Molecular Processes Involved in Pancreatic Cancer and Therapeutics

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhajit Makar ◽  
Abhrajyoti Ghosh ◽  
Divya ◽  
Shalini Shivhare ◽  
Ashok Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽  
Systemic Treatments ◽  
Cancer Initiation ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies

: Despite advances in the development of cytotoxic and targeted therapies, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) remains a significant cause of cancer mortality worldwide. It is also difficult to detect it at an early stage due to numbers of factors. Most of the patients are present with locally advanced or metastatic disease, which precludes curative resection. In the absence of effective screening methods, considerable efforts have been made to identify better systemic treatments during the past decade. This review describes the recent advances in molecular mechanisms involved in pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Additionally, the importance of deregulated cellular signalling pathways and various cellular proteins as potential targets for developing novel therapeutic strategies against incurable forms of pancreatic cancer is reported. The emphasis is on the critical functions associated with growth factors and their receptors viz. c-MET/HGF, CTHRC1, TGF-β, JAK-STAT, cyclooxygenase pathway, WNT, CCK, MAPK-RAS-RAF, PI3K-AKT, Notch, src, IGF-1R, CDK2NA and chromatin regulation for the sustained growth, survival, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. It also includes various therapeutic strategies viz. immunotherapy, surgical therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

scholarly journals The Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) in the Challenging Future of Cancer Therapy and Age-Related Diseases

Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 485
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Cuollo ◽  
Fabrizio Antonangeli ◽  
Angela Santoni ◽  
Alessandra Soriani
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Senescent Cell ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Tissue Microenvironment ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Secretory Phenotype ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

Cellular senescence represents a robust tumor-protecting mechanism that halts the proliferation of stressed or premalignant cells. However, this state of stable proliferative arrest is accompanied by the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), which entails the copious secretion of proinflammatory signals in the tissue microenvironment and contributes to age-related conditions, including, paradoxically, cancer. Novel therapeutic strategies aim at eliminating senescent cells with the use of senolytics or abolishing the SASP without killing the senescent cell with the use of the so-called “senomorphics”. In addition, recent works demonstrate the possibility of modifying the composition of the secretome by genetic or pharmacological intervention. The purpose is not to renounce the potent immunostimulatory nature of SASP, but rather learning to modulate it for combating cancer and other age-related diseases. This review describes the main molecular mechanisms regulating the SASP and reports the evidence of the feasibility of abrogating or modulating the SASP, discussing the possible implications of both strategies.

scholarly journals Bitter melon juice targets molecular mechanisms underlying gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 1849-1857 ◽  
Author(s):  
RANGANATHA R. SOMASAGARA ◽  
GAGAN DEEP ◽  
SANGEETA SHROTRIYA ◽  
MANISHA PATEL ◽  
CHAPLA AGARWAL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Gemcitabine Resistance ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Hyperglycemia Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Initiation and Progression by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiming Chen ◽  
Junfeng Zhao ◽  
Ningning Jiang ◽  
Zheng Wang ◽  
Chang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Precancerous Lesions ◽  
Clinical Specimen ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Initiation

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal diseases, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% because of the limited knowledge of tumor-promoting factors and their underlying mechanism. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperglycemia are risk factors for many cancers, including PDAC, that modulate multiple downstream signaling pathways, such as the wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, whether hyperglycemia promotes PDAC initiation and progression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we used bioinformatics analysis and clinical specimen analysis to evaluate the activation states of the Wnt/βcatenin signaling pathway. In addition, colony formation assays, Transwell assays and wound-healing assays were used to evaluate the malignant biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells (PCs) under hyperglycemic conditions. To describe the effects of hyperglycemia and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on the initiation of PDAC, we used pancreatitis-driven pancreatic cancer initiation models in vivo and pancreatic acinar cell 3-dimensional culture in vitro. Results: Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related molecules were overexpressed in PDAC tissues/cells and correlated with poor prognosis in PDAC patients. In addition, hyperglycemia exacerbated the abnormal activation of β-catenin in PDAC and enhanced the malignant biological behaviors of PCs in a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-dependent manner. Indeed, hyperglycemia accelerated the formation of pancreatic precancerous lesions by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: Hyperglycemia promotes pancreatic cancer initiation and progression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Dissimilar Appearances Are Deceptive–Common microRNAs and Therapeutic Strategies in Liver Cancer and Melanoma

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 114
Author(s):  
Lisa Linck-Paulus ◽  
Claus Hellerbrand ◽  
Anja K. Bosserhoff ◽  
Peter Dietrich
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Genetic Alterations ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
The Future ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies

