Variations in Circulating Tumor Microenvironment-Associated Proteins in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Induced by...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Proteomics
• Immunology

Background:

• Mitomycin C (MMC) is a chemotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
• The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences MMC efficacy, with complement and coagulation pathways being key regulators.
• Understanding TME-drug interactions is crucial for improving NMIBC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) interaction with human serum (HS) from NMIBC patients.
• To identify a TME proteomic signature linked to MMC treatment response.
• To investigate changes in key immune-related proteins during MMC therapy.

Main Methods:

• Nanoproteomic strategy applied to HS from NMIBC patients (T1 and Ta subtypes).
• Serum samples collected at baseline (t0), 3 months (t3), and 6 months (t6) post-MMC treatment.
• Analysis focused on protein deregulation associated with MMC therapy.

Main Results:

• Identified a TME proteomic signature associated with MMC treatment response.
• Prothrombin (F2) was consistently downregulated across all patients.
• Complement component C7 (C7) was consistently upregulated across all patients.

Conclusions:

• Prothrombin and C7 are potential biomarkers for MMC treatment response in NMIBC.
• Understanding these protein dynamics can inform new therapeutic strategies.
• This research may help overcome MMC resistance and improve patient outcomes.