Central Nervous System Cancer Research Articles

Biological Insights and Radiation-Immuno-Oncology Developments in Primary and Secondary Brain Tumors.

Malignant central nervous system (CNS) cancers include a group of heterogeneous dis-eases characterized by a relative resistance to treatments and distinguished as either primary tumors arising in the CNS or secondary tumors that spread from other organs into the brain. Despite therapeutic efforts, they often cause significant mortality and morbidity across all ages. Radiotherapy (RT) remains the main treatment for brain cancers, improving associated symptoms, improving tumor control, and inducing a cure in some. However, the ultimate goal of cancer treatment, to improve a patient's survival, remains elusive for many CNS cancers, especially primary tumors. Over the years, there have thus been many preclinical studies and clinical trials designed to identify and overcome mechanisms of resistance to improve outcomes after RT and other therapies. For example, immunotherapy delivered concurrent with RT, especially hypo-fractionated stereotactic RT, is synergistic and has revolutionized the clinical management and outcome of some brain tumors, in particular brain metastases (secondary brain tumors). However, its impact on gliomas, the most common primary malignant CNS tumors, remains limited. In this review, we provide an overview of radioresistance mechanisms, the emerging strategies to overcome radioresistance, the role of the tumor microenviroment (TME), and the selection of the most significant results of radiation-immuno-oncological investigations. We also identify novel therapeutic opportunities in primary and secondary brain tumors with the purpose of elucidating current knowledge and stimulating further research to improve tumor control and patients' survival.

Distinct roles of TREM2 in central nervous system cancers and peripheral cancers

Glioblastomas (GBM) are incurable central nervous system (CNS) cancers characterized by substantial myeloid cell infiltration. Whether myeloid cell-directed therapeutic targets identified in peripheral non-CNS cancers are applicable to GBM requires further study. Here, we identify that the critical immunosuppressive target in peripheral cancers, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2), is immunoprotective in GBM. Genetic or pharmacological TREM2 deficiency promotes GBM progression invivo. Single-cell and spatial sequencing reveals downregulated TREM2 in GBM-infiltrated myeloid cells. TREM2 negatively correlates with immunosuppressive myeloid and Tcell exhaustion signatures in GBM. We further demonstrate that during GBM progression, CNS-enriched sphingolipids bind TREM2 on myeloid cells and elicit antitumor responses. Clinically, high TREM2 expression in myeloid cells correlates with better survival in GBM. Adeno-associated virus-mediated TREM2 overexpression impedes GBM progression and synergizes with anti-PD-1 therapy. Our results reveal distinct functions of TREM2 in CNS cancers and support organ-specific myeloid cell remodeling in cancer immunotherapy.

A review of natural products and small-molecule therapeutics acting on central nervous system malignancies: Approaches for drug development, targeting pathways, clinical trials, and challenges.

In 2021, the World Health Organization released the fifth edition of the central nervous system (CNS) tumor classification. This classification uses histopathology and molecular pathogenesis to group tumors into more biologically and molecularly defined entities. The prognosis of brain cancer, particularly malignant tumors, has remained poor worldwide, approximately 308,102 new cases of brain and other CNS tumors were diagnosed in the year 2020, with an estimated 251,329 deaths. The cost and time-consuming nature of studies to find new anticancer agents makes it necessary to have well-designed studies. In the present study, the pathways that can be targeted for drug development are discussed in detail. Some of the important cellular origins, signaling, and pathways involved in the efficacy of bioactive molecules againstCNS tumorigenesis or progression, as well as prognosis and common approaches for treatment of different types of brain tumors, are reviewed. Moreover, different study tools, including cell lines, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial challenges, are discussed. In addition, in this article, natural products as one of the most important sources for finding new chemotherapeutics were reviewed and over 700 reported molecules with efficacy against CNS cancer cells are gathered and classified according to their structure. Based on the clinical trials that have been registered, very few of these natural or semi-synthetic derivatives have been studied in humans. The review can help researchers understand the involved mechanisms and design new goal-oriented studies for drug development against CNS malignancies.

Healthcare spending versus mortality in central nervous system cancer: Has anything changed?

