and Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Zinc-Itraconazole Complexes in Protozoan Parasites and Sporothrix spp. [Susceptibility] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 The new complexes Zn(ITZ)2Cl2 (1) and Zn(ITZ)2(OH)2 (2) were synthetized by a reaction of itraconazole with their respective zinc salts under reflux. These Zn-ITZ complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C{1H} nuclear magnetic resonance, and UV-vis and infrared spectroscopies. The antiparasitic and antifungal activity of Zn-ITZ complexes was evaluated against three protozoans of medical importance, namely, Leishmania amazonensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Toxoplasma gondii, and two fungi, namely, Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii. The Zn-ITZ complexes exhibited a broad spectrum of action, with antiparasitic and antifungal activity in low concentrations. The strategy of combining zinc with ITZ was efficient to enhance ITZ activity since Zn-ITZ-complexes were more active than the azole alone. This study opens perspectives for future applications of these Zn-ITZ complexes in the treatment of parasitic diseases and sporotrichosis. Full Article
and In Vitro and Intracellular Activities of Omadacycline against Legionella pneumophila [Susceptibility] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Omadacycline is an aminomethylcycline antibiotic with in vitro activity against pathogens causing community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). This study investigated the activity of omadacycline against Legionella pneumophila strains isolated between 1995 and 2014 from nosocomial or community-acquired respiratory infections. Omadacycline exhibited extracellular activity similar to comparator antibiotics; intracellular penetrance was found by day 3 of omadacycline exposure. These results support the utility of omadacycline as an effective antibiotic for the treatment of CABP caused by L. pneumophila. Full Article
and Activity of Cefiderocol and Comparators against Isolates from Cancer Patients [Susceptibility] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Cefiderocol inhibited 97.5% of 478 Gram-negative isolates from cancer patients at ≤4 mg/liter. It had potent activity against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Acinetobacter species isolates. Amikacin, ceftazidime-avibactam, and meropenem had appreciable activity against non-CRE Enterobacteriaceae. No comparators were active against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. Only trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole had appreciable activity against S. maltophilia isolates. Overall, cefiderocol was associated with the lowest level of resistance. Full Article
and Abacavir Exposure in Children Cotreated for Tuberculosis with Rifampin and Superboosted Lopinavir-Ritonavir [Pharmacology] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 In children requiring lopinavir coformulated with ritonavir in a 4:1 ratio (lopinavir-ritonavir-4:1) and rifampin, adding ritonavir to achieve a 4:4 ratio with lopinavir (LPV/r-4:4) overcomes the drug-drug interaction. Possible drug-drug interactions within this regimen may affect abacavir concentrations, but this has never been studied. Children weighing <15 kg needing rifampin and LPV/r-4:4 were enrolled in a pharmacokinetic study and underwent intensive pharmacokinetic sampling on 3 visits: (i) during the intensive and (ii) continuation phases of antituberculosis treatment with LPV/r-4:4 and (iii) 1 month after antituberculosis treatment completion on LPV/r-4:1. Pharmacometric modeling and simulation were used to compare exposures across weight bands with adult target exposures. Eighty-seven children with a median (interquartile range) age and weight of 19 (4 to 64) months and 8.7 (3.9 to 14.9) kg, respectively, were included in the abacavir analysis. Abacavir pharmacokinetics were best described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination and transit compartment absorption. After allometric scaling adjusted for the effect of body size, maturation could be identified: clearance was predicted to be fully mature at about 2 years of age and to reach half of this mature value at about 2 months of age. Abacavir bioavailability decreased 36% during treatment with rifampin and LPV/r-4:4 but remained within the median adult recommended exposure, except for children in the 3- to 4.9-kg weight band, in which the exposures were higher. The observed predose morning trough concentrations were higher than the evening values. Though abacavir exposure significantly decreased during concomitant administration of rifampin and LPV/r-4:4, it remained within acceptable ranges. (This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02348177.) Full Article
and Whole-Cell Phenotypic Screening of Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box Identifies Specific Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Late-Stage Development and Egress [Experimental Therapeutics] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 We report a systematic, cellular phenotype-based antimalarial screening of the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box collection, which facilitated the identification of specific blockers of late-stage intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum. First, from standard growth inhibition assays, we identified 173 molecules with antimalarial activity (50% effective concentration [EC50] ≤ 10 μM), which included 62 additional molecules over previously known antimalarial candidates from the Pathogen Box. We identified 90 molecules with EC50 of ≤1 μM, which had significant effect on the ring-trophozoite transition, while 9 molecules inhibited the trophozoite-schizont transition and 21 molecules inhibited the schizont-ring transition (with ≥50% parasites failing to proceed to the next stage) at 1 μM. We therefore rescreened all 173 molecules and validated hits in microscopy to prioritize 12 hits as selective blockers of the schizont-ring transition. Seven of these molecules inhibited the calcium ionophore-induced egress of Toxoplasma gondii, a related apicomplexan parasite, suggesting that the inhibitors may be acting via a conserved mechanism which could be further exploited for target identification studies. We demonstrate that two molecules, MMV020670 and MMV026356, identified as schizont inhibitors in our screens, induce the fragmentation of DNA in merozoites, thereby impairing their ability to egress and invade. Further mechanistic studies would facilitate the therapeutic exploitation of these molecules as broadly active inhibitors targeting late-stage development and egress of apicomplexan parasites relevant to human health. Full Article
and Distinct Mechanisms of Dissemination of NDM-1 Metallo-{beta}-Lactamase in Acinetobacter Species in Argentina [Epidemiology and Surveillance] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 A 4-year surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolates in Argentina identified 40 strains carrying blaNDM-1. Genome sequencing revealed that most were Acinetobacter baumannii, whereas seven represented other Acinetobacter spp. The A. baumannii genomes were closely related, suggesting recent spread. blaNDM-1 was located in the chromosome of A. baumannii strains and on a plasmid in non-A. baumannii strains. A resistance gene island carrying blaPER-7 and other resistance determinants was found on a plasmid in some A. baumannii strains. Full Article
