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Immunotherapy as a Therapeutic Strategy for Gastrointestinal Cancer-Current Treatment Options and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126664. [PMID: 35743107 PMCID: PMC9224428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer constitutes a highly lethal entity among malignancies in the last decades and is still a major challenge for cancer therapeutic options. Despite the current combinational treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, the survival rates remain notably low for patients with advanced disease. A better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that influence tumor progression and the development of optimal therapeutic strategies for GI malignancies are urgently needed. Currently, the development and the assessment of the efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents in GI cancer are in the spotlight of several clinical trials. Thus, several new modalities and combinational treatments with other anti-neoplastic agents have been identified and evaluated for their efficiency in cancer management, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and/or combinations thereof. Understanding the interrelation among the tumor microenvironment, cancer progression, and immune resistance is pivotal for the optimal therapeutic management of all gastrointestinal solid tumors. This review will shed light on the recent advances and future directions of immunotherapy for malignant tumors of the GI system.
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Experimental Study of Potential CD8+ Trivalent Synthetic Peptides for Liver Cancer Vaccine Development Using Sprague Dawley Rat Models. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4792374. [PMID: 35686237 PMCID: PMC9173915 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4792374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Liver cancer (LC) is the most devastating disease affecting a large set of populations in the world. The mortality due to LC is escalating, indicating the lack of effective therapeutic options. Immunotherapeutic agents may play an important role against cancer cells. As immune cells, especially T lymphocytes, which are part of cancer immunology, the design of vaccine candidates for cytotoxic T lymphocytes may be an effective strategy for curing liver cancer. Results. In our study, based on an immunoinformatics approach, we predicted potential T cell epitopes of MHC class I molecules using integrated steps of data retrieval, screening of antigenic proteins, functional analysis, peptide synthesis, and experimental in vivo investigations. We predicted the binding affinity of epitopes LLECADDRADLAKY, VSEHRIQDKDGLFY, and EYILSLEELVNGMY of LC membrane-bounded extracellular proteins including butyrophilin-like protein-2 (BTNL2), glypican-3 (GPC3), and serum albumin (ALB), respectively, with MHC class I molecules (allele: HLA-A
01:01). These T cell epitopes rely on the level of their binding energy and antigenic properties. We designed and constructed a trivalent immunogenic model by conjugating these epitopes with linkers to activate cytotoxic T cells. For validation, the nonspecific hematological assays showed a significant rise in the count of white blood cells (
), lymphocytes (
), and granulocytes (
) compared to the control after administration of trivalent peptides. Specific immunoassays including granzyme B and IgG ELISA exhibited the significant concentration of these effector molecules in blood serum, indicating the activity of cytotoxic T cells. Granzyme concentration increased to 1050 pg/ml at the second booster dose compared to the control (95 pg/ml), while the concentration of IgG raised to 6 g/l compared to the control (2 g/l). Conclusion. We concluded that a potential therapeutic trivalent vaccine can activate and modulate the immune system to cure liver cancer on the basis of significant outcomes of specific and nonspecific assays.