The financial implications of central nervous system (CNS) cancers are substantial, not only for the healthcare service and payers, but also for the patients who bear the brunt of direct, indirect, and intangible costs. This study sought to investigate the impact of healthcare spending on CNS cancer survival using recent US data. This study used public data from the Disease Expenditure Project 2016 and the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The primary outcome was the annual healthcare spending trend from 1996 and 2016 on CNS tumors adjusted for disease prevalence, alongside morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included drivers of change in healthcare expenditures for CNS cancers. Subgroup analysis was performed stratified by age group, expenditure type, and care type provided. There was a significant increase in total healthcare spending on CNS cancers from $2.72 billion (95% CI: $2.47B to $2.97B) in 1996 to $6.85 billion (95% CI: $5.98B to $7.57B) in 2016. Despite the spending increase, the mortality rate per 100 000 people increased, with 5.30 ± 0.47 in 1996 and 7.02 ± 0.47 in 2016, with an average of 5.78 ± 0.47 deaths per 100 000 over the period. The subgroups with the highest expenditure included patients aged 45 to 64, those with private insurance, and those receiving inpatient care. This study highlights a significant rise in healthcare costs for CNS cancers without corresponding improvements in mortality rate, indicating a mismatch of healthcare spending, contemporary advances, and patient outcomes as it relates to mortality.

Synthesis of 8-methyl-2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones derived Schiff's bases: Spectroscopic properties, SAR, docking approaches and their anticancer and antimicrobial activity

A series of new compounds based on 8-methyl-2-phenyl quinazolinone Schiff's base were synthesized from 3-amino quinazolinone intermediates. These compounds were evaluated for their potential as anticancer and antimicrobial agents through docking analysis. Anticancer evaluation was done against sixty different cancer cell lines. Compounds 7b and 7 h showed strong efficacy against Melanoma (MDA-MB-435 Cell lines) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NCI-H522), respectively. Compound 7 g was found to be predominantly effective against both breast cancer (HS-578T) and central nervous system cancer (SNB-19). The antimicrobial activity results showed that the newly synthesized compounds 7d and 7j, which contain halogen, exhibited potential inhibiting action against selected bacterial and fungal microorganisms. The SAR study revealed that compounds with EDGs like hydroxyl and meta-substituted chloro group were found to be more potent in anticancer studies; while compounds with EWGs substituted in the para position (7d and 7j) demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity. Moreover, Antimicrobial docking analysis indicated that compounds 7d and 7j have a high affinity towards molecular targets found in both bacteria and fungi, with negative binding energies ranging from -8 to -12.5 kcal/mol. We endorse further evaluation of these compounds in combination with standard antibiotics to potentially increase their synergistic effect.

Oral Malignant Burkitt’s Lymphoma and It’s Problems

A non-Hodgkin lymphoma with rapid growth and aggressive behavior is Burkitt's lymphoma. Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is also an oral cancer of lymphoid origin with a high percentage of occurrences and includes an advanced B-cell neoplasm. Fundamentally, the exact cause of BL is unknown. This disease commonly occurs in people with weakened immune systems or children related to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and chronic malaria. Burkitt lymphoma can be fatal. Burkitt lymphoma is a rare but highly aggressive (fast-growing) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This disease may affect the jaw, central nervous system, bowel, kidneys, ovaries, or other organs Cancer cells in BL can spread to all parts of the body. Inhibiting the proliferation of BL oral cancer cells requires a viable and efficient plan. One of them is using medicinal plants whose antitumor potential needs to be scientifically tested. However, Burkitt lymphoma is often very responsive to the currently recommended intensive chemotherapy regimens, and cure rates for this disease remain high. Studies show people who receive treatment right away have high rates of remission, meaning after treatment they don’t have symptoms or signs of the condition. The aim of this review is to discuss Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) in diagnosis and treatment. Burkitt's lymphoma, or Raji cell, is a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is very aggressive

PSMC2 promotes glioma progression by regulating immune microenvironment and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

