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10 citation(s) found for "Kanani, S".

C55-17 Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients With Metastatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Heybati, K, Chillal, M, Kanani, S, Shah, K, Wax, S, Sawan, S, Philippopoulos, E, Walsh, C, Munshi, L, Heybati, Kiyan , Walsh, Chris , Munshi, Laveena

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | May 18, 2026 | Volume: 212 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.1044 Get It

Abstract Rationale Major advances in precision medicine and immunotherapy have led to improved outcomes for patients with metastatic cancer, but have also introduced new, severe toxicities that can necessitate ICU admission. The overall mortality remains substantial; however, prior studies have often been single centered with small sample sizes. Therefore, we sought to provide an overview of the current literature with pooled estimates of short- and long-term mortality. Methods This study was registered a priori on Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/438RY) and conducted per the Cochrane Handbook. A medical librarian searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, supplemented by hand searching. Eligible studies included randomized and observational designs with >10 patients; studies were included if ≥ 70% of participants had metastatic disease when subgroup data were unavailable. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Other outcomes included hospital, 30-day, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month mortality. Pooled prevalence and 95% CIs were estimated using a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey transformation. Risk of bias was assessed using the validated 10-item tool for prevalence studies. Results Of 4752 unique citations, 49 were included (N = 168,209). All studies were rated as having low risk of bias with the main threat to external validity being single-center design. Fourteen studies were multi-centered and 3 were multi-national, with the rest being single center. Across 23 studies (N = 2,918), the ICU mortality was 32% (95% CI: 25-39%; I2 = 89%; Figure 1). Across 5 studies (N = 400) with a focus on lung cancer, there was significantly higher ICU mortality (53% [43-64%]; I2 = 75% versus 26% [20-34%]; I2 = 86%; PQ = <0.01). Among 5 studies (N = 474) focusing on acute respiratory failure (ARF), ICU mortality was numerically higher but not statistically significant (49% [33-66%]; I2 = 91% versus 26% [20-34%]; I2 = 85%; PQ=0.07). Hospital mortality was 50% (44-56%; I2 = 99%; N = 157,682), 30-day mortality was 48% (39-57%; I2 = 84%; N = 1,067), 3-month mortality was 69% (62-74%; I2 = 80%; N = 1,296), 6-month mortality was 70% (59-79%; I2 = 91%; N = 1,310), and 12-month mortality was 84% (71-91%; I2 = 95%; N = 1,446; Figure 1). Conclusions Among critically ill adults with metastatic cancer, about one-third died in the ICU, half survived to hospital discharge, and 12-month mortality was 84%. There was considerable heterogeneity in mortality estimates, with worse outcomes in lung cancer. Given that ICU admission criteria and illness severity may differ, large multi-center studies are needed to clarify temporal trends and identify management strategies to improve outcomes. This abstract is funded by: None
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Cryoballoon vs Laser Balloon Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Magdon, Dorota, Mounir, Abdulghani, Erickson, Lynn, Adefisoye, James, Kanani, Jim, Kieu, Andy, Ali, Ali , Ghosoun, Nour, Zilinski, Jodi , Mortada, M. Eyman , Bhatia, Atul , Ali, Mahmoud , Erickson, Lynn , Malik, Abdullah , Jahangir, Arshad , Niazi, Imran Khan

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews | July 15, 2025 | Volume: 12 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 106-112

