Master developmental pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog, are signaling systems that control proliferation, cell death,motility, migration, and stemness. These systems are not only commonly activated in many so...Master developmental pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog, are signaling systems that control proliferation, cell death,motility, migration, and stemness. These systems are not only commonly activated in many solid tumors, where they drive or contribute to cancer initiation, but also in primary and metastatic tumor development. The reactivation of developmental pathways in cancer stroma favors the development of cancer stem cells and allows their maintenance, indicating these signaling pathways as particularly attractive targets for efficient anticancer therapies, especially in advanced primary tumors and metastatic cancers. Metastasis is the worst feature of cancer development. This feature results from a cascade of events emerging from the hijacking of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion by transforming cells and is associated with poor survival, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. In the present review, we summarize and discuss experimental data suggesting pivotal roles for developmental pathways in cancer development and metastasis, considering the therapeutic potential. Emerging targeted antimetastatic therapies based on Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways are also discussed.展开更多
Mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs) are adult multipotent stem cells residing as pericytes in various tissues and organs where they can differentiate into specialized cells to replace dying cells and damaged tissues. Thes...Mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs) are adult multipotent stem cells residing as pericytes in various tissues and organs where they can differentiate into specialized cells to replace dying cells and damaged tissues. These cells are commonly found at injury sites and in tumors that are known to behave like "wounds that do not heal." In this article, we discuss the mechanisms of MSCs in migrating, homing, and repairing injured tissues. We also review a number of reports showing that tumor microenvironment triggers plasticity mechanisms in MSCs to induce malignant neoplastic tissue formation, maintenance, and chemoresistance, as well as tumor growth. The antitumor properties and therapeutic potential of MSCs are also discussed.展开更多
The possibility of treating degenerative diseases by stem cell-based approaches is a promising therapeutical option.Among major concerns for the clinical application of stem cells,some derive from the possibility that...The possibility of treating degenerative diseases by stem cell-based approaches is a promising therapeutical option.Among major concerns for the clinical application of stem cells,some derive from the possibility that stem cells may be rejected by the immune system as a consequence of histoincompatibility and that stem cells themselves may interfere with the normal functions of host immune response.Therefore,the immunogenicity and the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells must be carefully addressed.Although these properties are common features of different stem cell types,some peculiarities can be recognized and characterized for their proper clinical use.展开更多
Breast cancer is the most frequent female malignancy worldwide. Current strategies in breast cancer therapy,including classical chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, are usually associated with chemor...Breast cancer is the most frequent female malignancy worldwide. Current strategies in breast cancer therapy,including classical chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, are usually associated with chemoresistance and serious adverse effects. Advances in our understanding of changes affecting the interactome in advanced and chemoresistant breast tumors have provided novel therapeutic targets, including, cyclin dependent kinases, mammalian target of rapamycin,Notch, Wnt and Shh. Inhibitors of these molecules recently entered clinical trials in mono- and combination therapy in metastatic and chemo-resistant breast cancers. Anticancer epigenetic drugs, mainly histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, also entered clinical trials. Because of the complexity and heterogeneity of breast cancer, the future in therapy lies in the application of individualized tailored regimens. Emerging therapeutic targets and the implications for personalized-based therapy development in breast cancer are herein discussed.展开更多
After more than a decade of controversy on the role of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment,the emerging data shed light on pro-tumorigenic and potential anti-cancer factors,as well as on the roots of the discr...After more than a decade of controversy on the role of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment,the emerging data shed light on pro-tumorigenic and potential anti-cancer factors,as well as on the roots of the discrepancies.We discuss the pro-tumorigenic effects of stromal cells,considering the effects of tumor drivers like hypoxia and tumor stiffness on these cells,as well as stromal cell-mediated adiposity and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment,and cancer initiating cells'cellular senescence and adaptive metabolism.We summarize the emerging data supporting stromal cell therapeutic potential in cancer,discuss the possibility to reprogram stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment for anti-cancer effects,and explore some causes of discrepancies on the roles of stromal cells in cancer in the available literature.展开更多
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection now has a global resonance and represents a major threat for several patient populations.Observations from initial case series suggested that cancer...Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection now has a global resonance and represents a major threat for several patient populations.Observations from initial case series suggested that cancer patients in general might have an unfavorable outcome following coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),due to their underlying conditions and cytotoxic treatments.More recently,data regarding the incidence and clinical evolution of COVID-19 in lymphomas have been reported with the aim to identify those more frequently associated with severe complications and death.Patients with lymphoma appear particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection,only partly because of the detrimental effects of the anti-neoplastic regimens(chemotherapy,pathway inhibitors,monoclonal antibodies)on the immune system.Here,we systematically reviewed the current literature on COVID-19 in adult patients with lymphoma,with particular emphasis on disease course and prognostic factors.We also highlighted the potential differences in COVID-19 clinical picture according to lymphoma subtype,delivered treatment for the hematological disease and its relationship on how these patients have been managed thus far.展开更多
文摘Master developmental pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog, are signaling systems that control proliferation, cell death,motility, migration, and stemness. These systems are not only commonly activated in many solid tumors, where they drive or contribute to cancer initiation, but also in primary and metastatic tumor development. The reactivation of developmental pathways in cancer stroma favors the development of cancer stem cells and allows their maintenance, indicating these signaling pathways as particularly attractive targets for efficient anticancer therapies, especially in advanced primary tumors and metastatic cancers. Metastasis is the worst feature of cancer development. This feature results from a cascade of events emerging from the hijacking of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion by transforming cells and is associated with poor survival, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. In the present review, we summarize and discuss experimental data suggesting pivotal roles for developmental pathways in cancer development and metastasis, considering the therapeutic potential. Emerging targeted antimetastatic therapies based on Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways are also discussed.
