28 results on '"Maria, Ruggero"'
Search Results
2. Demographic Analysis of Cancer Research Priorities and Treatment Correlations.
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Horgan D, Van den Bulcke M, Malapelle U, Normanno N, Capoluongo ED, Prelaj A, Rizzari C, Stathopoulou A, Singh J, Kozaric M, Dube F, Ottaviano M, Boccia S, Pravettoni G, Cattaneo I, Malats N, Buettner R, Lekadir K, de Lorenzo F, Alix-Panabieres C, Badreh S, Solary E, De Maria R, and Hofman P
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- Humans, Male, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Biomedical Research, Adult, Demography, Research, Europe, Neoplasms therapy
- Abstract
Understanding the diversity in cancer research priorities and the correlations among different treatment modalities is essential to address the evolving landscape of oncology. This study, conducted in collaboration with the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) and Childhood Cancer International-Europe (CCI-E) as part of the "UNCAN.eu" initiative, analyzed data from a comprehensive survey to explore the complex interplay of demographics, time since cancer diagnosis, and types of treatments received. Demographic analysis revealed intriguing trends, highlighting the importance of tailoring cancer research efforts to specific age groups and genders. Individuals aged 45-69 exhibited highly aligned research priorities, emphasizing the need to address the unique concerns of middle-aged and older populations. In contrast, patients over 70 years demonstrated a divergence in research priorities, underscoring the importance of recognising the distinct needs of older individuals in cancer research. The analysis of correlations among different types of cancer treatments underscored the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, precision therapy, and biological therapies playing integral roles. These findings support the need for personalized and combined treatment strategies to achieve optimal outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the complexity of cancer research priorities and treatment correlations in a European context. It emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted, patient-centred approach to cancer research and treatment, highlighting the need for ongoing support, adaptation, and collaboration to address the ever-changing landscape of oncology.
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- 2024
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3. UNCAN.eu: Toward a European Federated Cancer Research Data Hub.
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Boutros M, Baumann M, Bigas A, Chaabane L, Guérin J, Habermann JK, Jobard A, Pelicci PG, Stegle O, Tonon G, Valencia A, Winkler EC, Blanc P, De Maria R, Medema RH, Nagy P, Tabernero J, and Solary E
- Subjects
- Humans, Research, European Union, Neoplasms
- Abstract
To enable a collective effort that generates a new level of UNderstanding CANcer (UNCAN.eu) [Cancer Discov (2022) 12 (11): OF1], the European Union supports the creation of a sustainable platform that connects cancer research across Member States. A workshop hosted in Heidelberg gathered European cancer experts to identify ongoing initiatives that may contribute to building this platform and discuss the governance and long-term evolution of a European Federated Cancer Data Hub., (©2023 The Authors; Published by the American Association for Cancer Research.)
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- 2024
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4. 3D cancer models: One step closer to in vitro human studies.
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Manduca N, Maccafeo E, De Maria R, Sistigu A, and Musella M
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- Humans, Organoids, Drug Discovery, Immunotherapy, Tumor Microenvironment, Neoplasms pathology
- Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the great breakthrough in cancer treatment as it displayed prolonged progression-free survival over conventional therapies, yet, to date, in only a minority of patients. In order to broad cancer immunotherapy clinical applicability some roadblocks need to be overcome, first among all the lack of preclinical models that faithfully depict the local tumor microenvironment (TME), which is known to dramatically affect disease onset, progression and response to therapy. In this review, we provide the reader with a detailed overview of current 3D models developed to mimick the complexity and the dynamics of the TME, with a focus on understanding why the TME is a major target in anticancer therapy. We highlight the advantages and translational potentials of tumor spheroids, organoids and immune Tumor-on-a-Chip models in disease modeling and therapeutic response, while outlining pending challenges and limitations. Thinking forward, we focus on the possibility to integrate the know-hows of micro-engineers, cancer immunologists, pharmaceutical researchers and bioinformaticians to meet the needs of cancer researchers and clinicians interested in using these platforms with high fidelity for patient-tailored disease modeling and drug discovery., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Manduca, Maccafeo, De Maria, Sistigu and Musella.)
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- 2023
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5. Dormancy, stemness, and therapy resistance: interconnected players in cancer evolution.
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Francescangeli F, De Angelis ML, Rossi R, Cuccu A, Giuliani A, De Maria R, and Zeuner A
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- Humans, Neoplastic Stem Cells pathology, Disease Progression, Tumor Microenvironment, Neoplasms drug therapy, Neoplasms genetics, Neoplasms metabolism, Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology
- Abstract
The biological complexity of cancer represents a tremendous clinical challenge, resulting in the frequent failure of current treatment protocols. In the rapidly evolving scenario of a growing tumor, anticancer treatments impose a drastic perturbation not only to cancer cells but also to the tumor microenvironment, killing a portion of the cells and inducing a massive stress response in the survivors. Consequently, treatments can act as a double-edged sword by inducing a temporary response while laying the ground for therapy resistance and subsequent disease progression. Cancer cell dormancy (or quiescence) is a central theme in tumor evolution, being tightly linked to the tumor's ability to survive cytotoxic challenges, metastasize, and resist immune-mediated attack. Accordingly, quiescent cancer cells (QCCs) have been detected in virtually all the stages of tumor development. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the characterization of quiescent/therapy resistant cancer cells, unveiling QCCs core transcriptional programs, metabolic plasticity, and mechanisms of immune escape. At the same time, our partial understanding of tumor quiescence reflects the difficulty to identify stable QCCs biomarkers/therapeutic targets and to control cancer dormancy in clinical settings. This review focuses on recent discoveries in the interrelated fields of dormancy, stemness, and therapy resistance, discussing experimental evidences in the frame of a nonlinear dynamics approach, and exploring the possibility that tumor quiescence may represent not only a peril but also a potential therapeutic resource., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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6. Bridging therapeutic opportunities: a survey by the Italian molecular tumor board workgroup of Alliance Against Cancer.