10.17294/2330-0698.2126 | PMID 40697633 Get It

Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in older adults, is often treated with cryoballoon ablation (CBA) or laser balloon ablation (LBA) when refractory to medication. We used real-world patient data to investigate differences in arrhythmia-free survival, procedure and fluoroscopy times, and complications between these techniques. Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study of 178 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF referred for first-time pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), 103 underwent CBA, and 75 underwent LBA. Recurrence was defined as any atrial arrhythmia of > 30 seconds’ duration after a three-month blanking period. Complications at 30 days were recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate arrhythmia-free survival at one year for both groups. Categorical variables were expressed as n (%) and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation or median (Q1, Q3). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, with exception to left atrial volume index (CBA 32.2 ± 10.9 ml/m2; LBA 36.0 ± 11.0 ml/m2, p = 0.047). History of stroke was higher in CBA (13.6% vs 2.7%; p = 0.012), as was coronary artery disease (35.0% vs 14.7%, p = 0.002). Median fluoroscopy and procedure times (min) were significantly shorter in LBA (24.2 vs 31.6, p = 0.004; 141.0 vs 210.0, p < 0.0001, respectively). One-year arrhythmia-free survival rates were similar (CBA 79.1% vs LBA 78.7%, p = 0.934), as were total complication rates (21.4% vs 16.0%, p = 0.289), including rates of transient ischemic attack/stroke and vascular complications. Conclusions: In patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI, CBA and LBA were equally efficacious at one year and demonstrated acceptably low complication rates. LBA was associated with reduced procedure time and fluoroscopy exposure.
Phase 1/2 study of tiragolumab and atezolizumab in patients with relapsed or refractory SMARCB1- or SMARCA4-deficient tumors: PEPN2121.
Akshintala, Srivandana , Widemann, Brigitte C. , Militano, Olga, Bradley, Zanette Kanani, Foster, Jennie Haunani, Fox, Elizabeth , Weigel, Brenda J. , Wedekind, Mary Frances , Minard, Charles G. , Hall, David , Reid, Joel M. , Pressey, Joseph G. , Sharon, Elad

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.tps2695 Get It

TPS2695 Background: The SMARCB1/A4 gene products are core subunits of the SWItch/Sucrose Non Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. Tumors with defects in SWI/SNF are histologically distinct aggressive cancers occurring in children and young adults. SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors, particularly malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), poorly differentiated chordoma (PDC), epithelioid sarcoma (ES), and renal medullary carcinoma (RMC), have immune cell infiltrates and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Responses to immune checkpoint inhibition (CI) have been observed in SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors; however, responses are not durable. T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) is a novel inhibitory receptor expressed on multiple immune cells. TIGIT inhibits T and NK cells by binding to its ligand poliovirus receptor (PVR) and Nectin2 on both tumor and antigen-presenting cells. Utilizing RNAseq data, SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors demonstrate high expression of PVR and Nectin2. Tiragolumab is an antibody to the TIGIT receptor. The combination of tiragolumab and atezolizumab has shown promising activity in early phase studies, and phase 3 studies are ongoing in multiple adult indications. Thus, there is rationale that the addition of tiragolumab to CI may also enhance response rates in patients with SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors. Methods: This is a phase 1/2 trial of tiragolumab monotherapy (300 mg if ≤ 15 kg; 420 mg if > 15 kg to ≤ 40 kg; 600 mg if > 40 kg or ≥ 18 years) and in combination with atezolizumab (15 mg/kg [max 1200 mg]) if < 18 yrs or 1200 mg if ≥ 18 years) administered IV on Day 1 of 21-day cycles in patients > 12 months of age with SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors. Part A evaluating the safety of tiragolumab monotherapy in patients < 18 years based on cycle 1 dose limiting toxicities is complete. Part B estimates the antitumor activity of tiragolumab in combination with atezolizumab in 6 histology-specific cohorts (RMC, MRT, ATRT, PDC, ES, and other SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors) and is now open to all eligible age groups. Each cohort is conducted using a 6+4 Simon’s two stage design. Enrollment for each cohort is as follows: Part A 6/6, Part B RMC 1/6, MRT 1/6, ATRT 4/6, PDC 2/6, ES 3/6, other 6/6. Radiographic imaging central response assessment for the first stage of the “other” cohort is ongoing. Cycle 1 toxicities of the combination therapy are monitored in Part B patients < 12 yrs using a Bayesian Optimal INterval (BOIN) design with a target toxicity of 17%. Secondary objectives are to characterize the pharmacokinetics/anti-drug antibody development and to estimate progression free survival, overall survival, and duration of response. Enrollment is open at all Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trial Network sites. Data cutoff: Jan 10, 2025. Clinical trial information: NCT05286801 .
(066) EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL ON SEXUAL FUNCTION IN PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Shihab, Sara, Kanani, Dalya, Vegunta, Suneela , Islam, N