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Song S, Shu P. Expression of ferroptosis-related gene correlates with immune microenvironment and predicts prognosis in gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8785. [PMID: 35610340 PMCID: PMC9129902 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12800-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The study is to explore the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC), and to construct a new prognosis signature to predict the prognosis in GC. Clinical information and corresponding RNA data of GC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Consensus clustering was performed to identify new molecular subgroups. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, McpCounter and TIMER algorithm were used to analyze the infiltration of immune cells in two molecular subgroups. LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox analysis were used to construct a prognostic risk signature. Functional analysis was conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Finally, the FRPGs were verified by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. We obtained 16 FRGs and divided GC patients into two subgroups by consistent clustering. Cluster C1 with a higher abundance of immune cell infiltration but lower probability in response to immunotherapy, it was reasonable to speculate that Cluster C1 was in accordance with the immune rejection type. Functional analysis showed that the biological process of DEGs in training cohort mainly included immune globulin, and human immune response mediated by circulating immune globulin. GSEA analysis showed that compared with Cluster C2, Cluster C1 showed lower expression in lipid metabolism. The nomogram combined with risk signature and clinical features can accurately predict the prognosis of GC patients. We identified two molecular subtypes, Clusters C1 and C2. In Cluster C1, patients with poor prognosis present with a hyperimmune status and low lipid metabolism, and we speculate that Cluster C1 was in accordance with the immune rejection type. The risk model based on FRPGs can accurately predict the prognosis of GC. These results indicated that ferroptosis is associated with TIME, and deserved considerable attention in determining immunotherapy treatment strategy for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.,Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Shu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
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54
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Li H, Liu Z, Han C. Clinical value of prophylactic transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:3225-3232. [PMID: 35702096 PMCID: PMC9185034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the feasibility of surgical resection combined with prophylactic transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in reducing the recurrence and improving the survival rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS In this retrospective study, 76 patients with HCC treated in our hospital from February 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled. Among them, 31 patients who received radical surgery alone were enrolled as the control group, and 45 patients who received prophylactic TACE within 6 months after radical surgery were enrolled as the study group. All cases were followed up for 36 months. The recurrence rate, survival rate, and median survival time of patients at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery were compared between the two groups. Patients in the study group were divided into subgroup A (interventional therapy within 1 month), subgroup B (interventional therapy within 1-2 months), subgroup C (interventional therapy within 2-3 months), and subgroup D (interventional therapy within 3-6 months). The recurrence rate within 1 year was compared among the four subgroups. Finally, the clinical indicators affecting the recurrence of HCC were analyzed. RESULTS The recurrence rate at 1, 2 and 3 years after surgery in the study group was lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The survival rate at 1, 2 and 3 years after surgery in the study group was higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The median survival time of patients in the study group was slightly higher than that in the control group, with no significant difference (P>0.05). The 1-year recurrence rate of patients in subgroups A and B was significantly lower than that in subgroups C and D (P<0.05). The incomplete envelope, tumor diameter ≥5 cm, and combined cirrhosis were the main causes of recurrence of HCC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Prophylactic TACE significantly reduced the postoperative recurrence rate and improved the survival rate of patients with HCC. The optimal treatment efficacy was associated with interventional therapy within 1-2 months after surgery, while incomplete envelope, tumor diameter ≥5 cm, and combined cirrhosis were the high-risk factors for HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xingtai People’s HospitalXingtai 054000, Hebei, China
| | - Zhihu Liu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xingtai People’s HospitalXingtai 054000, Hebei, China
| | - Cuiping Han
- CT Room, Xingtai People’s HospitalXingtai 054000, Hebei, China
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55
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Jia Q, Chu H, Jin Z, Long H, Zhu B. High-throughput single-сell sequencing in cancer research. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:145. [PMID: 35504878 PMCID: PMC9065032 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