and Whole-Genome Characterization of a Shewanella algae Strain Coharboring blaCTX-M-15 and armA Genes on a Novel IncC Plasmid [Letters] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Full Article
and Enhanced Efflux Pump Expression in Candida Mutants Results in Decreased Manogepix Susceptibility [Mechanisms of Resistance] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Manogepix is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis. Using whole-genome sequencing, we characterized two efflux-mediated mechanisms in the fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis that resulted in decreased manogepix susceptibility. In C. albicans, a gain-of-function mutation in the transcription factor gene ZCF29 activated expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter genes CDR11 and SNQ2. In C. parapsilosis, a mitochondrial deletion activated expression of the major facilitator superfamily transporter gene MDR1. Full Article
and Dose Optimization of Cefpirome Based on Population Pharmacokinetics and Target Attainment during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation [Clinical Therapeutics] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 To obtain the optimal dosage regimen in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), we developed a population pharmacokinetics model for cefpirome and performed pharmacodynamic analyses. This prospective study included 15 patients treated with cefpirome during ECMO. Blood samples were collected during ECMO (ECMO-ON) and after ECMO (ECMO-OFF) at predose and 0.5 to 1, 2 to 3, 4 to 6, 8 to 10, and 12 h after cefpirome administration. The population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling and stepwise covariate modeling. Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess the probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) according to the MIC distribution. Cefpirome pharmacokinetics were best described by a two-compartment model. Covariate analysis indicated that serum creatinine concentration (SCr) was negatively correlated with clearance, and the presence of ECMO increased clearance and the central volume of distribution. The simulations showed that patients with low SCr during ECMO-ON had lower PTA than patients with high SCr during ECMO-OFF; so, a higher dosage of cefpirome was required. Cefpirome of 2 g every 8 h for intravenous bolus injection or 2 g every 12 h for extended infusion over 4 h was recommended with normal kidney function receiving ECMO. We established a population pharmacokinetic model for cefpirome in patients with ECMO, and appropriate cefpirome dosage regimens were recommended. The impact of ECMO could be due to the change in patient status on consideration of the small population and uncertainty in covariate relationships. Dose optimization of cefpirome may improve treatment success and survival in patients receiving ECMO. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02581280.) Full Article
and Antimicrobial Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam and Comparators against Clinical Isolates of Haemophilus influenzae from the United States and Europe [Susceptibility] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Nine hundred Haemophilus influenzae clinical isolates from 83 U.S. and European medical centers were tested for susceptibility by reference broth microdilution methods against ceftolozane-tazobactam and comparators. Results were stratified by β-lactamase production and infection type. Overall, ceftolozane-tazobactam MIC50/90 values were 0.12/0.25 mg/liter, and 99.0% of isolates were inhibited at the susceptible breakpoint of ≤0.5 mg/liter; the highest MIC value was only 2 mg/liter. Our results support using ceftolozane-tazobactam to treat H. influenzae infections. Full Article
and Molecular and Clinical Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant and Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains from Liver Abscess in Taiwan [Epidemiology and Surveillance] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains are the major cause of liver abscesses throughout East Asia, and these strains are usually antibiotic susceptible. Recently, multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent (MDR-HV) K. pneumoniae strains have emerged due to hypervirulent strains acquiring antimicrobial resistance determinants or the transfer of a virulence plasmid into a classic MDR strain. In this study, we characterized the clinical and microbiological properties of K. pneumoniae liver abscess (KPLA) caused by MDR-HV strains in Taiwan. Patients with community onset KPLA were retrospectively identified at Taipei Veterans General Hospital during January 2013 to May 2018. Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, capsular types, and sequence types were determined. MDR-HV strains and their parental antimicrobial-susceptible strains further underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and in vivo mice lethality tests. Thirteen MDR-HV strains were identified from a total of 218 KPLA episodes. MDR-HV strains resulted in similar outcomes to antimicrobial-susceptible strains. All MDR-HV strains were traditional hypervirulent clones carrying virulence capsular types. The major resistance mechanisms were the overexpression of efflux pumps and/or the acquisition of ESBL or AmpC β-lactamase genes. WGS revealed that two hypervirulent strains had evolved to an MDR phenotype due to mutation in the ramR gene and the acquisition of an SHV-12-bearing plasmid, respectively. Both these MDR-HV strains retained high virulence compared to their parental strains. The spread of MDR-HV K. pneumoniae strains in the community raises significant public concerns, and measures should be taken to prevent the further acquisition of carbapenemase and other resistance genes among these strains in order to avoid the occurrence of untreatable KPLA. Full Article
and Unorthodox Parenteral {beta}-Lactam and {beta}-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations: Flouting Antimicrobial Stewardship and Compromising Patient Care [Commentary] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 In India and China, indigenous drug manufacturers market arbitrarily combined parenteral β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitors (BL-BLIs). In these fixed-dose combinations, sulbactam or tazobactam is indiscriminately combined with parenteral cephalosporins, with BLI doses kept in ratios similar to those for the approved BL-BLIs. Such combinations have been introduced into clinical practice without mandatory drug development studies involving pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, safety, and efficacy assessments being undertaken. Such unorthodox combinations compromise clinical outcomes and also potentially contribute to resistance development. Full Article