The Journal of Sexual Medicine | June 17, 2024 | Volume: 21 | Issue: Supplement_5 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/jsxmed/qdae054.061 Get It

Abstract Introduction Sexual well-being is an important quality of life component to women throughout life, and during menopausal transition and beyond. Female sexual response cycle includes desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution phases. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) encompasses all phases of sexual response cycle and can lead to distress for both the woman and her partner and warrant further investigation. Research has indicated both positive and negative associations between alcohol consumption and sexual health, our review goal is to further explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual function in perimenopausal women. Objective We aim to review the current literature regarding the influence of alcohol use on sexual health during the menopausal transition and beyond. Methods The examination of alcohol consumption and its effects on sexual health in menopausal women was performed through reviewing existing literature. The literature search was completed in the Ovid MEDLINE database (1946- Present) in August 2023. 16 articles were identified in the initial search. 12 articles met our inclusion criteria and were independently reviewed by the authors. Results from these articles were summarized. The search was limited to the English language and the last 20 years (2003-current). Keywords included: menopause, pre-menopause, post menopause, perimenopause, alcohol use, alcohol related disorder, and sexual function. Results Seven out of 16 articles reviewed linked a negative association between alcohol consumption and female sexual function. Seven indicated a positive association between alcohol use and sexual function and 2 articles did not reveal an association. The findings of our review indicate a complex relationship of alcohol on women's sexual function. Studies indicating a positive association between mild alcohol consumption (equal or less than 0.21 FL oz. alcohol/day) and improved sexual function. This effect was theorized due to alcohol increasing endogenous estrogen or due to behavioral changes such as disinhibition, influencing sexual activities influenced by alcohol or subjective arousal due to drinking. Additionally, a positive association was seen between increased alcohol consumption and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores. However no significant influence on Female Sexual Distress Scale scoring was identified which is a key component to FSD. Other studies showed that excessive or prolonged alcohol consumption (more than 1.00 FL oz. alcohol per day) found to be associated with worsening sexual function and can impact all 6 domains on the FSFI (which include: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) even after abstinence. These findings were reflected in another study that showed women (however not exclusively menopausal) who were seeking treatment for alcohol dependency diagnosis experienced low sexual desire, inability to achieve orgasm and less satisfaction. Initiating alcohol consumption at a younger age, along with an extended and more intense period of dependency, was correlated with a higher likelihood of experiencing increased sexual dysfunction. A meta-Analysis of 7 studies showed increased odds of sexual dysfunction with alcohol consumption. Another study showed that moderate alcohol consumption was found to be an independent risk factor for FSD and Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) which can lead to FSD. Conclusions The impact of alcohol on sexual health in postmenopausal women is multifaceted, based on varying levels of consumption influencing various aspects of sexual function. This relationship can also be influenced by other factors such as pre-existing sexual problems and the utilization of alcohol as a coping mechanism to reduce anxiety, release stress or to increase sexual behavior through enhancing arousal. A study indicated that menopausal symptoms may trigger a craving for alcohol, leading to increased alcohol consumption. Further research is essential to elucidate the direct and indirect effects of alcohol consumption on sexual dysfunction. In addition, the impact of abstinence from alcohol on sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women needs to be further explored. Understanding the impact of alcohol consumption on sexual function of postmenopausal women is critical for healthcare professionals, to provide appropriate guidance and interventions. These findings highlight the need for further research and increased awareness regarding the impact of alcohol use on sexual health during in pre-menopausal, peri and postmenopausal women. Disclosure No.
Phase 1/2 study of tiragolumab and atezolizumab in patients with relapsed or refractory SMARCB1 or SMARCA4 deficient tumors.
Akshintala, Srivandana , Widemann, Brigitte C. , Militano, Olga, Bradley, Zanette Kanani, Fox, Elizabeth , Weigel, Brenda J. , Wedekind, Mary Frances , Minard, Charles G. , Hall, David , Reid, Joel M. , Pressey, Joseph G. , Sharon, Elad

