The Use of Patient-Derived Organoids in the Study of Molecular Metabolic Adaptation in Breast Cancer.

Around 13% of women will likely develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Advances in cancer metabolism research have identified a range of metabolic reprogramming events, such as altered glucose and amino acid uptake, increased reliance on glycolysis, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME), all of which present new opportunities for targeted therapies. However, studying these metabolic networks is challenging in traditional 2D cell cultures, which often fail to replicate the three-dimensional architecture and dynamic interactions of real tumors. To address this, organoid models have emerged as powerful tools. Tumor organoids are 3D cultures, often derived from patient tissue, that more accurately mimic the structural and functional properties of actual tumor tissues in vivo, offering a more realistic model for investigating cancer metabolism. This review explores the unique metabolic adaptations of breast cancer and discusses how organoid models can provide deeper insights into these processes. We evaluate the most advanced tools for studying cancer metabolism in three-dimensional culture models, including optical metabolic imaging (OMI), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), and recent advances in conventional techniques applied to 3D cultures. Finally, we explore the progress made in identifying and targeting potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer metabolism.

FREQUENT SUBCLINICAL MACULAR CHANGES IN COMBINED BRAF/MEK INHIBITION WITH HIGH-DOSE HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AS TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED METASTATIC BRAF MUTANT MELANOMA: Preliminary Results From a Phase I/II Clinical Treatment Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the potential ocular toxicity of a combined BRAF inhibition (BRAFi) + MEK inhibition (MEKi) + hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) regime used to treat metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma. METHODS: Patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma and BRAF V600E mutations (n = 11, 31-68 years of age) were included. Treatment was with oral dabrafenib, 150 mg bid, trametinib, 2 mg/day, and HCQ, 400 mg to 600 mg bid. An ophthalmic examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, near-infrared and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence, and static perimetry were performed at baseline, 1 month, and q/6 months after treatment. RESULTS: There were no clinically significant ocular events; there was no ocular inflammation. The only medication-related change was a separation of the photoreceptor outer segment tip from the apical retinal pigment epithelium that could be traced from the fovea to the perifoveal retina noted in 9/11 (82%) of the patients. There were no changes in retinal pigment epithelium melanization or lipofuscin content by near-infrared fundus autofluorescence and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence, respectively. There were no inner retinal or outer nuclear layer changes. Visual acuities and sensitivities were unchanged. CONCLUSION: BRAFi (trametinib) + MEKi (dabrafenib) + HCQ causes very frequent, subclinical separation of the photoreceptor outer segment from the apical retinal pigment epithelium without inner retinal changes or signs of inflammation. The changes suggest interference with the maintenance of the outer retinal barrier and/or phagocytic/pump functions of the retinal pigment epithelium by effective MEK inhibition.

A case of blepharophimosis: Freeman Sheldon syndrome.

PURPOSE: Important implications exist for ophthalmologists when considering possible early surgical intervention for potential amblyogenic anatomical abnormalities. The authors discuss the risks and benefits from an ophthalmological perspective of different interventions and review the genetic testing that confirmed the diagnosis. OBSERVATIONS: The authors describe the findings and management of an infant with Freeman Sheldon syndrome presenting with blepharophimosis of both eyelids resulting in inability to open both eyes during the first several days of life. Although the mode of inheritance for Freeman Sheldon syndrome (formerly known as Whistling Face Syndrome) is often autosomal dominant, our patient had no known family history of congenital abnormalities or consanguinity. However, genetic testing confirmed a heterozygous variant in MYH3, consistent with autosomal dominant Freeman Sheldon Syndrome. When our patient required gastrostomy (G-tube_placement, we performed an exam under anesthesia (EUA)). As is typical for Freeman Sheldon syndrome patients, intubation was difficult and complicated by pneumothorax. Eye-opening improved slightly after several weeks of life; however, the decision was made to proceed with eyelid surgery to prevent deprivation amblyopia. Surgery is scheduled for a future date. Additionally, the patient had congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction of the left eye; however, a probing and irrigation failed because of obstruction from the abnormal facial anatomy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Patients with Freeman Sheldon syndrome are at increased risk for complications from anesthesia and surgery. Risks and benefits should be strongly considered and discussed with parent(s)/guardian(s) prior to any surgical intervention. Genetic testing of the MYH3 gene can confirm the diagnosis.

RDH12 Mutations Cause a Severe Retinal Degeneration With Relatively Spared Rod Function.

Purpose: To describe the retinal phenotype of pediatric patients with mutations in the retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) gene. Methods: Twenty-one patients from 14 families (ages 2-17 years) with RDH12-associated inherited retinal degeneration (RDH12-IRD) underwent a complete ophthalmic exam and imaging with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and near infrared and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence. Visual field extent was measured with Goldmann kinetic perimetry, visual thresholds with dark-adapted static perimetry or with dark-adapted chromatic full-field stimulus testing (FST) and transient pupillometry. Results: Visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to light perception. There was parafoveal depigmentation or atrophic maculopathies accompanied by midperipheral intraretinal pigment migration. SD-OCT revealed foveal thinning in all patients and detectable but thinned outer nuclear layer (ONL) at greater eccentricities from the fovea. Photoreceptor outer segment (POS) signals were only detectable in small pockets within the central retina. Measurable kinetic visual fields were limited to small (<5-10°) central islands of vision. Electroretinograms were reported as undetectable or severely reduced in amplitude. FST sensitivities to a 467 nm stimulus were rod-mediated and reduced on average by ∼2.5 log units. A thinned central ONL colocalized with severely reduced to nondetectable cone-mediated sensitivities. Pupillometry confirmed the psychophysically measured abnormalities. Conclusions: RDH12-IRD causes an early-onset, retina-wide disease with particularly severe central retinal abnormalities associated with relatively less severe rod photoreceptor dysfunction, a pattern consistent with an early-onset cone-rod dystrophy. Severely abnormal POS but detectable ONL in the pericentral and peripapillary retina suggest these regions may become targets for gene therapy.

Respiratory function testing: the impact of respiratory scientists on the training and support of primary health care providers.

OBJECTIVE: In rural Australia access to doctors is limited, access to respiratory physicians even more so and these are the traditional sources of lung function testing. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of training and supporting existing rural primary healthcare providers in lung function testing as a screening and monitoring mechanism due to the shortage of healthcare professionals capable of providing such a service. METHODOLOGY: As pharmacists are readily accessible healthcare professionals, they were trained in spirometry measurement and supported with ongoing quality assurance by respiratory scientists. Spirometers were provided to the pharmacists. People purchasing respiratory medications or responding to advertising about the service were tested after giving informed consent. Spirometic assessments were assessed for accuracy and reproducibility. Participants' spirometry results were reviewed and those with abnormal test results were referred to their doctor. RESULTS: Pharmacists were able to competently develop the skills necessary for providing spirometry measurement as a screening and monitoring technique. The level of competence exceeded that reported in previously published studies. Pharmacists were able to successfully identify spirometry results within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Training and supporting accessible healthcare professionals to provide lung function testing increases access in areas of need and has implications for respiratory morbidity and mortality in such settings.