and The Novel Macrolide Resistance Genes mef(D), msr(F), and msr(H) Are Present on Resistance Islands in Macrococcus canis, Macrococcus caseolyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus [Mechanisms of Resistance] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Chromosomal resistance islands containing the methicillin resistance gene mecD (McRImecD) have been reported in Macrococcus caseolyticus. Here, we identified novel macrolide resistance genes in Macrococcus canis on similar elements, called McRImsr. These elements were also integrated into the 3' end of the 30S ribosomal protein S9 gene (rpsI), delimited by characteristic attachment (att) sites, and carried a related site-specific integrase gene (int) at the 5' end. They carried novel macrolide resistance genes belonging to the msr family of ABC subfamily F (ABC-F)-type ribosomal protection protein [msr(F) and msr(H)] and the macrolide efflux mef family [mef(D)]. Highly related mef(D)-msr(F) fragments were found on diverse McRImsr elements in M. canis, M. caseolyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Another McRImsr-like element identified in an M. canis strain lacked the classical att site at the 3' end and carried the msr(H) gene but no neighboring mef gene. The expression of the novel resistance genes in S. aureus resulted in a low-to-moderate increase in the MIC of erythromycin but not streptogramin B. In the mef(D)-msr(F) operon, the msr(F) gene was shown to be the crucial determinant for macrolide resistance. The detection of circular forms of McRImsr and the mef(D)-msr(F) fragment suggested mobility of both the island and the resistance gene subunit. The discovery of McRImsr in different Macrococcus species and S. aureus indicates that these islands have a potential for dissemination of antibiotic resistance within the Staphylococcaceae family. Full Article
and ISEcp1-Mediated Transposition Leads to Fosfomycin and Broad-Spectrum Cephalosporin Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae [Mechanisms of Resistance] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 A fosfomycin-resistant and carbapenemase (OXA-48)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate was recovered, and whole-genome sequencing revealed ISEcp1-blaCTX-M-14b tandemly inserted upstream of the chromosomally encoded lysR-fosA locus. Quantitative evaluation of the expression of lysR and fosA genes showed that this insertion brought a strong hybrid promoter leading to overexpression of the fosA gene, resulting in fosfomycin resistance. This work showed the concomitant acquisition of resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins and fosfomycin due to a single genetic event. Full Article
and Levonadifloxacin, a Novel Benzoquinolizine Fluoroquinolone, Modulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Human Whole-Blood Assay and Murine Acute Lung Injury Model [Pharmacology] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Fluoroquinolones are reported to possess immunomodulatory activity; hence, a novel benzoquinolizine fluoroquinolone, levonadifloxacin, was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human whole-blood (HWB) and mouse acute lung injury (ALI) models. Levonadifloxacin significantly mitigated the inflammatory responses in an HWB assay through inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and in the ALI model by lowering lung total white blood cell count, myeloperoxidase, and cytokine levels. The immunomodulatory effect of levonadifloxacin, along with promising antibacterial activity, is expected to provide clinical benefits in the treatment of infections. Full Article
and Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype III Evinces a Resistance to Albendazole Treatment in both Immunodeficient and Immunocompetent Mice [Experimental Therapeutics] By aac.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-21T08:01:09-07:00 Of four genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. cuniculi genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas E. cuniculi genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of Encephalitozoon species, its failure in control of E. cuniculi genotype III infection has been reported. This study determined the effect of a 100x recommended daily dose of albendazole on an Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III course of infection in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and compared the results with those from experiments performed with a lower dose of albendazole and E. cuniculi genotype II. The administration of the regular dose of abendazole during the acute phase of infection reduced the number of affected organs in all strains of mice and absolute counts of spores in screened organs. However, the effect on genotype III was minor. Surprisingly, no substantial effect was recorded after the use of a 100x dose of albendazole, with larger reductions seen only in the number of affected organs and absolute counts of spores in all strains of mice, implying variations in albendazole resistance between these Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotypes. These results imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on the immunological status of the host but also on the genotype causing the infection. Understanding how microsporidia survive in hosts despite targeted antimicrosporidial treatment could significantly contribute to research related to human health. Full Article
and Correction: Senescence Sensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells Is Defined by Positive Feedback Loop between CIP2A and E2F1 [Correction] By cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 Full Article
and Plasma DNA End-Motif Profiling as a Fragmentomic Marker in Cancer, Pregnancy, and Transplantation [Research Briefs] By cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 Plasma DNA fragmentomics is an emerging area of research covering plasma DNA sizes, end points, and nucleosome footprints. In the present study, we found a significant increase in the diversity of plasma DNA end motifs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared with patients without HCC, patients with HCC showed a preferential pattern of 4-mer end motifs. In particular, the abundance of plasma DNA motif CCCA was much lower in patients with HCC than in subjects without HCC. The aberrant end motifs were also observed in patients with other cancer types, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We further observed that the profile of plasma DNA end motifs originating from the same organ, such as the liver, placenta, and hematopoietic cells, generally clustered together. The profile of end motifs may therefore serve as a class of biomarkers for liquid biopsy in oncology, noninvasive prenatal testing, and transplantation monitoring. Significance: Plasma DNA molecules originating from the liver, HCC and other cancers, placenta, and hematopoietic cells each harbor a set of characteristic plasma DNA end motifs. Such markers carry tissue-of-origin information and represent a new class of biomarkers in the nascent field of fragmentomics. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 627 Full Article
and Non-Stem Cells Seed Colorectal Cancer Metastases and Gain Stem Traits [Metastasis] By cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 LGR5– cells seed colorectal cancer metastases and produce stemlike LGR5+ outgrowth-promoting cells. Full Article