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: TPS10066-TPS10066

10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.tps10066 Get It

TPS10066 Background: The SMARCB1/A4 gene products are core subunits of the SWItch/Sucrose Non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. Tumors with defects in SWI/SNF are histologically distinct aggressive cancers occurring in children and young adults. SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors, particularly rhabdoid tumors, poorly differentiated chordoma, epithelioid sarcoma, and medullary renal cell carcinoma, have immune cell infiltrates and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Response to immune checkpoint inhibition (CI) has been observed in SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors; however, responses are not durable. T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) is a novel inhibitory receptor expressed on multiple immune cells. TIGIT inhibits T and NK cells by binding to its ligand poliovirus receptor (PVR) and Nectin2 on tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells. Utilizing RNAseq data, SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors demonstrate high expression of PVR and Nectin2. Tiragolumab is an antibody to the TIGIT receptor. In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, tiragolumab with atezolizumab increased survival compared to atezolizumab alone. Thus, data suggest that SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors are susceptible to CI; however, monotherapy is unlikely to achieve durable responses; the addition of tiragolumab may enhance response rates. Methods: This is a phase 1/2 trial of tiragolumab monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab in patients ≥ 12 months of age with SMARCB1/A4 deficient tumors administered IV on Day 1 of 21-day cycles. Part A will evaluate the safety of tiragolumab monotherapy (300 mg if ≤ 15 kg; 420 mg if >15 to ≤ 40 kg; 600 mg if > 40 kg or ≥ 18 yrs) based on cycle 1 DLTs in up to 6 evaluable patients <18 yrs of age. Part B will estimate the antitumor activity of tiragolumab in combination with atezolizumab (15 mg/kg [max 1200 mg]) if < 18 yrs or 1200 mg if ≥ 18 yrs) in 6 histology-specific cohorts (renal medullary carcinoma, malignant rhabdoid tumor, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, poorly differentiated carcinoma, epithelioid sarcoma, and other) Each cohort will be conducted using a 6+4 Simon’s two stage design. Up to 13 patients may enroll in each cohort allowing for inevaluable patients (maximum n=78). Enrollment of patients ≥ 18 yrs on Part B may occur concurrently with enrollment of patients < 18 yrs on Part A. If the pediatric dose of tiragolumab is deemed safe, patients <18 yrs old may be enrolled on Part B. Cycle 1 toxicities of the combination therapy will be monitored in Part B using a Bayesian Optimal Interval Design in patients < 12 yrs of age. The secondary objectives are to characterize pharmacokinetics/anti-drug antibody and estimating progression free survival, overall survival, and duration of response. Enrollment is open for all Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trial Network sites. Clinical trial information: NCT05286801 .
Association of SNPs in the PAI1 Gene with Disease Recurrence and Clinical Outcome in Bladder Cancer
Murakami, Kaoru , Furuya, Hideki , Hokutan, Kanani , Goodison, Steve , Pagano, Ian , Chen, Runpu , Shen, Cheng‐Huang , Chan, Michael W.Y. , Ng, Chi‐Fai , Kobayashi, Takashi , Miyake, Makito , Thornquist, Mark, Shimizu, Yoshiko, Hayashi, Kazukuni , Rosser, Charles J. , Miyake, Makito , Rosser, Charles J , Furuya, Hideki , Ogawa, Osamu , Wang, Zhangwei, Yu, Kai

International Journal of Molecular Sciences | March 6, 2023 | Volume: 24 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 4943

