BUFFALO, NY- July 26, 2024 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on July 19, 2024, entitled, “Prognostic and therapeutic insights into MIF, DDT, and CD74 in melanoma.”

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and its homolog D-dopachrome Tautomerase (DDT) have been implicated as drivers of tumor progression across a variety of cancers. Recent evidence suggests MIF as a therapeutic target in immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) resistant melanomas, however clinical evidence of MIF and particularly of DDT remain limited.

In this new retrospective study, researchers Caroline Naomi Valdez, Gabriela Athziri Sánchez-Zuno, Lais Osmani, Wael Ibrahim, Anjela Galan, Antonietta Bacchiocchi, Ruth Halaban, Rajan P. Kulkarni, Insoo Kang, Richard Bucala, and Thuy Tran from Yale University, Oregon Health and Science University, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), and the Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System analyzed 97 patients treated at Yale for melanoma between 2002–2020. 

“Our study significantly expands on prior work by De Azevedo et al. by encompassing a larger cohort of individuals, coupled with a comprehensive approach to defining high and low MIF and DDT expression.”

Bulk-RNA sequencing of patient tumor samples from the Skin Cancer SPORE Biorepository was used to evaluate for differential gene expression of MIF, DDT, CD74, and selected inflammatory markers, and gene expression was correlated with patient survival outcomes. Their findings revealed a strong correlation between MIF and DDT levels, with no statistically significant difference across common melanoma mutations and subtypes. 

Improved survival was associated with lower MIF and DDT levels and higher CD74:MIF and CD74:DDT levels. High CD74:DDT and CD74:MIF levels were also associated with enrichment of infiltrating inflammatory cell markers. These data suggest DDT as a novel target in immune therapy. Dual MIF and DDT blockade may provide synergistic responses in patients with melanoma, irrespective of common mutations, and may overcome ICI resistance. These markers may also provide prognostic value for further biomarker development.

“Our study is the first to report survival findings in association with intratumor DDT expression and CD74:DDT expression level ratio. Thus, CD74:MIF and CD74:DDT expression ratio measurements offer promise as prognostic markers for survival outcomes and ICI response in patients with melanoma.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28615

Correspondence to - Thuy Tran - thuy.tran@yale.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULlzscn0PvQ

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Keywords - cancer, MIF, DDT, melanoma, immune checkpoint inhibition, cancer transcriptomics

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Oncotarget

Prognostic and Therapeutic Insights Into MIF, DDT, and CD74 in Melanoma

Mr. Tom Ficklin makes his return to the Heartwood podcast in this episode, where he discusses his education and upbringing, becoming a New Haven native, and the role of spirituality and morals in life. This episode takes you on a journey!

Being in Tune with Community: Tom Ficklin's Experience Building Community in New Haven and Beyond

“I see myself as an educator first and foremost,” said Bridget Oppong, MD, an OSUCCC-James surgical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer surgery at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center and is also the deputy director of the James Center for Cancer Health Equity. In this episode, Oppong shares her wealth of knowledge about the importance of self-examinations and breast cancer screenings; advances in surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy; radiation; and outreach programs to underserved communities in Columbus and throughout Ohio. “Early detection is saving lives,” she said. “The five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is over 90 percent … [and for women diagnosed with later-stage breast cancer that has metastasized] we can manage their breast cancer and they can still live a long life.” Self-examinations and annual mammogram screenings are the key to early detection. “I always advocate for self-examinations,” said Oppong, who described how often and what to look for during a self exam. “And if you notice anything different, bring it to medical attention immediately, to your primary-care physician or oncologist.” The recommended age for women to begin annual mammograms is 40. “But if you have a family history of breast cancers or any cancers at an early age, I recommend starting mammograms five to 10 years earlier,” Oppong said. “For example, if your sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, I want you to get started at 30 at the latest.” The average age for diagnosis of breast cancer is about 60, but Oppong said more younger women are being diagnosed in recent years. She also explained the significance of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 (the breast cancer inherited mutations) and how having this mutation increases the breast-cancer risk and means starting mammograms earlier and adding MRIs for some patients. She also described how breast feeding can reduce a women’s risk of developing breast cancer. As for treatment, “we have seen awesome advances in all three modalities: surgery, medical (such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy) and radiation,” Oppong said. She described some of the advances in surgery, including the nipple-sparing surgery she performs and how she works with plastic surgeons. Oppong is passionate about and determined to reach out to underserved communities. “The advancements are real and are amazing and our focus is to make sure that all women and men have equitable access to all levels of cancer care from screenings all the way through to survivorship.”

