Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.009
Elena Montauti, David Y Oh, Lawrence Fong
{"title":"CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells in antitumor immunity.","authors":"Elena Montauti, David Y Oh, Lawrence Fong","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advances in cancer immunotherapy have transformed cancer care and realized unprecedented responses in many patients. The growing arsenal of novel therapeutics - including immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), adoptive T cell therapies (ACTs), and cancer vaccines - reflects the success of cancer immunotherapy. The therapeutic benefits of these treatment modalities are generally attributed to the enhanced quantity and quality of antitumor CD8<sup>+</sup> T cell responses. Nevertheless, CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells are now recognized to play key roles in both the priming and effector phases of the antitumor immune response. In addition to providing T cell help through co-stimulation and cytokine production, CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells can also possess cytotoxicity either directly on MHC class II-expressing tumor cells or to other cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The presence of specific populations of CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells, and their intrinsic plasticity, within the TME can represent an important determinant of clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies. Understanding how the antitumor functions of specific CD4<sup>+</sup> T cell types are induced while limiting their protumorigenic attributes will enable more successful immunotherapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11464182/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142146404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-08-30DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.002
Mercedes Herrera, Giulia Pretelli, Jayesh Desai, Elena Garralda, Lillian L Siu, Thiago M Steiner, Lewis Au
{"title":"Bispecific antibodies: advancing precision oncology.","authors":"Mercedes Herrera, Giulia Pretelli, Jayesh Desai, Elena Garralda, Lillian L Siu, Thiago M Steiner, Lewis Au","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are engineered molecules designed to target two different epitopes or antigens. The mechanism of action is determined by the bsAb molecular targets and structure (or format), which can be manipulated to create variable and novel functionalities, including linking immune cells with tumor cells, or dual signaling pathway blockade. Several bsAbs have already changed the treatment landscape of hematological malignancies and select solid cancers. However, the mechanisms of resistance to these agents are understudied and the management of toxicities remains challenging. Herein, we review the principles in bsAb engineering, current understanding of mechanisms of action and resistance, data for clinical application, and provide a perspective on ongoing challenges and future developments in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142112409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-28DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.002
Afraah Cassim, Matthew D Dun, David Gallego-Ortega, Fatima Valdes-Mora
{"title":"EZHIP's role in diffuse midline glioma: echoes of oncohistones?","authors":"Afraah Cassim, Matthew D Dun, David Gallego-Ortega, Fatima Valdes-Mora","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The enhancer of zeste inhibitory protein (EZHIP) is typically expressed during germ cell development and has been classified as a cancer-testis antigen (CTA) in various cancers. In 2020, 4% of diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) were shown to aberrantly express EZHIP, mirroring the DMG hallmark histone H3 K27M (H3K27M) oncohistone mutation. Similar to H3K27M, EZHIP is a negative regulator of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), leading to global epigenomic remodeling. In this opinion, we explore the similarities and disparities between H3K27M- and EZHIP-DMGs with a focus on their shared functional hallmark of PRC2 inhibition, their genetic and epigenomic landscapes, plausible differences in the cell of origin, and therapeutic avenues. Upcoming research on EZHIP will help better understand its role in gliomagenesis and DMG therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142354699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.004
William G Nelson
{"title":"Cancer researchers as storytellers for the lay public.","authors":"William G Nelson","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer researchers tend to be well-versed in communicating research and research results to scientific audiences. To maintain momentum and progress against cancer, they must acquire and nurture skills allowing for better engagement with the lay public.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142354697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.001
Bovannak S Chap, Nicolas Rayroux, Alizée J Grimm, Eleonora Ghisoni, Denarda Dangaj Laniti
{"title":"Crosstalk of T cells within the ovarian cancer microenvironment.","authors":"Bovannak S Chap, Nicolas Rayroux, Alizée J Grimm, Eleonora Ghisoni, Denarda Dangaj Laniti","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ovarian cancer (OC) represents ecosystems of highly diverse tumor microenvironments (TMEs). The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is linked to enhanced immune responses and long-term survival. In this review we present emerging evidence suggesting that cellular crosstalk tightly regulates the distribution of TILs within the TME, underscoring the need to better understand key cellular networks that promote or impede T cell infiltration in OC. We also capture the emergent methodologies and computational techniques that enable the dissection of cell-cell crosstalk. Finally, we present innovative ex vivo TME models that can be leveraged to map and perturb cellular communications to enhance T cell infiltration and immune reactivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142354698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.003
Cesar Nava Gonzales, Mikias B Negussie, Saritha Krishna, Vardhaan S Ambati, Shawn L Hervey-Jumper
