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BUFFALO, NY- April 16, 2024 – A new #researchpaper was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on April 12, 2024, entitled, “Novel therapeutic bispecific antibodies for B-cell lymphoma targeting IgM and other antigens on the B-cell surface.”

The B-cell receptor regulates B-cell proliferation and apoptosis. Aberrations in BCR signaling are associated with the development and progression of B-cell malignancies, such as mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, many of which express the IgM type of BCR on their cellular surface.

Therefore, IgM is an attractive target for therapeutic antibodies against B-cell malignancies. However, soluble IgM competitively binds to anti-IgM antibodies in the serum, and these antibodies show insufficient cytotoxic activity. Thus, antibody therapy targeting IgM is hindered by the presence of soluble IgM in the blood. In this new study, researchers Takahiro Ohashi, Sayuri Terada, Shinsuke Hiramoto, Yuko Nagata, Hirokazu Suzuki, Hitoshi Miyashita, Tetsuo Sasaki, Yasukatsu Tsukada, and Keiko Fukushima from ZENOAQ (Zenyaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.) used a bispecific antibody to address this problem.

“In this study, we aimed to produce IgM-dependent bispecific antibodies targeting IgM and the other B-cell antigens such as CD20, CD32b (FcγRIIB), CD79b, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR using the Cys1m technology [10, 43–45]. Additionally, the correct IgG-like bispecific antibody structures were confirmed and their efficacies in the presence of soluble IgM were analyzed.”

The researchers generated bispecific antibodies bound to IgM and other B-cell antigens such as CD20 and HLA-DR using their own bispecific antibody-producing technology, Cys1m. These bispecific antibodies directly inhibited cell proliferation via cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro, although large amounts of soluble IgM were present. Additionally, a bispecific antibody bound to IgM and HLA-DR (BTA106) depleted B-cells in cynomolgus monkeys.

“These data suggest that anti-IgM/B-cell surface antigen-binding specific antibodies are promising therapeutic agents for B-cell malignancies. Moreover, the bispecific antibody modality can potentially overcome problems caused by soluble antigens.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28578

Correspondence to - Keiko Fukushima - keiko_fukushima@mail.zenyaku.co.jp

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Keywords - cancer, bispecific antibody, Cys1m, IgM, lymphoma, cynomolgus monkey

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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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. ABT199, also known as venetoclax, is a targeted therapy that inhibits the BCL-2 protein, which is often overexpressed in AML cells and contributes to their survival. By blocking this protein, venetoclax can trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. Thiotepa, a DNA alkylating agent, has been used in conditioning regimens for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) but its combination with ABT199/venetoclax has not been thoroughly explored, until now.

In a new study, researchers Benigno C. Valdez, Bin Yuan, David Murray, Jeremy L. Ramdial, Uday Popat, Yago Nieto, and Borje S. Andersson from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Alberta investigated a promising new approach to AML therapy by combining multiple drugs to enhance cytotoxic effects on AML cells. On March 14, 2024, their new research paper was published in Oncotarget’s Volume 15, entitled, “ABT199/venetoclax synergism with thiotepa enhances the cytotoxicity of fludarabine, cladribine and busulfan in AML cells.”

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2024/04/11/synergistic-effects-of-drug-combinations-targeting-aml-cells/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28563

Correspondence to - Benigno C. Valdez - mbalasik@yahoo.com

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Keywords - cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, aml, pre-transplant regimens, venetoclax, thiotepa, busulfan

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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BUFFALO, NY- April 10, 2024 – A new #researchpaper was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on April 8, 2024, entitled, “Exploring the role of GHRH antagonist MIA-602 in overcoming Doxorubicin-resistance in acute myeloid leukemia.”

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the rapid proliferation of mutagenic hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow. Conventional therapies include chemotherapy and bone marrow stem cell transplantation; however, they are often associated with poor prognosis. Notably, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor antagonist MIA-602 has been shown to impede the growth of various human cancer cell lines, including AML. In this new study, researchers Simonetta I. Gaumond, Rama Abdin, Joel Costoya, Andrew V. Schally, and Joaquin J. Jimenez from the University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami examined the impact of MIA-602 as monotherapy and in combination with Doxorubicin on three Doxorubicin-resistant AML cell lines, KG-1A, U-937, and K-562.

“Given the role of GHRH in multiple cancer types, it is possible that GHRH antagonists may offer an alternative treatment approach for AML as well as drug-resistant AML, which may circumvent the side effects associated with standard chemotherapy.”

The in vitro results revealed a significant reduction in cell viability for all treated wild-type cells. Doxorubicin-resistant clones were similarly susceptible to MIA-602 as the wild-type counterpart. Their in vivo experiment of xenografted nude mice with Doxorubicin-resistant K-562 revealed a reduction in tumor volume with MIA-602 treatment compared to control.

“Our study demonstrates that these three AML cell lines, and their Doxorubicin-resistant clones, are susceptible to GHRH antagonist MIA-602.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28579

Correspondence to - Simonetta I. Gaumond - sxg1204@miami.edu

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Keywords - cancer, leukemia, AML, resistance, growth hormone-releasing hormone, MIA-602

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.

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Cancer therapy has come a long way from its one-size-fits-all beginning to the awakening era of personalized medicine. This change has been largely driven by the discovery of biomarkers. Biomarkers can help refine patient selection for specific therapies. A blend of causal and correlative approaches is needed to elucidate the full potential of biomarkers in cancer research. This fusion of methodologies allows for a comprehensive exploration of biomarker efficacy, leading to more accurate predictions of drug response.

