bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB_B23: Magnetospirillum magneticum promotes iron competition and triggers apoptosis in human cancer cells
Authors: Menghini Stefano , Vizovišek Matej , Ho Ping Shu , Enders Jonathas , Schürle Simone 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Bacteria are increasingly envisioned as living agents that can be administered to patients to carry out therapeutic actions. Interest has been growing over the past years in harnessing these microorganisms for cancer treatment as dynamic vectors with enhanced tumor-targeting properties. While bacterial traits, such as modulation of an immune response, local secretion of toxins, and proliferation in tumors have been well studied, less is known about bacteria as competitors for nutrients. We, therefore, investigated the use of magnetotactic bacteria as living iron chelators in the tumor microenvironment by studying the resulting competition for this vital nutrient, and by investigating the consequent metabolic effects in cancer cells. To do this, we first recreated a hypoxic environment by establishing an in vitro co-culture system consisting of the magnetotactic strain Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 incubated under low-oxygen conditions with human cancer cells. We first quantified bacterial siderophore production and found it to be equivalent to a relevant concentration of deferoxamine (DFO), a potent drug used in iron chelation therapy. Further experiments then revealed an increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) on the cell surface and a significant decrease of viability in various cancer cell lines, indicating the bacteria’s ability to alter iron homeostasis. Metabolic effects exerted by AMB-1 were then further investigated. We demonstrated a lower rate of cellular proliferation correlating with a growing ratio of bacteria to cancer cells. Additional experiments also confirmed elevated apoptotic states and an enhanced activity level of executioner caspases in cancer cells, with an increasing number of AMB-1 in the culture. Lastly, the performed assays uncovered several apoptosis-related proteins that displayed altered levels when AMB-1 bacteria were added to the culture. Overall, our findings show the potential of magnetotactic bacteria to act as self-replicating iron-chelating agents that interfere with the iron homeostasis of cancer cells and decrease cancer cell viability. The presented data suggests involvement of triggered apoptotic signals that correlate with an increasing number of AMB-1 in the culture. This intrinsic capability of AMB-1 to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells thus represents an encouraging strategy that could serve as an additional antineoplastic approach to reinforce current bacterial cancer therapies.
Citation Format: Stefano Menghini, Matej Vizovišek, Ping Shu Ho, Jonathas Enders, Simone Schürle. Magnetospirillum magneticum promotes iron competition and triggers apoptosis in human cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr LB_B23.
Abstract LB_C16: Long-read sequencing reveals alternative splicing driven, shared immunogenic neoepitopes regardless SF3B1 status in uveal melanoma
Authors: Shen Jianfeng , Zhang Zhe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Tumor-specific neoepitopes are promising targets in cancer immunotherapy. However, identification of functional tumor-specific neoepitopes remains challenging. In addition to the most common source single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), alternative splicing (AS) represents another rich source of neoepitopes and can be particularly useful to certain cancers with low SNVs such as Uveal melanoma (UM). UM, the most prevalent adult ocular malignancy, has poor clinical outcomes due to a lack of effective therapies. Recent studies have manifested the promise of harnessing tumor neoepitopes to treat UM. Notably, previous studies have focused on neoepitope targets associated with mutations in splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1), a key splicing factor, however little is known about the neoepitopes that are commonly shared by patients but independent of SF3B1 status. To identify the AS-derived neoepitopes regardless SF3B1, we herein used a comprehensive Nanopore long-read-sequencing approach to elucidate the landscape of AS and novel isoforms in UM. We also performed high-resolution mass-spectrometry to further validate the presence of neoepitope candidates, and analyzed their structures using AlphaFold2 algorithm. We experimentally evaluated the anti-tumor effects of these neoepitopes, and found they induced profound immune responses by stimulating interferon (IFN)-g production and activating T-cell-based UM tumor killing. These results provide novel insights into UM-specific neoepitopes independent of SF3B1, and lay the foundation for developing therapies by targeting these actionable neoepitopes.
Citation Format: Jianfeng Shen, Zhe Zhang. Long-read sequencing reveals alternative splicing driven, shared immunogenic neoepitopes regardless SF3B1 status in uveal melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr LB_C16.
