Significant Factor In Progression Research Articles

HER2 positivity predicts BCG unresponsiveness and adaptive immune cell exhaustion in EORTC risk-stratified cohort of bladder cancer.

Predicting the response to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy in high-risk patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is crucial, as failure may necessitate interventions, such as radical cystectomy or salvage therapy. With the recent classification of genetic class 2a (which has HER2 protein abundance as its signature mutation of ERBB2), evaluating its prognostic role and relationship with BCG response could yield important results. This retrospective study included 160 patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors at Gangneung Asan Hospital between 2000 and 2013 and were stratified based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk criteria. In addition, we analyzed a subset of 67 patients who had received BCG induction therapy to identify factors predictive of BCG treatment response. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of clinicopathological factors, HER2 positivity, and EORTC risk on recurrence, progression, survival, and BCG response. Each variable's prognostic significance was determined using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The tumor microenvironments (TMEs) were evaluated in relation to HER2 and EORTC risk. Patients with HER2+ had a higher median age, a greater prevalence of high-grade tumors, and more frequent recurrences. The univariate analysis demonstrated that the HER2+, intermediate (vs. low-risk) high (vs. low-risk), and EORTC recurrence risk groups were significantly associated with recurrence. In patients treated with BCG, only the HER2+ status predicted recurrence. In the univariate analysis for progression, age, high EORTC progression risk (vs. low-to-intermediate), HER2+, and programmed death-ligand 1 positive (PD-L1+) were significant factors. In multivariate analyses for progression, age, high EORTC progression risk, and PD-L1+ were significant factors for progression. HER2 expression was associated with the TME, influencing the proportion of PD-L1+ cells, as well as other markers of PD-1, CD8, and Ki67. The HER2+ status may be related to genetic characteristics that appear more frequently in older age, which suggests a potential for predicting the recurrence and response to BCG treatment. Additionally, analyzing TME trends of aggressive adaptive immune response characterized by HER2 expression provides insight into recurrence and BCG response mechanisms.

Sporadic non-ampullary duodenal adenoma with low-grade dysplasia: Natural history and clinical management.

Background and study aims Management strategies for sporadic non-ampullary duodenal adenoma with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) are not well established. This study aimed to analyze progression factors and determine suitable treatment strategies for LGD lesions. Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed consecutive LGD lesions (n = 125) in patients followed up for ≥ 6 months (median, 45 months) and evaluated the changes in clinicopathological features during follow-up. All LGD lesions were classified into two groups: stable LGD (no increase or < 5 mm increase in tumor size, with unchanged histological dysplasia grade) and progressive LGD (≥ 5 mm increase in tumor size and/or progression to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma). Results Eighty-six LGD were classified as stable and 39 as progressive. Location on the oral side of the papilla of Vater, large initial tumor size ( ≥ 10 mm), macroscopically complex type, red color, and nodularity were significantly frequent in progressive LGD than in stable LGD. In multivariate analysis, large initial tumor size (odds ratio [OR], 10.2; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 3.3–32.1; P < 0.001) and location on the oral side of the papilla of Vater (OR: 1.8, 95 % CI: 1.4–12.5; P = 0.012) were significant factors for progression. Moreover, initial tumor size < 5 mm rarely progressed (0%–3.9 %); however, initial tumor size ≥ 20 mm and 10–19 mm located on the oral side of the papilla of Vater had a high-risk progression rate (75.0–85.7 %). Conclusions According to the risk stratification of progression factors by initial tumor size and location, we can determine suitable treatment indications for LGD lesions.

Phase 1 dose escalation study of MGC018, an anti-B7-H3 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in patients with advanced solid tumors.