In a new paper, researchers Alberto Moscona-Nissan, Karl J. Habashy, Victor A. Arrieta, Adam M. Sonabend, and Crismita Dmello from the Universidad Panamericana School of Medicine, Northwestern University and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México discuss causal and correlative approaches to identify potential biomarkers for predicting response to paclitaxel — a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. On February 8, 2024, their research perspective was published in Oncotarget’s Volume 15, entitled, “Combining causal and correlative approaches to discover biomarkers of response to paclitaxel.”

“[…] studying the combination of non-overlapping biomarkers’ expression, in addition to clinical and sociodemographic data could generate predictive models for paclitaxel susceptibility.”

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2024/03/28/identifying-biomarkers-for-predicting-paclitaxel-response/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28549

Correspondence to - Crismita Dmello - crismita.dmello@northwestern.edu, and Adam M. Sonabend - adam.sonabend@northwestern.edu

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Keywords - cancer, glioblastoma, predictive biomarker, CRISPR screen, paclitaxel

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.

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BUFFALO, NY- March 27, 2024 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on March 19, 2024, entitled, “Durvalumab and tremelimumab before surgery in patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2-negative stage II–III breast cancer.”

In this new study, researchers Haven R. Garber, Sreyashi Basu, Sonali Jindal, Zhong He, Khoi Chu, Akshara Singareeka Raghavendra, Clinton Yam, Lumarie Santiago, Beatriz E. Adrada, Padmanee Sharma, Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, and Jennifer K. Litton from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, and Harvard Medical School conducted a clinical trial to assess the feasibility of enrolling patients with Stage II or III hormone receptor positive (HR+)/HER2-negative breast cancer to pre-operative dual PD-L1/CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibition administered prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

“This feasibility study was conducted to begin testing the hypothesis that dual checkpoint blockade would increase TIL and enhance the response to subsequent NACT in patients with stage II or III HR+/HER2-negative breast cancer.”

Eight eligible patients were treated with upfront durvalumab and tremelimumab for two cycles. Patients then received NACT prior to breast surgery. Seven patients had baseline and interval breast ultrasounds after combination immunotherapy and the responses were mixed: 3/7 patients experienced a ≥30% decrease in tumor volume, 3/7 a ≥30% increase, and 1 patient had stable disease. At the time of breast surgery, 1/8 patients had a pathologic complete response (pCR).

The trial was stopped early after 3 of 8 patients experienced immunotherapy-related toxicity or suspected disease progression that prompted discontinuation or a delay in the administration of NACT. Two patients experienced grade 3 immune-related adverse events (1 with colitis, 1 with endocrinopathy). Analysis of the tumor microenvironment after combination immunotherapy did not show a significant change in immune cell subsets from baseline.

“There was limited benefit for dual checkpoint blockade administered prior to NACT in our study of 8 patients with HR+/HER2-negative breast cancer.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28567

Correspondence to - Haven R. Garber - hrgarber@mdanderson.org

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Keywords - cancer, breast cancer, ER positive, immunotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor microenvironment

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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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BUFFALO, NY- March 25, 2024 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on March 14, 2024, entitled, “ABT199/venetoclax synergism with thiotepa enhances the cytotoxicity of fludarabine, cladribine and busulfan in AML cells.”

ABT199/venetoclax, an inhibitor of the pro-survival BCL-2 protein, has improved AML treatment. Its efficacy in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), when combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs, has not been thoroughly investigated. In this new study, researchers Benigno C. Valdez, Bin Yuan, David Murray, Jeremy L. Ramdial, Uday Popat, Yago Nieto, and Borje S. Andersson from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Alberta demonstrate the synergistic cytotoxicity of ABT199/venetoclax with the DNA alkylator thiotepa (Thio) in AML cells.

“The results may provide relevant information for the design of clinical trials using these drugs to circumvent recognized drug-resistance mechanisms when used as part of pre-transplant conditioning regimens for AML patients undergoing allogenic HSCT.”

Cleavage of Caspase 3, PARP1 and HSP90, as well as increased Annexin V positivity, suggest potent activation of apoptosis by this two-drug combination; increased levels of γ-H2AX, P-CHK1 (S317), P-CHK2 (S19) and P-SMC1 (S957) indicate an enhanced DNA damage response. Likewise, the increased level of P-SAPK/JNK (T183/Y185) and decreased P-PI3Kp85 (Y458) suggest enhanced activation of stress signaling pathways. These molecular readouts were synergistically enhanced when ABT199/venetoclax and Thio were combined with fludarabine, cladribine and busulfan.

The five-drug combination decreased the levels of BCL-2, BCL-xL and MCL-1, suggesting its potential clinical relevance in overcoming ABT199/venetoclax resistance. Moreover, this combination is active against P53-negative and FLT3-ITD-positive cell lines. Enhanced activation of apoptosis was observed in leukemia patient-derived cell samples exposed to the five-drug combination, suggesting a clinical relevance.

“The results provide a rationale for clinical trials using these two- and five-drug combinations as part of a conditioning regimen for AML patients undergoing HSCT.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28563

Correspondence to - Benigno C. Valdez - mbalasik@yahoo.com

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Keywords - cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, aml, pre-transplant regimens, venetoclax, thiotepa, busulfan

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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