With advances in sequencing and instrument technology, bioinformatics analysis is being applied to batches of massive cells at single-cell resolution. High-throughput single-cell sequencing can be utilized for multi-omics characterization of tumor cells, stromal cells or infiltrated immune cells to evaluate tumor progression, responses to environmental perturbations, heterogeneous composition of the tumor microenvironment, and complex intercellular interactions between these factors. Particularly, single-cell sequencing of T cell receptors, alone or in combination with single-cell RNA sequencing, is useful in the fields of tumor immunology and immunotherapy. Clinical insights obtained from single-cell analysis are critically important for exploring the biomarkers of disease progression or antitumor treatment, as well as for guiding precise clinical decision-making for patients with malignant tumors. In this review, we summarize the clinical applications of single-cell sequencing in the fields of tumor cell evolution, tumor immunology, and tumor immunotherapy. Additionally, we analyze the tumor cell response to antitumor treatment, heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, and response or resistance to immune checkpoint immunotherapy. The limitations of single-cell analysis in cancer research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhu Jia
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Han Chu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.,Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Research Institute, GloriousMed Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Haixia Long
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Bo Zhu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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56
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Zuo B, Zhang Y, Zhao K, Wu L, Qi H, Yang R, Gao X, Geng M, Wu Y, Jing R, Zhou Q, Seow Y, Yin H. Universal immunotherapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma with exosome vaccines that engage adaptive and innate immune responses. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:46. [PMID: 35488312 PMCID: PMC9052531 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Personalized immunotherapy utilizing cancer vaccines tailored to the tumors of individual patients holds promise for tumors with high genetic heterogeneity, potentially enabling eradication of the tumor in its entirety. Methods Here, we demonstrate a general strategy for biological nanovaccines that trigger tailored tumor-specific immune responses for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dendritic cell (DC)-derived exosomes (DEX) are painted with a HCC-targeting peptide (P47-P), an α-fetoprotein epitope (AFP212-A2) and a functional domain of high mobility group nucleosome-binding protein 1 (N1ND-N), an immunoadjuvant for DC recruitment and activation, via an exosomal anchor peptide to form a “trigger” DEX vaccine (DEXP&A2&N). Results DEXP&A2&N specifically promoted recruitment, accumulation and activation of DCs in mice with orthotopic HCC tumor, resulting in enhanced cross-presentation of tumor neoantigens and de novo T cell response. DEXP&A2&N elicited significant tumor retardation and tumor-specific immune responses in HCC mice with large tumor burdens. Importantly, tumor eradication was achieved in orthotopic HCC mice when antigenic AFP peptide was replaced with the full-length AFP (A) to form DEXP&A&N. Supplementation of Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand greatly augmented the antitumor immunity of DEXP&A&N by increasing immunological memory against tumor re-challenge in orthotopic HCC mice. Depletion of T cells, cross-presenting DCs and other innate immune cells abrogated the functionality of DEXP&A&N. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the capacity of universal DEX vaccines to induce tumor-specific immune responses by triggering an immune response tailored to the tumors of each individual, thus presenting a generalizable approach for personalized immunotherapy of HCC, by extension of other tumors, without the need to identify tumor antigens. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-022-01266-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfeng Zuo
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Kangjie Zhao
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Li Wu
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Han Qi
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xianjun Gao
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Mengyuan Geng
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yingjie Wu
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Renwei Jing
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Qibing Zhou
- Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yiqi Seow
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138668, Singapore
| | - HaiFang Yin
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education) and School of Medical Technology and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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Hu Y, Chen D, Hong M, Liu J, Li Y, Hao J, Lu L, Yin Z, Wu Y. Apoptosis, Pyroptosis, and Ferroptosis Conspiringly Induce Immunosuppressive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microenvironment and γδ T-Cell Imbalance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845974. [PMID: 35444645 PMCID: PMC9013882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly malignant and prone to metastasize due to the heterogeneous and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Programmed cell deaths (PCDs) including apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis routinely occur in the HCC TME and participate in tumorigenesis. However, how apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis are involved in constructions of the immunosuppressive TME and their underlying cross-talk remains to be further unveiled. In this work, we deciphered the immunosuppressive landscape of HCC TME, which demonstrated high expressions of inhibitory checkpoint molecules and infiltration of protumor immune cells but low infiltration of antitumor effector immune cells. Further investigations unequivocally