BackgroundGlioma, the most frequent and malignant central nervous system (CNS) cancer, has a bad outcome. Proteasome 26S subunit ATPase 2 (PSMC2) is an essential part of the 26S proteasome and promotes the development of several tumors. However, the pathway and function of PSMC2 in glioma have not been unelucidated. MethodsThis study analyzed PSMC2 expression in glioma tissues and its predictive significance for patients. We examined the link between PSMC2 and DNA methylation, immune cell infiltration, tumor immune cycle, immune cell homeostasis, and immune checkpoints. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry and in vitro trials were employed to validate the expression, prognostic potential, and function of PSMC2 in glioma. The mechanisms of PSMC2 in glioma were further explored. ResultsOur study revealed that PSMC2 expression increased in glioma tissues contrasted with healthy tissues, and patients with high PSMC2 glioma exhibited poor overall survival (OS) compared to the low-PSMC2 group. Immune profile analysis revealed that PSMC2 was positively related to immunosuppressive cell infiltration and immune checkpoints and adversely related to the cancer immune cycle and immune cell homeostasis. In cell-based investigations, the inhibition of PSMC2 was found to effectively suppress the aggressiveness and proliferation of glioma cell lines while also enhancing cell cycle arrest and promoting cell death. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), and in vitro experiments showed that PSMC2 promoted glioma development through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. ConclusionsPSMC2 was upregulated in glioma and promoted cancer progression by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment, cancer cell biological behavior, immune cell homeostasis, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, providing a new option to treat glioma.

Model of P-Glycoprotein Ligand Binding and Validation with Efflux Substrate Matched Pairs.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant obstacle in developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a multidrug resistance protein, is a critical gatekeeper in the BBB and plays a role in cancer chemoresistance. This paper uses cryo-EM P-gp structures as starting points with an induced fit docking (IFD) model to evaluate 19 pairs of compounds with known P-gp efflux data. The study reveals significant differences in binding energy and sheds light on structural modifications' impact on efflux properties. In the cases examined, fluorine incorporation influences the efflux by altering the molecular conformation rather than proximal heteroatom basicity. Although there are limitations in addressing covalent interactions or when binding extends into the more flexible vestibule region of the protein, the results provide valuable insights and potential strategies to overcome P-gp efflux, contributing to the advancement of drug development for both CNS disorders and cancer therapies.

Solid CaCO3 Formation in Glioblastoma Multiforme and its Treatment with Ultra-Nanoparticulated NPt-Bionanocatalysts.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent form of central nervous system (CNS) cancer, stands as a highly aggressive glioma deemed virtually incurable according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, with survival rates typically falling between 6 to 18 months. Despite concerted efforts, advancements in survival rates have been elusive. Recent cutting-edge research has unveiled bionanocatalysts with 1% Pt, demonstrating unparalleled selectivity in cleaving C-C, C-N, and C-O bonds within DNA in malignant cells. The application of these nanoparticles has yielded promising outcomes. The objective of this study is to employ bionanocatalysts for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) in a patient, followed by the evaluation of obtained tissues through electronic microscopy. Bionanocatalysts were synthesized using established protocols. These catalysts were then surgically implanted into the GBM tissue through stereotaxic procedures. Subsequently, tissue samples were extracted from the patient and meticulously examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Detailed examination of biopsies via SEM unveiled a complex network of small capillaries branching from a central vessel, accompanied by a significant presence of solid carbonate formations. Remarkably, the patient subjected to this innovative approach exhibited a three-year extension in survival, highlighting the potential efficacy of bionanocatalysts in combating GBM and its metastases. Bionanocatalysts demonstrate promise as a viable treatment option for severe cases of GBM. Additionally, the identification of solid calcium carbonate formations may serve as a diagnostic marker not only for GBM but also for other CNS pathologies.

OH2 oncolytic virus: A novel approach to glioblastoma intervention through direct targeting of tumor cells and augmentation of anti-tumor immune responses

Glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest central nervous system cancer, presents a poor prognosis and scant therapeutic options. Our research spotlights OH2, an oncolytic viral therapy derived from herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), which demonstrates substantial antitumor activity and favorable tolerance in GBM. The extraordinary efficacy of OH2 emanates from its unique mechanisms: it selectively targets tumor cells replication, powerfully induces cytotoxic DNA damage stress, and kindles anti-tumor immune responses. Through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we discovered that OH2 not only curtails the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM)-M2 but also bolsters the infiltration of macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Further investigation into molecular characteristics affecting OH2 sensitivity revealed potential influencers such as TTN, HMCN2 or IRS4 mutations, CDKN2A/B deletion and IDO1 amplification. This study marks the first demonstration of an HSV-2 derived OV's effectiveness against GBM. Significantly, these discoveries have driven the initiation of a phase I/II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05235074). This trial is designed to explore the potential of OH2 as a therapeutic option for patients with recurrent central nervous system tumors following surgical intervention.