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Ciliberto G, Canfora M, Terrenato I, Agnoletto C, Agustoni F, Amoroso L, Baldassarre G, Curigliano G, Delmonte A, De Luca A, Fiorentino M, Gregorc V, Ibrahim T, Lazzari C, Mastronuzzi A, Pronzato P, Santoro A, Scambia G, Tommasi S, Vingiani A, Giacomini P, and De Maria R
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- Humans, Italy, Neoplasms drug therapy, Neoplasms epidemiology, Neoplasms genetics
- Abstract
Background: Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) match molecular alterations with targeted anticancer drugs upon failure of the available therapeutic options. Special and local needs are most likely to emerge through the comparative analysis of MTB networks, but these are rarely reported. This manuscript summarizes the state-of-art of 16 active Italian MTBs, as it emerges from an online survey curated by Alliance Against Cancer (ACC)., Main Text: Most MTBs (13/16) are exclusively supported through local Institutional grants and meet regularly. All but one adopts a fully virtual or a mixed face-to-face/virtual calling/attendance meeting model. It appears that the ACC MTB initiative is shaping a hub-and-spoke virtual MTB network reminiscent of non-redundant, cost-effective healthcare organization models. Unfortunately, public awareness of MTB opportunities presently remains insufficient. Only one center has a website. Dedicated e-mail addresses are for the exclusive use of the MTB staff. More than half of ACC members consider a miscellanea of most or all solid and hematological malignancies, and more than one-third consider neoplasms arising at any anatomical location. The average number of Staff Members in MTBs is 9. More than 10 staff members simultaneously attend MTB meetings in 13 MTBs. A medical oncologist is invariably present and is in charge of introducing the clinical case either with (45%) or without previous discussion in organ-specific multidisciplinary Boards. All but two MTBs take charge of not only patients with no standard-of-care (SoC) therapy option, but also cases receiving NGS profiling in SoC settings, implying a larger number of yearly cases. All MTBs run targeted NGS panels. Three run whole-exome and/or RNAseq approaches. ESCAT-ESMO and/or Onco-KB levels of evidence are similarly used for diagnostic reporting. Most MTBs (11) provide a written diagnostic report within 15 days. Conclusions are invariably communicated to the patient by the medical oncologist., Conclusions: MTB networking is crucial not only for molecular diagnosis and therapy assignment, but also for healthcare governance. Survey results show that MTBs review therapeutic opportunities at the crossover between standard-of-care with off-label, the former task being much beyond their scope. Societal and scientific implications of this beyond-the-scope MTB function may be relevant for healthcare in Italy and abroad., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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7. Tuning Cancer Fate: Tumor Microenvironment's Role in Cancer Stem Cell Quiescence and Reawakening.
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Sistigu A, Musella M, Galassi C, Vitale I, and De Maria R
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- Animals, Cell Division, Cell Self Renewal, Cellular Senescence, Humans, Neoplasm Recurrence, Local, Tumor Microenvironment, Carcinogenesis pathology, Neoplasms immunology, Neoplastic Stem Cells immunology
- Abstract
Cancer cell dormancy is a common feature of human tumors and represents a major clinical barrier to the long-term efficacy of anticancer therapies. Dormant cancer cells, either in primary tumors or disseminated in secondary organs, may reawaken and relapse into a more aggressive disease. The mechanisms underpinning dormancy entry and exit strongly resemble those governing cancer cell stemness and include intrinsic and contextual cues. Cellular and molecular components of the tumor microenvironment persistently interact with cancer cells. This dialog is highly dynamic, as it evolves over time and space, strongly cooperates with intrinsic cell nets, and governs cancer cell features (like quiescence and stemness) and fate (survival and outgrowth). Therefore, there is a need for deeper insight into the biology of dormant cancer (stem) cells and the mechanisms regulating the equilibrium quiescence- versus -proliferation are vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. Here, we review and discuss microenvironmental regulations of cancer dormancy and its parallels with cancer stemness, and offer insights into the therapeutic strategies adopted to prevent a lethal recurrence, by either eradicating resident dormant cancer (stem) cells or maintaining them in a dormant state., (Copyright © 2020 Sistigu, Musella, Galassi, Vitale and De Maria.)
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- 2020
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8. A moonshot approach toward the management of cancer patients in the COVID-19 time: what have we learned and what could the Italian network of cancer centers (Alliance Against Cancer, ACC) do after the pandemic wave?
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Silvestris N, Apolone G, Botti G, Ciliberto G, Costantini M, De Paoli P, Franceschi S, Opocher G, Paradiso A, Pronzato P, Sgambato A, and De Maria R
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- Betacoronavirus pathogenicity, COVID-19, Coronavirus Infections complications, Coronavirus Infections pathology, Government Agencies, Humans, Italy epidemiology, Neoplasms complications, Neoplasms pathology, Neoplasms therapy, Pneumonia, Viral complications, Pneumonia, Viral pathology, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus Infections epidemiology, Medical Oncology trends, Neoplasms epidemiology, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral epidemiology
- Abstract
If we focus our attention on seven main features of COVID-19 infection (heterogeneity, fragility, lack of effective treatments and vaccines, "miraculous cures", psychological suffering, deprivation, and globalization), we may establish parallelism with the challenges faced in the steep road to the understanding and treatment of neoplastic diseases. How the similarities between these two conditions can help us cope with the emergency effort represented by the management of cancer patients in the COVID-19 era, today and in the future? In a manner similar to the Cancer Moonshot initiative in the United States, we can hypothesize a multinational moonshot project towards the management of cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we believe that the main road to elaborate meaningful scientific evidence is represented by the collection of all the data on COVID-19 and cancer comorbidity that are and will become available in cancer centers, coupled with the design of large clinical studies. To address this goal, it is essential to identify the entity that can produce this scientific evidences and the potentially most successful research strategy to undertake. The largest Italian organization for cancer research, Alliance Against Cancer (Alleanza Contro il Cancro, ACC), is called to play a scientific leadership in addressing these challenges, which requires the coordination of oncology teams at regional, national, and international levels. To fulfill this commitment, ACC will create a liaison with health government agencies in order to develop "dynamic" indications able to fight such an unpredictable pandemic.
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- 2020
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9. Cancer-associated fibroblasts as abettors of tumor progression at the crossroads of EMT and therapy resistance.
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Fiori ME, Di Franco S, Villanova L, Bianca P, Stassi G, and De Maria R
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- Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology, Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts drug effects, Disease Progression, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition drug effects, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic, Humans, Neoplasms drug therapy, Paracrine Communication, Signal Transduction, Tumor Microenvironment, Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts metabolism, Drug Resistance, Neoplasm, Neoplasms metabolism
- Abstract
In the last decades, the role of the microenvironment in tumor progression and therapeutic outcome has gained increasing attention. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as key players among stromal cells, owing to their abundance in most solid tumors and their diverse tumor-restraining/promoting roles. The interplay between tumor cells and neighboring CAFs takes place by both paracrine signals (cytokines, exosomes and metabolites) or by the multifaceted functions of the surrounding extracellular matrix. Here, we dissect the most recent identified mechanisms underlying CAF-mediated control of tumor progression and therapy resistance, which include induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), activation of survival pathways or stemness-related programs and metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells. Importantly, the recently unveiled heterogeneity in CAFs claims tailored therapeutic efforts aimed at eradicating the specific subset facilitating tumor progression, therapy resistance and relapse. However, despite the large amount of pre-clinical data, much effort is still needed to translate CAF-directed anti-cancer strategies from the bench to the clinic.
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- 2019
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10. Replication stress response in cancer stem cells as a target for chemotherapy.