and Retinoic Acid Mediates Monocyte Differentiation and Immune Response [Immunology] By cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 Tumor-derived retinoic acid promotes monocyte differentiation into immunosuppressive macrophages. Full Article
and Gastrin Blocks Symmetric Stem-Cell Division and Gastric Tumorigenesis [Gastric Cancer] By cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 Symmetric division of stem cells positive for gastrin receptor CCK2R is linked to gastric cancer. Full Article
and RNA sequencing profiles and diagnostic signatures linked with response to ramucirumab in gastric cancer [RESEARCH REPORT] By molecularcasestudies.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:30:17-07:00 Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth-ranked cancer type by associated mortality. The proportion of early diagnosis is low, and most patients are diagnosed at the advanced stages. First-line therapy standardly includes fluoropyrimidines and platinum compounds with trastuzumab for HER2-positive cases. For recurrent disease, there are several alternative options including ramucirumab, a monoclonal therapeutic antibody that inhibits VEGF-mediated tumor angiogenesis by binding with VEGFR2, alone or in combination with other cancer drugs. However, overall response rate following ramucirumab or its combinations is 30%–80% of the patients, suggesting that personalization of drug prescription is needed to increase efficacy of treatment. We report here original tumor RNA sequencing profiles for 15 advanced GC patients linked with data on clinical response to ramucirumab or its combinations. Three genes showed differential expression in the tumors for responders versus nonresponders: CHRM3, LRFN1, and TEX15. Of them, CHRM3 was up-regulated in the responders. Using the bioinformatic platform Oncobox we simulated ramucirumab efficiency and compared output model results with actual tumor response data. An agreement was observed between predicted and real clinical outcomes (AUC ≥ 0.7). These results suggest that RNA sequencing may be used to personalize the prescription of ramucirumab for GC and indicate potential molecular mechanisms underlying ramucirumab resistance. The RNA sequencing profiles obtained here are fully compatible with the previously published Oncobox Atlas of Normal Tissue Expression (ANTE) data. Full Article
and The diagnostic challenges and clinical course of a myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and ZBTB20-JAK2 gene fusion presenting as B-lymphoblastic leukemia [RESEARCH REPORT] By molecularcasestudies.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:30:17-07:00 We report the diagnostic challenges and the clinical course of a patient with an extraordinary presentation of B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with eosinophilia. We identified a novel ZBTB20-JAK2 gene fusion as a chimeric RNA transcript using the Archer platform. This gene fusion from the same patient was recently identified by Peterson et al. (2019) at the genomic level using a different sequencing technology platform. The configuration of this gene fusion predicts the production of a kinase-activating JAK2 fusion protein, which would normally lead to a diagnosis of Philadelphia chromosome–like B-ALL (Ph-like B-ALL). However, the unusual presentation of eosinophilia led us to demonstrate the presence of this gene fusion in nonlymphoid hematopoietic cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies with morphologic correlation. Therefore, we believe this disease, in fact, represents blast crisis arising from an underlying myeloid neoplasm with JAK2 rearrangements. This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating Ph-like B-ALL and myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and gene rearrangements (MLN-EGR) in blast crisis. As currently defined, the diagnosis of MLN-EGR relies on the hematologic presentations and the identification of marker gene fusions (including PCM1-JAK2, ETV6-JAK2, and BCR-JAK2). However, these same gene fusions, when limited to B-lymphoblasts, also define Ph-like B-ALL. Yet, our case does not conform to either condition. Therefore, the assessment for lineage restriction of gene rearrangements to reflect the pathophysiologic difference between B-ALL and MLN-EGR in blast crisis is likely a more robust diagnostic approach and allows the inclusion of MLN-EGR with novel gene fusions. Full Article
and Tumoral and immune heterogeneity in an anti-PD-1-responsive glioblastoma: a case study [RESEARCH REPORT] By molecularcasestudies.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:30:17-07:00 Clinical benefit of immune checkpoint blockade in glioblastoma (GBM) is rare, and we hypothesize that tumor clonal evolution and the immune microenvironment are key determinants of response. Here, we present a detailed molecular characterization of the intratumoral and immune heterogeneity in an IDH wild-type, MGMT-negative GBM patient who plausibly benefited from anti-PD-1 therapy with an unusually long 25-mo overall survival time. We leveraged multiplex immunohistochemistry, RNA-seq, and whole-exome data from the primary tumor and three resected regions of recurrent disease to survey regional tumor-immune interactions, genomic instability, mutation burden, and expression profiles. We found significant regional heterogeneity in the neoantigenic and immune landscape, with a differential T-cell signature among recurrent sectors, a uniform loss of focal amplifications in EGFR, and a novel subclonal EGFR mutation. Comparisons with recently reported correlates of checkpoint blockade in GBM and with TCGA-GBM revealed appreciable intratumoral heterogeneity that may have contributed to a differential PD-1 blockade response. Full Article
and [CORRIGENDUM] Corrigendum: Niche Cells and Signals that Regulate Lung Alveolar Stem Cells In Vivo By cshperspectives.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T06:30:17-07:00 Full Article
and [Molecular Pathology] The Formation of Coronary Vessels in Cardiac Development and Disease By cshperspectives.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T06:30:17-07:00 Understanding how coronary blood vessels form and regenerate during development and progression of cardiac diseases will shed light on the development of new treatment options targeting coronary artery diseases. Recent studies with the state-of-the-art technologies have identified novel origins of, as well as new, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of coronary vessels in the postnatal heart, including collateral artery formation, endocardial-to-endothelial differentiation and mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition. These new mechanisms of coronary vessel formation and regeneration open up new possibilities targeting neovascularization for promoting cardiac repair and regeneration. Here, we highlight some recent studies on cellular mechanisms of coronary vessel formation, and discuss the potential impact and significance of the findings on basic research and clinical application for treating ischemic heart disease. Full Article
