PACIFIC-9: Phase III trial of durvalumab + oleclumab or monalizumab in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

Evidence from the Phase III PACIFIC trial established durvalumab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting PD-L1, following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) as a global standard of care for patients with unresectable, stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There remains an unmet need to improve upon the outcomes achieved with the PACIFIC regimen. Combining durvalumab with other immunotherapies may improve outcomes further. Two such immunotherapies include oleclumab, an mAb targeting CD73, and monalizumab, an mAb targeting NKG2A. Both agents demonstrated antitumor activity in early-phase trials. PACIFIC-9 (NCT05221840) is an international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase III trial comparing durvalumab plus either oleclumab or monalizumab with durvalumab plus placebo in patients with unresectable, stage III NSCLC and no disease progression following cCRT.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05221840 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Durvalumab is a treatment that helps the body's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells by binding to a protein called PD-L1. Studies show that durvalumab lowers the risk of cancer growing or spreading, and prolongs survival, when administered after chemotherapy and radiation therapy ('chemoradiotherapy') in patients with a type of lung cancer called stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for whom surgery is not an option.Two antibody treatments have been developed that may help a patient's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Oleclumab binds to a protein on cancer cells called CD73, which prevents the production of adenosine, a chemical that obstructs the immune system from attacking the cancer. Monalizumab binds to NKG2A, a protein on immune cells that inhibits their ability to destroy cancer cells. Early studies suggest that combining either of these treatments with durvalumab may be better than durvalumab alone for slowing the growth and spread of cancer in patients with NSCLC.PACIFIC-9 is a study that aims to recruit approximately 999 patients with stage III NSCLC for whom surgery is not an option and who have completed chemoradiotherapy without the cancer growing or spreading. Patients will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive up to a year of treatment with durvalumab plus oleclumab, durvalumab plus monalizumab or durvalumab plus placebo. The primary measure of efficacy is the length of time that patients remain alive without the cancer growing or spreading for each combination versus durvalumab plus placebo.

Physiologically based modelling of dermal absorption and kinetics of consumer-relevant chemicals: A case study with exposure to bisphenol A from thermal paper.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the best studied industrial chemicals in terms of exposure, toxicity, and toxicokinetics. This renders it an ideal candidate to exploit the recent advancements in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling to support risk assessment of BPA specifically, and of other consumer-relevant hazardous chemicals in general. Using the exposure from thermal paper as a case scenario, this study employed the multi-phase multi-layer mechanistic dermal absorption (MPML MechDermA) model available in the Simcyp® Simulator to simulate the dermal toxicokinetics of BPA at local and systemic levels. Sensitivity analysis helped to identify physicochemical and physiological factors influencing the systemic exposure to BPA. The iterative modelling process was as follows: (i) development of compound files for BPA and its conjugates, (ii) setting-up of a PBPK model for intravenous administration, (iii) extension for oral administration, and (iv) extension for exposure via skin (i.e., hand) contact. A toxicokinetic study involving hand contact to BPA-containing paper was used for model refinement. Cumulative urinary excretion of total BPA had to be employed for dose reconstruction. PBPK model performance was verified using the observed serum BPA concentrations. The predicted distribution across the skin compartments revealed a depot of BPA in the stratum corneum (SC). These findings shed light on the role of the SC to act as temporary reservoir for lipophilic chemicals prior to systemic absorption, which inter alia is relevant for the interpretation of human biomonitoring data and for establishing the relationship between external and internal measures of exposure.

How circadian variability of the heart rate and plasma electrolytes concentration influence the cardiac electrophysiology - model-based case study.

The circadian rhythm of cardiac electrophysiology is dependent on many physiological and biochemical factors. Provided, that models describing the circadian patterns of cardiac activity and/or electrophysiology which have been verified to the acceptable level, modeling and simulation can give answers to many of heart chronotherapy questions. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of the circadian models implemented in Cardiac Safety Simulator v 2.2 (Certara, Sheffield, UK) (CSS), as well as investigate the influence ofcircadian rhythms on the simulation results in terms of cardiac safety. The simulations which were run in CSS accounted for inter-individual and intra-individual variability. Firstly, the diurnal variations in QT interval length in a healthy population were simulated accounting for heart rate (HR) circadian changes alone, or with concomitant diurnal variations of plasma ion concentrations. Next, tolterodine was chosen as an exemplary drug for PKPD modelling exercise to assess the role of circadian rhythmicity in the prediction of drug effects on QT interval. The results of the simulations were in line with clinical observations, what can serve as a verification of the circadian models implemented in CSS. Moreover, the results have suggested that the circadian variability of the electrolytes balance is the main factor influencing QT circadian pattern. The fluctuation of ion concentration increases the intra-subject variability of predicted drug-triggered QT corrected for HR (QTc) prolongation effect and, in case of modest drug effect on QTc interval length, allows to capture this effect.

