proliferation but only in transformed K-Ras (G12D) PDCs in 3D. Overall, TIMP1 is an upregulated gene product and a proliferative inducer of K-Ras(G12D)-mutated PDCs through the ERK2 signaling pathway.

Constitutive K-RasG12D activation of ERK2 specifically regulates 3D invasion of human pancreatic cancer cells via MMP-1.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) are highly invasive and metastatic neoplasms commonly unresponsive to current drug therapy. Overwhelmingly, PDAC harbors early constitutive, oncogenic mutations in K-Ras(G12D) that exist prior to invasion. Histologic and genetic analyses of human PDAC biopsies also exhibit increased expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and proinvasive matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), indicators of poor prognosis. However, the distinct molecular mechanisms necessary for K-Ras/ERK1/2 signaling and its influence on MMP-directed stromal invasion in primary human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDEC) have yet to be elucidated in three-dimensions. Expression of oncogenic K-Ras(G12D) alone in genetically defined PDECs reveals increased invadopodia and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, but only when cultured in a three-dimensional model incorporating a basement membrane analog. Activation of ERK2, but not ERK1, also occurs only in K-Ras(G12D)-mutated PDECs cultured in three-dimensions and is a necessary intracellular signaling event for invasion based upon pharmacologic and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) inhibition. Increased active invasion of K-Ras(G12D) PDECs through the basement membrane model is associated with a specific microarray gene expression signature and induction of MMP endopeptidases. Specifically, MMP-1 RNA, its secreted protein, and its proteolytic cleavage activity are amplified in K-Ras(G12D) PDECs when assayed by real-time quantitative PCR, ELISA, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Importantly, shRNA silencing of MMP-1 mimics ERK2 inhibition and disrupts active, vertical PDEC invasion. ERK2 isoform and MMP-1 targeting are shown to be viable strategies to attenuate invasion of K-Ras(G12D)-mutated human pancreatic cancer cells in a three-dimensional tumor microenvironment.

Electrospun hydroxyapatite-containing chitosan nanofibers crosslinked with genipin for bone tissue engineering.

Reconstruction of large bone defects remains problematic in orthopedic and craniofacial clinical practice. Autografts are limited in supply and are associated with donor site morbidity while other materials show poor integration with the host's own bone. This lack of integration is often due to the absence of periosteum, the outer layer of bone that contains osteoprogenitor cells and is critical for the growth and remodeling of bone tissue. In this study we developed a one-step platform to electrospin nanofibrous scaffolds from chitosan, which also contain hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and are crosslinked with genipin. We hypothesized that the resulting composite scaffolds represent a microenvironment that emulates the physical, mineralized structure and mechanical properties of non-weight bearing bone extracellular matrix while promoting osteoblast differentiation and maturation similar to the periosteum. The ultrastructure and physicochemical properties of the scaffolds were studied using scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. The average fiber diameters of the electrospun scaffolds were 227 ± 154 nm as spun, and increased to 335 ± 119 nm after crosslinking with genipin. Analysis by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic features of hydroxyapatite in the composite chitosan fibers. The Young's modulus of the composite fibrous scaffolds was 142 ± 13 MPa, which is similar to that of the natural periosteum. Both pure chitosan scaffolds and composite hydroxyapatite-containing chitosan scaffolds supported adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mouse 7F2 osteoblast-like cells. Expression and enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase, an early osteogenic marker, were higher in cells cultured on the composite scaffolds as compared to pure chitosan scaffolds, reaching a significant, 2.4 fold, difference by day 14 (p < 0.05). Similarly, cells cultured on hydroxyapatite-containing scaffolds had the highest rate of osteonectin mRNA expression over 2 weeks, indicating enhanced osteoinductivity of the composite scaffolds. Our results suggest that crosslinking electrospun hydroxyapatite-containing chitosan with genipin yields bio-composite scaffolds, which combine non-weight-bearing bone mechanical properties with a periosteum-like environment. Such scaffolds will facilitate the proliferation, differentiation and maturation of osteoblast-like cells. We propose that these scaffolds might be useful for the repair and regeneration of maxillofacial defects and injuries.