and [Cell Biology] Recent Insights on Inflammasomes, Gasdermin Pores, and Pyroptosis By cshperspectives.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T06:30:17-07:00 Inflammasomes assemble in the cytosol of myeloid and epithelial cells on sensing of cellular stress and pathogen-associated molecular patterns and serve as scaffolds for recruitment and activation of inflammatory caspases. Inflammasomes play beneficial roles in host and immune responses against diverse pathogens but may also promote inflammatory tissue damage if uncontrolled. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a recently identified substrate of murine caspase-1 and caspase-11, and human caspases-1, -4, and -5 that mediates a regulated lytic cell death mode termed pyroptosis. Recent studies have identified pyroptosis as a critical inflammasome effector mechanism that controls inflammasome-dependent cytokine secretion and contributes to antimicrobial defense and inflammasome-mediated autoinflammatory diseases. Here, we review recent developments on inflammasome-associated effector functions with an emphasis on the emerging roles of gasdermin pores and pyroptosis. Full Article
and [Molecular Pathology] Toward Combined Cell and Gene Therapy for Genodermatoses By cshperspectives.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T06:30:17-07:00 To date, more than 200 monogenic, often devastating, skin diseases have been described. Because of unmet medical needs, development of long-lasting and curative therapies has been consistently attempted, with the aim of correcting the underlying molecular defect. In this review, we will specifically address the few combined cell and gene therapy strategies that made it to the clinics. Based on these studies, what can be envisioned for the future is a patient-oriented strategy, built on the specific features of the individual in need. Most likely, a combination of different strategies, approaches, and advanced therapies will be required to reach the finish line at the end of the long and winding road hampering the achievement of definitive treatments for genodermatoses. Full Article
and [Cell Signaling] Store-Operated Calcium Channels: From Function to Structure and Back Again By cshperspectives.cshlp.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T06:30:17-07:00 Store-operated calcium (Ca2+) entry (SOCE) occurs through a widely distributed family of ion channels activated by the loss of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The best understood of these is the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, which is notable for its unique activation mechanism as well as its many essential physiological functions and the diverse pathologies that result from dysregulation. In response to ER Ca2+ depletion, CRAC channels are formed through a diffusion trap mechanism at ER–plasma membrane (PM) junctions, where the ER Ca2+-sensing stromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins bind and activate hexamers of Orai pore-forming proteins to trigger Ca2+ entry. Cell biological studies are clarifying the architecture of ER–PM junctions, their roles in Ca2+ and lipid transport, and functional interactions with cytoskeletal proteins. Molecular structures of STIM and Orai have inspired a multitude of mutagenesis and electrophysiological studies that reveal potential mechanisms for how STIM is toggled between inactive and active states, how it binds and activates Orai, and the importance of STIM-binding stoichiometry for opening the channel and establishing its signature characteristics of extremely high Ca2+ selectivity and low Ca2+ conductance. Full Article
and Erratum. Diabetes Is Primary: Timely News and Notes for Primary Care Providers. Clinical Diabetes 2020;38:4-8 (DOI: 10.2337/cd20-dp01) By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Full Article
and Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Full Article
and Good to Know: Kidney Disease: Signs and Treatment By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Full Article
and Optimizing Diabetes Care With the Standardized Continuous Glucose Monitoring Report By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Full Article
and Cleveland Clinic Foundation Internal Medicine Residency Program By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Quality Improvement Success Stories are published by the American Diabetes Association in collaboration with the American College of Physicians, Inc. (ACP), and the National Diabetes Education Program. This series is intended to highlight best practices and strategies from programs and clinics that have successfully improved the quality of care for people with diabetes or related conditions. Each article in the series is reviewed and follows a standard format developed by the editors of Clinical Diabetes. The following article describes an initiative of the Cleveland Clinic’s internal medicine residents to improve diabetes care and outcomes within an underserved patient population at an East Cleveland, OH, health center. Full Article
and Distribution of Highly Prevalent Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Association With Diabetes Complications in a Population of 140 Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes: A Retrospective Study in a French Diabetes Center By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Although they are usually not considered to be diabetes complications, musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) are common in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and can strongly interfere with daily diabetes care, especially in people using diabetes technologies. The authors of this retrospective study in a population of 140 patients with type 1 diabetes report the distribution of subtypes of MSKDs and speculate about the mechanisms involved. The authors emphasize the need for multidisciplinary care involving not only the diabetes care team but also orthopedic surgeons. This report should lead to large, prospective studies to increase knowledge about these under-studied complications. Full Article
and Beneficial Agents for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease or Obesity: Utilization in an Era of Accumulating Evidence By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 This study was an analysis of a national sample of U.S. medical office visits from 2014 to 2016, a period when evidence of effectiveness was emerging for a variety of beneficial type 2 diabetes agents with regard to potential reduction in diabetes comorbidities. Ideal therapy was defined as an American Diabetes Association–identified beneficial agent plus metformin. The associations between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or obesity and use of these agents were explored. Full Article
and “What’s the Point?”: Understanding Why People With Type 2 Diabetes Decline Structured Education By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Structured diabetes education (SDE) is an evidence-based intervention that supports self-management in people with type 2 diabetes. In the United Kingdom, health care providers working in primary care settings are responsible for referring people with type 2 diabetes to SDE programs. However, national audits record a high percentage of nonattenders. We explored the personal experience of living with type 2 diabetes that led to individuals declining invitations to attend SDE programs. The themes suggested that emotional, cognitive, and social issues related to diagnosis and living with diabetes may be responsible for declining to attend SDE and that these factors may be masked by explanations of practical barriers. A person-centered approach to understanding the personal meaning of being diagnosed and living with type 2 diabetes may help to identify individuals’ psychosocial barriers to attending SDE. Full Article
