{"title":"T cell receptor-engaging monoclonal antibodies mobilize the anti-tumor functions of invariant natural killer T cells","authors":"Rupali Das","doi":"10.1615/critrevoncog.2023049947","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1615/critrevoncog.2023049947","url":null,"abstract":"Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are innate-type T lymphocytes that directly kill tumor cells or tumor-growth promoting immunosuppressive cells such as the tumor-associated macrophages. Additionally, iNKTs robustly transactivate the antitumor functions of T, B, natural killer, and dendritic cells as well as reinvigorate exhausted immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. As such, iNKTs make excellent candidates for inclusion in anti-cancer cellular therapies. However, to capitalize on the potential benefits of iNKT cell-based approaches, it is imperative that we develop new and clinically viable strategies to enhance their antitumor function. To that end, two novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that selectively bind to the human (NKTT320) or murine (NKT14m) invariant T cell receptor have been recently developed and characterized. Studies using purified human iNKTs (in vitro) and a model of non-human primate (in vivo) reveal that NKTT320 promotes swift, vigorous and sustained iNKT cell activation that is accompanied by robust production of inflammatory mediators and bystander immune cell activation. Furthermore, NKTT320 augments expression of cytotoxic markers and human iNKT cell degranulation. Similarly, NKT14m prompts dramatic murine iNKT cell activation and functional response both in vitro and in vivo. However, antitumor efficacy of a single dose of NKT14m injection in tumor-bearing mice is limited and tumor-model dependent. In contrast, combination treatment of NKT14m with either low dose interleukin (IL)-12 or the chemotherapeutic agent, cyclophosphamide results in a superior antitumor response in vivo. This is evident by activation of both iNKTs and other immune cells, prolonged survival of the tumor-challenged mice and long-lasting immunity. Collectively, these recent studies justify further development of anti-iTCR mAbs that can be used alone or in conjunction with immunomodulatory agents to enhance iNKT cell antitumor immunity against various cancers.","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135755304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katrina M Miranda, Lisa A Ridnour, Robert Y S Cheng, David A Wink, Douglas D Thomas
{"title":"The Chemical Biology of NO that Regulates Oncogenic Signaling and Metabolism: NOS2 and Its Role in Inflammatory Disease.","authors":"Katrina M Miranda, Lisa A Ridnour, Robert Y S Cheng, David A Wink, Douglas D Thomas","doi":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2023047302","DOIUrl":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2023047302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nitric oxide (NO) and the enzyme that synthesizes it, nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), have emerged as key players in inflammation and cancer. Expression of NOS2 in tumors has been correlated both with positive outcomes and with poor prognoses. The chemistry of NO is the major determinate to the biological outcome and the concentration of NO, which can range over five orders of magnitude, is critical in determining which pathways are activated. It is the activation of specific oncogenic and immunological mechanisms that shape the outcome. The kinetics of specific reactions determine the mechanisms of action. In this review, the relevant reactions of NO and related species are discussed with respect to these oncogenic and immunological signals.</p>","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11318306/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41214825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fifty Years of Diazeniumdiolate Research: A Tribute to Dr. Larry K. Keefer.","authors":"Khosrow Kashfi","doi":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2023048491","DOIUrl":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2023048491","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The pioneering studies of Dr. Larry Keefer and colleagues with diazeniumdiolates or NONOates as a platform have unraveled the chemical biology of many nitric oxides and have led to the design of a variety of promising therapeutic agents in oncology, gastroenterology, antimicrobials, wound healing, and the like. This dedication to Dr. Larry Keefer briefly highlights some of his studies using the diazeniumdiolate platform in the cancer arena.</p>","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11076142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41214820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina A Wicker, Taylor Petery, Poornima Dubey, Trisha M Wise-Draper, Vinita Takiar
{"title":"Improving Radiotherapy Response in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer.","authors":"Christina A Wicker, Taylor Petery, Poornima Dubey, Trisha M Wise-Draper, Vinita Takiar","doi":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022044635","DOIUrl":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022044635","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The application of radiotherapy to the treatment of cancer has existed for over 100 years. Although its use has cured many, much work remains to be done to minimize side effects, and in-field tumor recurrences. Resistance of the tumor to a radiation-mediated death remains a complex issue that results in local recurrence and significantly decreases patient survival. Here, we review mechanisms of radioresistance and selective treatment combinations that improve the efficacy of the radiation that is delivered. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of radiation resistance is warranted to develop not just novel treatments, but treatments with improved safety profiles relative to current radiosensitizers. This review is written in memory and honor of Dr. Peter Stambrook, an avid scientist and thought leader in the field of DNA damage and carcinogenesis, and a mentor and advocate for countless students and faculty.</p>","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10228519/pdf/nihms-1897750.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9595415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sagar Dholariya, Ragini D Singh, Madhuri Radadiya, Deepak Parchwani, Gaurav Sharma, Rashid Mir
