A Sub-Group of Kidney-Transplant Recipients with Highly Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Expressing Phosphorylated Serine392p53.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in kidney-transplant recipients are frequent, with an increasing incidence linked to long immunosuppression durations and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. p53 is at the cornerstone of ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, but the role of p53 post-translational modifications in this context is not yet deciphered. Here, we investigated the phosphorylation status of p53 at Serine 392 in 25 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in kidney-transplant recipients, compared with 22 non-transplanted patients. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in transplanted patients occurred after a median period of 19 years of immunosuppression, with a median number of 15 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and more aggressive histological and clinical characteristics. There was no significant difference between Ki67, p53, and pSer392p53 expression in the two groups. Using principal component analysis, we identified a cluster of exclusively transplanted patients with a median of 23 years of immunosuppression duration, significantly more aggressive biological characteristics, and higher pSer392p53 expression. pSer392p53 was expressed in the whole tumor, suggesting an early carcinogenic event in the course of prolonged immunosuppression. This high, diffuse pSer392p53 expression, corresponding to a high level of DNA damage, might be useful to identify aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in kidney-transplant recipients to treat them more aggressively.

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells to Overcome Chemoresistance.

Cancers are heterogeneous at the cell level, and the mechanisms leading to cancer heterogeneity could be clonal evolution or cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are resistant to most anti-cancer treatments and could be preferential targets to reverse this resistance, either targeting stemness pathways or cancer stem cell surface markers. Gold nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools, particularly for photo-thermal therapy since they can be excited by laser to induce hyperthermia. Gold nanoparticles can be functionalized with antibodies to specifically target cancer stem cells. Preclinical studies using photo-thermal therapy have demonstrated the feasibility of targeting chemo-resistant cancer cells to reverse clinical chemoresistance. Here, we review the data linking cancer stem cells and chemoresistance and discuss the way to target them to reverse resistance. We particularly focus on the use of functionalized gold nanoparticles in the treatment of chemo-resistant metastatic cancers.

A digestive allergic reaction with hypereosinophilia imputable to docetaxel in a breast cancer patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hypereosinophilia, defined by an absolute eosinophil count of more than 1500/mm3, is rarely observed in patients treated for cancer, and rarely imputable to anti-cancer agents. Drug-induced hypereosinophilia usually appears within a few weeks of the start of treatment and resolves after discontinuation of the medication. We report here a first case of hypereosinophilia with digestive allergic reaction imputable to docetaxel in a woman treated for breast cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: This patient, with a history of childhood atopic dermatitis and asthma, underwent surgery for breast lobular carcinoma, followed with chemotherapy including 3 cycles of the FEC100 protocol and 3 cycles of docetaxel. Ten days after the second cycle of docetaxel, she had abdominal pain with diarrhea, which increased after the third cycle of docetaxel at the same dose. The blood eosinophil count increased up to 4685/mm(3) at day 92. All biological tests were normal, except elevated seric IgE. The systematic biopsies of the upper and lower digestive tract showed diffuse edema of the lamina propria, lymphocytic infiltrate and CD117-expressing cells both in the epithelium and in the lamina propria. Electron microscopy showed a large number of degranulating mast cells, while the number of tissue eosinophils was small. The blood eosinophil count decreased after day 96, three months after the last injection of docetaxel. After day 182, the hypereosinophilia and symptoms resolved. This spontaneous evolution, the history of atopic dermatitis and asthma, and the negativity of all biological tests performed led us to hypothesize a diagnosis of a systemic digestive Type 1 drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction. Using two validated pharmacovigilance scales, we found that docetaxel had the highest imputability score compared to the other drugs. CONCLUSION: Recognition of allergic reactions imputable to docetaxel is important because it requires the drug to be discontinued. In the difficult setting of anti-cancer treatment, if reintroduction of the drug is needed, a close collaboration between oncologists, gastroenterologists and allergologists is required.