revealed that marker genes of apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis are closely correlated with expressions and infiltrations of inhibitory checkpoint molecules and immune cells and that higher "-optosis" links to poorer patient prognosis. Notably, such three types of "-optosis" interact with each other at both the gene and protein levels, suggesting that they conspiringly induce the establishment of the immunosuppressive HCC TME. Interestingly, examinations of circulating γδ T cells in HCC patients revealed a noticeable dysfunction phenotype. The strikingly elevated ratio of the Vδ1+ versus the Vδ2+ subset suggested that the Vδ1+/Vδ2+ ratio would be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis in HCC patients. Altogether, this work thoroughly decrypted the underlying correlations between apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis and the formation of immunosuppressive HCC TME and, meanwhile, indicated that allogeneic Vδ2+ γδ T-cell transfer would be a promising adjuvant strategy for renormalizing circulating γδ T cell and thus achieving sound clinical efficacy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Minjing Hong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijia Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianlei Hao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
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Development an Immune-Related MicroRNA Risk Index in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5224434. [PMID: 35466321 PMCID: PMC9019458 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5224434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) has emerged as one of the most prevalent malignancies on a global scale. Recently, immunotherapy has achieved favorable effectiveness in the management of multiple cancers. However, there are limited therapeutic options for advanced HC. As the liver is a special immune organ, we intend to uncover potential and effective immunotherapeutic modalities for HC. Our study was designed to develop specific immune-related miRNAs (IRMs) for outcome assessment and individualized strategies for the management of HC. Methods The miRNA-seq and survival data of TCGA-LIHC dataset was enrolled into this program. We first collected IRMs from Immune-miR website. Differentially expression analysis was applied to screen aberrantly expressed IRMs. In order to set up an IRM-related index (IRMRI) in HC, we conducted the Cox relevant methods. Next, the statistical approaches (survival curve and ROC curve analyses) were utilized to detect the evaluation capacity of our IRMRI. Subsequently, we obtained the target genes of hub miRNAs from IRMRI through three miRNA-related predictive online tools (miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan websites). Results Five IRMs were determined to develop the IRMRI. It can effectively segregate all HC cases from two different risk subgroups. We identified a marked discrepancy in survival outcome between the two groups by survival analysis and confirmed the reliability of IRMRI in two testing sets. Moreover, we collected 10 hub target genes (ESR1, IGF1, PDGFRB, JUN, MYC, ZWINT, MAD2L1, TOP2A, KIF11, and CDCA8) which were strongly linked to HC progression and malignant behavior. Conclusion We screened out five hub IRMs with clinical value and constructed a risk index model in HC, which can precisely assess the risk status and outcome of patients to a certain extent.
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59
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Kang SM, Khalil L, El-Rayes BF, Akce M. Rapidly Evolving Landscape and Future Horizons in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Immuno-Oncology. Front Oncol 2022; 12:821903. [PMID: 35433430 PMCID: PMC9008732 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.821903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious global health problem as one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Systemic therapy for advanced HCC has progressed with the development of molecular targeted agents, however survival benefits remain modest. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have emerged and exhibited promising therapeutic benefits in a subset of patients. Physiologically, the intrinsic microenvironment in the liver is immunosuppressive, which represents a major obstacle for effective immune therapies in primary and secondary liver malignancies. For this reason, combination therapies that can overcome immune inhibitory mechanisms and enhance the immune response are a rationale approach for drug development in HCC. A recent example is the combination of the anti-PD-L1 antibody (atezolizumab) and anti-VEGF-A antibody (bevacizumab), which has shown significant improvement in survival as compared to standard of care in the first-line treatment for HCC. Other immunotherapy approaches including cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy are also under investigation. This review summarizes the key trials leading to our current HCC treatment options and provides an overview of future immune-based strategies in development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mehmet Akce
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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60