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Manic G, Sistigu A, Corradi F, Musella M, De Maria R, and Vitale I
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- Animals, Antineoplastic Agents therapeutic use, DNA Damage, DNA Repair, DNA Replication drug effects, Humans, Neoplasms drug therapy, Neoplasms pathology, Neoplastic Stem Cells drug effects, Signal Transduction drug effects, DNA Replication genetics, Neoplasms genetics, Neoplastic Stem Cells metabolism, Signal Transduction genetics
- Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of multipotent stem cells (SCs) responsible for the initiation, long-term clonal maintenance, growth and spreading of most human neoplasms. Reportedly, CSCs share a very robust DNA damage response (DDR) with embryonic and adult SCs, which allows them to survive endogenous and exogenous genotoxins. A range of experimental evidence indicates that CSCs have high but heterogeneous levels of replication stress (RS), arising from, and being boosted by, endogenous causes, such as specific genetic backgrounds (e.g., p53 deficiency) and/or aberrant karyotypes (e.g., supernumerary chromosomes). A multipronged RS response (RSR) is put in place by CSCs to limit and ensure tolerability to RS. The characteristics of such dedicated cascade have two opposite consequences, both relevant for cancer therapy. On the one hand, RSR efficiency often increases the reliance of CSCs on specific DDR components. On the other hand, the functional redundancy of pathways of the RSR can paradoxically promote the acquisition of resistance to RS- and/or DNA damage-inducing agents. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms of the RSR in cancer cells and CSCs, focusing on the role of CHK1 and some emerging players, such as PARP1 and components of the homologous recombination repair, whose targeting can represent a long-term effective anti-CSC strategy., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2018
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11. The Hippo pathway in normal development and cancer.
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Maugeri-Saccà M and De Maria R
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- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing metabolism, Animals, Hippo Signaling Pathway, Homeostasis, Humans, Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins metabolism, Phosphoproteins metabolism, Phosphorylation, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases genetics, Trans-Activators, Transcription Factors, Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins, YAP-Signaling Proteins, Neoplasms metabolism, Organogenesis physiology, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases metabolism, Signal Transduction
- Abstract
The Hippo pathway is a central regulator of organ size and tissue homeostasis. Hippo kinases and adaptor proteins mediate the phosphorylation and inactivation of YAP and TAZ, two closely related transcription co-activators. The Hippo pathway responds to a variety of extracellular and intracellular signals, spanning from cell-cell contact and mechanical cues to ligands of G-protein-coupled receptors and metabolic avenues. In some instances, YAP/TAZ activation is tuned by forces that bypass the Hippo kinase module, adding further complexity to the biology of the pathway. Over the past two decades, the Hippo pathway has increasingly been connected with developmental processes and tissue repair, being intimately tied to the function of tissue-specific progenitor cells. Pervasive activation of YAP/TAZ has been recognized in a multitude of human tumors and connected with the acquisition of malignant traits, including resistance to anticancer therapies, distant dissemination and maintenance of cancer stem cells. On this ground, Hippo-related biomarkers are increasingly investigated in translational studies striving to identify prognostic and predictive factors. In addition, the dependency of many tumors on YAP/TAZ may be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Albeit no direct inhibitors are currently available, drug repositioning approaches provided hints that YAP/TAZ inhibition can be achieved with old drugs, such as cholesterol-lowering agents or compounds blocking bone resorption., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2018
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12. Micro-Economics of Apoptosis in Cancer: ncRNAs Modulation of BCL-2 Family Members.
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Villanova L, Careccia S, De Maria R, and Fiori ME
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- Animals, Apoptosis genetics, Humans, MicroRNAs genetics, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 genetics, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 physiology, Apoptosis physiology, Neoplasms genetics, RNA, Untranslated genetics
- Abstract
In the last few years, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been a hot topic in cancer research. Many ncRNAs were found to regulate the apoptotic process and to play a role in tumor cell resistance to treatment. The apoptotic program is on the frontline as self-defense from cancer onset, and evasion of apoptosis has been classified as one of the hallmarks of cancer responsible for therapy failure. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family members are key players in the regulation of apoptosis and mediate the activation of the mitochondrial death machinery in response to radiation, chemotherapeutic agents and many targeted therapeutics. The balance between the pro-survival and the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins is strictly controlled by ncRNAs. Here, we highlight the most common mechanisms exerted by microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs on the main mediators of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade with particular focus on their significance in cancer biology., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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- 2018
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13. DNA Damage in Stem Cells.
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Vitale I, Manic G, De Maria R, Kroemer G, and Galluzzi L
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- Adult Stem Cells metabolism, Animals, Embryonic Stem Cells metabolism, Genetic Drift, Genomic Instability, Humans, Mutation, Neoplasms genetics, Neoplasms metabolism, Neoplasms radiotherapy, Neoplastic Stem Cells metabolism, Neoplastic Stem Cells radiation effects, Pluripotent Stem Cells metabolism, Radiation Tolerance genetics, Adult Stem Cells pathology, DNA Damage, DNA Repair, Embryonic Stem Cells pathology, Neoplasms pathology, Neoplastic Stem Cells pathology, Pluripotent Stem Cells pathology
- Abstract
Both embryonic and adult stem cells are endowed with a superior capacity to prevent the accumulation of genetic lesions, repair them, or avoid their propagation to daughter cells, which would be particularly detrimental to the whole organism. Inducible pluripotent stem cells also display a robust DNA damage response, but the stability of their genome is often conditioned by the mutational history of the cell population of origin, which constitutes an obstacle to clinical applications. Cancer stem cells are particularly tolerant to DNA damage and fail to undergo senescence or regulated cell death upon accumulation of genetic lesions. Such a resistance contributes to the genetic drift of evolving tumors as well as to their limited sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy. Here, we discuss the pathophysiological and therapeutic implications of the molecular pathways through which stem cells cope with DNA damage., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2017
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14. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a new target in anticancer drug discovery.
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Marcucci F, Stassi G, and De Maria R
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- Adult, Humans, Antineoplastic Agents therapeutic use, Drug Discovery, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition drug effects, Neoplasms drug therapy
- Abstract
The conversion of cells with an epithelial phenotype into cells with a mesenchymal phenotype, referred to as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, is a critical process for embryonic development that also occurs in adult life, particularly during tumour progression. Tumour cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition acquire the capacity to disarm the body's antitumour defences, resist apoptosis and anticancer drugs, disseminate throughout the organism, and act as a reservoir that replenishes and expands the tumour cell population. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is therefore becoming a target of prime interest for anticancer therapy. Here, we discuss the screening and classification of compounds that affect epithelial-mesenchymal transition, highlight some compounds of particular interest, and address issues related to their clinical application.
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- 2016
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15. Alliance Against Cancer, the network of Italian cancer centers bridging research and care.