and Primary Care Providers in California and Florida Report Low Confidence in Providing Type 1 Diabetes Care By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 People with type 1 diabetes may receive a significant portion of their care from primary care providers (PCPs). To understand the involvement of PCPs in delivering type 1 diabetes care, we performed surveys in California and Florida, two of the most populous and diverse states in the United States. PCPs fill insulin prescriptions but report low confidence in providing type 1 diabetes care and difficulty accessing specialty referrals to endocrinologists. Full Article
and Flash Continuous Home Glucose Monitoring to Improve Adherence to Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose and Self-Efficacy in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Adolescents with type 1 diabetes face self-management challenges that make it difficult for them to achieve good glycemic control. In our population of adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improved patients’ glycemic time in range (TIR) and identified hypoglycemia more frequently than with intermittent self-monitoring of blood glucose throughout a 4-week interval. However, the adolescents were unable to synthesize this information to problem-solve or reduce the frequency of hypoglycemic events. Setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) diabetes management goals and providing intensive diabetes education and support could increase adolescents’ TIR and prevent hypoglycemia. Full Article
and Timely News and Notes for Primary Care Providers from the American Diabetes Association By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-15T12:00:21-07:00 Full Article
and Lipid Trait Variants and the Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Subtypes: A Mendelian Randomization Study By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Lipid traits have been inconsistently linked to risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We examined the association of genetically predicted lipid traits with risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: Genome-wide association study data from the InterLymph Consortium were available for 2,661 DLBCLs, 2,179 CLLs, 2,142 FLs, 824 MZLs, and 6,221 controls. SNPs associated (P < 5 x 10–8) with high-density lipoprotein (HDL, n = 164), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, n = 137), total cholesterol (TC, n = 161), and triglycerides (TG, n = 123) were used as instrumental variables (IV), explaining 14.6%, 27.7%, 16.8%, and 12.8% of phenotypic variation, respectively. Associations between each lipid trait and NHL subtype were calculated using the MR inverse variance–weighted method, estimating odds ratios (OR) per standard deviation and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: HDL was positively associated with DLBCL (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.00–1.30) and MZL (OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01–1.18), while TG was inversely associated with MZL risk (OR = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83–0.99), all at nominal significance (P < 0.05). A positive trend was observed for HDL with FL risk (OR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.99–1.19; P = 0.087). No associations were noteworthy after adjusting for multiple testing. Conclusions: We did not find evidence of a clear or strong association of these lipid traits with the most common NHL subtypes. While these IVs have been previously linked to other cancers, our findings do not support any causal associations with these NHL subtypes. Impact: Our results suggest that prior reported inverse associations of lipid traits are not likely to be causal and could represent reverse causality or confounding. Full Article
and Objectively-Measured Light-Intensity Physical Activity and Risk of Cancer Mortality: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: The impact of light-intensity physical activity (LPA) in preventing cancer mortality has been questioned. To address this concern, the present meta-analysis aimed to quantify the association between objectively-measured LPA and risk of cancer mortality. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus to January 2020. Prospective cohort studies reporting the association between objectively-measured LPA using activity monitors (e.g., accelerometers) and risk of cancer mortality in the general population were included. The summary hazard ratios (HR) per 30 min/day of LPA and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained using a random-effects model. Dose–response analysis was used to plot their relationship. Results: Five prospective cohort studies were included, in which the definition of LPA based on accelerometer readings was mainly set within 100 to 2,100 counts/min. The summary HR for cancer mortality per 30 min/day of LPA was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79–0.95; I2 < 1%), and the association between LPA and risk reduction in cancer mortality was linearly shaped (Pnonlinearity = 0.72). LPA exhibited a comparable magnitude of risk reduction in cancer mortality of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity regardless of equal time-length (0.87 per 30 min/day vs. 0.94 per 30 min/day, Pinteraction = 0.46) or equal amount (0.74 vs. 0.94 per 150 metabolic equivalents-min/day, Pinteraction = 0.11). Furthermore, replacing sedentary time by LPA of 30 min/day decreased the risk of cancer mortality by 9%. Conclusions: Objectively-measured LPA conferred benefits in decreasing the risk of cancer mortality. Impact: LPA should be considered in physical activity guidelines to decrease the risk of cancer mortality. Full Article
and Prediagnostic Circulating Levels of Sex Steroid Hormones and SHBG in Relation to Risk of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast among UK Women By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Sex steroid hormones and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) have been implicated in the etiology of invasive breast cancer, but their associations with risk of the precursor lesion, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast, remain unclear. Methods: We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the associations of serum levels of estradiol (premenopausal women only), testosterone, and/or SHBG with DCIS risk among 182,935 women. After a median follow-up of 7.1 years, 186 and 531 DCIS cases were ascertained in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively. Results: Total and free estradiol were positively associated with risk of DCIS among premenopausal women. The HRs for the highest versus the lowest tertiles were 1.54 (1.06–2.23) and 1.72 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–2.57], respectively. Among postmenopausal women, elevated levels of free testosterone (FT), and to a lesser extent, total testosterone, were positively associated with DCIS risk. The HRs for the highest versus the lowest quartiles were 1.42 (95% CI, 1.09–1.85) and 1.16 (95% CI, 0.91–1.48), respectively. Serum SHBG levels were inversely associated with risk of DCIS among postmenopausal women (HRq4 vs. q1: 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56–0.99). Conclusions: This study suggests that elevated levels of estradiol are associated with increased risk of DCIS among premenopausal women, and that among postmenopausal women, elevated levels of testosterone, and particularly those of FT, are associated with increased DCIS risk, while elevated levels of SHBG are associated with reduced risk. Impact: These findings may be helpful in developing prevention strategies aimed at reducing breast cancer risk among premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Full Article
