Cancers

Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

The Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (University Côte d’Azur, Nice, France) and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA). Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients

by Paul Hofman, George A. Calin, Sandurai A. Mani, Christophe Bontoux, Marius Ilié and Ignacio I. Wistuba

Cancers 2022, 14(17), 4327; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174327 - 4 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1896

Abstract

We are proud and happy to present this Special Issue, a follow-up to the third joint meeting on lung cancer of the FHU OncoAge (University Côte d’Azur, Nice, France) and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA), which was [...] Read more.

We are proud and happy to present this Special Issue, a follow-up to the third joint meeting on lung cancer of the FHU OncoAge (University Côte d’Azur, Nice, France) and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA), which was held virtually on 4 October 2021 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

Research

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16 pages, 4943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mutations in KMT2C, BCOR and KDM5C Predict Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

by Dingxie Liu, Jonathan Benzaquen, Luc G. T. Morris, Marius Ilié and Paul Hofman

Cancers 2022, 14(11), 2816; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14112816 - 6 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3672

Abstract

Efficient predictive biomarkers are urgently needed to identify non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who could benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Since chromatin remodeling is required for DNA repair process, we asked whether mutations in chromatin remodeling genes could increase tumor [...] Read more.

Efficient predictive biomarkers are urgently needed to identify non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who could benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Since chromatin remodeling is required for DNA repair process, we asked whether mutations in chromatin remodeling genes could increase tumor mutational burden (TMB) and predict response to ICB therapy in NSCLC. Analysis of seven ICB-treated NSCLC cohorts revealed that mutations of three chromatin remodeling-related genes, including KMT2C, BCOR and KDM5C, were significantly associated with ICB response, and combined mutations of these three genes further enhance this association. NSCLC patients with KMT2C/BCOR/KDM5C mutations had comparable clinical outcomes to TMB-high patients in terms of objective response rate, durable clinical benefit and overall survival. Although KMT2C/BCOR/KDM5C mutations were positively correlated with TMB levels in NSCLC, the association of this mutation with better ICB response was independent of tumor TMB and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) level, and combination of KMT2C/BCOR/KDM5C mutations with TMB or PD-L1 further improve the prediction of ICB response in NSCLC patients. Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer analysis suggested that the association of KMT2C/BCOR/KDM5C mutations with ICB response observed here might not result from DNA repair defects. In conclusion, our data indicate that KMT2C/BCOR/KDM5C mutation has the potential to serve as a predictive biomarker, alone or combined with PD-L1 expression or TMB, for ICB therapy in NSCLC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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16 pages, 1814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Setting Up an Ultra-Fast Next-Generation Sequencing Approach as Reflex Testing at Diagnosis of Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer; Experience of a Single Center (LPCE, Nice, France)

by Marius Ilié, Véronique Hofman, Christophe Bontoux, Simon Heeke, Virginie Lespinet-Fabre, Olivier Bordone, Sandra Lassalle, Salomé Lalvée, Virginie Tanga, Maryline Allegra, Myriam Salah, Doriane Bohly, Jonathan Benzaquen, Charles-Hugo Marquette, Elodie Long-Mira and Paul Hofman

Cancers 2022, 14(9), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14092258 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4565

Abstract

The number of genomic alterations required for targeted therapy of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients has increased and become more complex these last few years. These molecular abnormalities lead to treatment that provides improvement in overall survival for certain patients. However, [...] Read more.