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De Paoli P, Ciliberto G, Ferrarini M, Pelicci P, Dellabona P, De Lorenzo F, Mantovani A, Musto P, Opocher G, Picci P, Ricciardi W, and De Maria R
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- Humans, Italy, Precision Medicine, Biomedical Research, Cancer Care Facilities organization & administration, Neoplasms pathology, Neoplasms therapy
- Abstract
Alliance Against Cancer (ACC) was established in Rome in 2002 as a consortium of six Italian comprehensive cancer centers (Founders). The aims of ACC were to promote a network among Italian oncologic institutions in order to develop specific, advanced projects in clinical and translational research. During the following years, many additional full and associate members joined ACC, that presently includes the National Institute of Health, 17 research-oriented hospitals, scientific and patient organizations. Furthermore, in the last three years ACC underwent a reorganization process that redesigned the structure, governance and major activities. The present goal of ACC is to achieve high standards of care across Italy, to implement and harmonize principles of modern personalized and precision medicine, by developing cost effective processes and to provide tailored information to cancer patients. We herein summarize some of the major initiatives that ACC is currently developing to reach its goal, including tumor genetic screening programs, establishment of clinical trial programs for cancer patients treated in Italian cancer centers, facilitate their access to innovative drugs under development, improve quality through an European accreditation process (European Organization of Cancer Institutes), and develop international partnerships. In conclusion, ACC is a growing organization, trying to respond to the need of networking in Italy and may contribute significantly to improve the way we face cancer in Europe.
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- 2015
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16. Cancer stem cells: perspectives for therapeutic targeting.
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Maccalli C and De Maria R
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- Animals, Biomarkers, Tumor antagonists & inhibitors, Humans, Neoplasms pathology, Neoplastic Stem Cells metabolism, Signal Transduction, Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology, Biomarkers, Tumor metabolism, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Neoplasms drug therapy, Neoplastic Stem Cells drug effects
- Abstract
Cells with "stemness" and tumor-initiating properties have been isolated from both hematological and solid tumors. These cells denominated as cancer stem cells (CSCs), representing rare populations within tumors, have the ability to metastasize and are resistant to standard therapies and immunotherapy. Heterogeneity and plasticity in the phenotype of CSCs have been described in relation to their tissue origin. Few definitive markers have been isolated for CSCs from human solid tumors, limiting their usage for in vivo identification of these cells. Nevertheless, progress in the emerging CSCs concept has been achieved gaining, at least for some type of tumors, their biological and immunological characterization. The recent identification of molecules and signaling pathways that are up-regulated or aberrantly induced in CSCs allowed the development of small agents for specifically targeting of CSCs. A general low immunogenic profile has been reported for CSCs with, in some cases, the identification of the mechanisms responsible of the impairment of cell-mediated immune responses. These concepts are discussed in the context of this review. Although CSCs still need to be fully characterized, potential candidate markers and/or signaling pathways, to be exploited for the design of novel CSC-targeting therapeutic strategies, are described in this review.
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- 2015
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17. Role of autophagy in the maintenance and function of cancer stem cells.
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Vitale I, Manic G, Dandrea V, and De Maria R
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- Cell Communication physiology, Humans, Tumor Microenvironment physiology, Apoptosis physiology, Autophagy physiology, Cell Transformation, Neoplastic pathology, Neoplasms pathology, Neoplastic Stem Cells pathology
- Abstract
Recent advances in experimental technologies and cancer models have made possible to demonstrate that the tumor is a dynamic system comprising heterogeneous populations of cancer cells organized in a hierarchical fashion with cancer stem cells (CSCs) at the apex. CSCs are immature cells characterized by self-renewal property and long-term repopulation potential. CSCs have been causally linked to cancer initiation, propagation, spreading, recurrence and relapse as well as to resistance to anticancer therapy. A growing body of evidence suggests that the function and physiology of CSCs may be influenced by genetic/epigenetic factors and tumor environment. In this context, macroautophagy is a lysosomal degradative process (herein referred to as autophagy) critical for the adaptive response to stress and the preservation of cellular and tissue homeostasis in all eukaryotes that may have a crucial role of in the origin, maintenance and invasiveness of CSCs. The activation of the autophagic machinery is also considered as an adaptive response of CSCs to perturbation of tumor microenvironment, caused for instance by anticancer therapy. Nevertheless, compelling preclinical and clinical evidence on the cytoprotective role of autophagy for CSCs is still missing. Here, we summarize the results on the contribution of autophagy in CSCs and how it impacts tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We also discuss the therapeutical potential of the modulation of autophagy as a means to eradicate CSCs.
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- 2015
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18. Alleanza Contro il Cancro: the accreditation system of the Excellence Network of Italian Cancer Centers in the precision medicine era.
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Palombo F, De Paoli P, and De Maria R
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- Clinical Trials as Topic economics, Clinical Trials as Topic standards, Cooperative Behavior, Humans, Information Dissemination, Italy, Research Support as Topic, Translational Research, Biomedical, Accreditation, Cancer Care Facilities standards, Neoplasms therapy, Precision Medicine, Quality of Health Care
- Abstract
Alleanza Contro il Cancro (Alliance Against Cancer (ACC)) is a network of excellence comprising cancer centers with high standard patient care and research supervised by the Italian Ministry of Health. Founded in 2002, ACC has recently entered a renovation process in order to further increase quality procedures and international standing of the network. The Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) accreditation system contributes significantly to this renovation process, which is generally directed towards all the main activities of cancer care and research, but has a particular attention to the treatment of advanced cancers that cannot be cured by standard procedures in conventional hospitals.
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- 2015
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19. Cancer stem cells: are they responsible for treatment failure?
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Maugeri-Saccà M, Vici P, Di Lauro L, Barba M, Amoreo CA, Gallo E, Mottolese M, and De Maria R
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- Animals, Apoptosis, Cell Differentiation, Cell Proliferation, Cell Survival, DNA Damage, DNA Repair, Drug Resistance, Neoplasm, Humans, Models, Biological, Neoplasms genetics, Neoplasms therapy, Radiation Tolerance, Signal Transduction, Treatment Failure, Treatment Outcome, Neoplasms metabolism, Neoplastic Stem Cells metabolism
- Abstract
Overcoming resistance to standard anticancer treatments represents a significant challenge. The interest regarding cancer stem cells, a cellular population that has the ability to self-renew and to propagate the tumor, was prompted by experimental evidence delineating the molecular mechanisms that are selectively activated in this cellular subset in order to survive chemotherapy. This has also stimulated combination strategies aimed at rendering cancer stem cells vulnerable to anticancer agents. Moreover, cancer stem cells offer a unique opportunity for modeling human cancers in mice, thus emerging as a powerful tool for testing novel drugs and combinations in a simulation of human disease. These novel animal models may lay the foundation for a new generation of clinical trials aimed at anticipating the benefit to patients of anticancer therapies.
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- 2014
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20. Dual promoter usage as regulatory mechanism of let-7c expression in leukemic and solid tumors.