Abstract 2263: Why does the loss of chromosomes 10 and the gain of 7 co-occur in gliomas

Abstract Introduction: Gliomas, including aggressive forms such as glioblastoma (GBM) and lower-grade gliomas (LGG), present formidable challenges for treatment. Since the late 1980’s it has been known that loss of chromosome 10 (10 loss) and gain of chromosome 7 (7 gain) often co-occur in GBM. The reasons for this frequently co-occurring event are not very clear, with some prior studies speculating on a few driver genes as culprits. In this study, we aim to study and understand the phenomenon of 10 loss and 7 gain in gliomas in a systematic, chromosome-wide level. Methods: Our analysis consists of three main analyses, that bring independent sources of evidence to address our research question: a) Analyzing data from Progenetix, we developed rigorous probabilistic models that elucidate the probability dynamics of 10 loss and 7 gain in gliomas. b) Next, by analyzing hundreds of genomic and transcriptomic samples from TCGA brain cancer patients, and cell lines, we identified a category of clinically relevant genetic interactions termed 'synthetic rescues'. Synthetic rescue (DU-SR) interactions refer to a form of functional interplay in which the detrimental impact on cell fitness caused by the inactivation of a specific gene (termed ‘vulnerable gene’) is compensated by upregulation of another gene (termed ‘rescuer gene’). The enrichment of rescuer genes on 7 for the vulnerable genes on 10 was then tested. c) Utilizing large-scale in vitro essentiality screens via CRISPR technology in central nervous system (CNS) cancer cell lines, we sought to investigate the fitness effects of different possible sequences of chromosomal 10 and 7 loss and gains. Results: The main results emerging from this three-pronged analysis are as follows: 1) We find that 7 gain after 10 loss is a more likely event than the opposite order of loss of 10 after 7 gain whose probability is explained by a random chance model. 2) We show that loss of 10 is enabled by the cells’ ability to readily mitigate its loss, specifically through rescue interactions with genes lying on the amplified 7 chromosome. 3) These findings in the analysis of patients’ tumors are further reinforced by an independent investigation in IDH wild-type CNS cancer cell line essentiality screens. Conclusions: The co-occurrence of 10 loss and 7 gain in gliomas is the most frequent loss-gain co-aneuploidy pair occurring in human cancer. Our analysis presents a new multi-pronged approach to analyze co-occurring aneuploidy events in cancer, showing the long-contemplated chromosomal co-occurrence events in gliomas, a mystery that has persisted for decades, is likely to arise from genetic rescue interactions between many genes that lie on those chromosomes. From a future translational standpoint, it additionally points to key rescuer genes that may be potentially targeted. Citation Format: Nishanth Ulhas Nair, Alejandro A. Schäffer, Michael E. Gertz, Kuoyuan Cheng, Avinash Das Sahu, Gil Leor, Eldad D. Shulman, Kenneth D. Aldape, Uri Ben-David, Eytan Ruppin. Why does the loss of chromosomes 10 and the gain of 7 co-occur in gliomas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2263.

Abstract 4701: A novel microtubule disruptor exerts broad anticancer efficacy with a tolerable safety profile