Anti-Angiogenic Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Related Toxicities Among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Targeting of angiogenesis has become a major therapeutic approach for the treatment of various advanced cancers. There are many unresolved questions on the toxicity of anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis to assess the toxicity prevalence of the different anti-angiogenic TKIs among cancer patients and in subpopulations of interest including patients with renal cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases to November 2023. Clinical trials were eligible if they set out to report the grade ≥3 toxicities related to one of the seven currently approved anti-angiogenic TKIs as monotherapies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was applied with PROSPERO (CRD42023411946). RESULTS: The 421 eligible studies included a total of 56,895 cancer patients treated with anti-angiogenic TKI monotherapy. Twenty-four different cancer types were identified, mainly renal cell carcinoma (41.9% of the patients). The anti-angiogenic TKI was sorafenib (34.5% of the patients), sunitinib (30.5%), regorafenib (10.7%), pazopanib (9.4%), cabozantinib (7.7%), axitinib (4.3%), and lenvatinib (2.9%). The pooled prevalence of grade 3 and 4 toxicities was 56.1% (95% confidence interval 53.5-58.6), with marked between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 96.8%). Toxicity profiles varied considerably depending on the type of TKI, the cancer type, and the specific patient characteristics. In particular, Asian patients and elderly people had higher prevalences of severe toxicities, with pazopanib being the best-tolerated drug. For patients treated with sunitinib, particularly those with metastatic RCC, there was no significant difference in terms of toxicity according to the regimen schedule. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis highlights the toxicity profiles of anti-angiogenic TKI monotherapies, and thus enables high-level recommendations for the choice of anti-angiogenic TKIs on the basis of the patient's age, ethnicity, comorbidities, and comedications, for personalized treatment.

A Fab of trastuzumab to treat HER2 overexpressing breast cancer brain metastases.

Despite major therapeutic advances for two decades, including the most recently approved anti-HER2 drugs, brain metastatic localizations remain the major cause of death for women with metastatic HER2 breast cancer. The main reason is the limited drug passage of the blood-brain barrier after intravenous injection and the significant efflux of drugs, including monoclocal antibodies, after administration into the cerebrospinal fluid. We hypothesized that this efflux was linked to the presence of a FcRn receptor in the blood-brain barrier. To overcome this efflux, we engineered two Fab fragments of trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, and did a thorough preclinical development for therapeutic translational purpose. We demonstrated the safety and equal efficacy of the Fabs with trastuzumab in vitro, and in vivo using a patient-derived xenograft model of HER2 overexpressing breast cancer. For the pharmacokinetic studies of intra-cerebrospinal fluid administration, we implemented original rat models with catheter implanted into the cisterna magna. After intraventricular administration in rats, we demonstrated that the brain-to-blood efflux of Fab was up to 10 times lower than for trastuzumab, associated with a two-fold higher brain penetration compared to trastuzumab. This Fab, capable of significantly reducing brain-to-blood efflux and enhancing brain penetration after intra-cerebrospinal fluid injection, could thus be a new and original effective drug in the treatment of HER2 breast cancer brain metastases, which will be demonstrated by a phase I clinical trial dedicated to women in resort situations.

PROM2 overexpression induces metastatic potential through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and ferroptosis resistance in human cancers.

INTRODUCTION: Despite considerable therapeutic advances in the last 20 years, metastatic cancers remain a major cause of death. We previously identified prominin-2 (PROM2) as a biomarker predictive of distant metastases and decreased survival, thus providing a promising bio-target. In this translational study, we set out to decipher the biological roles of PROM2 during the metastatic process and resistance to cell death, in particular for metastatic melanoma. METHODS AND RESULTS: Methods and results: We demonstrated that PROM2 overexpression was closely linked to an increased metastatic potential through the increase of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression and ferroptosis resistance. This was also found in renal cell carcinoma and triple negative breast cancer patient-derived xenograft models. Using an oligonucleotide anti-sense anti-PROM2, we efficaciously decreased PROM2 expression and prevented metastases in melanoma xenografts. We also demonstrated that PROM2 was implicated in an aggravation loop, contributing to increase the metastatic burden both in murine metastatic models and in patients with metastatic melanoma. The metastatic burden is closely linked to PROM2 expression through the expression of EMT markers and ferroptosis cell death resistance in a deterioration loop. CONCLUSION: Our results open the way for further studies using PROM2 as a bio-target in resort situations in human metastatic melanoma and also in other cancer types.

Genomics of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases: A Meta-Analysis and Therapeutic Implications.