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Pelosi A, Careccia S, Sagrestani G, Nanni S, Manni I, Schinzari V, Martens JH, Farsetti A, Stunnenberg HG, Gentileschi MP, Del Bufalo D, De Maria R, Piaggio G, and Rizzo MG
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- Acetylation, Animals, Base Sequence, Cell Line, Tumor, Epigenomics, Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic, Histones genetics, Histones metabolism, Humans, Introns, Leukemia metabolism, Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute genetics, MicroRNAs genetics, Molecular Sequence Data, Neoplasms metabolism, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Transcription, Genetic, Transfection, Tretinoin pharmacology, Leukemia genetics, Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute metabolism, MicroRNAs biosynthesis, Neoplasms genetics
- Abstract
Unlabelled: Let-7c, an intronic microRNA (miRNA) embedded in the long non-coding gene LINC00478, can act as a tumor suppressor by targeting oncogenes. Previous studies indicated that in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) bearing the leukemia promoting PML/RARα fusion protein, let-7c expression seems to be controlled by the host gene promoter, in which canonical Retinoic Acid Responsive Elements (RAREs) are bound by PML/RARα in an all transretinoic acid (ATRA)-sensitive manner. Here, let-7c transcriptional regulation was further investigated and a novel intronic promoter upstream of the pre-miRNA was identified. This new promoter has transcriptional activity strongly indicating that at least two promoters need to be considered for let-7c transcription: the distal host gene and the proximal intronic promoter. Therefore, epigenetic modifying enzymes and histone acetylation and methylation status were analyzed on both let-7c promoters. It was demonstrated that ATRA treatment leads to let-7c upregulation inducing a more open chromatin conformation of the host gene promoter, with an enrichment of epigenetic marks that correlate with a more active transcriptional state. Conversely, the epigenetic marks on the intronic promoter are not significantly affected by ATRA treatment. Interestingly, in solid tumors such as prostate and lung adenocarcinoma it was found that both host and intronic promoters are functional. These data suggest that while the host gene promoter may control let-7c expression in AML, in a nonleukemic tumor context instead the intronic promoter contributes or preferentially regulates let-7c transcription., Implications: Alternative promoter usage represents a regulatory mechanism of let-7c expression in different tissues. Mol Cancer Res; 12(6); 878-89. ©2014 AACR., (©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.)
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- 2014
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21. Systems analysis of the NCI-60 cancer cell lines by alignment of protein pathway activation modules with "-OMIC" data fields and therapeutic response signatures.
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Federici G, Gao X, Slawek J, Arodz T, Shitaye A, Wulfkuhle JD, De Maria R, Liotta LA, and Petricoin EF 3rd
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- Cell Line, Tumor, Cluster Analysis, ErbB Receptors metabolism, Humans, Integrins metabolism, Models, Biological, Protein Array Analysis, Neoplasm Proteins metabolism, Neoplasms drug therapy, Neoplasms metabolism, Proteomics methods, Signal Transduction, Systems Biology
- Abstract
The NCI-60 cell line set is likely the most molecularly profiled set of human tumor cell lines in the world. However, a critical missing component of previous analyses has been the inability to place the massive amounts of "-omic" data in the context of functional protein signaling networks, which often contain many of the drug targets for new targeted therapeutics. We used reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) analysis to measure the activation/phosphorylation state of 135 proteins, with a total analysis of nearly 200 key protein isoforms involved in cell proliferation, survival, migration, adhesion, etc., in all 60 cell lines. We aggregated the signaling data into biochemical modules of interconnected kinase substrates for 6 key cancer signaling pathways: AKT, mTOR, EGF receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), integrin, and apoptosis signaling. The net activation state of these protein network modules was correlated to available individual protein, phosphoprotein, mutational, metabolomic, miRNA, transcriptional, and drug sensitivity data. Pathway activation mapping identified reproducible and distinct signaling cohorts that transcended organ-type distinctions. Direct correlations with the protein network modules involved largely protein phosphorylation data but we also identified direct correlations of signaling networks with metabolites, miRNA, and DNA data. The integration of protein activation measurements into biochemically interconnected modules provided a novel means to align the functional protein architecture with multiple "-omic" data sets and therapeutic response correlations. This approach may provide a deeper understanding of how cellular biochemistry defines therapeutic response. Such "-omic" portraits could inform rational anticancer agent screenings and drive personalized therapeutic approaches., (©2013 AACR.)
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- 2013
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22. Targeting apoptosis pathways in cancer stem cells.
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Signore M, Ricci-Vitiani L, and De Maria R
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- Animals, Clinical Trials as Topic, DNA Repair, Disease Progression, Drug Resistance, Multiple, Humans, Neoplasm Transplantation, Neoplasms metabolism, Protein Kinase Inhibitors pharmacology, Signal Transduction, Apoptosis, Neoplasms drug therapy, Neoplasms radiotherapy, Neoplastic Stem Cells cytology
- Abstract
There is a significant void in cancer biology with regard to the elucidation of the mechanisms that underlie tumor formation and progression. Recently, the existence of a hierarchy within cancer cell populations has been demonstrated experimentally for several tumor types. The identification of a tumor cell subset that is capable of self-renewal and, concurrently, generation into more differentiated progeny has engendered new perspectives toward selective targeting of tumors. Although the identification of the so-called "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) is a leap in the study of cancer ontogenesis, therapeutic targeting of such cells is plagued by significant difficulties. CSCs are able to evade the control mechanisms that regulate cell survival and proliferation. Apoptosis is one of the most critical and well-studied mechanisms, governing tissue development and homeostasis through a complex network of molecules that mediate death and survival signals. Escape from such a finely tuned death program is a prerequisite for any tumor-initiating cell. Thus, many compounds have been developed to target cancer cells and induce apoptosis directly or indirectly. Several TRAIL receptor agonists are in Phase I or II trials, and IAP inhibitors are undergoing clinical examination to exploit their ability to enhance ionizing radiation- and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Further, the EGF-R/Akt pro-survival signaling axis is one of the most frequently explored sources of targets for indirect apoptosis induction, as evidenced by the significant amount of molecules designed to target this pathway and have been approved by the FDA or are under clinical evaluation. Despite the promise of these magic bullets, the absence of reliable clinical models has considerably diminished the therapeutic potential of targeted therapies considerably. A more systematic molecular characterization of the tumor-initiating cell population in many tumors will allow us to refine the stimuli that force CSCs to die, thus accelerating the development of more effective treatment for cancer., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2013
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23. Translating basic research in cancer patient care.
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Maugeri-Saccà M and De Maria R
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- Biomarkers, Tumor, Clinical Trials as Topic, Humans, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Neoplastic Stem Cells, Precision Medicine, Predictive Value of Tests, Reproducibility of Results, Medical Oncology trends, Neoplasms therapy, Translational Research, Biomedical
- Abstract
With the advent of molecular targeted therapies and the development of high-throughput biotechnologies, it has become evident that progress in cancer research is largely due to the creation of multidisciplinary teams able to plan clinical trials supported by appropriate molecular hypotheses. These efforts have culminated in the identification and validation of biomarkers predictive of response, as well as in the generation of more accurate prognostic tools. The identification of cancer stem cells has provided further insights into mechanisms of cancer, and many studies have tried to translate this biological notion into prognostic and predictive information. In this regard, new agents targeting key stemness-related pathways have entered the clinical development, and preliminary data suggested an encouraging antitumor activity.
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- 2011
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24. Paclitaxel loading in PLGA nanospheres affected the in vitro drug cell accumulation and antiproliferative activity.
