Sonia Ferkel

All Publications

• Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.) Ferkel, S. A., Holman, E. A., Sojwal, R. S., Rubin, S. J., Rogalla, S. 2024; 59: 101091

  Abstract

  Colorectal cancer encompasses a heterogeneous group of malignancies that differ in pathophysiological mechanisms, immune response and infiltration, therapeutic response, and clinical prognosis. Numerous studies have highlighted the clinical relevance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells among different types of colorectal tumors yet vary in cell type definitions and cell identification strategies. The distinction of immune signatures is particularly challenging when several immune subtypes are involved but crucial to identify novel intercellular mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we compile human and non-human studies on tumor-infiltrating immune cells and provide an overview of immune subtypes, their pathophysiological functions, and their prognostic role in colorectal cancer. We discuss how differentiating immune signatures can guide the development of immunotherapeutic targets and personalized treatment regimens. We analyzed comprehensive human protein biomarker profiles across the entire immune spectrum to improve interpretability and application of tumor studies and to ultimately enhance immunotherapy and advance precision medicine for colorectal cancer patients.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101091

  View details for PubMedID 39642846

• Exploring the effects of taurolidine on tumor weight and microvessel density in a murine model of osteosarcoma. Oncology research Neijenhuis, L. K., Naumann, L. L., Ferkel, S. A., Rubin, S. J., Rogalla, S. 2024; 32 (7): 1163-1172

  Abstract

  Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary bone tumor. The prognosis for patients with disseminated disease remains very poor despite recent advancements in chemotherapy. Moreover, current treatment regimens bear a significant risk of serious side effects. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need for effective therapies with improved safety profiles. Taurolidine is an antibacterial agent that has been shown to induce cell death in different types of cancer cell lines.In this study, we examined both the antineoplastic and antiangiogenic effects of taurolidine in animal models of osteosarcoma. K7M2 murine osteosarcoma cells were injected, both intramuscular and intraperitoneal, into 60 BALB/c mice on day zero. Animals were then randomized to receive treatment with taurolidine 2% (800 mg/kg), taurolidine 1% (400 mg/kg), or NaCl 0.9% control for seven days by intravenous or intraperitoneal administration.After 35 days, mice were euthanized, and the tumors were harvested for analysis. Eighteen mice were excluded from the analysis due to complications. Body weight was significantly lower in the 2% taurolidine intraperitoneal treatment group from day 9 to 21, consistent with elevated mortality in this group. Intraperitoneal tumor weight was significantly lower in the 1% (p = 0.003) and 2% (p = 0.006) intraperitoneal taurolidine treatment groups compared to the control. No antineoplastic effects were observed on intramuscular tumors or for intravenous administration of taurolidine. There were no significant differences in microvessel density or mitotic rate between treatment groups. Reduced body weight and elevated mortality in the 2% taurolidine intraperitoneal group suggest that the lower 1% dose is preferable.In conclusion, there is no evidence of antiangiogenic activity, and the antitumor effects of taurolidine on osteosarcoma observed in this study are limited. Moreover, its toxic profile grants further evaluation. Given these observations, further research is necessary to refine the use of taurolidine in osteosarcoma treatment.

  View details for DOI 10.32604/or.2024.050907

  View details for PubMedID 38948019

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11209741