Cancer Biomarkers - Volume 40, issue 1

Authors: Priya C V, Lakshmi | V G, Biju | B R, Vinod | Ramachandran, Sivakumar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. Histopathology analysis of breast tissue is an essential tool for diagnosing and staging breast cancer. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research exploring the use of deep-learning approaches for breast cancer detection from histopathology images. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art technologies in automated breast cancer detection in histopathology images using deep learning techniques. METHODS: This review focuses on the use of deep learning algorithms for the detection and classification of breast …cancer from histopathology images. We provide an overview of publicly available histopathology image datasets for breast cancer detection. We also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these architectures and their performance on different histopathology image datasets. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with using deep learning techniques for breast cancer detection, including the need for large and diverse datasets and the interpretability of deep learning models. RESULTS: Deep learning techniques have shown great promise in accurately detecting and classifying breast cancer from histopathology images. Although the accuracy levels vary depending on the specific data set, image pre-processing techniques, and deep learning architecture used, these results highlight the potential of deep learning algorithms in improving the accuracy and efficiency of breast cancer detection from histopathology images. CONCLUSION: This review has presented a thorough account of the current state-of-the-art techniques for detecting breast cancer using histopathology images. The integration of machine learning and deep learning algorithms has demonstrated promising results in accurately identifying breast cancer from histopathology images. The insights gathered from this review can act as a valuable reference for researchers in this field who are developing diagnostic strategies using histopathology images. Overall, the objective of this review is to spark interest among scholars in this complex field and acquaint them with cutting-edge technologies in breast cancer detection using histopathology images. Show more

Keywords: Computer-aided detection, breast cancer, histopathology images, deep learning, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230251

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 1-25, 2024

Authors: Li, Shan | Li, Ting | Shi, Yan-Qing | Xu, Bin-Jie | Deng, Yu-Yong | Sun, Xu-Guang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to investigate the Hub genes and their prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC) via bioinformatics analysis. METHODS: The data set of colorectal cancer was downloaded from the GEO database (GSE21510, GSE110224 and GSE74602) for differential expression analysis using the GEO2R tool. Hub genes were screened by protein-protein interaction (PPI) comprehensive analysis. GEPIA was used to verify the expression of Hub genes and evaluate its prognostic value. The protein expression of Hub gene in CRC was analyzed using the Human Protein Atlas database. The cBioPortal was used to analyze the type and frequency …of Hub gene mutations, and the effects of mutation on the patients’ prognosis. The TIMER database was used to study the correlation between Hub genes and immune infiltration in CRC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the biological function and signal pathway of the Hub genes and corresponding co-expressed genes. RESULTS: We identified 346 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 117 upregulated and 229 downregulated. Four Hub genes (AURKA, CCNB1, EXO1 and CCNA2) were selected by survival analysis and differential expression validation. The protein and mRNA expression levels of AURKA, CCNB1, EXO1 and CCNA2 were higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent tissues. There were varying degrees of immune cell infiltration and gene mutation of Hub genes, especially B cells and CD8+ T cells. The results of GSEA showed that Hub genes and their co-expressed genes mainly participated in chromosome segregation, DNA replication, translational elongation and cell cycle. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of AURKA, CCNB1, CCNA2 and EXO1 had a better prognosis for CRC and this effect was correlation with gene mutation and infiltration of immune cells. Show more

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, bioinformatics analysis, Hub genes, prognosis

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230113

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 27-45, 2024

Authors: Zhou, Sixu | Wang, Baogui | Wei, Yingying | Dai, Peiru | Chen, Yan | Xiao, Yingyi | Xia, Hongmei | Chen, Chunlin | Yin, Weihua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Docetaxel is a yew compound antitumor agent with accurate antitumor efficacy, but its application is limited due to the high and serious adverse effects, and finding effective combination therapy options is a viable strategy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become hotspots in enhancing anti-tumor immunity by blocking immune checkpoint signaling pathways, but their response rate to monotherapy use is not high and the efficacy is minimal. OBJECTIVE: To explore the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of the combination of PD-1 inhibitors and Docetaxel through in vivo experiments and develop a feasible combination treatment for the therapy of …prostate cancer. METHODS: Tumor-bearing mice were subcutaneously injected with 0.1 ml RM-1 cells. Treatment were taken when the tumor growed up to 3 mm, after which the tumor and spleen were removed to test the antitumor effect with Flow cytometric (FACS) analysis, Immunohistochemistry, Western Blot. RESULTS: In this experiment, we found that PD-1 inhibitors combined with Docetaxel had a synergistic effect on mouse prostate cancer, inhibited the growth of prostate cancer, improved survival and reduced adverse reactions, increased spleen and tumor infiltrative CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, especially in group combination with low-dose Docetaxel, and were related to the PI3K/AKT/NFKB-P65/PD-L1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that PD-1 inhibitors in combination with Docetaxel are a viable combination strategy and provide a safe and effective combination option for the clinical treatment of prostate cancer. Show more