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Vicari L, Musumeci T, Giannone I, Adamo L, Conticello C, De Maria R, Pignatello R, Puglisi G, and Gulisano M
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- Cell Line, Tumor, Cell Proliferation, Cell Survival, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Colloids chemistry, Coumarins chemistry, Coumarins metabolism, Drug Carriers pharmacokinetics, Hematologic Neoplasms drug therapy, Hematologic Neoplasms pathology, Humans, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning methods, Microscopy, Fluorescence methods, Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer, Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic administration & dosage, Lactic Acid chemistry, Neoplasms drug therapy, Paclitaxel administration & dosage, Polyglycolic Acid chemistry
- Abstract
Background: PTX is one of the most widely used drug in oncology due to its high efficacy against solid tumors and several hematological cancers. PTX is administered in a formulation containing 1:1 Cremophor EL (polyethoxylated castor oil) and ethanol, often responsible for toxic effects. Its encapsulation in colloidal delivery systems would gain an improved targeting to cancer cells, reducing the dose and frequency of administration., Methods: In this paper PTX was loaded in PLGA NS. The activity of PTX-NS was assessed in vitro against thyroid, breast and bladder cancer cell lines in cultures. Cell growth was evaluated by MTS assay, intracellular NS uptake was performed using coumarin-6 labelled NS and the amount of intracellular PTX was measured by HPLC., Results: NS loaded with 3% PTX (w/w) had a mean size < 250 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.4 after freeze-drying with 0.5% HP-Cyd as cryoprotector. PTX encapsulation efficiency was 30% and NS showed a prolonged drug release in vitro. An increase of the cytotoxic effect of PTX-NS was observed with respect to free PTX in all cell lines tested., Conclusion: These findings suggest that the greater biological effect of PTX-NS could be due to higher uptake of the drug inside the cells as shown by intracellular NS uptake and cell accumulation studies.
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- 2008
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25. MOESM11 of A pre-existing population of ZEB2+ quiescent cells with stemness and mesenchymal features dictate chemoresistance in colorectal cancer
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Francescangeli, Federica, Contavalli, Paola, Angelis, Maria Laura De, Careccia, Silvia, Signore, Michele, Haas, Tobias Longin, Salaris, Federico, Baiocchi, Marta, Boe, Alessandra, Giuliani, Alessandro, Tcheremenskaia, Olga, Pagliuca, Alfredo, Guardiola, Ombretta, Minchiotti, Gabriella, Colace, Lidia, Ciardi, Antonio, D’Andrea, Vito, Torre, Filippo La, JanPaul Medema, Maria, Ruggero De, and Zeuner, Ann
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neoplasms ,health care economics and organizations ,digestive system diseases - Abstract
Additional file 11: Figure S5. ZEB2 expression in TNM stages, correlation with RFS and CMS in stage 2 CRC patients. ZEB2 transcript levels in the indicated number of CRC patients across all TNM stages. One-way ANOVA resulted in non-significant differences between stages. Outliers are depicted as crosses. n = 1079.
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- 2020
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26. The prognostic relevance of HER2-positivity gain in metastatic breast cancer in the ChangeHER trial
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Pietro Del Medico, Rossana Berardi, Enzo Veltri, Maria Rosaria Valerio, Alessandra Cassano, Daniele Marinelli, Vito Lorusso, Patrizia Vici, Nicola D’Ostilio, Silverio Tomao, Enrico Cortesi, Nicola Tinari, Emilio Bria, Domenico Sergi, Luca Moscetti, Giuseppe Sanguineti, Teresa Gamucci, Claudio Zamagni, Maddalena Barba, Clara Natoli, Theodora Daralioti, Giancarlo Paoletti, Antonino Grassadonia, Marina Elena Cazzaniga, Icro Meattini, Ornella Garrone, Andrea Michelotti, Giuseppina Sarobba, Nicla La Verde, Laura Pizzuti, Letizia Perracchio, Vincenzo Adamo, Giuseppe Tonini, A. Vaccaro, Francesco Giotta, Corrado Ficorella, Maria Agnese Fabbri, Antonio Russo, Paolo Marchetti, Gennaro Ciliberto, Mirco Pistelli, Rosanna Mirabelli, Marco Mazzotta, Daniele Generali, Marcello Maugeri-Saccà, Mario Roselli, Angelo Di Leo, Anna Di Benedetto, Isabella Sperduti, Ida Paris, Eriseld Krasniqi, Carlo Garufi, Lorenzo Livi, Ruggero De Maria, Andrea Botticelli, Domenico Corsi, Pizzuti, L, Barba, M, Mazzotta, M, Krasniqi, E, Maugeri-Sacca, M, Gamucci, T, Berardi, R, Livi, L, Ficorella, C, Natoli, C, Cortesi, E, Generali, D, La Verde, N, Cassano, A, Bria, E, Moscetti, L, Michelotti, A, Adamo, V, Zamagni, C, Tonini, G, Sergi, D, Marinelli, D, Paoletti, G, Tomao, S, Botticelli, A, Marchetti, P, Tinari, N, Grassadonia, A, Valerio, M, Mirabelli, R, Fabbri, M, D'Ostilio, N, Veltri, E, Corsi, D, Garrone, O, Paris, I, Sarobba, G, Meattini, I, Pistelli, M, Giotta, F, Lorusso, V, Garufi, C, Russo, A, Cazzaniga, M, Del Medico, P, Roselli, M, Vaccaro, A, Perracchio, L, di Benedetto, A, Daralioti, T, Sperduti, I, De Maria, R, Di Leo, A, Sanguineti, G, Ciliberto, G, Vici, P, Pizzuti, Laura, Barba, Maddalena, Mazzotta, Marco, Krasniqi, Eriseld, Maugeri-Saccà, Marcello, Gamucci, Teresa, Berardi, Rossana, Livi, Lorenzo, Ficorella, Corrado, Natoli, Clara, Cortesi, Enrico, Generali, Daniele, La Verde, Nicla, Cassano, Alessandra, Bria, Emilio, Moscetti, Luca, Michelotti, Andrea, Adamo, Vincenzo, Zamagni, Claudio, Tonini, Giuseppe, Sergi, Domenico, Marinelli, Daniele, Paoletti, Giancarlo, Tomao, Silverio, Botticelli, Andrea, Marchetti, Paolo, Tinari, Nicola, Grassadonia, Antonino, Valerio, Maria Rosaria, Mirabelli, Rosanna, Fabbri, Maria Agnese, D’Ostilio, Nicola, Veltri, Enzo, Corsi, Domenico, Garrone, Ornella, Paris, Ida, Sarobba, Giuseppina, Meattini, Icro, Pistelli, Mirco, Giotta, Francesco, Lorusso, Vito, Garufi, Carlo, Russo, Antonio, Cazzaniga, Marina, Del Medico, Pietro, Roselli, Mario, Vaccaro, Angela, Perracchio, Letizia, di Benedetto, Anna, Daralioti, Theodora, Sperduti, Isabella, De Maria, Ruggero, Di Leo, Angelo, Sanguineti, Giuseppe, Ciliberto, Gennaro, Vici, Patrizia, Pizzuti L., Barba M., Mazzotta M., Krasniqi E., Maugeri-Sacca M., Gamucci T., Berardi R., Livi L., Ficorella C., Natoli C., Cortesi E., Generali D., La Verde N., Cassano A., Bria E., Moscetti L., Michelotti A., Adamo V., Zamagni C., Tonini G., Sergi D., Marinelli D., Paoletti G., Tomao S., Botticelli A., Marchetti P., Tinari N., Grassadonia A., Valerio M.R., Mirabelli R., Fabbri M.A., D'Ostilio N., Veltri E., Corsi D., Garrone O., Paris I., Sarobba G., Meattini I., Pistelli M., Giotta F., Lorusso V., Garufi C., Russo A., Cazzaniga M., Del Medico P., Roselli M., Vaccaro A., Perracchio L., di Benedetto A., Daralioti T., Sperduti I., De Maria R., Di Leo A., Sanguineti G., Ciliberto G., and Vici P.