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Chen Q, Lu X, Xie J, Ma N, Xu W, Zhang Z, Huang X, Liu H, Hou J, Zhang X, Zhu W. Analysis of L Antigen Family Member 3 as a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target Associated With the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:813275. [PMID: 35433409 PMCID: PMC9008773 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.813275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. L antigen family member 3 (LAGE3) is a prognostic biomarker and associated with progression in a variety of tumors. However, little has been reported about the role and potential mechanism of LAGE3 in HCC. Methods The clinical value and function of LAGE3 in HCC were obtained from multiple online databases. The potential functions and pathways of LAGE3 in HCC were analysed by R package of “clusterProfiler”. LAGE3 knockdown cells were constructed in HepG2, HuH7 and MHCC97H cell lines, respectively. The biological roles of LAGE3 were examined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results LAGE3 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues, and high expression of LAGE3 was significantly associated with several clinical characteristics and indicated a worse prognosis of HCC. The co-expressed genes of LAGE3 could be enriched in the mTOR signaling pathway in HCC. LAGE3 was upregulated in HCC cell lines. Functionally, knocking down LAGE3 expression not only increased apoptosis and inhibited growth rate, cell death mediated by T cells, colony formation, migration and invasion ability of HCC cell lines in vitro, but also reduced the progression of HCC in the subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model. Conclusion Our results suggested that LAGE3 served as an oncogenic factor of HCC and could be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Ma
- Department of Pathology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Weikang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhu, ; Xiaoyong Zhang, ; Jinlin Hou,
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhu, ; Xiaoyong Zhang, ; Jinlin Hou,
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhu, ; Xiaoyong Zhang, ; Jinlin Hou,
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Pylypchuk IV, Suo H, Chucheepchuenkamol C, Jedicke N, Lindén PA, Lindström ME, Manns MP, Sevastyanova O, Yevsa T. High-Molecular-Weight Fractions of Spruce and Eucalyptus Lignin as a Perspective Nanoparticle-Based Platform for a Therapy Delivery in Liver Cancer. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:817768. [PMID: 35198551 PMCID: PMC8860172 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.817768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural polymer, lignin, possesses unique biodegradable and biocompatible properties, making it highly attractive for the generation of nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated spruce and eucalyptus lignin nanoparticles (designated as S-and E-LNPs, respectively). Both LNP types were generated from high-molecular-weight (Mw) kraft lignin obtained as insoluble residues after a five-step solvent fractionation approach, which included ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and acetone. The resulting S-and E-LNPs ranged in size from 16 to 60 nm with uniform spherical shape regardless of the type of lignin. The preparation of LNPs from an acetone-insoluble lignin fraction is attractive because of the use of high-Mw lignin that is otherwise not suitable for most polymeric applications, its potential scalability, and the consistent size of the LNPs, which was independent of increased lignin concentrations. Due to the potential of LNPs to serve as delivery platforms in liver cancer treatment, we tested, for the first time, the efficacy of newly generated E-LNPs and S-LNPs in two types of primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), in vitro. Both S-LNPs and E-LNPs inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner and did not affect CCA cell line growth. The inhibitory effect toward HCC was more pronounced in the E-LNP-treated group and was comparable to the standard therapy, sorafenib. Also, E-LNPs induced late apoptosis and necroptosis while inhibiting the HCC cell line. This study demonstrated that an elevated number of carbohydrates on the surface of the LNPs, as shown by NMR, seem to play an important role in mediating the interaction between LNPs and eukaryotic cells. The latter effect was most pronounced in E-LNPs. The novel S- and E-LNPs generated in this work are promising materials for biomedicine with advantageous properties such as small particle size and tailored surface functionality, making them an attractive and potentially biodegradable delivery tool for combination therapy in liver cancer, which still has to be verified in vivo using HCC and CCA models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ievgen V Pylypchuk
- Division of Wood Chemistry and Pulp Technology, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Huizhen Suo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Chanakarn Chucheepchuenkamol
- Division of Wood Chemistry and Pulp Technology, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Science Service, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Ratchathewi, Thailand
| | - Nils Jedicke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pär A Lindén
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael E Lindström
- Division of Wood Chemistry and Pulp Technology, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Olena Sevastyanova
- Division of Wood Chemistry and Pulp Technology, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tetyana Yevsa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Kamerkar S, Leng C, Burenkova O, Jang SC, McCoy C, Zhang K, Dooley K, Kasera S, Zi T, Sisó S, Dahlberg W, Sia CL, Patel S, Schmidt K, Economides K, Soos T, Burzyn D, Sathyanarayanan S. Exosome-mediated genetic reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages by exoASO-STAT6 leads to potent monotherapy antitumor activity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj7002. [PMID: 35179953 PMCID: PMC8856615 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj7002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Effectiveness of checkpoint immunotherapy in cancer can be undermined by immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with an M2 phenotype. Reprogramming TAMs toward a proinflammatory M1 phenotype is a novel approach to induce antitumor immunity. The M2 phenotype is controlled by key transcription factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), which have been "undruggable" selectively in TAMs. We describe an engineered exosome therapeutic candidate delivering an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting STAT6 (exoASO-STAT6), which selectively silences STAT6 expression in TAMs. In syngeneic models of colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, exoASO-STAT6 monotherapy results in >90% tumor growth inhibition and 50 to 80% complete remissions. Administration of exoASO-STAT6 leads to induction of nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), an M1 macrophage marker, resulting in remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and generation of a CD8 T cell-mediated adaptive immune response. Collectively, exoASO-STAT6 represents the first platform targeting transcription factors in TAMs in a highly selective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charan Leng