The number of genomic alterations required for targeted therapy of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients has increased and become more complex these last few years. These molecular abnormalities lead to treatment that provides improvement in overall survival for certain patients. However, these treated tumors inexorably develop mechanisms of resistance, some of which can be targeted with new therapies. The characterization of the genomic alterations needs to be performed in a short turnaround time (TAT), as indicated by the international guidelines. The origin of the tissue biopsies used for the analyses is diverse, but their size is progressively decreasing due to the development of less invasive methods. In this respect, the pathologists are facing a number of different challenges requiring them to set up efficient molecular technologies while maintaining a strategy that allows rapid diagnosis. We report here our experience concerning the development of an optimal workflow for genomic alteration assessment as reflex testing in routine clinical practice at diagnosis for NS-NSCLC patients by using an ultra-fast-next generation sequencing approach (Ion Torrent Genexus Sequencer, Thermo Fisher Scientific). We show that the molecular targets currently available to personalized medicine in thoracic oncology can be identified using this system in an appropriate TAT, notably when only a small amount of nucleic acids is available. We discuss the new challenges and the perspectives of using such an ultra-fast NGS in daily practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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9 pages, 3358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning Facilitates Distinguishing Histologic Subtypes of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors on Digital Whole-Slide Images

by Marius Ilié, Jonathan Benzaquen, Paul Tourniaire, Simon Heeke, Nicholas Ayache, Hervé Delingette, Elodie Long-Mira, Sandra Lassalle, Marame Hamila, Julien Fayada, Josiane Otto, Charlotte Cohen, Abel Gomez-Caro, Jean-Philippe Berthet, Charles-Hugo Marquette, Véronique Hofman, Christophe Bontoux and Paul Hofman

Cancers 2022, 14(7), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14071740 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3532

Abstract

The histological distinction of lung neuroendocrine carcinoma, including small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and atypical carcinoid (AC), can be challenging in some cases, while bearing prognostic and therapeutic significance. To assist pathologists with the differentiation of histologic subtyping, [...] Read more.

The histological distinction of lung neuroendocrine carcinoma, including small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and atypical carcinoid (AC), can be challenging in some cases, while bearing prognostic and therapeutic significance. To assist pathologists with the differentiation of histologic subtyping, we applied a deep learning classifier equipped with a convolutional neural network (CNN) to recognize lung neuroendocrine neoplasms. Slides of primary lung SCLC, LCNEC and AC were obtained from the Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology (University Hospital Nice, France). Three thoracic pathologists blindly established gold standard diagnoses. The HALO-AI module (Indica Labs, UK) trained with 18,752 image tiles extracted from 60 slides (SCLC = 20, LCNEC = 20, AC = 20 cases) was then tested on 90 slides (SCLC = 26, LCNEC = 22, AC = 13 and combined SCLC with LCNEC = 4 cases; NSCLC = 25 cases) by F1-score and accuracy. A HALO-AI correct area distribution (AD) cutoff of 50% or more was required to credit the CNN with the correct diagnosis. The tumor maps were false colored and displayed side by side to original hematoxylin and eosin slides with superimposed pathologist annotations. The trained HALO-AI yielded a mean F1-score of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.939–0.999) on the testing set. Our CNN model, providing further larger validation, has the potential to work side by side with the pathologist to accurately differentiate between the different lung neuroendocrine carcinoma in challenging cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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Review

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22 pages, 727 KiB

Open AccessReview

miRacle of microRNA-Driven Cancer Nanotherapeutics

by Goknur Kara, Banu Arun, George A. Calin and Bulent Ozpolat

Cancers 2022, 14(15), 3818; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14153818 - 6 Aug 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4145

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-protein-coding RNA molecules 20–25 nucleotides in length that can suppress the expression of genes involved in numerous physiological processes in cells. Accumulating evidence has shown that dysregulation of miRNA expression is related to the pathogenesis of various human diseases and [...] Read more.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-protein-coding RNA molecules 20–25 nucleotides in length that can suppress the expression of genes involved in numerous physiological processes in cells. Accumulating evidence has shown that dysregulation of miRNA expression is related to the pathogenesis of various human diseases and cancers. Thus, stragegies involving either restoring the expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs or inhibiting overexpressed oncogenic miRNAs hold potential for targeted cancer therapies. However, delivery of miRNAs to tumor tissues is a challenging task. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled successful tumor-targeted delivery of miRNA therapeutics through newly designed nanoparticle-based carrier systems. As a result, miRNA therapeutics have entered human clinical trials with promising results, and they are expected to accelerate the transition of miRNAs from the bench to the bedside in the next decade. Here, we present recent perspectives and the newest developments, describing several engineered natural and synthetic novel miRNA nanocarrier formulations and their key in vivo applications and clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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19 pages, 1421 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cell-by-Cell: Unlocking Lung Cancer Pathogenesis

by Ansam Sinjab, Zahraa Rahal and Humam Kadara

Cancers 2022, 14(14), 3424; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14143424 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5176

