Cancer Biomarkers - Volume 38, issue 3

Authors: Li, Keqiang | Raveendran, Aravind | Xie, Guoqing | Zhang, Yu | Wu, Haofan | Huang, Zhenlin | Jia, Zhankui | Yang, Jinjian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a high recurrence rate, which places a significant burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Hence, it holds significant importance to predict the recurrence risk following treatment for individuals diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). As new generation technologies continue to emerge, an increasing number of recurrence risk prediction tools are being developed and discovered. This article provides an overview of the primary recurrence risk prediction tools currently available, including the liquid biopsy, tissue biopsy, and risk prediction tables. Each of these tools is described in detail and illustrated with relevant examples. …Furthermore, we conduct an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of these tools. This article aims to enhance the reader’s understanding of the current progress in recurrence prediction tools and encourage their practical utilization in the fields of precision medicine and public health. Show more

Keywords: Bladder cancer, biopsy, recurrence, prediction, NMIBC

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-220373

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 275-285, 2023

Authors: Siegel, Julie B. | Nasarre, Patrick | Hsu, Lillian | Mukherjee, Rupak | Gormley, Meghan | Richardson, Bailey | Khan, Imran | Morningstar, Jordan E. | Hilliard, Eleanor | O’Bryan, John P. | Helke, Kristi L. | Spruill, Laura | Dolloff, Nathan G. | Klauber-DeMore, Nancy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, with five-year survival rates of 9%. We hypothesized that secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) may influence stromal growth in pancreatic cancer, since it increases fibrosis and collagen production in non-neoplastic pathologies. We assessed SFRP2 value as a biomarker and assessed its function in PDAC. SFRP2 gene expression in patients with PDAC was analyzed using TCGA data. Disease free survival (DFS) was analyzed using Kaplan Meier test. The effect of KRAS inhibition on SFRP2 expression in PDAC cells was assessed. The associations of stromal content with SFPR2 mRNA and protein with …fibrosis were analyzed. The role of SFRP2 in mesenchymal transformation was assessed by western blot in fibroblasts. Of all cancers in TCGA, SFRP2 levels were highest in PDAC, and higher in PDAC than normal tissues (n = 234, p = 0.0003). High SFRP2 levels correlated with decreased DFS (p = 0.0097). KRAS inhibition reduced SFRP2 levels. Spearman correlation was 0.81 between stromal RNA and SFRP2 in human PDAC, and 0.75 between fibrosis and SFRP2 levels in PDAC tumors. SFRP2-treated fibroblasts displayed mesenchymal characteristics. SFRP2 is prognostic for PDAC survival, regulated by KRAS, and associated with PDAC fibrosis. Show more

Keywords: SFRP2, pancreas, fibroblast, cancer biomarkers, KRAS

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-220044

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 287-300, 2023

Authors: Vingiani, Andrea | Lorenzini, Daniele | Conca, Elena | Volpi, Chiara Costanza | Trupia, Desirè Viola | Gloghini, Annunziata | Perrone, Federica | Tamborini, Elena | Dagrada, Gian Paolo | Agnelli, Luca | Capone, Iolanda | Busico, Adele | Pruneri, Giancarlo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pan-TRK inhibitors Entrectinib and Larotrectinib have been recently approved as tumor-agnostic therapies in NTRK1-2-3 rearranged patients and there is therefore an urgent need to identify reliable and accessible biomarkers for capturing NTRK fusions in the real-world practice. OBJECTIVE: We aim to assess the analytical validity of the recently released pan-TRK assay (Ventana), running a head-to-head comparison between immunohistochemistry and Archer FusionPlex Lung Panel (ArcherDX) that is designed to detect key fusions in 13 genes, also including NTRK1-3. METHODS: Pan-TRK IHC and NGS analysis were conducted on a retrospective/prospective cohort of …124 cancer patients (carcinomas, 93 cases; soft tissue sarcomas, 19; primary central nervous system tumours, 10; and neuroblastomas, 2). FISH data were available in most of the IHC/NGS discordant cases. RESULTS: A comparison between IHC and NGS results was carried out in 117 cases: among 30 pan-TRK positive cases, NTRK rearrangement by NGS was found in 11 (37%), while one of the 87 (1.1%) pan-TRK negative cases (a case of NSCLC) showed a TPM3-NRTK1 rearrangement by NGS. Accordingly, sensitivity and specificity of IHC in predicting NTRK status were 91.7% and 81.9%, respectively, while negative (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were 98.8% and 36.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data lead to suggest that IHC with VENTANA pan-TRK antibody can be a reliable screening tool for the identification of patients potentially bearing NTRK rearranged tumours. Show more

Keywords: NTRK, next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry, Fluorescent in Situ Ibridization, Biomarker