Keywords: Prostate cancer, docetaxel, PD-1 inhibitor, camrelizumab, immune checkpoints

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230090

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 47-59, 2024

Authors: Záveský, Luděk | Jandáková, Eva | Weinberger, Vít | Minář, Luboš | Kohoutová, Milada | Slanař, Ondřej

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer worldwide and is the main cause of death from cancer in women. Novel biomarkers are highly warranted for this disease. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of novel long non-coding RNAs biomarkers for breast cancer. METHODS: The study comprised the analysis of the expression of 71 candidate lncRNAs via screening, six of which (four underexpressed, two overexpressed) were validated and analyzed by qPCR in tumor tissues associated with NST breast carcinomas, compared with the benign samples and with respect to their clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: The …results indicated the tumor suppressor roles of PTENP1, GNG12-AS1, MEG3 and MAGI2-AS3. Low levels of both PTENP1 and GNG12-AS1 were associated with worsened progression-free and overall survival rates. The reduced expression of GNG12-AS1 was linked to the advanced stage. A higher grade was associated with the lower expression of PTENP1, GNG12-AS1 and MAGI2-AS3. Reduced levels of both MEG3 and PTENP1 were linked to Ki-67 positivity. The NRSN2-AS1 and UCA1 lncRNAs were overexpressed; higher levels of UCA1 were associated with multifocality. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the investigated lncRNAs may play important roles in breast cancer and comprise a potential factor that should be further evaluated in clinical studies. Show more

Keywords: Breast cancer, GNG12-AS1, clinical outcomes, long non-coding RNAs, MAGI2-AS3, MEG3, NRSN2-AS1, PTENP1, UCA1

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230259

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 61-78, 2024

Authors: Liu, Yang | Pang, Zhongqi | Wang, Jianshe | Wang, Jinfeng | Ji, Bo | Xu, Yidan | He, Jiaxin | Zhang, Lu | Han, Yansong | Shen, Linkun | Xu, Wanhai | Ren, Minghua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most frequent RNA modification in mammals, and its role in bladder cancer (BC) remains rarely revealed. OBJECTIVE: To predict the value of m6A-related genes in prognosis and immunity in BC. METHODS: We performed multiple omics analysis of 618 TCGA and GEO patients and used principal component analysis (PCA) to calculate the m6A score for BC patients. RESULTS: We described the multiple omics status of 23 m6A methylation-related genes (MRGs), and four m6A clusters were identified, which showed significant differences in immune infiltration and biological pathways. …Next, we intersected the differential genes among m6A clusters, and 11 survival-related genes were identified, which were used to calculate the m6A score for the patients. We found that the high-score (HS) group showed lower tumor mutation burden (TMB) and TP53 mutations and better prognosis than the low-score (LS) group. Lower immune infiltration, higher expression of PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA4, and higher immune dysfunction and immune exclusion scores were identified in the LS group, suggesting a higher possibility of immune escape. Finally, the experimental verification shows that the m6A related genes, such as IGFBP1, plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed the important roles of m6A MRGs in predicting prognosis, TMB status, TP53 mutation, immune functions and immunotherapeutic response in BC. Show more

Keywords: N6-methyladenosine, bladder cancer, prognosis, immunotherapy, m6A score

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230286

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 79-94, 2024

Authors: Yan, Shunkang | Zhang, Jiandong | Li, Lianghe | Chen, Gang | Chen, Zhongsheng | Zhan, Wei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common form of cancer, with rectal cancer accounting for approximately one-third of all cases. Among rectal cancers, 95% are classified as rectal adenocarcinoma (READ). Emerging evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in the development and progression of various cancers. In our study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs potentially associated with m6A and establish a risk assessment model to predict clinical outcomes for READ patients. METHODS: The READ dataset from the TCGA database was utilized in this study to synergistically and logically integrate m6A …and lncRNA, while employing bioinformatics technology for the identification of suitable biomarkers. A risk prediction model comprising m6A-associated lncRNAs was constructed to investigate the prognostic, diagnostic, and biological functional relevance of these m6A-related lncRNAs. RESULTS: Our research builds a composed of three related to m6A lncRNA rectal gland cancer prognosis model, and the model has been proved in the multi-dimensional can serve as the potential of the prognosis of rectal gland cancer biomarkers. Our study constructed a prognostic model of rectal adenocarcinoma consisting of three related m6A lncRNAs: linc00702, ac106900.1 and al583785.1. CONCLUSION: The model has been validated as a potential prognostic biomarker for rectal cancer in multiple dimensions, aiming to provide clinicians with an indicator to assess the duration of straight adenocarcinoma. This enables early detection of rectal cancer and offers a promising target for immunotherapy. Show more