Breast cancer brain metastases are a challenging daily practice, and the biological link between gene mutations and metastatic spread to the brain remains to be determined. Here, we performed a meta-analysis on genomic data obtained from primary tumors, extracerebral metastases and brain metastases, to identify gene alterations associated with metastatic processes in the brain. Articles with relevant findings were selected using Medline via PubMed, from January 1999 up to February 2022. A critical review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis statement (PRISMA). Fifty-seven publications were selected for this meta-analysis, including 37,218 patients in all, 11,906 primary tumor samples, 5541 extracerebral metastasis samples, and 1485 brain metastasis samples. We report the overall and sub-group prevalence of gene mutations, including comparisons between primary tumors, extracerebral metastases and brain metastases. In particular, we identified six genes with a higher mutation prevalence in brain metastases than in extracerebral metastases, with a potential role in metastatic processes in the brain: ESR1, ERBB2, EGFR, PTEN, BRCA2 and NOTCH1. We discuss here the therapeutic implications. Our results underline the added value of obtaining biopsies from brain metastases to fully explore their biology, in order to develop personalized treatments.

A massive open online course to teach undergraduate medical students in oncology: keys of success.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are gaining popularity in education while classroom lectures are being deserted, especially after COVID-19 pandemic. Their added value in teaching undergraduate medical students remains to be confirmed. This study evaluated a MOOC devoted to undergraduate medical students in a blended oncology-teaching university program. It was the first to target undergraduate medical students in oncology at its beginning. Students were asked to participate in a survey before and after MOOC to explore interactions between their characteristics and final grades, 65% of the participating students belonged to the rich class. 70% of the students completed the MOOC. Grades distributions were similar before and after MOOC implementation, so MOOC doesn't alter overall results. In addition, there was a positive effect of the MOOC on median grades on the immediate test. The univariate and multivariate analysis showed that socioeconomic status and student's willingness to participate interacted significantly with final results. Particularly, students' motivation and satisfaction were associated with better results; Almost 70% of students asked for blended learning. E-learning is reliable to teach oncology to undergraduate medical students. The success is directly linked to students' willingness to participate, and can be improved using blended methods including tutorials.

Expression of angiopoietin-like 4 fibrinogen-like domain (cANGPTL4) increases risk of brain metastases in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Brain metastases challenge daily clinical practice, and the mechanisms by which cancer cells cross the blood-brain barrier remain largely undeciphered. Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) proteolytic fragments have controversial biological effects on endothelium permeability. Here, we studied the link between ANGPTL4 and the risk of brain metastasis in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2015 to June 2016, serum samples from 113 cancer patients were prospectively collected, and ANGPTL4 concentrations were assessed. Using a murine model of brain metastases, we investigated the roles of nANGPTL4 and cANGPTL4, the two cleaved fragments of ANGPTL4, in the occurrence of brain metastases. RESULTS: An ANGPTL4 serum concentration over 0.1 ng/mL was associated with decreased overall-survival. Multivariate analyses found that only breast cancer brain metastases were significantly associated with elevated ANGPTL4 serum concentrations. 4T1 murine breast cancer cells were transfected with either nANGPTL4- or cANGPTL4-encoding cDNAs. Compared to mice injected with wild-type 4T1 cells, mice injected with nANGPTL4 cells had shorter median survival (p < 0.05), while mice injected with cANGPTL4 had longer survival (p < 0.01). On tissue sections, compared to wild-type mice, mice injected with nANGPTL4 cells had significantly larger surface areas of lung metastases (p < 0.01), and mice injected with cANGPTL4 had significantly larger surface areas of brain metastases (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that a higher expression of Angiopoietin-like 4 Fibrinogen-Like Domain (cANGPTL4) was associated with an increased risk of brain metastases in women with breast cancer.

Re-exploring immune-related side effects of docetaxel in an observational study: Blood hypereosinophilia.