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-220357

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 301-309, 2023

Authors: Zhu, Si-Yu | Li, Jin-Jie | Lu, Qin | Yang, Chao | Ma, Lei | Jin, Chuan | Cui, Shu-Zhong | Fu, Ji-Ding | Zeng, Li-Si | Yang, Xian-Zi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUD/AIMS: LINC00323 is a novel lncRNA which has reported to play an important role in the development and recurrence in several cancers. However, the expression and predictive value of LINC00323 in gastric cancer (GC) remain mysterious. METHODS: LINC00323 expression in GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The relationship between LINC00323 expression and clinicopathological features and patients’ survival were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: LINC00323 expression were found to be significantly increased in GC tissues. High expression of LINC00323 exerted a pro-tumor effect …in the late stage of GC development. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with high LINC00323 were associated with poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Moreover, the combination of TNM stage and drinking status better identified GC patient outcome than those of TNM stage alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that LINC00323 overexpression might serve as a novel independent prognostic factor for survival of GC patients, suggesting LINC00323 was a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for GC. Show more

Keywords: Gastric cancer, LINC00323, prognosis, overexpression

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230031

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 311-319, 2023

Authors: Liu, Ru-Han | Ma, Teng-Fei | Yang, Qin | Xiao, Wen-Chang | Yin, Lu | Yin, Miao | Zhang, Jin-Song | Wang, Chi-Hua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men. PCa is difficult to detect in its early stages, and most patients are diagnosed in the middle to late stages. At present, drug therapy for advanced PCa is still insufficient. Some patients develop drug resistance in the later stage of therapy, which leads to tumor recurrence, metastasis and even treatment failure. Therefore, it is crucial to find new and effective drugs to treat prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of salidroside, an active ingredient in …a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on PCa. METHODS: Two human PCa cell lines, PC3 and DU145, were cultured and treated with salidroside. Cell viability and proliferation ability were analyzed through CCK-8 and colony assays, and cell migration ability was detected by Transwell and Scratch assays. RT-PCR and WB were used to detected the expression levels of moleculars related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and AKT signaling pathway. Forthmore, we performed rescue experiments with agonist to verify the affected signaling pathway. RESULTS: Salidroside inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of PCa cells. Meanwhile, apoptosis of PCa cells was enhanced. Moreover, salidroside inhibited PI3K/AKT pathway in PCa cells. The treatment of AKT agonist 740Y-P abrogated the inhibitory effect of salidroside on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that in PCa cells, salidroside inhibites proliferation and migration and promots apoptosis via inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway. Show more

Keywords: Salidroside, prostate cancer, PC3, DU145, PI3K/AKT

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-220454

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 321-332, 2023

Authors: Pang, Bo | Gan, Yanfang | Wang, Jing | Qu, Shifang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Numerous evidence have suggested the vital role of lncRNAs in human tumorigenesis. And lncRNA APAP1-AS1 has been proved to act as an oncogene. OBJECTIVE: Nevertheless, the molecular process underlying ARAP1-AS1 for the lymphoma progression has not been well studied. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to ascertain the miR-6867-5p and ARAP1-AS1 in lymphoma cells and tissues. The localization of ARAP1-AS1 was determined via subcellular fractionation analysis. A xenograft model was used to investigate the influence of ARAP1-AS1 in formation of tumor in vivo . In addition, interactions between ARAP-AS1 and miR-6867-5p were tested by …bioinformatics analysis, RIP assay, luciferase reporter and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Combined with loss-of-function experiments, MTT assays and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the function of miR-6867-5p and also ARAP-AS1 in proliferation and apoptosis of lymphoma cells, respectively. RESULTS: ARAP1-AS1 was remarkably upregulated in lymphoma cells and tissues, while miR-6867-5p expression was downregulated. Furthermore, high ARAP1-AS1 expression suppressed miR-6867-5p expression in lymphoma cell lines (Raji and CA46), and Pearson’s analysis showed negative correlation between ARAP1-AS1 expression and also miR-6867-5p expression. In addition, knockdown of ARAP1-AS1 resulted in weakened cell viability and uplifted apoptosis rate of lymphoma cells (Raji and CA46) as well as a delay in the tumor growth in vivo . Further investigations illustrated that miR-6867-5p inhibitor reversed all above biological activities. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA ARAP1-AS1 served as a tumor-promoter in lymphoma cells by sponging with miR-6867-5p, which may help to provide potential therapeutic target gene for lymphoma patients. Show more

Keywords: Lymphoma, ARAP1-AS1, miR-6867-5p, proliferation, apoptosis

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230103

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 333-342, 2023

Authors: Donizetti, Aldo | Venditti, Massimo | Arcaniolo, Davide | Aliperti, Vincenza | Carrese, Anna Maria | De Sio, Marco | Minucci, Sergio | Caraglia, Michele | Aniello, Francesco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Testis-specific genes encoding for long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been detected in several cancers; many produce proteins with restricted or aberrant expression patterns in normal or cancer tissues. OBJECTIVE: To characterize new lncRNA involved in normal and/or pathological differentiation of testicular cells. METHODS: Using bioinformatics analysis, we found that lncRNA LOC100130460 (CAND1.11 ) is expressed in normal and tumor testis; its expression was assessed in several human cell lines by qRT-PCR. CAND1.11 protein, produced by a single nucleotide mutation, was studied by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis on normal, classic seminoma, and …Leydig cell tumor testicular tissues. RESULTS: CAND1.11 gene is primate-specific; its expression was low in SH-SY5Y cells and increased when differentiated with retinoic acid treatment. CAND1.11 expression in PC3 cells was higher than in PNT2 cells. CAND1.11 protein is present in the human testis and overexpressed in testicular cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS: This report is one of the few providing evidence that a lncRNA produces a protein expressed in normal human tissues and overexpressed in several testicular cancers, suggesting its involvement in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Although further studies are needed to validate the results, our data indicate that CAND1.11 could be a potential new prognostic biomarker to use in proliferation and cancer. Show more