The role of the cell-cell interactions in cancer progression.

In the field of cancer research, scientific investigations are based on analysing differences in the secretome, the proteome, the transcriptome, the expression of cell surface molecules, and the deregulation of signal transduction pathways between neoplastic and normal cells. Accumulating evidence indicates a crucial role in carcinogenesis concerning not only stromal cells but also normal cells from target organs and tissue where tumours emerge. The tumour microenvironment (TME) definitively plays an important role in regulating neighbouring cell behaviour. To date, limited attention has been focused upon interactions between cancer cells and normal cells. This review concentrates on the interactions between stromal and healthy cells from the TME in cancer development. In the article, the authors also describe mutations, genes and proteins expression pattern that are involved in tumour development in target organ.

Data on ADME parameters of bisphenol A and its metabolites for use in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling.

The paper presents the collection of physicochemical parameters of bisphenol A (BPA) and its sulfate (BPAS) and glucuronide (BPAG) conjugates, accompanied by data characterizing their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) behavior following oral administration of BPA. The data were collected from open literature sources and publicly available databases. Additionally, data calculated by using the MarvinSketch 18.30.0 software or predicted by relevant QSAR models built in Simcyp® Simulator were also used. All data were analysed and are fit for purpose if necessary to ensure a reliable prediction of pharmacokinetics of BPA and its conjugates. The data selection process and reasoning for fitting is provided to allow critical assessment and to ensure data transparency. Finally, the sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the influence of the selected parameters on the PBPK model predictions.

Development of extracellular matrix supported 3D culture of renal cancer cells and renal cancer stem cells.

Novel experimental conditions of cancer cell line culture have evolved throughout the recent years, with significantly growing interest in xeno-free, serum-free and three-dimensional culture variants. The choice of proper culture media may enable to mimic tumor microenvironment and promotion of cancer stem cells proliferation. To assess whether stem-like phenotype inducing media may be applied in renal cancer stem cell research, we performed a widespread screening of 13 cell culture media dedicated for mesenchymal cells, stem cells as well as mesenchymal stem cells. We have also screened extracellular matrix compounds and selected optimal RCC 3D-ECM supported culture model. Our results revealed that 786-O as well as HKCSCs cell line cultures in xeno-free media (NutriStem/StemXvivo) and laminin coated plates provide a useful tool in RCC cancer biology research and at the same time enable effective drug toxicity screening. We propose bio-mimic 3D RCC cell culture model with specific low-serum and xeno-free media that promote RCC cell viability and stem-like phenotype according to the tested genes encoding stemness factors including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, HIF1, HIF2, VEGF, SOX2, PAX2 and NESTIN.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma cells growing in 3D on poly­D­lysine or laminin present a stem­like phenotype and drug resistance.

3D spheroids are built by heterogeneous cell types in different proliferative and metabolic states and are enriched in cancer stem cells. The main aim of the study was to investigate the usefulness of a novel metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 3D spheroid culture for in vitro cancer stem cell physiology research and drug toxicity screening. RCC cell lines, Caki­1 (skin metastasis derived) and ACHN (pleural effusion derived), were efficiently cultured in growth­factor/serum deprived, defined, StemXvivo and Nutristem medium on laminin­coated or poly­D­lysine­coated plates. In optimal 3D culture conditions, ACHN cells (StemXVivo/poly­D­lysine) formed small spheroids with remaining adherent cells of an epithelial phenotype, while Caki­1 cells (StemXVivo/laminin) formed large dark spheroids with significantly reduced cell viability in the center. In the 3D structures, expression levels of genes encoding stem transcription factors (OCT4, SOX2, NES) and RCC stem cell markers (CD105, CD133) were deregulated in comparison to these expression levels in traditional 2D culture. Sunitinib, epirubicin and doxycycline were more toxic to cells cultured in monolayers than for cells in 3D spheroids. High numbers of cells arrested in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle were found in spheroids under sunitinib treatment. We showed that metastatic RCC 3D spheroids supported with ECM are a useful model to determine the cancer cell growth characteristics that are not found in adherent 2D cultures. Due to the more complex architecture, spheroids may mimic in vivo micrometastases and may be more appropriate to investigate novel drug candidate responses, including the direct effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor activity against RCC cells.

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Model Utilization in Renal Carcinoma Cancer Stem Cell Research.