10.3390/ijms24054943 | PMID 36902377 Get It

Purpose: Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and is characterized by a high rate of recurrence. In previous studies, we and others have described the functional influence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI1) in bladder cancer development. While polymorphisms in PAI1 have been associated with increased risk and worsened prognosis in some cancers, the mutational status of PAI1 in human bladder tumors has not been well defined. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the mutational status of PAI1 in a series of independent cohorts, comprised of a total of 660 subjects. Results: Sequencing analyses identified two clinically relevant 3′ untranslated region (UTR) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PAI1 (rs7242; rs1050813). Somatic SNP rs7242 was present in human BCa cohorts (overall incidence of 72%; 62% in Caucasians and 72% in Asians). In contrast, the overall incidence of germline SNP rs1050813 was 18% (39% in Caucasians and 6% in Asians). Furthermore, Caucasian patients with at least one of the described SNPs had worse recurrence-free survival and overall survival (p = 0.03 and p = 0.03, respectively). In vitro functional studies demonstrated that SNP rs7242 increased the anti-apoptotic effect of PAI1, and SNP rs1050813 was related to a loss of contact inhibition associated with cellular proliferation when compared to wild type. Conclusion: Further investigation of the prevalence and potential downstream influence of these SNPs in bladder cancer is warranted.
Characteristics and Perspectives of Human Trafficking Education: A Survey of U.S. Medical School Administrators and Students
Talbott, Jennifer , Lee, Yeonsoo Sara , Titchen, Kanani , Chen, Joyce Y., Kling, Juliana M. , Talbott, Jennifer M V , Sara Lee, Yeonsoo , Kling, Juliana M

Journal of Women's Health | October 27, 2022 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 192-198

10.1089/jwh.2022.0144 | PMID 36301184 Get It

Objective: To assess the timing, duration, methodology, and content of human trafficking (HT) curricula in U.S. medical schools. Methods: An anonymous, cross-sectional survey was sent through email and phone to administrators of 199 U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. A supplementary survey was sent to students and faculty through email listservs and social media links. Data collection occurred from April to October 2020 and findings were analyzed through SAS software. All study measures were approved by the institutional review board. Results: Administrators were from 22 states and 34 schools ( n = 51/199 schools; response rate: 25.6%) and n = 41 responded to all questions. Of these, 32% (13/41) self-identified as deans, 34.1% (14/41) as faculty, and 29.3% (12/41) as other administrators. Less than half (41.5%, n = 17/41) reported an HT curriculum. There was a wide range in length (average = 3 hours) and when present was almost always mandatory ( n = 51, 88.2%). Few curricula mentioned labor (23.5%) or organ (5.9%) trafficking, or at-risk populations such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) members (13.7%), foreign nationals (7.8%), victims of political conflict (3.9%), and indigenous peoples (2.0%). Students and staff ( n = 242) were from 34 states and 83 schools, and n = 36 (27.5%) reported a curriculum. Less than half (44.4%) felt the length (average 4.1 hours) was sufficient. Conclusions: Less than half of respondents reported an HT curriculum. It is unclear how well this curriculum prepares students to treat victim-survivors of HT. Future work is necessary to incorporate effective education on HT for trainees and evaluate patient outcomes after curricular implementation.
DNA methylation at the vicinity of the proximal polyadenylation site in FANCD2 gene involves human malignancy
Ma, Chi , Wang, Zhanwei , Nepal, Manoj , Hokutan, Kanani , Zhang, Jun , Fei, Peiwen, Yu, Kai

Cell Cycle | September 3, 2018 | Volume: 17 | Issue: 17 | Pages: 2204-2206

10.1080/15384101.2018.1516983 | PMID 30176149 Get It

Genetic deletion of sphingosine kinase 1 suppresses mouse breast tumor development in an HER2 transgenic model
Shimizu, Yoshiko, Furuya, Hideki , Tamashiro, Paulette M, Iino, Kayoko, Chan, Owen , Goodison, Steve , Hokutan, Kanani , Peres, Rafael , Loo, Lenora W. M. , Naing, Aung , Chong, Clayton, Rosser, Charles J. , Kawamori, Toshihiko, Furuya, Hideki , Pagano, Ian , Hernandez, Brenda Y.

Carcinogenesis | September 7, 2017 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 47-55

10.1093/carcin/bgx097 | PMID 28968647 Get It

Abstract B17: Genetic deletion of sphingosine kinase 1 suppresses mouse breast tumor development in MMTV-neu transgenic model
Shimizu, Yoshiko, Tamashiro, Paulette M, Goodison, Steve , Chan, Owen , Iino, Kayoko, Peres, Rafael , Hokutan, Kanani , Loo, Lenora W. M. , Naing, Aung, Rosser, Charles J. , Kawamori, Toshihiko, Furuya, Hideki , Pagano, Ian , Hernandez, Brenda Y. , Naing, Aung

