Exploring novel immunotherapy biomarker candidates induced by cancer deformation

by Se Min Kim, Namu Park, Hye Bin Park, JuKyung Lee, Changho Chun, Kyung Hoon Kim, Jong Seob Choi, Hyung Jin Kim, Sekyu Choi, Jung Hyun Lee

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demands urgent attention for the development of effective treatment strategies due to its aggressiveness and limited therapeutic options [1]. This research is primarily focused on identifying new biomarkers vital for immunotherapy, with the aim of developing tailored treatments specifically for TNBC, such as those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To achieve this, the study places a strong emphasis on investigating Ig genes, a characteristic of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly genes expressing Ig-like domains with altered expression levels induced by "cancer deformation," a condition associated with cancer malignancy. Human cells can express approximately 800 Ig family genes, yet only a few Ig genes, including PD-1 and PD-L1, have been developed into immunotherapy drugs thus far. Therefore, we investigated the Ig genes that were either upregulated or downregulated by the artificial metastatic environment in TNBC cell line. As a result, we confirmed the upregulation of approximately 13 Ig genes and validated them using qPCR. In summary, our study proposes an approach for identifying new biomarkers applicable to future immunotherapies aimed at addressing challenging cases of TNBC where conventional treatments fall short.

Association between physical activity and health-related quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders: Findings from a national cross-sectional study in Korea

by Jung Hyun Lee, Il Yun, Chung-Mo Nam, Suk-Yong Jang, Eun-Cheol Park

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the association between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

This study used data from the 2016–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We included only those over 40 years of age diagnosed with one or more of the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and osteoporosis. In total, 4,731 participants (783 men and 3,948 women) were included as the study population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between physical activity and HRQoL.

Results

In the case of middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, the likelihood of HRQoL worsening was significantly lower for those who regularly engaged in physical activity compared with that of those who did not engage in physical activity at all (men: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37–0.90; women: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53–0.79). Stratified analysis by the type and intensity of physical activity revealed that the possibility of poor HRQoL was lowest when leisure-related moderate-intensity physical activities were performed (men: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.89; Women: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.36–0.69).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that engaging in regular physical activity contributes to preventing exacerbation of HRQoL, even if the individual suffers from musculoskeletal disorders. It is necessary to provide an appropriate type and intensity of physical activity in consideration of the patients’ pain and severity.