文摘Mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs) are adult multipotent stem cells residing as pericytes in various tissues and organs where they can differentiate into specialized cells to replace dying cells and damaged tissues. These cells are commonly found at injury sites and in tumors that are known to behave like "wounds that do not heal." In this article, we discuss the mechanisms of MSCs in migrating, homing, and repairing injured tissues. We also review a number of reports showing that tumor microenvironment triggers plasticity mechanisms in MSCs to induce malignant neoplastic tissue formation, maintenance, and chemoresistance, as well as tumor growth. The antitumor properties and therapeutic potential of MSCs are also discussed.
文摘The possibility of treating degenerative diseases by stem cell-based approaches is a promising therapeutical option.Among major concerns for the clinical application of stem cells,some derive from the possibility that stem cells may be rejected by the immune system as a consequence of histoincompatibility and that stem cells themselves may interfere with the normal functions of host immune response.Therefore,the immunogenicity and the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells must be carefully addressed.Although these properties are common features of different stem cell types,some peculiarities can be recognized and characterized for their proper clinical use.
文摘Breast cancer is the most frequent female malignancy worldwide. Current strategies in breast cancer therapy,including classical chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, are usually associated with chemoresistance and serious adverse effects. Advances in our understanding of changes affecting the interactome in advanced and chemoresistant breast tumors have provided novel therapeutic targets, including, cyclin dependent kinases, mammalian target of rapamycin,Notch, Wnt and Shh. Inhibitors of these molecules recently entered clinical trials in mono- and combination therapy in metastatic and chemo-resistant breast cancers. Anticancer epigenetic drugs, mainly histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, also entered clinical trials. Because of the complexity and heterogeneity of breast cancer, the future in therapy lies in the application of individualized tailored regimens. Emerging therapeutic targets and the implications for personalized-based therapy development in breast cancer are herein discussed.
文摘After more than a decade of controversy on the role of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment,the emerging data shed light on pro-tumorigenic and potential anti-cancer factors,as well as on the roots of the discrepancies.We discuss the pro-tumorigenic effects of stromal cells,considering the effects of tumor drivers like hypoxia and tumor stiffness on these cells,as well as stromal cell-mediated adiposity and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment,and cancer initiating cells'cellular senescence and adaptive metabolism.We summarize the emerging data supporting stromal cell therapeutic potential in cancer,discuss the possibility to reprogram stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment for anti-cancer effects,and explore some causes of discrepancies on the roles of stromal cells in cancer in the available literature.
文摘Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection now has a global resonance and represents a major threat for several patient populations.Observations from initial case series suggested that cancer patients in general might have an unfavorable outcome following coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),due to their underlying conditions and cytotoxic treatments.More recently,data regarding the incidence and clinical evolution of COVID-19 in lymphomas have been reported with the aim to identify those more frequently associated with severe complications and death.Patients with lymphoma appear particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection,only partly because of the detrimental effects of the anti-neoplastic regimens(chemotherapy,pathway inhibitors,monoclonal antibodies)on the immune system.Here,we systematically reviewed the current literature on COVID-19 in adult patients with lymphoma,with particular emphasis on disease course and prognostic factors.We also highlighted the potential differences in COVID-19 clinical picture according to lymphoma subtype,delivered treatment for the hematological disease and its relationship on how these patients have been managed thus far.