Episode 174: Breast Cancer Screening & Treatment Advances, with Dr. Bridget Oppong

BUFFALO, NY- October 9, 2024 – A new #review was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on September 30, 2024, entitled, “Zika virus and brain cancer: Can Zika be an effective treatment for brain cancer? A systematic review.”

As highlighted in the introduction of this review, many studies have identified oncolytic viruses as a promising new class of therapeutic agents for central nervous system (CNS) tumors, particularly glioblastomas (GBM). Zika virus (ZIKV) proteins, specifically targeting certain stem cells, have shown promising results in both in vitro and animal model studies.

In their review, researchers Mateus Gonçalves de Sena Barbosa, Beatriz Rodrigues Messias, Rafael Trindade Tatit, Maycon Cristian Gomes de Paula, Valdecir Boeno Spenazato Júnior, Maria Gabriella Borges Braga, Caio Vinícius Marcolino Santos, Luiza D'Ottaviano Cobos, Vinícius Otávio da Silva, Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo, Nicollas Nunes Rabelo, and Bipin Chaurasia from Atenas University Center, Passos; University of Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein; University of Sapucaí Valley; Atenas University Center, Sete Lagoas; Nove de Julho University, Campus Vergueiro; José do Rosário Vellano University, Alfenas; School of Medicine-University of São Paulo (FMUSP), Hospital das Clínicas/FMUSP; and Neurosurgery Clinic in Birgunj, evaluated the efficacy and safety of using ZIKV for treating CNS tumors. Data from in vivo studies were extracted and assessed for bias using the Robins-I tool, evaluating factors such as selection, performance, detection, attrition, and reporting bias.

The 14 studies demonstrated that ZIKV reduced cell viability, inhibited the growth and proliferation of glioma stem cells (GSCs), and decreased Bcl2 expression, potentially enhancing chemotherapy and radiotherapy effects. ZIKV caused cytopathic effects, induced tumor cell damage, showed oncolytic properties, and selectively killed GSCs safely. This ultimately led to significant tumor remission and improved long-term survival through an enhanced T-cell response.

“Although current evidence suggests ZIKV as a promising treatment for CNS tumors and may improve survival when combined with surgery and radiotherapy.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28647

Correspondence to - Bipin Chaurasia - trozexa@gmail.com

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JINORGdqAO4

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Keywords - cancer, Zika, neurotropism, glioblastoma, glioma, brain tumor

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Zika Virus as a Treatment for Brain Cancer: A Systematic Review

The Importance of the SIO Annual Meeting

While there have been significant improvements in breast cancer detection and treatment, the outlook for metastatic breast cancer remains bleak, with only a 30% five-year survival rate. This is largely due to existing therapies’ inability to effectively target the unique characteristics of metastatic cells. One key factor in metastasis is miR-10b, a small noncoding RNA known to influence cancer cell invasion, migration, viability, and proliferation.

In their paper, researchers Alan Halim, Nasreen Al-Qadi, Elizabeth Kenyon, Kayla N. Conner, Sujan Kumar Mondal, Zdravka Medarova, and Anna Moore from Michigan State University’s Precision Health Program, College of Human Medicine, and College of Veterinary Medicine, and Transcode Therapeutics Inc. in Newton, Massachusetts, shared findings showing that inhibiting miR-10b impairs breast cancer cell stemness. Their research paper, entitled, “Inhibition of miR-10b treats metastatic breast cancer by targeting stem cell-like properties” was published in Volume 15 of Oncotarget on August 26, 2024.