Keywords: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs), rectal adenocarcinoma, prognostic model, m6A, immune microenvironment

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230123

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 95-109, 2024

Authors: S, Vinoth | Balasubramanian, Satheeswaran | Perumal, Ekambaram | Santhakumar, Kirankumar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most prevalent types of kidney cancer. Unravelling the genes responsible for driving cellular changes and the transformation of cells in ccRCC pathogenesis is a complex process. OBJECTIVE: In this study, twelve microarray ccRCC datasets were chosen from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and subjected to integrated analysis. METHODS: Through GEO2R analysis, 179 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the datasets. The common DEGs were subjected to functional enrichment analysis using ToppFun followed by construction of protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) …using Cytoscape. Clusters within the DEGs PPIN were identified using the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) Cytoscape plugin. To identify the hub genes, the centrality parameters degree, betweenness, and closeness scores were calculated for each DEGs in the PPIN. Additionally, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was utilized to validate the relative expression levels of hub genes in the normal and ccRCC tissues. RESULTS: The common DEGs were highly enriched in Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signalling and metabolic reprogramming pathways. VEGFA , CAV1 , LOX , CCND1 , PLG , EGF , SLC2A1 , and ENO2 were identified as hub genes. CONCLUSION: Among 8 hub genes, only the expression levels of VEGFA , LOX , CCND1 , and EGF showed a unique expression pattern exclusively in ccRCC on compared to other type of cancers. Show more

Keywords: Kidney cancer, hypoxia, metabolic reprogramming, hub genes, cancer biomarker

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230271

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 111-123, 2024

Authors: Li, Wuping | Yao, Ruizhe | Yu, Nasha | Zhang, Weiming

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Therapies for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are limited due to the diverse gene expression profiles and complicated immune microenvironments, making it an aggressive lymphoma. Beyond this, researches have shown that ferroptosis contributes to tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. We thus are interested to dissect the connection between ferroptosis and disease status of DLBCL. We aim at generating a valuable prognosis gene signature for predicting the status of patients of DLBCL, with focus on ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs). OBJECTIVE: To examine the connection between ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and clinical outcomes in DLBCL patients based on public datasets. …METHODS: An expression profile dataset for DLBCL was downloaded from GSE32918 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ query/acc.cgi?acc=gse32918 ), and a ferroptosis-related gene cluster was obtained from the FerrDb database (http://www. zhounan.org/ferrdb/ ). A prognostic signature was developed from this gene cluster by applying a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to GSE32918, followed by external validation. Its effectiveness as a biomarker and the prognostic value was determined by a receiver operator characteristic curve mono factor analysis. Finally, functional enrichment was evaluated by the package Cluster Profiler of R. RESULTS: Five ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) (GOP1 , GPX2 , SLC7A5 , ATF4 , and CXCL2 ) associated with DLBCL were obtained by a multivariate analysis. The prognostic power of these five FRGs was verified by TCGA (https://xenabrowser.net/datapages/?dataset=TCGA.DLBC.sampleMap%2FHiSeqV2_PANCAN&host=https%3A%2F%2Ftcga.xenahubs.net&removeHub=https%3A%2F%2Fxena.treehouse.gi.ucsc.edu%3A44 ) and GEO (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=gse 32918 ) datasets, with ROC analyses. KEGG and GO analyses revealed that upregulated genes in the high-risk group based on the gene signature were enriched in receptor interactions and other cancer-related pathways, including pathways related to abnormal metabolism and cell differentiation. CONCLUSION: The newly developed signature involving GOP1 , GPX2 , SLC7A5 , ATF4 , and CXCL2 has the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker. Furthermore, our results provide additional support for the contribution of ferroptosis to DLBCL. Show more

Keywords: GOP1, GPX2, SLC7A5, ATF4, CXCL2, ferroptosis-related genes, DLBCL

DOI: 10.3233/CBM-230325

Citation: Cancer Biomarkers, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 125-139, 2024