Publications by authors named "Vincent D D'Andrea"
Purpose Of Review: This review explores the current landscape of treatments which target the DNA damage response (DDR) in metastatic and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It emphasizes recent clinical trials which integrate DDR inhibitors with standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Recent Findings: Noteworthy findings include the ATLANTIS trial, which demonstrated prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in DDR biomarker-selected patients using PARP inhibitors as maintenance after standard chemotherapy.
Radical cystectomy (RC) is an integral part of the management of patients with advanced-stage bladder cancer. This major oncologic operation is prone to complications resulting in morbidity and mortality. We analyzed the critical steps of open RC, performed an evidence-based review of these steps, and discussed our experience and approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRobotic surgery continues to revolutionize the field of urologic surgery, and thus it is crucial that graduating urologic surgery residents demonstrate proficiency with this technology. The large learning curve of utilizing robotic technology limits resident immediate participation in real-life robotic surgery, and skill acquisition is further challenged by variable case volume. Robotic simulation offers an invaluable opportunity for urologic trainees to cultivate strong foundational skills in a non-clinical setting, ultimately leading to both competence and operative confidence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSWI/SNF (BAF) complexes are a diverse family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers produced by combinatorial assembly that are mutated in and thought to contribute to 20% of human cancers and a large number of neurologic diseases. The gene-activating functions of BAF complexes are essential for viability of many cell types, limiting the development of small molecule inhibitors. To circumvent the potential toxicity of SWI/SNF inhibition, we identified small molecules that inhibit the specific repressive function of these complexes but are relatively nontoxic and importantly synergize with ATR inhibitors in killing cancer cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Metastatic prostate cancer typically shows bi-allelic mutations in key tumor suppressor genes, but often has large deletions of genes like PHLPP2 on chromosome 16q, which usually inhibits tumor growth.
- In a study using a mutant mouse model, researchers discovered that losing PHLPP2 can surprisingly hinder prostate cancer progression while supporting Myc, a critical driver of aggressive cancer.
- The researchers also found that inhibitors targeting PHLPP2 can effectively reduce Myc levels and eliminate mutant cancer cells, suggesting a potential treatment strategy by exploiting these frequent deletions as a therapeutic target.