Abstract Initial evaluation of the prenylated hydroxy-stilbene isolated from bee propolis, AUS_001, in the NCI 60 human cell line anticancer screen showed significant growth inhibitory effects with the most robust being observed in leukemia, central nervous system and breast cancer cell lines. The aim of the current study was to further assess the potency of AUS_001 in vitro and investigate its safety profile and mechanism of action. A commercially available cell-based profiling screen (OncoPanel®) identified significant AUS_001-induced growth inhibition in 273 out of 280 cancer cell lines with a concentration causing 50% cell growth inhibition in the range of 0.021-0.94 µM, while non-neoplastic cells required an average of 20x higher concentration to generate similar efficacy. These findings indicate that AUS_001 exerts a high degree of potency across 30 cancer types with a selectivity for cancer versus normal cells. Maximum tolerated dose studies in mice illustrated that orally administered AUS_001 is well tolerated at doses 4 times greater than those that conferred antitumor efficacy, with no myelosuppression or other overt toxicities observed. Predictive toxicology and safety screening indicated that AUS_001 exerts a strong safety profile as evidenced by absence of mutagenic potential in the Ames test using up to 100 µM drug doses and low hERG-blocking liability with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 65 µM. Notably, AUS_001 is a poor substrate of the drug efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein 1 (Pgp), as it does not inhibit drug-stimulated Pgp ATPase activity and retains efficacy in high Pgp-expressing models in vitro. Subsequently, the effects of AUS_001 were explored in the ToxTracker® assay, consisting of a panel of mammalian stem cell lines that contain fluorescent reporters for the exploration of DNA damage, oxidative stress, and protein damage using flow cytometry. Robust activation of the Rtkn genotoxicity reporter under low cytotoxicity conditions, in combination with accumulation of cells in G2/M phases of the cell cycle within 4 h and an increase in aneuploid cells after 24 h of drug treatment, suggested an aneugenic mode of action, typically caused by tubulin-targeting agents or mitotic kinase inhibitors. Biochemical tubulin polymerization assays then revealed that AUS_001 acts as a direct tubulin destabilizing agent and monitoring microtubule dynamics in GFP-tubulin reporter cells provided evidence that AUS_001 blocks microtubule assembly. Our studies have elaborated the mechanism of AUS_001 as an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization. The favorable safety profile of AUS_001, along with its ability to circumvent Pgp-mediated multidrug resistance, provides potential for efficacy against multiple cancers where microtubule destabilization is proven to be an effective target. Citation Format: Herman Lelie, Inger Brandsma, Giel Hendriks, Lee R. Cavedine, Brogan A. Epkins, Steven M. Garner, Andrew J. Cook, Muthukrishnan Renganathan, Yong Zhao, Alastair J. King, Peter Y.W. Chan, April Risinger, Marina Koutsioumpa. A novel microtubule disruptor exerts broad anticancer efficacy with a tolerable safety profile [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4701.

Abstract 3162: Antagonizing beta-2 adrenergic receptor’s function triggers death in glioma cells and down-regulates survivin

Abstract Introduction: Epidemiological studies showed that beta-adrenergic antagonists caused a low incidence of several cancer types. Glioblastoma highly expresses beta-2-adrenergic receptors. GBM accounts for 50% of central nervous system cancers. After standard-of-care therapeutic intervention, there is a survival time of 15 months. Our goal is to develop a translational therapy that will trigger the death of GBM cells while preserving healthy cells Methodology: Salmeterol xinafoate is a biased agonist that activates the G-protein pathway. Biased agonists activate signaling through the G-protein or the beta-arrestin pathway of G-protein coupled receptors. Dose-response experiments were performed using beta1 and beta2-adrenergic receptor antagonists and biased beta2-adrenergic receptor agonists to determine loss of glioma cell viability in GBM5, GBM12, and LN229 glioma cell lines. Western immunoblotting gauged survivin expression levels in all three lines. Epoxomicin was used to inhibit the proteasome complex. Annexin V and propidium iodide were employed to measure apoptotic or necrotic cell death. Results: Disrupting beta2-adrenergic receptor signaling by salmeterol xinafoate led to cell death of glioma cells but spared healthy neuron-glia cells using similar doses. Salmeterol xinafoate revealed greater efficacy for killing glioma cells than beta1 and beta2-adrenergic receptor antagonists. To determine the mechanism of glioma cell death, LN229 cells were treated with escalating doses of Salmeterol xinafoate, and at 24 hours, annexin V staining showed early apoptosis, and Annexin V/propidium iodide co-staining also showed late apoptosis. Propidium iodide revealed minor necrosis in LN229 glioma cells. Western immunoblotting showed salmeterol xinafoate downregulated survivin in a dose-dependent manner. However, the epoxomicin's inhibition of the proteasome complex prevented dose-escalated downregulation of survivin for all three glioma cell lines. Conclusion: The bitopic structure of salmeterol enables this drug to bind to the beta2-adrenergic receptors ligand binding site and an exosite site by its aryloxyalkyl tail that may contribute to the increased efficacy. Salmeterol xinafoate triggers glioma cell death by apoptosis at least in one glioma cell line. Salmeterol Xinafoate down-regulates survivin through protease degradation. Promising results show that the FDA-approved drug salmeterol xinafoate enables a favorable transition to the clinic. Repurposing this drug for GBMs may be combined with the current standard-of-care chemotherapies to enhance more significant loss of tumor volume and increase patient survival. Citation Format: Orli Algranatti, Ji Yae Lee, James M. Angelastro. Antagonizing beta-2 adrenergic receptor’s function triggers death in glioma cells and down-regulates survivin [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3162.

Isolation and Antitumoral Effect of a New Siphonochilone Derivative from African Ginger.