and Alcohol and Tobacco Use in Relation to Mammographic Density in 23,456 Women By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Percent density (PD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer that is potentially modifiable by lifestyle factors. PD is a composite of the dense (DA) and nondense (NDA) areas of a mammogram, representing predominantly fibroglandular or fatty tissues, respectively. Alcohol and tobacco use have been associated with increased breast cancer risk. However, their effects on mammographic density (MD) phenotypes are poorly understood. Methods: We examined associations of alcohol and tobacco use with PD, DA, and NDA in a population-based cohort of 23,456 women screened using full-field digital mammography machines manufactured by Hologic or General Electric. MD was measured using Cumulus. Machine-specific effects were estimated using linear regression, and combined using random effects meta-analysis. Results: Alcohol use was positively associated with PD (Ptrend = 0.01), unassociated with DA (Ptrend = 0.23), and inversely associated with NDA (Ptrend = 0.02) adjusting for age, body mass index, reproductive factors, physical activity, and family history of breast cancer. In contrast, tobacco use was inversely associated with PD (Ptrend = 0.0008), unassociated with DA (Ptrend = 0.93), and positively associated with NDA (Ptrend<0.0001). These trends were stronger in normal and overweight women than in obese women. Conclusions: These findings suggest that associations of alcohol and tobacco use with PD result more from their associations with NDA than DA. Impact: PD and NDA may mediate the association of alcohol drinking, but not tobacco smoking, with increased breast cancer risk. Further studies are needed to elucidate the modifiable lifestyle factors that influence breast tissue composition, and the important role of the fatty tissues on breast health. Full Article
and Red and Processed Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Egg Intakes and Cause-Specific and All-Cause Mortality among Men with Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer in a U.S. Cohort By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Research on the relationship of meat, fish, and egg consumption and mortality among prostate cancer survivors is limited. Methods: In the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort, men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer between baseline in 1992/1993 and 2015 were followed for mortality until 2016. Analyses of pre- and postdiagnosis intakes of red and processed meat, poultry, fish, and eggs included 9,286 and 4,882 survivors, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: A total of 4,682 and 2,768 deaths occurred during follow-up in pre- and postdiagnosis analyses, respectively. Both pre- and postdiagnosis intakes of total red and processed meat were positively associated with all-cause mortality (quartile 4 vs. 1: RR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03–1.25; Ptrend = 0.02; RR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07–1.39; Ptrend = 0.03, respectively), and both pre- and postdiagnosis poultry intakes were inversely associated with all-cause mortality (quartile 4 vs. 1 RR = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.98; Ptrend = 0.04; RR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75–0.95; Ptrend = 0.01, respectively). No associations were seen for prostate cancer–specific mortality, except that higher postdiagnosis unprocessed red meat intake was associated with lower risk. Conclusions: Higher red and processed meat, and lower poultry, intakes either before or after prostate cancer diagnosis were associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality. Impact: Our findings provide additional evidence that prostate cancer survivors should follow the nutrition guidelines limiting red and processed meat consumption to improve overall survival. Additional research on the relationship of specific meat types and mortality is needed. Full Article
and Total Antioxidant Capacity and Pancreatic Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) reflects an individual's overall antioxidant intake. We sought to clarify whether higher TAC is associated with lower risks of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in the U.S. general population. Methods: A total of 96,018 American adults were identified from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. A ferric-reducing ability of plasma score was used to reflect an individual's TAC intake from diet and/or supplements. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) for pancreatic cancer incidence, and competing risk regression was used to calculate subdistribution HRs for pancreatic cancer mortality. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to test nonlinearity. Results: A total of 393 pancreatic cancer cases and 353 pancreatic cancer–related deaths were documented. Total (diet + supplements) TAC was found to be inversely associated with pancreatic cancer incidence (HR quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 = 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.72; Ptrend = 0.0002) and mortality (subdistribution HR quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 = 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.38–0.72; Ptrend = 0.0003) in a nonlinear dose–response manner (all Pnonlinearity < 0.01). Similar results were observed for dietary TAC. No association of supplemental TAC with pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality was found. Conclusions: In the U.S. general population, dietary but not supplemental TAC level is inversely associated with risks of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in a nonlinear dose–response pattern. Impact: This is the first prospective study indicating that a diet rich in antioxidants may be beneficial in decreasing pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality. Full Article