2631 Background: MGC018 is an investigational ADC with a duocarmycin payload linked to an anti-B7-H3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). B7-H3 is expressed on multiple solid tumors with limited normal tissue expression. It is hypothesized that MGC018 may exert activity against B7-H3-expressing tumors with an acceptable safety profile. Studies demonstrate that B7-H3 is a significant factor in progression and events of metastasis of multiple tumor types, including melanoma. Methods: This phase 1 study characterizes safety, maximum tolerated or maximum administered dose, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and tumor response per RECIST v1.1 of MGC018 in a 3+3+3 dose escalation design in patients with advanced solid tumors. MGC018 was administered intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks. Results: The study enrolled 29 patients of multiple tumor types, which included 3 melanoma patients refractory to ≥2 prior lines of checkpoint therapy. The study completed 5 of 6 planned dose cohorts (0.5 mg/kg - 4 mg/kg) as of the data cutoff of 21 January 2021. The final cohort of 4 mg/kg has 3 patients with ongoing treatment and follow-up at the date of submission. Dosing MGC018 IV every 3 weeks resulted in minimal serum accumulation. At least 1 treatment emergent adverse event occurred in 29 patients (100.0%); most common (≥25%) were anemia, neutropenia, fatigue, hyperpigmentation, infusion related reaction, nausea, and palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia. Two dose-limiting toxicities occurred; one grade 4 neutropenia (2 mg/kg) and one grade 3 fatigue lasting 7 days (4 mg/kg). No febrile neutropenia was reported. The 3 melanoma patients had reductions in target lesion sum of 24.4%, 27.5%, and 35% (unconfirmed partial response) and remain on treatment as of the data cutoff. The recommended phase 2 dose was determined to be 3 mg/kg. Conclusions: Results to date demonstrate a manageable safety profile, with early evidence of clinical activity in pretreated metastatic melanoma. Cohort expansion is ongoing using a recommended phase 2 dose of 3 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks. The planned enrollment includes advanced metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT03729596.

Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Ligand-Receptor Pairs Associated With BCP-ALL Prognosis.

B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is a blood cancer that originates from the abnormal proliferation of B-lymphoid progenitors. Cell population components and cell–cell interaction in the bone marrow microenvironment are significant factors for progression, relapse, and therapy resistance of BCP-ALL. In this study, we identified specifically expressed genes in B cells and myeloid cells by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data for seven BCP-ALL samples and four healthy samples obtained from a public database. Integrating 1356 bulk RNA sequencing samples from a public database and our previous study, we found a total of 57 significant ligand–receptor pairs (24 upregulated and 33 downregulated) in the autocrine crosstalk network of B cells. Via assessment of the communication between B cells and myeloid cells, another 29 ligand–receptor pairs were discovered, some of which notably affected survival outcomes. A score-based model was constructed with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) using these ligand–receptor pairs. Patients with higher scores had poorer prognoses. This model can be applied to create predictions for both pediatric and adult BCP-ALL patients.

Inhibition of USP14 suppresses the formation of foam cell by promoting CD36 degradation.

Atherosclerosis is regarded as a chronic progressive inflammatory disease and is a basic pathophysiological process in coronary artery disease which is life threatening in clinic. The formation of foam cell plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. OxLDL is a significant factor in progression of coronary artery disease. Our studies have demonstrated that USP14 promotes cancer development and mediates progression of cardiac hypertrophy and LPS‐induced inflammation. However, the underlying mechanism of USP14 is unknown. In this study, we found that the inhibition of USP14 significantly suppressed the oxLDL uptake, subsequently decreased the foam cell formation. Surprisingly, USP14 has an effect on the expression of CD36 but not SR‐A, ABCA1, Lox‐1, ABCG1 and SR‐Bl. Furthermore, USP14 stabilizes CD36 protein via cleaving the ubiquitin chain on CD36. Blocking CD36 activation using antibody‐dependent blocking assay remarkably attenuated the function of USP14 on the formation of foam cell. In summary, our results suggested that the inhibition of USP14 decreases foam cell formation by down‐regulating CD36‐mediated lipid uptake and provides a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

The role of mineral and bone disorders in the development and progression of cardiac and renal pathology in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus of long duration