In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on miRNAs as therapeutic targets in two cancer types that were frequently described to be driven by miRNAs—melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By focusing on common microRNAs and associated pathways in these—at first sight—dissimilar cancer types, we aim at revealing similar molecular mechanisms that are evolved in microRNA-biology to drive cancer progression. Thereby, we also want to outlay potential novel therapeutic strategies. After providing a brief introduction to general miRNA biology and basic information about HCC and melanoma, this review depicts prominent examples of potent oncomiRs and tumor-suppressor miRNAs, which have been proven to drive diverse cancer types including melanoma and HCC. To develop and apply miRNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment in the future, it is essential to understand how miRNA dysregulation evolves during malignant transformation. Therefore, we highlight important aspects such as genetic alterations, miRNA editing and transcriptional regulation based on concrete examples. Furthermore, we expand our illustration by focusing on miRNA-associated proteins as well as other regulators of miRNAs which could also provide therapeutic targets. Finally, design and delivery strategies of miRNA-associated therapeutic agents as well as potential drawbacks are discussed to address the question of how miRNAs might contribute to cancer therapy in the future.

scholarly journals TGF-βRII Knock-down in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Promotes Tumor Growth and Gemcitabine Resistance. Importance of STAT3 Phosphorylation on S727

Cancers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Drubay ◽  
Nicolas Skrypek ◽  
Lucie Cordiez ◽  
Romain Vasseur ◽  
Céline Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Western World ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽  
Stat3 Phosphorylation ◽  
The Impact

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most deadly cancers in the Western world because of a lack of early diagnostic markers and efficient therapeutics. At the time of diagnosis, more than 80% of patients have metastasis or locally advanced cancer and are therefore not eligible for surgical resection. Pancreatic cancer cells also harbour a high resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs such as gemcitabine that is one of the main palliative treatments for PDAC. Proteins involved in TGF-β signaling pathway (SMAD4 or TGF-βRII) are frequently mutated in PDAC (50–80%). TGF-β signalling pathway plays antagonistic roles during carcinogenesis by initially inhibiting epithelial growth and later promoting the progression of advanced tumors and thus emerged as both tumor suppressor and oncogenic pathways. In order to decipher the role of TGF-β in pancreatic carcinogenesis and chemoresistance, we generated CAPAN-1 and CAPAN-2 cell lines knocked down for TGF-βRII (first actor of TGF-β signaling). The impact on biological properties of these TGF-βRII-KD cells was studied both in vitro and in vivo. We show that TGF-βRII silencing alters tumor growth and migration as well as resistance to gemcitabine. TGF-βRII silencing also leads to S727 STAT3 and S63 c-Jun phosphorylation, decrease of MRP3 and increase of MRP4 ABC transporter expression and induction of a partial EMT phenotype. These markers associated with TGF-β signaling pathways may thus appear as potent therapeutic tools to better treat/manage pancreatic cancer.

scholarly journals Intraoperative Irreversible Electroporation in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Guide for the Interventional Radiologist

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (05) ◽  
pp. 386-391
Author(s):  
Gregory T. Frey ◽  
Carlos A. Padula ◽  
John A. Stauffer ◽  
Beau B. Toskich
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Treatment ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Irreversible Electroporation ◽  
Advanced Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Locoregional Therapy ◽  
Systemic Treatments ◽  
Tertiary Care Institution

AbstractEfforts to improve mortality associated with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) have shown minimal gains despite advances in surgical technique, systemic treatments, and radiation therapy. Locoregional therapy with ablation has not been routinely adopted due to the high risk of complications associated with thermal destruction of the pancreas. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging, nonthermal, ablative technology that has demonstrated the ability to generate controlled ablation of LAPC while preserving pancreatic parenchymal integrity. IRE may be performed percutaneously or via laparotomy and will commonly involve multidisciplinary treatment teams. This article will describe the technical aspects of how multidisciplinary IRE is performed during laparotomy at a single tertiary care institution.

scholarly journals Current Clinical Strategies of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Open Molecular Questions

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 4543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Brunner ◽  
Zhiyuan Wu ◽  
Christian Krautz ◽  
Christian Pilarsky ◽  
Robert Grützmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Pancreatic Carcinoma ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Neoadjuvant Treatment ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
R0 Resection ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Borderline Resectable ◽  
Tumor Biopsies

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies and is associated with a poor prognosis. Surgery is considered the only potential curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, but surgery is reserved for the minority of patients with non-metastatic resectable tumors. In the future, neoadjuvant treatment strategies based on molecular testing of tumor biopsies may increase the amount of patients becoming eligible for surgery. In the context of non-metastatic disease, patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic carcinoma might benefit from neoadjuvant chemo- or chemoradiotherapy followed by surgeryPatients with locally advanced or (oligo-/poly-)metastatic tumors presenting significant response to (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy should undergo surgery if R0 resection seems to be achievable. New immunotherapeutic strategies to induce potent immune response to the tumors and investigation in molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer may provide novel therapeutic opportunities in patients with pancreatic carcinoma and help patient selection for optimal treatment.