Abstract

For lung cancers, cellular trajectories and fates are strongly pruned by cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Over the past couple of decades, the combination of comprehensive molecular and genomic approaches, as well as the use of relevant pre-clinical models, enhanced micro-dissection techniques, profiling [...] Read more.

For lung cancers, cellular trajectories and fates are strongly pruned by cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Over the past couple of decades, the combination of comprehensive molecular and genomic approaches, as well as the use of relevant pre-clinical models, enhanced micro-dissection techniques, profiling of rare preneoplastic lesions and surrounding tissues, as well as multi-region tumor sequencing, have all provided in-depth insights into the early biology and evolution of lung cancers. The advent of single-cell sequencing technologies has revolutionized our ability to interrogate these same models, tissues, and cohorts at an unprecedented resolution. Single-cell tracking of lung cancer pathogenesis is now transforming our understanding of the roles and consequences of epithelial-microenvironmental cues and crosstalk during disease evolution. By focusing on non-small lung cancers, specifically lung adenocarcinoma subtype, this review aims to summarize our knowledge base of tumor cells-of-origin and tumor–immune dynamics that have been primarily fueled by single-cell analysis of lung adenocarcinoma specimens at various stages of disease pathogenesis and of relevant animal models. The review will provide an overview of how recent reports are rewriting the mechanistic details of lineage plasticity and intra-tumor heterogeneity at a magnified scale thanks to single-cell studies of early- to late-stage lung adenocarcinomas. Future advances in single-cell technologies, coupled with analysis of minute amounts of rare clinical tissues and novel animal models, are anticipated to help transform our understanding of how diverse micro-events elicit macro-scale consequences, and thus to significantly advance how basic genomic and molecular knowledge of lung cancer evolution can be translated into successful targets for early detection and prevention of this lethal disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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17 pages, 1459 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Radon and Lung Cancer: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

by Mariona Riudavets, Marta Garcia de Herreros, Benjamin Besse and Laura Mezquita

Cancers 2022, 14(13), 3142; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14133142 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 7575

Abstract

Lung cancer is a public health problem and the first cause of cancer death worldwide. Radon is a radioactive gas that tends to accumulate inside homes, and it is the second lung cancer risk factor after smoking, and the first one in non-smokers. [...] Read more.

Lung cancer is a public health problem and the first cause of cancer death worldwide. Radon is a radioactive gas that tends to accumulate inside homes, and it is the second lung cancer risk factor after smoking, and the first one in non-smokers. In Europe, there are several radon-prone areas, and although the 2013/59 EURATOM directive is aimed to regulate indoor radon exposition, regulating measures can vary between countries. Radon emits alpha-ionizing radiation that has been linked to a wide variety of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects; however, the link between lung cancer and radon from the genomic point of view remains poorly described. Driver molecular alterations have been recently identified in non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), such as somatic mutations (EGFR, BRAF, HER2, MET) or chromosomal rearrangements (ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK), mainly in the non-smoking population, where no risk factor has been identified yet. An association between radon exposure and oncogenic NSCLC in non-smokers has been hypothesised. This paper provides a practical, concise and updated review on the implications of indoor radon in lung cancer carcinogenesis, and especially of its potential relation with NSCLC with driver genomic alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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22 pages, 3075 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pathological Response and Immune Biomarker Assessment in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma Receiving Neoadjuvant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

by Frank Rojas, Edwin Roger Parra, Ignacio Ivan Wistuba, Cara Haymaker and Luisa Maren Solis Soto