and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Relation to Lifetime Smoking Patterns, Tobacco Type, and Dose-Response Relationships By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Despite smoking being a well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer, there is a need to further characterize pancreatic cancer risk according to lifespan smoking patterns and other smoking features, such as tobacco type. Our aim was to deeply investigate them within a large European case–control study. Methods: Tobacco smoking habits and other relevant information were obtained from 2,009 cases and 1,532 controls recruited in the PanGenEU study using standardized tools. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate pancreatic cancer risk by smoking characteristics and interactions with other pancreatic cancer risk factors. Fractional polynomials and restricted cubic splines were used to test for nonlinearity of the dose–response relationships and to analyze their shape. Results: Relative to never-smokers, current smokers [OR = 1.72; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.39–2.12], those inhaling into the throat (OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.99) or chest (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12–1.58), and those using nonfiltered cigarettes (OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10–2.61), were all at an increased pancreatic cancer risk. Pancreatic cancer risk was highest in current black tobacco smokers (OR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.31–3.41), followed by blond tobacco smokers (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01–2.04). Childhood exposure to tobacco smoke relative to parental smoking was also associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03–1.49). Dose–response relationships for smoking duration, intensity, cumulative dose, and smoking cessation were nonlinear and showed different shapes by tobacco type. Effect modification by family history of pancreatic cancer and diabetes was likely. Conclusions: This study reveals differences in pancreatic cancer risk by tobacco type and other habit characteristics, as well as nonlinear risk associations. Impact: This characterization of smoking-related pancreatic cancer risk profiles may help in defining pancreatic cancer high-risk populations. Full Article
and Genetic and Circulating Biomarker Data Improve Risk Prediction for Pancreatic Cancer in the General Population By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and 80% of patients present with advanced, incurable disease. Risk markers for pancreatic cancer have been characterized, but combined models are not used clinically to identify individuals at high risk for the disease. Methods: Within a nested case–control study of 500 pancreatic cancer cases diagnosed after blood collection and 1,091 matched controls enrolled in four U.S. prospective cohorts, we characterized absolute risk models that included clinical factors (e.g., body mass index, history of diabetes), germline genetic polymorphisms, and circulating biomarkers. Results: Model discrimination showed an area under ROC curve of 0.62 via cross-validation. Our final integrated model identified 3.7% of men and 2.6% of women who had at least 3 times greater than average risk in the ensuing 10 years. Individuals within the top risk percentile had a 4% risk of developing pancreatic cancer by age 80 years and 2% 10-year risk at age 70 years. Conclusions: Risk models that include established clinical, genetic, and circulating factors improved disease discrimination over models using clinical factors alone. Impact: Absolute risk models for pancreatic cancer may help identify individuals in the general population appropriate for disease interception. Full Article
and Serum PIWI-Interacting RNAs piR-020619 and piR-020450 Are Promising Novel Biomarkers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Early diagnosis can significantly reduce colorectal cancer deaths. We sought to identify serum PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that could serve as sensitive and specific noninvasive biomarkers for early colorectal cancer detection. Methods: We screened the piRNA expression profile in sera from 7 patients with colorectal cancer and 7 normal controls using small RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed piRNAs were measured in a training cohort of 140 patients with colorectal cancer and 140 normal controls using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. The identified piRNAs were evaluated in two independent validation cohorts of 180 patients with colorectal cancer and 180 normal controls. Finally, the diagnostic value of the identified piRNAs for colorectal adenoma (CRA) was assessed, and their expression was measured in 50 patients with lung cancer, 50 with breast cancer, and 50 with gastric cancer. Results: The piRNAs piR-020619 and piR-020450 were consistently elevated in sera of patients with colorectal cancer as compared with controls. A predicative panel based on the two piRNAs was established that displayed high diagnostic accuracy for colorectal cancer detection. The two-piRNA panel could detect small-size and early-stage colorectal cancer with an area under the ROC curve of 0.863 and 0.839, respectively. Combined use of the two piRNAs could effectively distinguish CRA from controls. Aberrant elevation of the two piRNAs was not observed in sera of patients with lung, breast, and gastric cancer. Conclusions: Serum piR-020619 and piR-020450 show a strong potential as colorectal cancer-specific early detection biomarkers. Impact: The field of circulating piRNAs could allow for novel tumor biomarker development. Full Article
and Accuracy of Self-reported Colonic Polyps: Results from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Screening Trial Study of Colonoscopy Utilization By cebp.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:36-07:00 Background: Colonoscopy follow-up recommendations depend on the presence or absence of polyps, and if found, their number, size, and histology. Patients may be responsible for conveying results between primary and specialty care or providing medical information to family members; thus, accurate reporting is critical. This analysis assessed the accuracy of self-reported colonoscopy findings. Methods: 3,986 participants from the Study of Colonoscopy Utilization, an ancillary study nested within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Screening Trial, were included. Self-reports of polyp and adenoma were compared to medical records, and measures of sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Correlates of accurate self-report of polyp were assessed using logistic regression and weighted to account for study sampling. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of self-reported polyp findings were 88% and 85%, respectively, and for adenoma 11% and 99%, respectively. Among participants with a polyp, older age was associated with lower likelihood while polyp severity and non-white race were associated with increased likelihood of accurate recall. Among participants without a polyp, having multiple colonoscopies was associated with lower likelihood while family history of colorectal cancer was associated with increased likelihood of accurate recall. Among both groups, longer time since colonoscopy was associated with lower likelihood of accurate recall. Conclusions: Participants recalled with reasonable accuracy whether they had a prior polyp; however, recall of histology, specifically adenoma, was much less accurate. Impact: Identification of strategies to increase accurate self-report of colonic polyps are needed, particularly for patient–provider communications and patient reporting of results to family members. Full Article