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | | | - Su Chul Jang
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | | | - Kelvin Zhang
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Kevin Dooley
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | | | - Tong Zi
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Sílvia Sisó
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | | | | | - Shil Patel
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Karl Schmidt
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | | | - Timothy Soos
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Dalia Burzyn
- Codiak BioSciences Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
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63
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De Somer T, Vanderstraeten E, Bouderez V, Monsaert E, Van Steenkiste C. Resolution of a hepatoduodenal fistula after nivolumab treatment in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma: challenges in immunotherapy. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:108-112. [PMID: 32529925 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2020.1778346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with limited treatment options for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Beyond standard systemic therapy with multikinase inhibitors, recent studies demonstrate the potential for a robust and durable response with immune checkpoint inhibition in subsets of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.We present a case of an 83-year-old male patient with the diagnosis of a multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma. A hepatoduodenal fistula developed under treatment with sorafenib which necessitated treatment interruption. Therefore, a switch to second line therapy with immunotherapy nivolumab was made and supportive enteral nutrition was started. This led to a spectacular oncological response, with complete resolution of the hepatoduodenal fistula. To our knowledge this is the first case which describes the involution of a fistula in a hepatocellular carcinoma under treatment with nivolumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas De Somer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erik Vanderstraeten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vincent Bouderez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Monsaert
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
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64
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Rai V, Mukherjee S. Targets of immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:140-157. [PMID: 35126844 PMCID: PMC8790386 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i1.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common primary liver cancer, in an immunogenic tumor with a poor prognosis because these tumors are diagnosed at late stages. Although, surgical resection, ablation, liver transplant, and locoregional therapies are available for early stages; however, there are yet no effective treatment for advanced and recurrent tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and adoptive cell transfer therapy has gained the popularity with some positive results because these therapies overcome anergy and systemic immune suppression. However, still there is a lack of an effective treatment and thus there is an unmet need of a novel treatment. At present, the focus of the research is on oncolytic viral therapy and combination therapy where therapies including radiotherapy, immune checkpoint therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy, and vaccines are combined to get an additive or synergistic effect enhancing the immune response of the liver with a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. This review discusses the recent key development, the basis of drug resistance, immune evasion, immune tolerance, the available therapies based on stage of the tumor, and the ongoing clinical trials on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy, oncolytic viral vaccine therapy, and combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States
| | - Sandeep Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68124, United States
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65