Phase I trial of imexon, Inj. plus gemcitabine in patients with advanced previously untreated pancreatic adenocarcinoma

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 15058-15058
Author(s):  
S. J. Cohen ◽  
M. Zalupski ◽  
M. Modiano ◽  
P. Conkling ◽  
D. Mahadevan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Phase I Study ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Advanced Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Maximum Tolerated Dose ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽  
Dosing Regimens ◽  
Ecog Ps

15058 Background: Imexon for inj. (Amplimexon®, AMP) is an aziridine-containing iminopyrrolidone which causes G2 arrest, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and induction of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. AMP demonstrated synergy with gemcitabine (GEM) in preclinical pancreatic cancer models. This phase I study of AMP plus GEM was undertaken to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLT). Secondary endpoints were pharmacokinetics for both agents (PK) and tumor response. Methods: Patients (pts) with previously untreated advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma received one of two dosing regimens. The first 19 received 30 minute AMP IV days 1–5 and 15–19 followed by 30 minute GEM IV days 1, 8 and 15 Q4 wks (Regimen A). Dosing was modified after 19 pts to administer both AMP and GEM over 30 minutes days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks (Regimen B). Dose levels (AMP/GEM, in mg/m2) for Regimen A: 200/800, 280/800, 200/1000, and 280/1000, and for Regimen B: 280/1000, 335/1000, 390/1000, 540/1000, and 750/1000. The current cohort is 1000/1000. Pts were assessed for response after cycles 2, 5 and 8. PK and pharmacodynamic (plasma thiol depletion) measurements were obtained during cycle one. Results: Forty-six pts have been treated to date, with 36 having complete toxicity data and evaluable. Pt characteristics: M/F (24/12), Age (mean 60.4 years, range 43–75), ECOG PS 0/1 (56%, 44%), metastatic/locally advanced (91%, 9%). The 36 pts have completed 122.5 cycles of therapy (median 2, range 0.5–12). Common toxicities: anemia (77%), fatigue (71%), nausea (60%), fever (54%), and leukopenia (54%). DLT were 1/6 at 280/1000 (Regimen A - febrile neutropenia), 1/6 at 280/1000 (Regimen B - gr 3 hypotension, gr 4 renal failure), and 1/9 at 390/1000 (gr 3 hyperbilirubinemia). Accrual continues at 1000/1000. Of 36 pts, 4 have had partial responses and 14 stable disease. PK and plasma thiol analysis are ongoing. Conclusions: Imexon can be administered safely with full dose gemcitabine. Accrual continues to define the combination MTD. The response rate in this phase I study compares favorably with historical gemcitabine monotherapy, and further phase II evaluation of this combination in advanced pancreatic cancer is warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted on Integrated Care Pathways for Lung Cancer: The Parallel Experience of a COVID-Spared and a COVID-Dedicated Center

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Pasello ◽  
Jessica Menis ◽  
Sara Pilotto ◽  
Stefano Frega ◽  
Lorenzo Belluomini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Care Pathways ◽  
Systemic Treatments ◽  
Integrated Care Pathways ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be a historic challenge for healthcare systems, particularly with regard to cancer patients. So far, very limited data have been presented on the impact on integrated care pathways (ICPs).MethodsWe reviewed the ICPs of lung cancer patients who accessed the Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)/University Hospital of Padua (Center 1) and the University Hospital of Verona (Center 2) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, through sixteen indicators chosen by the members of a multidisciplinary team (MDT).ResultsTwo window periods (March and April 2019 and 2020) were chosen for comparison. Endoscopic diagnostic procedures and major resections for early stage NSCLC patients increased at Center 1, where a priority pathway with dedicated personnel was established for cancer patients. A slight decrease was observed at Center 2 which became part of the COVID unit. Personnel shortage and different processing methods of tumor samples determined a slightly longer time for diagnostic pathway completion at both Centers. Personnel protection strategies led to a MDT reshape on a web basis and to a significant selection of cases to be discussed in both Centers. The optimization of patient access to healthcare units reduced first outpatient oncological visits, patient enrollment in clinical trials, and end-of-life cancer systemic treatments; finally, a higher proportion of hypofractionation was delivered as a radiotherapy approach for early stage and locally advanced NSCLC.ConclusionsBased on the experience of the two Centers, we identified the key steps in ICP that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic so as to proactively put in place a robust service provision of thoracic oncology.

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