Molecular Cancer Research | May 20, 2016 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 2_Supplement | Pages: B17-B17

10.1158/1557-3125.advbc15-b17 Get It

Abstract Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) phosphorylates pro-apoptotic sphingosine to form pro-survival sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), leading to cancer progression. In breast cancer, high levels of SphK1 mRNA are found in 80% of the patients, with average increase of 2-fold in breast tumors compared with normal tissue from the same patient. Recent studies suggest that SphK1 expression is associated with disease-free survival in ER-negative and HER2-positive breast tumors. In addition, inhibition of SphK1 in HER2-positive breast cancer cell line reduced S1P-induced HER2 and ERK1/2 activation. While these evidences suggest that SphK1 may play an important role in HER2-positive breast cancer, the exact role of SphK1 in breast tumorigenesis remains unclear. The aim of this project is to define the role of SphK1 in HER2-positive breast tumorigenesis and to investigate whether the pathway components are potential target for breast cancer prevention and therapies. Here, we report that SphK1 is required for HER2/neu-induced breast tumorigenesis and SphK1 regulates claudin-2 (CLDN2) to promote tumor development perhaps by mediating HER2. In MMTV-neu transgenic mouse model, genetic deletion of SphK1, which was accompanied by reduced S1P and increased C16-ceramide levels, significantly inhibited breast tumor development, with reduced incidence (SphK1-/-, 19%; SphK1+/-, 26%; and SphK1+/+, 57%; p &lt; 0.05) and multiplicity (SphK1-/-, 0.27 ± 0.13; SphK1+/-, 0.32 ± 0.07; and SphK1+/+, 0.67 ± 0.14 tumors per animal; p &lt; 0.05). Unexpectedly, SphK1 deletion did not affect tumor growth as results showed no differences in tumor volume. However, this is not surprising when considering the fact that the tumors were allowed to grow until tumor reached 20 mm in longer diameter, at which they were sacrificed regardless of age. Interestingly, whole genome expression analysis by Illumina MouseWG-6 v2.0 Expression BeadChip Array revealed significant reduction of CLDN2 expression in tumors from SphK1 deficient mice (p &lt; 0.0001). In support to these findings, overexpression of SphK1 in MDA-MB-453 human breast cancer cells, which HER2 is amplified but lacks hormone receptors, lead to increase in CLDN2 expression (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, overexpression of SphK1 in MDA-MB-453 cells also enhanced cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration/invasion, and drug resistance to cisplatin. The relevance of this finings in humans was confirmed by immunostaining of SphK1 and CLDN2 in HER2-positive breast cancer tumors and normal tissues (n = 93 and 35 subjects, respectively). The results showed that the expression of SphK1 was higher in tumors compared to adjacent normal tissue (p &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, higher SphK1 expression was observed in high grade tumors (vs low grade; p &lt; 0.001) and ER-PR- tumors (vs ER+PR+; p &lt; 0.0001). Interestingly, we observed similar staining pattern of CLDN2 proteins, where CLDN2 expression was high in tumors (p &lt; 0.0001), particularly in high grade tumors (p &lt; 0.01) and ER-PR- tumors (p &lt; 0.0001). Moreover, we found a strong correlation between SphK1 and CLDN2 expressions in tumors but not in normal tissues, confirming the results obtained in animal study. Taken together, these findings suggest that SphK1 may play a pivotal role in HER2-positive breast carcinogenesis, and targeting SphK1 and/or CLDN2 may represent a novel approach for HER2-positive breast cancer chemoprevention and/or treatment. Citation Format: Yoshiko Shimizu, Hideki Furuya, Paulette M. Tamashiro, Steve Goodison, Owen Chan, Ian Pagano, Kayoko Iino, Rafael Peres, Kanani Hokutan, Lenora W.M. Loo, Brenda Hernandez, Aung Naing, Charles J. Rosser, Toshihiko Kawamori. Genetic deletion of sphingosine kinase 1 suppresses mouse breast tumor development in MMTV-neu transgenic model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Breast Cancer Research; Oct 17-20, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(2_Suppl):Abstract nr B17.