A new eusdesmane sesquiterpenoid, characterized as 3,5,8a-trimethyl-8-oxo-4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9-octahydronaphtho[2,3-b]furan-5-yl acetate (1), has been isolated from the rhizomes of the South African variety of wild ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Schweinf) B. L. Burtt). The compound was obtained by silica gel column chromatography. Its structure was elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass-spectrometric (MS) analyses, including 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HR-LCMS. We also investigated the cytotoxic effect of 1 on a panel of cancer cell lines, human breast, pancreas, lung, colon, and central nervous system cancer lines. The data are not encouraging since its antitumor effect is poor. Nonetheless, the discovery of new molecules may provide a source of new compounds with important biological effects applicable to the field of medicine.

Exploring new quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives as CDK2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation.

In the present work, five series of new 2,3-disubstituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones 4a-c, 5a-d, 6a-g, 7a,b, and 9a-c were designed, synthesized, and screened in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against 60 cancer cell lines by the National Cancer Institute, USA. Five candidates 4c, 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6g revealed promising cytotoxicity with significant percentage growth inhibition in the range of 81.98%-96.45% against the central nervous system (CNS) (SNB-19), melanoma (MDA-MB-435), and non-small cell lung cancer (HOP-62) cell lines. The in vitro cytotoxic half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) values for the most active compounds 4c, 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6g against the most sensitive cell lines were evaluated. Additionally, screening their cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitory activity was performed. Ortho-chloro-benzylideneamino derivative 6b emerged as the most potent compound with IC50 = 0.67 µM compared to Roscovitine (IC50 = 0.64 µM). The most active candidates arrested the cell cycle at G1, S phases, or both, leading to cell death and inducing apoptosis against CNS (SNB-19), melanoma (MDA-MB-435), and non-small cell lung cancer (HOP-62) cell lines. The molecular docking study verified the resulting outcomes for the most active candidates in the CDK2-binding pocket. Finally, physicochemical, and pharmacokinetic properties deduced that compounds 4c, 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6g displayed significant drug-likeness properties. According to the obtained results, the newly targeted compounds are regarded as promising scaffolds for the continued development of novel CDK2 inhibitors.

Brain Cancer

Cancer is a significant threat to public health and a leading cause of morbidity across the globe. Of all cancers, brain cancer can be particularly catastrophic as treatment often fails to achieve the desired degree of effectiveness and diagnosis remains associated with a high mortality rate. Africa, as a continent with resource-limited countries, needs to allocate the necessary proper healthcare infrastructure to significantly reduce cancer rates and improve patient survival. A World Health Organization (WHO) Feb 2018 report has recently shown that mortality rate due to brain or central nervous system (CNS) cancer is the highest in the Asian continent. It is of critical importance that cancer be detected earlier so that many of these lives can be saved. As cancer diagnosis is highly invasive, time consuming and expensive, there is an immediate requirement to develop a non-invasive, cost-effective and efficient tools for brain cancer characterization and grade estimation. Brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), as well as other imaging modalities, are fast and safer methods for tumor detection. Another objective of this paper is to find the current issues in existing engineering methods and also project a future paradigm. Further, we have highlighted the relationship between brain cancer and other brain disorders like stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Wilson’s disease, leukoriaosis, and other neurological disorders in the context of machine learning and the deep learning paradigm.

Repotrectinib: First Approval.

Repotrectinib (AUGTYRO™) is a next-generation, oral, small-molecule kinase inhibitor of proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase ROS1 (ROS1) and tropomyosin receptor tyrosine kinases (TRKs) TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC. It is being developed by Turning Point Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic solid tumours, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Repotrectinib is a next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor rationally designed to inhibit ROS1 and TRK fusion, including in the presence of resistance mutations such as solvent-front mutations. In November 2023, repotrectinib received its first approval in the USA for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive NSCLC. Repotrectinib is under regulatory review in China and the EU for NSCLC. Clinical studies of repotrectinib are ongoing in several countries in patients with NSCLC and other solid tumours (including primary central nervous system cancer) across both adult and paediatric patient populations. In addition, preclinical investigation of repotrectinib in multiple myeloma is underway in the USA. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of repotrectinib leading to this first approval for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive NSCLC.