Cancers 2022, 14(11), 2775; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14112775 - 2 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5019

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been used in the perioperative setting of non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC); however, the five-year survival rate only improves by about 5%. Neoadjuvant treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors [...] Read more.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been used in the perioperative setting of non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC); however, the five-year survival rate only improves by about 5%. Neoadjuvant treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become significant due to improved survival in advanced NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy agents. The assessment of pathology response has been proposed as a surrogate indicator of the benefits of neaodjuvant therapy. An outline of recommendations has been published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) for the evaluation of pathologic response (PR). However, recent studies indicate that evaluations of immune-related changes are distinct in surgical resected samples from patients treated with immunotherapy. Several clinical trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable NSCLC have included the study of biomarkers that can predict the response of therapy and monitor the response to treatment. In this review, we provide relevant information on the current recommendations of the assessment of pathological responses in surgical resected NSCLC tumors treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy, and we describe current and potential biomarkers to predict the benefits of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with resectable NSCLC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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Graphical abstract

25 pages, 2545 KiB

Open AccessReview

Early Steps of Resistance to Targeted Therapies in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

by Celia Delahaye, Sarah Figarol, Anne Pradines, Gilles Favre, Julien Mazieres and Olivier Calvayrac

Cancers 2022, 14(11), 2613; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14112613 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4866

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are effective therapies for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbouring EGFR-activating mutations, but are not curative due to the inevitable emergence [...] Read more.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are effective therapies for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbouring EGFR-activating mutations, but are not curative due to the inevitable emergence of resistances. Recent in vitro studies suggest that resistance to EGFR-TKI may arise from a small population of drug-tolerant persister cells (DTP) through non-genetic reprogramming, by entering a reversible slow-to-non-proliferative state, before developing genetically derived resistances. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms governing the dynamics of the drug-tolerant state is therefore a priority to provide sustainable therapeutic solutions for patients. An increasing number of molecular mechanisms underlying DTP survival are being described, such as chromatin and epigenetic remodelling, the reactivation of anti-apoptotic/survival pathways, metabolic reprogramming, and interactions with their micro-environment. Here, we review and discuss the existing proposed mechanisms involved in the DTP state. We describe their biological features, molecular mechanisms of tolerance, and the therapeutic strategies that are tested to target the DTP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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14 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Purinergic Landscape of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

by Serena Janho dit Hreich, Jonathan Benzaquen, Paul Hofman and Valérie Vouret-Craviari

Cancers 2022, 14(8), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14081926 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2799

Abstract

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Despite recent therapeutic advances, including targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, the disease progresses in almost all advanced lung cancers and in up to 50% of early-stage cancers. The purpose of this review is to [...] Read more.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Despite recent therapeutic advances, including targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, the disease progresses in almost all advanced lung cancers and in up to 50% of early-stage cancers. The purpose of this review is to discuss whether purinergic checkpoints (CD39, CD73, P2RX7, and ADORs), which shape the immune response in the tumor microenvironment, may represent novel therapeutic targets to combat progression of non-small cell lung cancer by enhancing the antitumor immune response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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17 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Regulation of ZEB1 Function and Molecular Associations in Tumor Progression and Metastasis

by Mabel Perez-Oquendo and Don L. Gibbons

Cancers 2022, 14(8), 1864; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14081864 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6192

Abstract

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor frequently expressed in carcinomas. ZEB1 orchestrates the transcription of genes in the control of several key developmental processes and tumor metastasis via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The biological function of ZEB1 [...] Read more.