Docetaxel is a major anticancer drug that can induce hypersensitivity reactions leading to deleterious treatment interruptions. Blood hypereosinophilia could be a biological sign, potentially lethal, of delayed visceral hypersensitivity reactions. We hypothesized this biological event is probably underreported. In this prospective observational study, we followed up 149 patients treated with docetaxel monotherapy for breast or lung cancer. For each patient, blood eosinophil counts were recorded during docetaxel treatment and up to 3 months after the end of docetaxel treatment. For all patients, blood eosinophil counts significantly increased under docetaxel chemotherapy (P < 0.01). Seven percent had persistent eosinophilia after the end of treatment. Four patients had blood eosinophil counts over 1000/mm3 with severe cardiac, cutaneous and digestive toxicities, and docetaxel imputability was confirmed using drug-imputability scales. For two of these four patients, tissue biopsies were performed during the time of hypereosinophilia and of severe toxicities. Specific immunostainings and electron microscopy found numerous degranulating mast cells and eosinophils. Our study demonstrated that eosinophilia is frequent under docetaxel and could lead to severe complications, implicating eosinophils and mast cells, and possibly IgE. One way of treating hypersensitivity reactions could be by targeting IgEs with omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of severe allergic asthma, and successfully used in food and poison-induced anaphylactic reactions.

Genomics applied to the treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer remains a major health issue in the world with 1.7 million new cases in 2012 worldwide. It is the second cause of death from cancer in western countries. Genomics have started to modify the treatment of breast cancer, and the developments should become more and more significant, especially in the present era of treatment personalization and with the implementation of new technologies. With molecular signatures, genomics enabled a de-escalation of chemotherapy and personalized treatments of localized forms of estrogen-dependent breast cancers. Genomics can also make a real contribution to constitutional genetics, so as to identify mutations in a panel of candidate genes. In this review, we will discuss the contributions of genomics applied to the treatment of breast cancer, whether already validated contributions or possible future applications linked to research data.

A novel way to manage trastuzumab cardiotoxicity.

PURPOSE: Trastuzumab is the most widely prescribed anti-HER2 humanized monoclonal antibody. Cardiac toxicity is the only limiting toxicity of trastuzumab and it is of particular concern in patients with complete response, since the drug needs to be stopped, with a risk of disease relapse. To date, no pharmacological data on trastuzumab cardiotoxicity in patients have been made available. Here, we provide proof of concept, demonstrating that it was possible to prevent trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity by modifying the drug administration schedule. METHODS: In this paper, we report the case of a patient with metastatic breast cancer responding to trastuzumab, who developed severe cardiac toxicity twice using a 3-weekly regimen. Considering preclinical pharmacological data on trastuzumab cardiotoxicity, we hypothesized that a weekly schedule of trastuzumab with lower peaks of serum concentration could be safe while remaining efficient. With the patient's consent, we started a weekly combination of carboplatin (AUC2) and trastuzumab (2 mg/kg) with close monitoring of trastuzumab concentrations. RESULTS: We successfully controlled the disease for an additional 6 months with relevant trough concentrations of trastuzumab of around 50 mg/L. Another important aspect is that, with this weekly schedule, we observed no cardiac toxicity, and the left ventricular ejection fraction remained stabilized, at over 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Trastuzumab is the most widely prescribed anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of HER2 metastatic breast cancer, and it is the only drug that has been approved for the treatment of localized HER2 breast cancer, 1-year treatment being required after surgery. In case of cardiac toxicity, particularly in women over 60 years of age, a weekly regimen with lower peaks of concentration could be an alternative to the standard 3-weekly regimen.

Tracking sub-clonal TP53 mutated tumor cells in human metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Renal Cell Carcinomas (RCCs) are heterogeneous tumors with late acquisition of TP53 abnormalities during their evolution. They harbor TP53 abnormalities in their metastases. We aimed to study TP53 gene alterations in tissue samples from primary and metastatic RCCs in 36 patients followed up over a median of 4.2 years, and in xenografted issued from primary RCCs. In 36 primary RCCs systematically xenografted in mice, and in biopsies of metastases performed whenever possible during patient follow-up, we studied p53-expressing tumor cells and TP53 gene abnormalities.We identified TP53 gene alterations in primary tumors, metastases and xenografts. Quantification of tumors cells with TP53 gene alterations showed a significant increase in the metastases compared to the primary RCCs, and, strikingly, the xenografts were similar to the metastases and not to the primary RCCs from which they were derived.Using laser-microdissection of p53-expressing tumor cells, we identified TP53-mutated tumor cells in the xenografts derived from the primary RCC, and in a lung metastasis later developed in one patient. The mutation enabled us to track back their origin to a minority sub-clone in the primary heterogeneous RCC. Combining in situ and molecular analyses, we demonstrated a clonal expansion in a living patient with metastatic RCC.