AimsThe objective of our study was to evaluate the role of mineral and bone metabolism disorders associated with chronic kidney disease (MBD-CKD) in the development and progression of cardiac and renal pathology in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) of long duration. MethodsWe investigated 96 patients with T1DM of long duration, with CKD at different stages (0–5), including patients on hemodialysis (HD) and with kidney transplantation (KT). Along with overall clinical examination, we assessed markers of MBD (calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, vitamin D, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23) and levels of cardiac injury marker (atrial natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP). Multispiral computer tomography with Agatston index calculation was also included. ResultsDecreased kidney function was associated with increased of levels phosphorus, parathormone, FGF 23, and vitamin D deficiency, with the highest deviation from the reference ranges seen in patients on HD with a very high risk of cardiovascular events. In KT patients with satisfactory graft function, these parameters were at the same levels as in patients with CKD stages 0–4. Progression of cardiovascular pathology was accompanied by elevation of NT-proBNP levels as CKD duration increased, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and were correlated with the main parameters of mineral homeostasis. The severity of coronary arteries calcification was associated with patient age and duration of T1DM and arterial hypertension. ConclusionsDevelopment and progression of kidney dysfunction is accompanied by MBD, a significant factor in progression of cardiac pathology, which remains a major cause of mortality in this patient population.

Extensive bone marrow infiltration and abnormal free light chain ratio identifies patients with asymptomatic myeloma at high risk for progression to symptomatic disease

Asymptomatic multiple myeloma (AMM) is characterized by a constant risk of progression to symptomatic myeloma. To evaluate previously recognized risk factors and to identify high-risk features we analyzed 96 patients with AMM and at least 18 months of follow-up. The progression rate at 1,2, and 3 years was 8%, 15% and 26%, respectively, and the projected 5-year progression rate was 38%. Extensive bone marrow (BM) infiltration, abnormal free light chain (FLC) ratio and serum monoclonal (M)-protein ≥ 3 gr/dl were the most significant factors for progression, whereas the type of heavy (IgG vs IgA) or light chain or immunoparesis of the uninvolved immunoglobulins were not. Abnormal marrow signal of magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was associated with a significant risk of progression (median 15 months, P=0.001). Extensive BM infiltration ≥ 60% (hazard ratio, HR: 13.7, P<0.001) and FLC ratio ≥ 100 (HR: 9, P=0.003) independently identified a 'very high-risk' group, which included 12.5% of patients with AMM and who progressed ≤ 18 months from initial diagnosis. Development of anemia and/or lytic bone lesions were the most common features of symptomatic progression. In conclusion, there is a subgroup of patients who have a substantial risk of progression to symptomatic disease that can be detected at diagnosis (either by extensive BM infiltration ≥ 60% or FLC ratio ≥ 100) and may be considered for immediate treatment.

Intra‐islet proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes contributes to insulitis progression

Infiltration of pancreatic islets by immune cells, termed insulitis, increases progressively once it begins and leads to clinical type 1 diabetes. But even after diagnosis some islets remain unaffected and infiltration is patchy rather than uniform. Traffic of autoreactive T cells into the pancreas is likely to contribute to insulitis progression but it could also depend on T-cell proliferation within islets. This study utilizes transgenic NOD mice to assess the relative contributions of these two mechanisms. Progression of insulitis in NOD8.3 TCR transgenic mice was mildly reduced by inhibition of T-cell migration with the drug FTY720. In FTY720-treated mice, reduced beta cell MHC class I expression prevented progression of insulitis both within affected islets and to previously unaffected islets. CTL proliferation was significantly reduced in islets with reduced or absent beta cell expression of MHC class I protein. This indicates that intra-islet proliferation, apparently dependent on beta cell antigen presentation, in addition to recruitment, is a significant factor in progression of insulitis.

ZAP-70 Status Does Not Predict Outcome after Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation (NST) in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) That Fails To Respond to Conventional Chemoimmunotherapy.