Abstract LB_C20: A tumor-associated chemokine attracts CCR4-expressing CD4+ cells to foster immune repression and tumor aggressiveness in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma
Authors: Qin Xiaodan , Lam Andrew , Zhang Xu , Sengupta Satyaki , Iorgulescu J. Bryan , Das Sanjukta , Zhou Zhenwei , Zuo Tao , Meara Grace K. , Rager Madison , Floru Alexander E. , Ni Hongru , Kemet Chinyere , Veerapaneni Divya , Kashy Daniel , Lin Liang , Lloyd Kenneth , Kwok Lauren , Smith Kaylee S. , Nagaraju Raghavendar T. , Meijers Rob , Ceol Craig , Liu Ching-Ti , Alexandrescu Sanda , Wu Catherine J. , Keskin Derin B. , George Rani E. , Feng Hui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neuroblastoma, especially those with aberrant MYCN activation, often harbor an immunosuppressive microenvironment to fuel malignant growth and trigger treatment resistance. Despite this knowledge, there are no effective strategies to tackle this problem. Here we combined analyses of human neuroblastoma with live tracking and functional studies of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in zebrafish. We identified a tumor-associated chemokine (TAC) as a key driver of MYCN-mediated immunosuppression and neuroblastoma aggression. Taking advantage of in vivo zebrafish models of MYCN-driven neuroblastoma that resemble human high-risk disease, we demonstrated that TAC overexpression in zebrafish neural crest cells induces an immunosuppressive TME while promoting rapid tumor onset and progression. We also demonstrated that as early as the premalignant stage, tumor cells secrete TAC to attract CCR4-expressing Cd4+ cells to induce immunosuppression and tumor aggression. In addition, genetically depleting Cd4+ T regulatory cells abolishes the immunorestrictive and pro-tumorigenic effects of TAC. We showed that human MYCN-activated neuroblastoma upregulates and secretes TAC, which is a reliable predictor of poor patient survival. Analysis of primary patient samples demonstrates a strong positive association between MYCN and TAC expression in neuroblastoma cells together with the enrichment of FOXP3+ T cells in the TME. Our work provides the first example that MYCN can activate TAC to allure CD4+ immune cells to the TME and incite immunosuppression, positioning TAC as a potential novel immunotherapeutic target for the treatment of MYCN-driven high-risk neuroblastoma.
Citation Format: Xiaodan Qin, Andrew Lam, Xu Zhang, Satyaki Sengupta, J. Bryan Iorgulescu, Sanjukta Das, Zhenwei Zhou, Tao Zuo, Grace K. Meara, Madison Rager, Alexander E. Floru, Hongru Ni, Chinyere Kemet, Divya Veerapaneni, Daniel Kashy, Liang Lin, Kenneth Lloyd, Lauren Kwok, Kaylee S. Smith, Raghavendar T. Nagaraju, Rob Meijers, Craig Ceol, Ching-Ti Liu, Sanda Alexandrescu, Catherine J. Wu, Derin B. Keskin, Rani E. George, Hui Feng. A tumor-associated chemokine attracts CCR4-expressing CD4+ cells to foster immune repression and tumor aggressiveness in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr LB_C20.
Abstract A010: Community dissemination and application training: Approach developed for research teams working with Native Nations and Native American urban communities
Authors: Teufel-Shone Nicolette I. , Goldtooth-Begay Carol , Begay Andria 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Trusted, sustained collaborations with Native American communities requires regular communication on research intention, process and outcomes. In the National Cancer Institute funded Native American Cancer Prevention Partnership (NACP), many research teams were not familiar with strategies to provide updates and outcomes to community audiences in Native American communities. The NACP Outreach Core used a 3-stage communication framework: 1) identification of components to consider, e.g., audience demographics, primary message, and communication channels; 2) practice in context, ideally with community partners or advisors; and 3) deliberative practice when knowledge and skills have been formed. The Outreach Core modified the Kellogg Foundation’s “Elements of a Strategic Communication Plan”, to develop a 3-hour training composed of didactic and interactive sessions, entitled Community Dissemination and Application Training (C-DAT). After the workshop, a one-hour technical assistance session was scheduled with each research team and Outreach Core members to discuss and guide the team’s community dissemination plans. The unique modifications made to create C-DAT included: 1) the research team’s obligation to develop and share clear messages, given the historic mistrust and miscommunication with Native Nations; 2) the importance of convening community advisors and/or to pilot draft materials to assure cultural appropriateness; and 3) the use of communication channels familiar and accessible by the intended audience. In addition, the Outreach developed a Directory for Reaching Relatives Using Media (DRRUM) that provides contacts and needed information on regional Native Nation or Native serving newsletters/newspapers and radio stations to support the dissemination process. To date, research teams have developed short videos, contributed to the NACP podcast series, designed an independent website and provided presentations at community centers. The impact of these efforts cannot be evaluated given information was widely broadcast o a variety of platforms. The frequency and locale of the downloads of the on-line resources indicate that audiences in Native American Urban communities and Native Nations, especially in rural areas, are interested in learning about the activities addressing cancer prevention in their communities.