Specific 3D conditions of cancer cell lines have been optimized over last years, with growing significance of serum-free and xeno-free culture variants. The choice of proper culture media enables cancer stem cells proliferation in primary and stable cell lines. To obtain renal cell cancer stem-like phenotype, we employed media dedicated for mesenchymal cells and adult stem cells. Developed RCC cell line 3D culture system enables effective drug testing, including tyrosine kinase inhibitor anti-cancer cell toxicity. To induce formation of 3D spheroids by RCC cell lines, StemXvivo and NutriStem media must be used. Usage of laminin- or poly-D-lysine coated plates enhances also the formation of spheroids in 3D-promoting media. Seeding is optimal with Caki-1 or ACHN cell lines as well as 786-O or HKCSC cells. Our bio-mimic 3D RCC cell culture model promotes cell viability and stem-related gene expression including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, HIF1, HIF2, VEGF, Sox2, Pax2, and Nestin. 3D spheroid formation ability and spheroid volume increase are disturbed upon drug treatment. Untreated 3D structures reach ~100 µm in diameter at the end of 14-day long experiment. Sorter-based cell cycle analysis and Ki-67 staining should be conducted to verify specific toxicity. We suggest that due to the more complex architecture 3D RCC culture is more relevant to investigate the in vivo-like tumor drug response.

Three-dimensional cell culture model utilization in cancer stem cell research.

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary cancer research and drug resistance studies. Recently, scientists have begun incorporating cancer stem cells (CSCs) into 3D models and modifying culture components in order to mimic in vivo conditions better. Currently, the global cell culture market is primarily focused on either 3D cancer cell cultures or stem cell cultures, with less focus on CSCs. This is evident in the low product availability officially indicated for 3D CSC model research. This review discusses the currently available commercial products for CSC 3D culture model research. Additionally, we discuss different culture media and components that result in higher levels of stem cell subpopulations while better recreating the tumor microenvironment. In summary, although progress has been made applying 3D technology to CSC research, this technology could be further utilized and a greater number of 3D kits dedicated specifically to CSCs should be implemented.

Hypoxic 3D in vitro culture models reveal distinct resistance processes to TKIs in renal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of hypoxia on axitinib and sorafenib-treated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. Hypoxia is a crucial factor influencing transcription process via protein modulation, which was shown i.e. in pancreatic cancer. Until now, hypoxia has been defined as associated with poorer outcome and inducing chemotherapy resistance in solid tumors. The unique phenomenon of pseudo-hypoxia connected with vhl mutation was observed in clear-cell, but not in papillary RCC, and the treatment of this subtype of cancer is still challenging. Despite the introduction of new antiangiogenic targeted therapies (inter alia tyrosine kinase inhibitors, TKIs), patients still develop both primary and acquired resistance. Overcoming resistance to TKIs, also in papillary RCC, may be possible by finding significantly modified protein expression. To do this, hypoxic 3D in vitro models must be developed to mimic both molecular pathways typical for low oxygen tension and cell-cell dynamics in tumor-like spatial structures. RESULTS: Clear-cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma (cc and pRCC) cell lines were used in the study to determine the impact of hypoxia on primary drug resistance phenomenon previously observed in papillary, but not in ccRCC. Resistance was confirmed in monolayer culture and in 3D models in soft agar and suspension culture. Human papillary kidney cancer stem-like cells (HKCSCs) cultured in hypoxia developed resistance to sorafenib, while when cultured in normoxia resistance to axitinib has developed. Flow cytometry revealed that hypoxia decreased proliferation rates in all investigated RCC cells. In HKCSCs, there was an increase of quiescent cells (Ki67-) and percentage of cells arrested in S phase. It also appeared that map2k1 and eif4b protein expression is altered in papillary RCC resistant to tested drugs at different oxygen tensions. Also, HKCSCs did not express vegfr-1, braf nor c-kit, TKIs target receptors, which were present in ccRCC cells sensitive to TKI treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that low oxygen tension affects RCC cells. Hypoxia facilitates induction of sorafenib resistance in pRCC and induces map2k1 overexpression, while normoxic axitinib-resistant cells up-regulated eif4b. Further studies may determine if map2k1 or eif4b proteins play a role in pRCC resistance to TKIs. It is also of interest to establish if other than vegfr-1, braf, c-kit receptors can serve as potential molecular targets for more effective anti-RCC strategies.