Recent studies demonstrated that ZAP-70 is an important prognostic factor in CLL. Patients (pts) who were ZAP-70 positive were reported to have an early time to treatment failure and a shorter survival. We determined the effect of ZAP-70 status on the outcome of NST in pts with advanced relapsed CLL.Between 1999 and 2005, 39 pts were enrolled, ranging in age from 34 to 70 years (median, 57 years). All pts had recurrent advanced CLL and had been previously treated with fludarabine-rituximab-based regimens. Each pt had received 2 to 8 (median, 3) chemotherapy regimens. Thirty-four pts (87%) had active disease at the time of study entry. Using immunohistochemical techniques on marrow biopsy samples, we determined that 25 pts were ZAP-70 positive, 13 were ZAP-70 negative, and 1 was of indeterminate status. All pts received a preparative regimen of fludarabine (30 mg/m2 daily for 3 days), intravenous cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2 daily for 3 days), and high-dose rituximab, as previously reported. Thirty-five pts underwent allogeneic transplantation from a sibling donor and 4 from a matched unrelated donor.The median number of CD34+ cells infused ranged from 1.96 to 6.6 x 106 /kg (median, 4.7 x 106 /kg). Neutrophil counts recovered to > 0.5 x 109/L at a median of 10 days after NST. Donor cells failed to engraft in 1 patient. The median percentage of donor T cells at day 30 was 68% (range, 0%-100%), and increased to 93% and 100% at days 90 and 180, respectively (P < 0.001).Fourteen pts experienced disease progression after transplantation and required immunomanipulation. The last progressions within the whole group and among those patients who were ZAP-70 positive occurred at 23 and 18 months, respectively after transplantation. By multivariate analysis, chemorefractory disease (P = 0.01) and having mixed T cell chimerism at day 90 (P = 0.02), but not ZAP-70 positivity, were identified as the most significant factors for progression after transplantation. Of the 14 pts who required immunomanipulation after transplantation, 6 experienced a complete response (CR) and 1 had a partial response. Responses occurred after therapy with rituximab and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) (median, 1 dose of 1 x 107 CD3+/kg). Overall, of the 38 evaluable patients, 27 (71%) experienced a CR. The incidence of acute grade II-IV GVHD was 45%, whereas the incidence of chronic extensive GVHD, pre- and post-DLI, was 58%.With a median follow-up time of 27 months (range, 4–80 months), the estimated overall survival (OS) and current progression-free survival (CFPS) rates at 4 years was 48% and 44%, respectively. Pts who were ZAP-70 positive had a median follow-up period of 41 months (range, 5–80 months). Their estimated OS and CPFS rates at 4 years were estimated to be 56% and 53%, respectively. These results indicate that NST can overcome the negative prognostic feature of ZAP-70 expression in advanced CLL.

Reduced-intensity hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for malignant lymphoma: a retrospective survey of 112 adult patients in Japan

We conducted a nation-wide survey of 112 adult Japanese patients who underwent reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation (RIST) from 1999 to 2002. Underlying diseases included indolent (n=45), aggressive (n=58) and highly aggressive lymphomas (n=9). Median age of the patients was 49 years. A total of 40 patients (36%) had relapsed diseases after autologous stem cell transplantation and 36 patients (32%) had received radiotherapy. RIST regimens were fludarabine-based (n=95), low-dose total body irradiation-based (n=6) and others (n=11). Cumulative incidences of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and chronic GVHD were, respectively, 49 and 59%. Cumulative incidences of progression and progression-free mortality were 18 and 25%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 23.9 months, 3-year overall survival rates were 59%. A multivariate analysis identified three significant factors for progression, which are history of radiation (relative risk (RR) 3.45, confidential interval (CI) 1.12-10.0, P=0.03), central nervous system involvement (RR 6.25, CI 2.08-20.0, P=0.001) and development of GVHD (RR 0.28, CI 0.090-0.86, P=0.026). RIST may have decreased the rate of transplant-related mortality, and GVHD may have induced a graft-versus-lymphoma effect. However, whether or not these potential benefits can be directly translated into improved patient survival should be evaluated in further studies.