Citation Format: Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone, Carol Goldtooth-Begay, Andria Begay. Community dissemination and application training: Approach developed for research teams working with Native Nations and Native American urban communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A010.
Abstract A029: LGBTQ+ health navigation panel: Discussing barriers and facilitators in navigation to services for immigrant and non-immigrant LGBTQ+ community members in New York City area
Authors: Trifonov Alexandr , Moore Kevin , Haseltine Megan C. , Domogauer Jason 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Patient navigation plays a crucial role both in patient care management and overcoming barriers to care. Navigating the complexities of US healthcare is difficult for everyone, including individuals who are native to the US as well as newly arrived immigrants and refugees from across the world. The LGBTQ+ community is greatly affected by a multitude of health disparities. Discrimination, stigma, bias, and prejudice towards the LGBTQ+ community contribute to those health disparities, which makes the role of LGBTQ+ health navigation even more essential. Patient advocacy and support in finding proficient clinical and social services is the core of LGBTQ+ patient navigation. The authors of this abstract will create a discussion-based panel to share experiences and tailored approaches that have successfully helped in navigating LGBTQ+ patients, addressing social determinants of health, creating inclusive environments, and contributing to LGBTQ+ proficient care. Methods: LGBTQ+ Health Navigation Panel will consist of several LGBTQ+ health advocates, navigators, and/or policymakers from healthcare and community-based institutions from across New York City area. They will participate in a discussion-based session model, which will be moderated by one of the authors of this abstract. Discussion: This LGBTQ+ patient navigation panel will focus on discussing healthcare services and navigation support for immigrant and non-immigrant LGBTQ+ community members in the New York City area. Services that we would focus on will be physical, mental, and social health, as well as patient advocacy and community education. In addition, a significant portion of our discussion will include topics of cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship in the LGBTQ+ community.
Citation Format: Alexandr Trifonov, Kevin Moore, Megan C. Haseltine, Jason Domogauer. LGBTQ+ health navigation panel: Discussing barriers and facilitators in navigation to services for immigrant and non-immigrant LGBTQ+ community members in New York City area [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A029.
Abstract A041: The iCCARE Consortium for Prostate Cancer in Black men: Evaluability assessment of the implementation of a care plan for black prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Bonner Timethia , Ashing Kimlin , Odedina Folakemi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Despite notable progress in early detection, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer within the United States, racial disparities are present very early in the patient journey of Black men, starting with the shared decision-making process. The disproportionately higher number of Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer also suggests that Black men must also contend with the management of associated physiological and psychosocial symptoms. The survivorship care plan was designed to communicate critical information that cancer survivors and their health care advocates need as a guidebook for long term post treatment care, and improved survivorship. An associated systematic literature review conducted by our multidisciplinary investigative team revealed there was a severe underutilization of survivorship care plans within cancer survivorship care especially with Black men. The considerable lack of utilization and/or tailoring of survivorship care plans may be a significant contributor to the worsening of health disparities in this population. Co-designing survivorship care plans with key stakeholders, specifically Black survivors and their health care advocates, is imperative to ensure that the plan meets the needs and preferences that Black men have for survivorship care. This presentation will discuss the steps the investigative team used to address the disparities in shared decision-making, and the subsequent underutilization of survivorship care plans. The investigative team utilized semi-structured interviews and focus group methodology to explore how the lived experiences of Black male prostate cancer survivors are incorporated and addressed in the construction and contents of a culturally tailored survivorship care plan (CaP_SCP- Black Men). An evaluability assessment was conducted to determine whether implementation of the newly created survivorship care plan is feasible, appropriate, and addresses the specific needs of the population before full implementation. This presentation will discuss how this combination of approaches allowed the investigative team to understand how survivorship care plans affect the unique complexities of survivorship in Black men, and allows for the feasibility study of the implementation of a culturally relevant survivorship care plan (CaP_SCP- Black Men) in a population that bears the greatest burden nationally and globally.
Citation Format: Timethia Bonner, Kimlin Ashing, Folakemi Odedina. The iCCARE Consortium for Prostate Cancer in Black men: Evaluability assessment of the implementation of a care plan for black prostate cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A041.