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor frequently expressed in carcinomas. ZEB1 orchestrates the transcription of genes in the control of several key developmental processes and tumor metastasis via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The biological function of ZEB1 is regulated through pathways that influence its transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Diverse signaling pathways converge to induce ZEB1 activity; however, only a few studies have focused on the molecular associations or functional changes of ZEB1 by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Due to the robust effect of ZEB1 as a transcription repressor of epithelial genes during EMT, the contribution of PTMs in the regulation of ZEB1-targeted gene expression is an active area of investigation. Herein, we review the pivotal roles that phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and other modifications have in regulating the molecular associations and behavior of ZEB1. We also outline several questions regarding the PTM-mediated regulation of ZEB1 that remain unanswered. The areas of research covered in this review are contributing to new treatment strategies for cancer by improving our mechanistic understanding of ZEB1-mediated EMT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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15 pages, 7403 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Lung Adenocarcinoma Tumor Origin: A Guide for Personalized Medicine

by Laetitia Seguin, Manon Durandy and Chloe C. Feral

Cancers 2022, 14(7), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14071759 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 9080

Abstract

Lung adenocarcinoma, the major form of lung cancer, is the deadliest cancer worldwide, due to its late diagnosis and its high heterogeneity. Indeed, lung adenocarcinoma exhibits pronounced inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity cofounding precision medicine. Tumor heterogeneity is a clinical challenge driving tumor progression [...] Read more.

Lung adenocarcinoma, the major form of lung cancer, is the deadliest cancer worldwide, due to its late diagnosis and its high heterogeneity. Indeed, lung adenocarcinoma exhibits pronounced inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity cofounding precision medicine. Tumor heterogeneity is a clinical challenge driving tumor progression and drug resistance. Several key pieces of evidence demonstrated that lung adenocarcinoma results from the transformation of progenitor cells that accumulate genetic abnormalities. Thus, a better understanding of the cell of origin of lung adenocarcinoma represents an opportunity to unveil new therapeutic alternatives and stratify patient tumors. While the lung is remarkably quiescent during homeostasis, it presents an extensive ability to respond to injury and regenerate lost or damaged cells. As the lung is constantly exposed to potential insult, its regenerative potential is assured by several stem and progenitor cells. These can be induced to proliferate in response to injury as well as differentiate into multiple cell types. A better understanding of how genetic alterations and perturbed microenvironments impact progenitor-mediated tumorigenesis and treatment response is of the utmost importance to develop new therapeutic opportunities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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26 pages, 1829 KiB

Open AccessReview

Daily Practice Assessment of KRAS Status in NSCLC Patients: A New Challenge for the Thoracic Pathologist Is Right around the Corner

by Christophe Bontoux, Véronique Hofman, Patrick Brest, Marius Ilié, Baharia Mograbi and Paul Hofman

Cancers 2022, 14(7), 1628; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14071628 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4561

Abstract

KRAS mutations are among the most frequent genomic alterations identified in non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC), notably in lung adenocarcinomas. In most cases, these mutations are mutually exclusive, with different genomic alterations currently known to be sensitive to therapies targeting EGFR, [...] Read more.

KRAS mutations are among the most frequent genomic alterations identified in non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC), notably in lung adenocarcinomas. In most cases, these mutations are mutually exclusive, with different genomic alterations currently known to be sensitive to therapies targeting EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, and NTRK. Recently, several promising clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations, particularly for KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC, have established new hope for better treatment of patients. In parallel, other studies have shown that NSCLC harboring co-mutations in KRAS and STK11 or KEAP1 have demonstrated primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, the assessment of the KRAS status in advanced-stage NS-NSCLC has become essential to setting up an optimal therapeutic strategy in these patients. This stimulated the development of new algorithms for the management of NSCLC samples in pathology laboratories and conditioned reorganization of optimal health care of lung cancer patients by the thoracic pathologists. This review addresses the recent data concerning the detection of KRAS mutations in NSCLC and focuses on the new challenges facing pathologists in daily practice for KRAS status assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding New Therapeutic Options and Promising Predictive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Patients. A Selection of Papers from the Third Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer of the FHU OncoAge (Nice, France) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA))

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