MST1R kinase accelerates pancreatic cancer progression via effects on both epithelial cells and macrophages.

The MST1R (RON) kinase is overexpressed in >80% of human pancreatic cancers, but its role in pancreatic carcinogenesis is unknown. In this study, we examined the relevance of Mst1r kinase to Kras driven pancreatic carcinogenesis using genetically engineered mouse models. In the setting of mutant Kras, Mst1r overexpression increased acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM), accelerated the progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), and resulted in the accumulation of (mannose receptor C type 1) MRC1+, (arginase 1) Arg+ macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Conversely, absence of a functional Mst1r kinase slowed PanIN initiation, resulted in smaller tumors, prolonged survival and a reduced tumor-associated macrophage content. Mst1r expression was associated with increased production of its ligand Mst1, and in orthotopic models, suppression of Mst1 expression resulted in reduced tumor size, changes in macrophage polarization and enhanced T cell infiltration. This study demonstrates the functional significance of Mst1r during pancreatic cancer initiation and progression. Further, it provides proof of concept that targeting Mst1r can modulate pancreatic cancer growth and the microenvironment. This study provides further rationale for targeting Mst1r as a therapeutic strategy.

Characterization of RON protein isoforms in pancreatic cancer: implications for biology and therapeutics.

The RON tyrosine kinase receptor is under investigation as a novel target in pancreatic cancer. While RON mutations are uncommon, RON isoforms are produced in cancer cells via a variety of mechanisms. In this study we sought to: 1) characterize RON isoform expression in pancreatic cancer, 2) investigate mechanisms that regulate isoform expression, and 3) determine how various isoforms effect gene expression, oncogenic phenotypes and responses to RON directed therapies. We quantified RON transcripts in human pancreatic cancer and found expression levels 2500 fold that of normal pancreas with RON isoform expression comprising nearly 50% of total transcript. RNA seq studies revealed that the short form (sfRON) and P5P6 isoforms which have ligand independent activity, induce markedly different patterns of gene expression than wild type RON. We found that transcription of RON isoforms is regulated by promoter hypermethylation as the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine decreased all RON transcripts in a subset of pancreatic cancer cell lines. The viability of sfRON-expressing HPDE cells was reduced by a RON specific small molecule inhibitor, while a therapeutic monoclonal antibody had no demonstrable effects. In summary, RON isoforms may comprise half of total RON transcript in human pancreatic cancer and their expression is regulated at least in part by promoter hypermethylation. RON isoforms activate distinct patterns of gene expression, have transforming activity and differential responses to RON directed therapies. These findings further our understanding of RON biology in pancreatic cancer and have implications for therapeutic strategies to target RON activity.

The Role of Image-guided Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Anorectal Cancer Using Prone Belly-board Positioning.

AIM: To evaluate Radiation Therapy Oncology Group planning target volume margins of 7-10 mm for radiation therapy in anorectal cancer using prone belly-board positioning without image guidance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 375 kV cone beam computed tomography image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) images from 20 patients treated for anorectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed for setup shifts. We calculated the total translational shift for each patient and the frequency with which setup shifts exceeded 7 mm and 10 mm. RESULTS: A total of 42.7% of treatments required shifts >7 mm and 20.8% >10 mm. The mean translational shift was 7.1 mm. 70% of patients experienced shifts ≥7 mm in 20% or more of their treatments and 25% of ≥10 mm in 20% or more of their treatments; 15% experienced shifts ≥10 mm in over half of their treatments. van Herk calculations suggest margins of 12.8 mm are necessary for accuracy without IGRT. CONCLUSION: IGRT using a prone belly board and 7-10 mm margins requires daily image-guidance to prevent planning target volume misses and ensure optimal dose delivery.