Abstract A042: Community advisory board members’ perspectives on genetic literacy and patient-caregiver communication of prognostic genomics for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Cobran Ewan K. , Turner Jocelyn , Odedina Folakemi , Bryce Alan H. , Williams Christopher , Rodriguez Jose , Williams Roger , Nathan Woodrow , Bryant Thomas , Nathan LoveVonia , Husband Laureen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends the use of tissue-based genetic tests, such as Decipher, Prolaris, and Confirm mdx for localized prostate cancer, to help patients and caregivers make more informed treatment decisions at the time of diagnosis. However, while much enthusiasm currently exists for the burgeoning field of genomic medicine, prostate cancer disparities continue to persist in underserved communities despite the existence of evidence-based treatment guidelines. Methods: A diverse 15-member Community Advisory Board (CAB) representing rural and urban communities in Duval County, Florida were recruited from May to June 2023, to build a community-academic partnership, for the development and implementation of a genetic literacy patient-caregiver educational intervention for localized prostate cancer. The 15-member CAB was divided into groups of 5 for focus group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative data from CAB members were integrated to gain better understanding of the facilitators and barriers for prostate cancer genetic literacy in underserved communities. Results: The thematic analysis reveals several key themes related to prostate cancer, screening, treatment, and genetics. These themes reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of the CAB members regarding prostate cancer, ranging from personal anecdotes to broader societal issues. Participants expressed thoughts related to fear, lack of knowledge, cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare. The discussion on prostate cancer and tissue based genetic testing highlighted the complexities surrounding prostate cancer and the need for further education, awareness, and access to affordable healthcare for all individuals at risk. Conclusion: CAB members emphasized the importance of improving access to information, promoting education, and addressing cultural barriers to ensure that individuals are informed about available options for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Citation Format: Ewan K. Cobran, Jocelyn Turner, Folakemi Odedina, Alan H. Bryce, Christopher Williams, Jose Rodriguez, Roger Williams, Woodrow Nathan, Thomas Bryant III, LoveVonia Nathan, Laureen Husband. Community advisory board members’ perspectives on genetic literacy and patient-caregiver communication of prognostic genomics for localized prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A042.
Abstract A099: Higher proportions of racial and ethnic minority cancer survivors experience health-related social needs compared to non-Hispanic cancer survivors in the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Smith JoAnn , Tesfaye Samantha , Mendoza Martin , Sanchez Janeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Cancer survivors are at a greater risk of experiencing financial hardship and unmet health-related social needs (HRSN), such as food or housing insecurity, after a cancer diagnosis. HRSN has been associated with lower access, utilization, and delivery of timely quality cancer care and poorer cancer-related outcomes. Cancer survivors experiencing HRSN may also be less likely to engage and participate in research (e.g., clinical trials). As the most diverse cohort worldwide, the All of Us Research Program provides a unique opportunity to better understand the prevalence of HRSN among cancer survivors. The purpose of this study is to characterize the proportion of All of Us cancer survivors experiencing food and housing insecurity and identify potential differences across racial and ethnic populations. Results: We identified a total of 37,146 All of Us cancer survivors out of 412,211 core participants. Of these, the majority self-identified as non-Hispanic White (84%), 4% as non-Hispanic Black, 4% as Hispanic, 2% as multiracial, and &lt;1% self-reported as Asian, Native American/American Indian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or Middle Eastern/North African. Among cancer survivors, 5.5% stated being worried about running out of food and 4.4% stated that their food didn’t last and did not have money to get more. While only about 1% of cancer survivors stated moving more than once within the last 12 months, 6.1% stated that they worried about not having a place to live and 16% experienced at least one poor housing quality characteristic (e.g., mold, water leak, or bug infestation). There was a significant difference in the proportion of cancer patients who reported food and housing insecurity across racial and ethnic populations (p&lt;0.001), with a higher proportion of cancer survivors from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in biomedical research experiencing these HRSN. Conclusion: While less than 6% of cancer survivors in the All of Us Program experienced food or housing insecurity, the proportion of racial and ethnic minority populations experiencing these HRSN was higher compared to non-Hispanic White cancer survivors. Future research should assess the impact of experiencing HRSN on research participation and health related outcomes within the All of Us Research Program.
Citation Format: JoAnn Smith, Samantha Tesfaye, Martin Mendoza, Janeth Sanchez. Higher proportions of racial and ethnic minority cancer survivors experience health-related social needs compared to non-Hispanic cancer survivors in the All of Us Research Program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A099.