Whole-Body Vibration in Oncology Rehabilitation: Perceived Benefits, Barriers, and Clinician Willingness

Background: Patients with active and prior cancer diagnoses suffer a sequela of physical effects that negatively impact quality of life. Improvements in commonly impacted physiological systems have been achieved with the use of whole-body vibration (WBV). Current usage, appropriate diagnoses, and clinician perceptions of WBV remain unknown despite an increasing body of literature. The purpose of this study was to examine current practices and understand perceived indications, benefits, and barriers for the use of WBV in patients with cancer, particularly of clinicians working with pediatric populations. Methods: A Web-based survey was distributed via e-mail and social media posts to clinicians across the United States serving patients with cancer diagnoses. Results: Of a total of 72 responses, less than 3% of clinicians are currently using WBV in clinical practice. Diagnoses perceived as most appropriate for the use of WBV included leukemia/lymphoma (63.6%), central nervous system cancers (49.4%), and neuroblastoma (46.8%). Bone cancers were reported as the most inappropriate diagnoses (49.4%). Perceived benefits of WBV include improvements in blood flow, muscular strength, and bone mineral density. Lack of training (82%) and access to equipment (75%) were the most commonly reported barriers to use. Conclusion: WBV is perceived to be useful, safe, and beneficial for targeting effects of antineoplastic treatment for patients with cancer diagnoses, though current use is limited because of barriers of cost, access, and clinician knowledge.

Association Between Age at Diabetes Diagnosis and Subsequent Incidence of Cancer: A Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort.

Diabetes presenting at a younger age has a more aggressive nature. We aimed to explore the association of age at type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis with subsequent cancer incidence in a large Chinese population. The prospective population-based longitudinal cohort included 428,568 newly diagnosed T2DM patients from 2011 to 2018. Participants were divided into six groups according to their age at diagnosis: 20-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and ≥75 years. The incidence of overall and 14 site-specific cancers was compared with the Shanghai general population including 100,649,346 person-years. A total of 18,853 and 582,643 overall cancer cases were recorded in the T2DM cohort and the general population. The age-standardized rate of overall cancer in T2DM patients was 501 (95% CI: 491, 511) per 100,000 person-years, and the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 1.10 (1.09, 1.12). Younger age at T2DM diagnosis was associated with higher incidence of overall and site-specific cancers. SIRs for overall cancer with T2DM diagnosis at ages 20-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and ≥75 years were 1.48 (1.41, 1.54), 1.30 (1.25, 1.35), 1.19 (1.15, 1.23), 1.16 (1.12, 1.20), 1.06 (1.02, 1.10), and 0.86 (0.84, 0.89), respectively. Similar trends were observed for site-specific cancers, including respiratory, colorectum, stomach, liver, pancreatic, bladder, central nervous system, kidney, and gallbladder cancer and lymphoma among both males and females. Our findings highlight the necessity of stratifying management for T2DM according to age of diagnosis. As with a range of vascular outcomes, age-standardized cancer risks are greater in earlier compared with later onset T2DM.

Using Performance Status to Identify Risk of Acute Care Transfer in Inpatient Cancer Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo identify patient factors associated with acute care transfer (ACT) among cancer survivors admitted for inpatient medical rehabilitation. DesignAn exploratory, observational design was used to analyze retrospective data from electronic medical records. SettingData were obtained from 3 separate inpatient rehabilitation hospitals within a private rehabilitation hospital system in the Northeast. ParticipantsMedical records were reviewed and analyzed for a total of 416 patients with a confirmed oncologic diagnosis treated in 1 of the inpatient rehabilitation hospitals between January and December 2020. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the incidence of an ACT. Covariates included the adapted Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) for inpatient rehabilitation, demographic information, admission date, re-admission status, discharge destination, and cancer-related variables, such as primary cancer diagnosis and presence/location of metastases. ResultsOne in 5 patients (21.2%) were transferred to acute care. Patients with hematologic cancer had a higher risk of ACT compared with those with central nervous system (CNS) cancer. Lower functional status, measured by the adapted KPS, was associated with a higher likelihood of ACT. Patients with an admission KPS score indicating the need for maximum assistance had the highest transfer rate (59.1%). ConclusionsThese findings highlight the medical complexity of this population and increased risk of an interrupted rehabilitation stay. Considering patients’ performance status, cancer type, and extent of disease may be important when assessing the appropriateness of IRF admission relative to patient quality of life. Earlier and improved understanding of the patient's prognosis will allow the cancer rehabilitation program to meet the patient's unique needs and facilitate an appropriate discharge to the community in an optimal window of time.