Genomic Analysis as the First Step toward Personalized Treatment in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Drug resistance mechanisms in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) still remain elusive. Although most patients initially respond to targeted therapy, acquired resistance can still develop eventually. Most of the patients suffer from intrinsic (genetic) resistance as well, suggesting that there is substantial need to broaden our knowledge in the field of RCC genetics. As molecular abnormalities occur for various reasons, ranging from single nucleotide polymorphisms to large chromosomal defects, conducting whole-genome association studies using high-throughput techniques seems inevitable. In principle, data obtained via genome-wide research should be continued and performed on a large scale for the purposes of drug development and identification of biological pathways underlying cancerogenesis. Genetic alterations are mostly unique for each histological RCC subtype. According to recently published data, RCC is a highly heterogeneous tumor. In this paper, the authors discuss the following: (1) current state-of-the-art knowledge on the potential biomarkers of RCC subtypes; (2) significant obstacles encountered in the translational research on RCC; and (3) recent molecular findings that may have a crucial impact on future therapeutic approaches.

Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors Resistance Mechanisms in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase protein involved in PI3K/AKT signaling with a central role in the processes of cell growth, survival and angiogenesis. Frequent mutations of this pathway make upstream and downstream components novel targets for tailored therapy design. Two mTOR inhibitors - everolimus and temsirolimus - enable an increase in overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) time in a treatment of renal cancer. Despite recent advances in renal cancer treatment, resistance to targeted therapy is common. Understanding of molecular mechanisms is the basis of drug resistance which can facilitate prediction of success or failure in combinational or sequential targeted therapy. The article provides current knowledge on the mTOR signaling network and gives insight into the mechanisms of resistance to mTOR inhibitors from the complex perspective of RCC biology. The mechanisms of resistance developed not only by cancer cells, but also by interactions with tumor microenvironment are analyzed to emphasize the role of angiogenesis in ccRCC pathogenesis. As recent studies have shown the role of PI3K/AKT-mTOR pathway in proliferation and differentiation of cancer stem cells, we discuss cancer stem cell hypothesis and its possible contribution to ccRCC resistance. In the context of drug resistance, we also elaborate on a new approach considering ccRCC as a metabolic disease. In conclusion we speculate on future developments in agents targeting the mTOR pathway taking into consideration the singular biology of ccRCC.

Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Clear - Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC).

Clear - cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma - the most prevalent adult kidney cancer. Causes of ccRCC are not completely understood and therefore number of available therapies is limited. As a consequence of tumor chemo- and radioresistance as well as restrictions in offered targeted therapies, overall response rate is still unsatisfactory. Moreover, a significant group of patients (circa 1/4) does not respond to the targeted first-line treatment, while in other cases, after an initial period of stable improvement, disease progression occurs. Owing to this, more data on resistance mechanisms are needed, especially those concerning widely used, relatively lately approved and more successful than previous therapies - tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Up to date, five TKIs have been licensed for ccRCC treatment: sunitinib (SUTENT®, Pfizer Inc.), sorafenib (Nexavar®, Bayer HealthCare/Onyx Pharmaceuticals), pazopanib (Votrient®, GlaxoSmithKline), axitinib (Inlyta®, Pfitzer Inc.) and tivozanib (AV-951®, AVEO Pharmaceuticals). Researchers have specified different subsets of tyrosine kinase inhibitors potential resistance mechanisms in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. In most papers published until now, drug resistance is divided into intrinsic and acquired, and typically multi-drug resistance (MDR) protein is described. Herein, the authors focus on molecular analysis concerning acquired, non-genetic resistance to TKIs, with insight into specific biological processes.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in breast and renal cancer: current state and future approaches (review).

Cancer is a major health problem and cause of death worldwide that accounted for 7.6 million deaths in 2008, which is projected to continue rising with an estimated 13.1 million deaths in 2030 according to WHO. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-based death among women around the world and its incidence is increasing annually with a similar tendency. In contrast, renal cell carcinoma accounts for only 3% of total human malignancies but it is still the most common type of urological cancer with a high prevalence in elderly men (>60 years of age). There are several factors linked with the development of renal cell cancer only, while others are connected only with breast cancer. Genetic risk factors and smoking are the factors which contribute to carcinogenesis in general. Some evidence exists indicating that vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms are associated with both breast and renal cancer; therefore, we put forward the hypothesis that polymorphisms in the VDR gene may influence both the occurrence risks of these cancers and their prognosis. However, the relationship between VDR polymorphisms and these two specific cancers remains a controversial hypothesis, and consequently needs further confirmation via clinical research together with genetic investigations. Here, we aimed to assess the correlation between the different alleles of VDR gene polymorphisms and renal cell cancer and breast cancer risks separately through a systematic review of the present literature. In contrast, this analysis has revealed that some VDR gene polymorphisms, such as: Bsm1, poly(A), Taq1, Apa1, are to some extent associated with breast cancer risk. Other polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with renal cell cancer. Namely, they were Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1 and Apa1, which encode proteins participating mainly in proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. However, data concerning renal cancer are not sufficient to firmly establish the VDR gene polymorphism association.