{"title":"Role of the Tumor Microenvironment and the Influence of Epigenetics on the Tumor Microenvironment in Oral Carcinogenesis: Potential Implications.","authors":"Sagar Dholariya, Ragini D Singh, Madhuri Radadiya, Deepak Parchwani, Gaurav Sharma, Rashid Mir","doi":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022047088","DOIUrl":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022047088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oral cancer has become a significant problem throughout the world, particularly in countries that are still developing. Recent literature supports the contribution of components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the effect of epigenetic changes happening in the cells of the TME on oral cancer development and progression. In this review, we comprehensively examine the significance of TME in the development of OC along with the current understanding of the epigenetic modifications that regulate the TME and their cohesive impact on tumor traits and their potential as therapeutic targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9678859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Genomic Alterations to Guide Treatment Selection in Metastatic Prostate Cancer.","authors":"Amy Davies, Arun A Azad, Edmond M Kwan","doi":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022043298","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022043298","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Treatment options for men with metastatic prostate cancer have greatly expanded in the last decade. Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, taxane cytotoxic therapy, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, and radionuclide theranostics against prostate-specific membrane antigen have collectively contributed to incremental improvements in both quality and longevity of life for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Despite these successes, few studies inform on optimal therapy selection and sequencing across this crowded treatment landscape. Genomic analysis of both tissue and liquid biopsy specimens shows promise in bridging this practice gap, with alterations in several key prostate cancer driver genes demonstrating clear associations with clinical outcomes, as well as informing use of novel precision medicine targeted therapies. In this review, we evaluate the current evidence of genomic alterations in various oncogenic signaling pathways as clinical biomarkers in mCRPC, focusing on correlative studies that analyzed outcomes based on findings in plasma cell-free DNA. We highlight the pitfalls of interpreting genomic findings in samples with substandard tumor content, and suggest pathologic and disease factors to consider when embarking upon tumor genotyping to guide treatment decisions in metastatic prostate cancer. As access to life-prolonging therapies improves, and barriers to cost-effective genotyping and reliable data interpretation are overcome, we anticipate that predictive and prognostic biomarkers that inform on disease biology, drug sensitivity, and therapy resistance will inevitably be integrated into the routine care of patients with metastatic prostate cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40417036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thomas Pataillot-Meakin, Sylvain Ladame, Charlotte Bevan
{"title":"Technologies for Size-Based Analysis of Circulating Cell-Free DNA: Limitations and Clinical Implementation.","authors":"Thomas Pataillot-Meakin, Sylvain Ladame, Charlotte Bevan","doi":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022043215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022043215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide, and incidence is likely to rise in the next decade. The current screening options have limitations and have been shown to result in over-treatment of clinically insignificant disease. New biomarkers and technologies to detect them are therefore needed to better diagnose and stratify patients in primary care. Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) has gained interest as a potential minimally invasive biomarker, detectable in many bodily fluids (such as blood, urine, and cerebral spinal fluid) and reflecting the mutational landscape in tumors. More recently, the size distribution of ccfDNA fragments has also gained interest as a specific biomarker, where differences in size distribution have been observed between healthy volunteers and cancer patients, resulting in the new field of fragmentomics. Analysis of ccfDNA sizes provides avenues for alternative analytical technologies but commercial options are currently limited. Most focus on mutation detection and are subject to several biases that may affect size distribution. Here, we discuss the available technologies and identify major issues and considerations that may affect their implementation as a clinically useful test based on ccfDNA size profiling.</p>","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40417038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mia Hofstad, Emily Y Huang, Andrea Woods, Yi Yin, Neil B Desai, Ganesh V Raj
{"title":"Alterations in BRCA2 as Determinants of Therapy Response in Prostate Cancer.","authors":"Mia Hofstad, Emily Y Huang, Andrea Woods, Yi Yin, Neil B Desai, Ganesh V Raj","doi":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022043233","DOIUrl":"10.1615/CritRevOncog.2022043233","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths in the United States. Mutations or deletions in the genes involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) are common in aggressive primary PCa (germline alterations) and further enriched in advanced therapy-resistant PCa (somatic alterations). Among the DDR genes, BRCA2 is the most commonly altered (~ 13%) in advanced therapy-resistant PCa. Patients with BRCA2-altered PCas are exquisitely sensitive to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis). Indeed, two PARPis-olaparib and rucaparib have recently gained U.S. Food & Drug Administration approval for the treatment of advanced PCas harboring a BRCA2 mutation. This review seeks to explore the role of BRCA2 in DNA damage repair, the pathogenesis and progression of BRCA2 mutant PCa, and the utility of radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and platinum-based chemotherapies for patients with BRCA2 alterations.</p>","PeriodicalId":35617,"journal":{"name":"Critical Reviews in Oncogenesis","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40417037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}