Keywords: Long non-coding RNA, cancer cells, testis, proliferation, differentiation, testis cancer

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230160

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 343-353, 2023

Authors: Sun, Jiting | Shu, Jun | Shi, Duo | Liu, Wen | Zhang, Yan | Luo, Bing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a common malignant tumor associated with EBV infection. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is an imprinted gene and a key protein that regulates growth, especially during normal fetal development. Loss of imprinting (LOI), is a common epigenetic anomaly in a variety of human cancers. However, the promoter methylation, imprinting status and function of IGF2 gene in GC are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of IGF2 in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. METHODS: The biological function of IGF2 in gastric cancer was investigated …by Transwell, wound healing, CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. IGF2 imprinting status and gene promoter methylation in gastric cancer tissues were detected by PCR-RFLP and BGS. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of IGF2 was higher in GC tissues than adjacent tissues. IGF2 gene promoter methylation and LOI were significantly higher in EBVaGC tissues than in EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC) tissues. The high expression of IGF2 in gastric cancer can promote the migration and proliferation of gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that IGF2 is involved in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Targeting IGF2 may be a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer. Show more

Keywords: Epstein-barr virus, insulin-like growth factor 2, genomic imprinting, DNA methylation, gastric cancer

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230105

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 355-366, 2023

Authors: Beypınar, Ismail | Sözel, Yıldız | Önder, Arif Hakan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The response of Renal Cell Cancer (RCC) to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has been well established. Although these stratifications have been established for TKI response and prognosis, these parameters have recently been used to predict immunotherapy response in RCC. We aimed to use a combination of clinical parameters of International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk groups and metastatic sites at the time of diagnosis to predict the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in malignant melanoma (MM). METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, we retrospectively analyzed the demographic information, metastatic sites, and IMDC risk …group data. The blood parameters were included in the first cycle of nivolumab treatment. RESULTS: The OS was statistically different between the RCC and MM groups in terms of the IMDC. In univariate analysis of stage at diagnosis, CRP levels and bone and bone marrow metastases were confirmed to be prognostic factors in the MM population in terms of OS. Brain metastasis was a prognostic factor for RCC, whereas sex, line of treatment, LDH, bone, and splenic metastasis remained significant in patients with MM in terms of OS. Brain metastasis was prognostic in both cancer types in multivariate analysis in terms of PFS. In addition to brain metastasis, LDH levels and lung, liver, and splenic metastases also affect PFS in patients with MM undergoing nivolumab treatment. CONCLUSION: In our study, the IMDC was confirmed to be a prognostic factor for MM. The IMDC groups were similar, except for the favorable RCC and MM groups. Different metastatic sites were prognostic, similar to the IMDC risk group in the MM group. Show more

Keywords: IMDC risk group, malign melanoma, Immunotherapy, nivolumab, metastatic sites, renal cell carcinoma

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230159

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 367-377, 2023

Authors: Lu, Zhibin | Xiao, Zhichao | Wang, Qi | Pan, Chunfeng | Xia, Yang | Wu, Weibing | Chen, Liang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Non-small lung cancer ranks first in the cancer-related death of all malignant tumors. Exploring novel biological targets is of great significance for diagnosis and therapy of NSCLC. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of LINC00668 on the biological functions of NSCLC cells and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: RT-qPCR assays and western blot assays were utilized to estimate the relative gene expression at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. CCK8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and cell apoptosis assays were employed to assess cell function. IHC and FISH assays were …used to determine the gene expression in NSCLC tissues. RIP and dual-luciferase assays were conducted to validate the combination between LINC00668 and miR-518c-3p. The correlation of expression between miR-518c-3p and LINC00668 or TRIP4 was determined by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: LINC00668 was aberrantly upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines. Inhibition of LINC00668 significantly suppressed tumor proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, LINC00668 could bind to miR-518c-3p, thus targeting the 3’UTR of TRIP4. TRIP4 overexpression rescued the weakened cell function mediated by LINC00668 silencing. CONCLUSIONS: LINC00668 acted as an oncogene in NSCLC progression through miR-518c-3p/TRIP4 axis. Our study disclosed a new mechanism of LINC00668 functioned in NSCLC and may give a deeper insight of the targeted therapy of NSCLC in the future. Show more

Keywords: Non-small lung cancer, long non-coding RNA, competing endogenous RNA, LINC00668, TRIP4

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230154

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 379-391, 2023