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Oncology ,Cancer therapy ,Receptor, ErbB-2 ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine ,progesterone receptor ,Settore MED/06 ,0302 clinical medicine ,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) ,Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ,estrogen ,Neoplasm Metastasis ,skin and connective tissue diseases ,Multidisciplinary ,Brain Neoplasms ,Middle Aged ,Prognosis ,Metastatic breast cancer ,Neoplasm Metastasi ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Medicine ,Female ,Pertuzumab ,metastatic breast cancer ,Receptors, Progesterone ,Breast Neoplasm ,HER2 positivity ,medicine.drug ,Human ,Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.drug_class ,Science ,trastuzumab-emtansine ,Breast Neoplasms ,cancer ,Article ,Disease-Free Survival ,Brain Neoplasm ,03 medical and health sciences ,Breast cancer ,breast cancer ,Settore MED/04 - PATOLOGIA GENERALE ,pertuzumab ,Internal medicine ,Progesterone receptor ,medicine ,Humans ,neoplasms ,Aged ,Chemotherapy ,Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocol ,business.industry ,Cancer ,medicine.disease ,HER2-positive ,oncology ,radiotherapy ,chemotherapy ,HER2 ,Radiation therapy ,030104 developmental biology ,Estrogen ,business ,prognostic relevance - Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) heterogeneity is composite in nature, with a wide variety of factors concurring to define several pathological entities, which differ by clinical presentation, pathologic features, therapy administered, and inherent outcomes1. Additional sources of breast cancer heterogeneity may raise during the disease course. In BC patients whose disease was initially diagnosed in the early stage and subsequently progressed with metastatic involvement of one single or multiple site/s, the molecular characteristics of metastatic lesions do not necessary mimic those of the disease initially diagnosed. A well-depicted molecular landscape is crucial for subtype definition, prognostic evaluation and appropriate therapeutic decisions. Accordingly, current guidelines suggest repeating the immunohistochemical (IHC) assessment in patients with metastatic spread and at least one secondary lesion amenable to biopsy2. Discordance in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status between the tumor and metastatic lesions is widely acknowledged, and not yet completely unraveled in their biologic meaning and prognostic relevance3–11. The overexpression of HER2 or amplification of the related gene is extensively recognized as a feature associated with more aggressive biological behavior12,13. However, the extent to which changes in HER2 status may affect patients’ prognosis is still a matter of debate14. We herein propose an observational study of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients treated with the anti-HER2 targeted agents pertuzumab and/or trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Our research question is whether relevant differences exist in long-term outcomes of patients with concordant HER2 status between the primary tumor and its secondary lesion/s compared to patients whose disease revealed HER2-positivity gain at the IHC assessment of metastatic lesions. In our historical cohorts, we also sought to identify factors associated with HER2-positivity gain at the IHC reassessment, for which an impact on prognosis may be foreseen.
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- 2021
27. Loss of HER2 and decreased T-DM1 efficacy in HER2 positive advanced breast cancer treated with dual HER2 blockade: the SePHER Study
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Nicla La Verde, Domenico Corsi, Patrizia Vici, Angelo Di Leo, Enzo Veltri, Lorenzo Livi, Marina Elena Cazzaniga, Laura Pizzuti, Pietro Del Medico, Caterina Marchiò, Maria Rosaria Valerio, Ornella Garrone, Giuseppina Sarobba, Rossella Loria, Gennaro Ciliberto, Eriseld Krasniqi, Marcello Maugeri-Saccà, Anna Sapino, Paolo Marchetti, Rossana Berardi, Rita Falcioni, Silverio Tomao, Clara Natoli, Vincenzo Adamo, Valentina Laquintana, Maddalena Barba, Claudio Zamagni, Maria Agnese Fabbri, Carlo Garufi, Giulia Bon, Giuseppe Sanguineti, Giacomo Barchiesi, Enrico Cortesi, Rosanna Mirabelli, Francesco Giotta, Nicola D’Ostilio, Giuseppe Tonini, Emilio Bria, Daniele Marinelli, Manuela Porru, Luca Moscetti, Marco Mazzotta, Ida Paris, Andrea Michelotti, Mario Roselli, Alessandra Cassano, Teresa Gamucci, Antonio Russo, Isabella Sperduti, Corrado Ficorella, Daniele Generali, Ruggero De Maria, Carlo Leonetti, Bon G., Pizzuti L., Laquintana V., Loria R., Porru M., Marchio C., Krasniqi E., Barba M., Maugeri-Sacca M., Gamucci T., Berardi R., Livi L., Ficorella C., Natoli C., Cortesi E., Generali D., La Verde N., Cassano A., Bria E., Moscetti L., Michelotti A., Adamo V., Zamagni C., Tonini G., Barchiesi G., Mazzotta M., Marinelli D., Tomao S., Marchetti P., Valerio M.R., Mirabelli R., Russo A., Fabbri M.A., D'Ostilio N., Veltri E., Corsi D., Garrone O., Paris I., Sarobba G., Giotta F., Garufi C., Cazzaniga M., Del Medico P., Roselli M., Sanguineti G., Sperduti I., Sapino A., De Maria R., Leonetti C., Di Leo A., Ciliberto G., Falcioni R., Vici P., Bon, Giulia, Pizzuti, Laura, Laquintana, Valentina, Loria, Rossella, Porru, Manuela, Marchiò, Caterina, Krasniqi, Eriseld, Barba, Maddalena, Maugeri-Saccà, Marcello, Gamucci, Teresa, Berardi, Rossana, Livi, Lorenzo, Ficorella, Corrado, Natoli, Clara, Cortesi, Enrico, Generali, Daniele, La Verde, Nicla, Cassano, Alessandra, Bria, Emilio, Moscetti, Luca, Michelotti, Andrea, Adamo, Vincenzo, Zamagni, Claudio, Tonini, Giuseppe, Barchiesi, Giacomo, Mazzotta, Marco, Marinelli, Daniele, Tomao, Silverio, Marchetti, Paolo, Valerio, Maria Rosaria, Mirabelli, Rosanna, Russo, Antonio, Fabbri, Maria Agnese, D’Ostilio, Nicola, Veltri, Enzo, Corsi, Domenico, Garrone, Ornella, Paris, Ida, Sarobba, Giuseppina, Giotta, Francesco, Garufi, Carlo, Cazzaniga, Marina, Del Medico, Pietro, Roselli, Mario, Sanguineti, Giuseppe, Sperduti, Isabella, Sapino, Anna, De Maria, Ruggero, Leonetti, Carlo, Di Leo, Angelo, Ciliberto, Gennaro, Falcioni, Rita, Vici, Patrizia, Bon, G, Pizzuti, L, Laquintana, V, Loria, R, Porru, M, Marchio, C, Krasniqi, E, Barba, M, Maugeri-Sacca, M, Gamucci, T, Berardi, R, Livi, L, Ficorella, C, Natoli, C, Cortesi, E, Generali, D, La Verde, N, Cassano, A, Bria, E, Moscetti, L, Michelotti, A, Adamo, V, Zamagni, C, Tonini, G, Barchiesi, G, Mazzotta, M, Marinelli, D, Tomao, S, Marchetti, P, Valerio, M, Mirabelli, R, Russo, A, Fabbri, M, D'Ostilio, N, Veltri, E, Corsi, D, Garrone, O, Paris, I, Sarobba, G, Giotta, F, Garufi, C, Cazzaniga, M, Del Medico, P, Roselli, M, Sanguineti, G, Sperduti, I, Sapino, A, De Maria, R, Leonetti, C, Di Leo, A, Ciliberto, G, Falcioni, R, and Vici, P