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2024/10/11/targeting-stem-cell-like-traits-how-mir-10b-inhibition-treats-metastatic-breast-cancer/

Research DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28641

Correspondence to - Anna Moore - moorea57@msu.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtaZd_iV8dI

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Keywords - cancer, breast cancer, metastasis, stem-like cells, nanoparticle, miR-10b

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Targeting Stem Cell-like Traits: How miR-10b Inhibition Treats Metastatic Breast Cancer

Fiona Bell reads an excerpt from “The Talnikov Family”

BUFFALO, NY- October 11, 2024 – A new #editorial was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on October 1, 2024, entitled, “Transplant or no transplant for TP53 mutated AML.”

As highlighted in this editorial, TP53 mutations (mut) occur in 10–15% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, commonly associated with therapy-related AML (t-AML) and complex cytogenetics (CG). TP53-mut AML is inherently resistant to conventional chemotherapies and continues to show a poor prognosis, even with venetoclax-based therapies. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HCT) remains a potential curative option, though only 10–15% of patients receive it. In a recent study, allo-HCT was the only variable significantly improving survival, despite only 16% of patients successfully bridging to it.

In their editorial, researchers Talha Badar, Moazzam Shahzad, Ehab Atallah, Mark R. Litzow, and Mohamed A. Kharfan-Dabaja from the Division of Hematology-Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program at Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, Florida) evaluated the outcomes of TP53-mutated AML patients based on data from the Consortium of Myeloid Malignancies and Neoplastic Diseases (COMMAND). The study found a “dismal” survival rate of 8.5 months, with no significant difference among treatment types, and allo-HCT was the only variable associated with improved survival.

The authors also report on the “better long-term outcomes” when allo-HCT was performed during Complete Remission 1 (CR1) in previous observations. They acknowledge the limitations of their retrospective analysis, including selection bias, data heterogeneity from participating institutions, and the lack of complete molecular data prior to allo-HCT that might have influenced the results. Nevertheless, the findings are encouraging and suggest that allo-HCT improves long-term outcomes in this poor prognostic disease, where effective therapies remain limited.

“In summary, this study reported improved survival when allo-HTC was performed in CR1 versus after later lines of therapy.”

DOI -  https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28652

Correspondence to - Talha Badar - badar.talha@mayo.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQue9gbqsxE

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Keywords - cancer, AML, TP53 mutation, allogeneic stem cell transplant

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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TP53 mutated AML: Transplant or No Transplant

TP53 Mutated AML: Transplant or No Transplant

In this episode of the Yale Global Health Insights podcast, host Dr. Sharon Chekijian sits down with Dr. Melanie Sion, a distinguished surgeon at the Yale School of Medicine specializing in trauma, general surgery, and surgical critical care and a lead for the Global Surgery Faculty Network (https://medicine.yale.edu/yigh/faculty-support-initiative/faculty-networks/global-surgery/) at the Yale Institute for Global Health. Dr. Sion shares her unique journey of integrating minimally invasive techniques with her passion for global health, particularly her impactful work developing surgical services in low- and middle-income countries like Malawi. Dr. Sion discusses the importance of equity in healthcare delivery, the challenges faced in global surgery, and her personal experiences navigating career, motherhood, and her commitment to improving healthcare systems. Tune in to hear Dr. Sion’s insights and watch the accompanying documentary (https://medicine.yale.edu/yigh/faculty-support-initiative/faculty-networks/global-surgery/) that highlights the journey of a surgical resident in Malawi.

Global Surgery at the Crossroads: Advancing Equity and Care

The Rev. Dr. William Barber joined us at the Berkeley Center with a live studio audience for this episode of The Leader's Way Podcast, which will be released in 2 parts. Barber tells his vocation story and explains how morality is the key to nonpartisan spiritual leadership in politics. He talks about the "least of these" as a central part of moral engagement in politics and takes us inside a UN conversation about poverty.
 
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black
Guest: William Barber Singer: Yara Allen
Production: Goodchild Media
 
berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast

36: Moral Leadership and Political Engagement with William Barber

Oncotarget is a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Papers are published continuously within yearly volumes in their final and complete form and then quickly released to Pubmed.

Oncotarget is now indexed by MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC/PubMed.

Read about the Oncotarget Scientific Integrity Process: https://www.oncotarget.com/scientific_integrity/

Prognostic and Therapeutic Insights Into MIF, DDT, and CD74 in Melanoma

Oncotarget Podcast