{"title":"Malignant glioma remodeling of neuronal circuits: therapeutic opportunities and repurposing of antiepileptic drugs.","authors":"Cesar Nava Gonzales, Mikias B Negussie, Saritha Krishna, Vardhaan S Ambati, Shawn L Hervey-Jumper","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tumor-associated epilepsy is the most common presenting symptom in patients diagnosed with diffuse gliomas. Recent evidence illustrates the requirement of synaptic activity to drive glioma proliferation and invasion. Class 1, 2, and 3 evidence is limited regarding the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as antitumor therapy in combination with chemotherapy. Furthermore, no central mechanism has emerged as the most targetable. The optimal timing of AED regimen remains unknown. Targeting aberrant neuronal activity is a promising avenue for glioma treatment. Clinical biomarkers may aid in identifying patients most likely to benefit from AEDs. Quality evidence is needed to guide treatment decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":14.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142354700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-16DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.002
Halima Alnaqbi, Lisa M. Becker, Mira Mousa, Fatima Alshamsi, Sarah K. Azzam, Besa Emini Veseli, Lauren A. Hymel, Khalood Alhosani, Marwa Alhusain, Massimiliano Mazzone, Habiba Alsafar, Peter Carmeliet
{"title":"Immunomodulation by endothelial cells: prospects for cancer therapy","authors":"Halima Alnaqbi, Lisa M. Becker, Mira Mousa, Fatima Alshamsi, Sarah K. Azzam, Besa Emini Veseli, Lauren A. Hymel, Khalood Alhosani, Marwa Alhusain, Massimiliano Mazzone, Habiba Alsafar, Peter Carmeliet","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Growing evidence highlights the importance of tumor endothelial cells (TECs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) for promoting tumor growth and evading immune responses. Immunomodulatory endothelial cells (IMECs) represent a distinct plastic phenotype of ECs that exerts the ability to modulate immunity in health and disease. This review discusses our current understanding of IMECs in cancer biology, scrutinizing insights from single-cell reports to compare their characteristics and function dynamics across diverse tumor types, conditions, and species. We investigate possible implications of exploiting IMECs in the context of cancer treatment, particularly examining their influence on the efficacy of existing therapies and the potential to leverage them as targets in optimizing immunotherapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":18.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142260216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-14DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.005
Benjamin N. Gantner, Flavio R. Palma, Madhura R. Pandkar, Marcelo J. Sakiyama, Daniel Arango, Gina M. DeNicola, Ana P. Gomes, Marcelo G. Bonini
{"title":"Metabolism and epigenetics: drivers of tumor cell plasticity and treatment outcomes","authors":"Benjamin N. Gantner, Flavio R. Palma, Madhura R. Pandkar, Marcelo J. Sakiyama, Daniel Arango, Gina M. DeNicola, Ana P. Gomes, Marcelo G. Bonini","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Emerging evidence indicates that metabolism not only is a source of energy and biomaterials for cell division but also acts as a driver of cancer cell plasticity and treatment resistance. This is because metabolic changes lead to remodeling of chromatin and reprogramming of gene expression patterns, furthering tumor cell phenotypic transitions. Therefore, the crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics seems to hold immense potential for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for various aggressive tumors. Here, we highlight recent discoveries supporting the concept that the cooperation between metabolism and epigenetics enables cancer to overcome mounting treatment-induced pressures. We discuss how specific metabolites contribute to cancer cell resilience and provide perspective on how simultaneously targeting these key forces could produce synergistic therapeutic effects to improve treatment outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":18.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142260218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.008
Nadieh Khalili, Francesco Ciompi
{"title":"Scaling data toward pan-cancer foundation models","authors":"Nadieh Khalili, Francesco Ciompi","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized computational pathology (CPath), particularly through deep learning (DL) and neural networks (NNs). In a recent study, <span><span>Vorontsov <em>et al.</em></span><svg aria-label=\"Opens in new window\" focusable=\"false\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 8 8\"><path d=\"M1.12949 2.1072V1H7V6.85795H5.89111V2.90281L0.784057 8L0 7.21635L5.11902 2.1072H1.12949Z\"></path></svg></span> introduced Virchow, a new foundation model (FM) for CPath, which has shown promising results in cancer detection and biomarker prediction.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":18.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142206022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in cancerPub Date : 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.007
Dingjiacheng Jia, Shujie Chen
{"title":"Environmental pollutants and bad bugs work hand in glove","authors":"Dingjiacheng Jia, Shujie Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p>‘Bad bacteria’ could alter the toxicokinetics of environmental pollutants, thereby exacerbating chemically induced tumorigenesis. Recently, <span><span>Roje <em>et al.</em></span><svg aria-label=\"Opens in new window\" focusable=\"false\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 8 8\"><path d=\"M1.12949 2.1072V1H7V6.85795H5.89111V2.90281L0.784057 8L0 7.21635L5.11902 2.1072H1.12949Z\"></path></svg></span> reported that specific gut microbiota can metabolize nitrosamine compounds to a toxic oxidation product, aggravating bladder cancer development and progression. These findings have important implications for tumor intervention through the gut microbiota.</p>","PeriodicalId":23336,"journal":{"name":"Trends in cancer","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":18.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142206023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}