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0301 basic medicine ,Oncology ,Cancer Research ,Receptor, ErbB-2 ,Apoptosis ,Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine ,Settore MED/06 ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Trastuzumab ,Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ,Tumor Cells, Cultured ,skin and connective tissue diseases ,Aged, 80 and over ,Middle Aged ,lcsh:Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,Prognosis ,Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ,Survival Rate ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Female ,Pertuzumab ,medicine.drug ,T-DM1 efficacy ,musculoskeletal diseases ,Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,HER2+ breast cancer ,Trastuzumab/pertuzumab blockade ,Breast Neoplasms ,Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ,lcsh:RC254-282 ,03 medical and health sciences ,Settore MED/04 - PATOLOGIA GENERALE ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Biomarkers, Tumor ,Humans ,neoplasms ,Aged ,Cell Proliferation ,Retrospective Studies ,Taxane ,business.industry ,Research ,Cancer ,medicine.disease ,Blockade ,Log-rank test ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,Trastuzumab emtansine ,Cancer cell ,business - Abstract
BackgroundHER2-targeting agents have dramatically changed the therapeutic landscape of HER2+ advanced breast cancer (ABC). Within a short time frame, the rapid introduction of new therapeutics has led to the approval of pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and a taxane in first-line, and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in second-line. Thereby, evidence of T-DM1 efficacy following trastuzumab/pertuzumab combination is limited, with data from some retrospective reports suggesting lower activity. The purpose of the present study is to investigate T-DM1 efficacy in pertuzumab-pretreated and pertuzumab naïve HER2 positive ABC patients. We also aimed to provide evidence on the exposure to different drugs sequences including pertuzumab and T-DM1 in HER2 positive cell lines.MethodsThe biology of HER2 was investigated in vitro through sequential exposure of resistant HER2 + breast cancer cell lines to trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and their combination. In vitro experiments were paralleled by the analysis of data from 555 HER2 + ABC patients treated with T-DM1 and evaluation of T-DM1 efficacy in the 371 patients who received it in second line. Survival estimates were graphically displayed in Kaplan Meier curves, compared by log rank test and, when possibile, confirmed in multivariate models.ResultsWe herein show evidence of lower activity of T-DM1 in two HER2+ breast cancer cell lines resistant to trastuzumab+pertuzumab, as compared to trastuzumab-resistant cells. Lower T-DM1 efficacy was associated with a marked reduction of HER2 expression on the cell membrane and its nuclear translocation. HER2 downregulation at the membrane level was confirmed in biopsies of four trastuzumab/pertuzumab-pretreated patients.Among the 371 patients treated with second-line T-DM1, median overall survival (mOS) from diagnosis of advanced disease and median progression-free survival to second-line treatment (mPFS2) were 52 and 6 months in 177 patients who received trastuzumab/pertuzumab in first-line, and 74 and 10 months in 194 pertuzumab-naïve patients (p = 0.0006 and 0.03 for OS and PFS2, respectively).ConclusionsOur data support the hypothesis that the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab reduces the amount of available plasma membrane HER2 receptor, limiting the binding of T-DM1 in cancer cells. This may help interpret the less favorable outcomes of second-line T-DM1 in trastuzumab/pertuzumab pre-treated patients compared to their pertuzumab-naïve counterpart.
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- 2020
28. Cancer-associated fibroblasts as abettors of tumor progression at the crossroads of EMT and therapy resistance
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Lidia Villanova, Simone Di Franco, Ruggero De Maria, Micol E. Fiori, Paola Bianca, Giorgio Stassi, Fiori, Micol Eleonora, Di Franco, Simone, Villanova, Lidia, Bianca, Paola, Stassi, Giorgio, and De Maria, Ruggero
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Cancer Research ,Stromal cell ,Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ,Paracrine Communication ,Antineoplastic Agents ,Review ,Biology ,lcsh:RC254-282 ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts ,Cancer stem cell ,Settore MED/04 - PATOLOGIA GENERALE ,Neoplasms ,Tumor Microenvironment ,Humans ,Epithelial–mesenchymal transition ,Tumor microenvironment ,Cancer associated fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, extracellular matrix, exosomes, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition ,lcsh:Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,Microvesicles ,Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ,030104 developmental biology ,Oncology ,Tumor progression ,Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Cancer research ,Disease Progression ,Molecular Medicine ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
In the last decades, the role of the microenvironment in tumor progression and therapeutic outcome has gained increasing attention. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as key players among stromal cells, owing to their abundance in most solid tumors and their diverse tumor-restraining/promoting roles. The interplay between tumor cells and neighboring CAFs takes place by both paracrine signals (cytokines, exosomes and metabolites) or by the multifaceted functions of the surrounding extracellular matrix. Here, we dissect the most recent identified mechanisms underlying CAF-mediated control of tumor progression and therapy resistance, which include induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), activation of survival pathways or stemness-related programs and metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells. Importantly, the recently unveiled heterogeneity in CAFs claims tailored therapeutic efforts aimed at eradicating the specific subset facilitating tumor progression, therapy resistance and relapse. However, despite the large amount of pre-clinical data, much effort is still needed to translate CAF-directed anti-cancer strategies from the bench to the clinic.
- Published
- 2019
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