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Cai Q, Zhu M, Duan J, Wang H, Chen J, Xiao Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Yu X, Yang H. Comprehensive Analysis of Immune-Related Prognosis of TK1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:786873. [PMID: 35127491 PMCID: PMC8814100 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.786873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of TK1 is associated with the progression of a variety of tumors. However, the relationship of TK1 expression with immune cell infiltration and its prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unknown. In this study the TCGA database was used to evaluate TK1 expression and its impact on survival in patients with HCC. Compared with normal tissue, TK1 in the liver tissue of patients with HCC was significantly up-regulated at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, TK1 expression was significantly related to pathological stage, tumor stage and lymph node metastasis, with high TK1 expression being an unfavorable prognostic factor for HCC. TK1 expression was also significantly associated with the infiltration of B cells, T cells, and dendritic cells in HCC. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that TK1 was associated with relatively large changes in T cells, especially gamma-delta T cells. A prognostic risk score based on TK1-related immune genes (CD40LG and TNFRSF4) was established using COX regression analysis. By integrating the immune-related risk score model with clinical features, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival rate of HCC patients (1 year, 3-year and 5-year AUC of 0.782, 0.783 and 0.771, respectively). Knockdown of the target gene for TK1 was found to have significant anti-apoptosis and pro-proliferation effects on HepG2 cells. The level of TK1 in the serum and liver tissue of patients with HCC was significantly increased relative to healthy controls. These findings highlight the role of TK1 in the tumor immune response of HCC patients and in the proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells. TK1 could therefore be a potential immunotherapy target for HCC patients, while the two immune genes related to TK1 (CD40LG And TNFRSF4) may be promising prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Qun Cai,
| | - Mingyan Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jinnan Duan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingdan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yixin Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yangqin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jianfang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xuewen Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Fanale D, Corsini LR, Scalia R, Brando C, Cucinella A, Madonia G, Dimino A, Filorizzo C, Barraco N, Bono M, Fiorino A, Magrin L, Sciacchitano R, Perez A, Russo TDB, Pantuso G, Russo A, Bazan V. Can the tumor-agnostic evaluation of MSI/MMR status be the common denominator for the immunotherapy treatment of patients with several solid tumors? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 170:103597. [PMID: 35033663 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in short-repetitive DNA sequences, known as microsatellite instability (MSI), can reflect deficiencies in Mismatch Repair (MMR) system which represents a major player in DNA integrity maintenance. The incidence of MSI-H/dMMR has been shown to be variable depending on the tumor type. Several studies confirmed that dMMR/MSI status, although less frequent than PD-L1 expression, may better predict response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with solid tumors. In October 2016, the FDA granted pembrolizumab as breakthrough therapy for the treatment of non-CRC, MSI-H/dMMR tumors, providing, for the first time, a tumor-agnostic indication. In the next future, the tissue-agnostic evaluation of MSI-H/dMMR could become the common denominator for the immunotherapy treatment of patients with different advanced solid tumors, in order to select patient subgroups which may benefit from this therapy. In this Review we provided an overview of the main clinical studies describing the association between MSI-H/dMMR tumors and immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fanale
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lidia Rita Corsini
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Raimondo Scalia
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Brando
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cucinella
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Madonia
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dimino
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Clarissa Filorizzo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nadia Barraco
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Bono
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Fiorino
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Magrin
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Sciacchitano
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Perez
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tancredi Didier Bazan Russo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianni Pantuso
- Unit of Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Viviana Bazan
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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Kumar AR, Devan AR, Nair B, Nair RR, Nath LR. Biology, Significance and Immune Signaling of Mucin 1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 22:725-740. [PMID: 35301949 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220317090552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC 1) is a highly glycosylated tumor-associated antigen (TAA) overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This protein plays a critical role in various immune-mediated signaling pathways at its transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, leading to immune evasion and metastasis in HCC. HCC cells maintain an immune-suppressive environment with the help of immunesuppressive tumor-associated antigens, resulting in a metastatic spread of the disease. The development of intense immunotherapeutic strategies to target tumor-associated antigen is critical to overcoming the progression of HCC. MUC 1 remains the most recognized tumor-associated antigen since its discovery over 30 years ago. A few promising immunotherapies targeting MUC 1 are currently under clinical trials, including CAR-T and CAR-pNK-mediated therapies. This review highlights the biosynthesis, significance, and clinical implication of MUC 1 as an immune target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi-682041, Kerala, India
| | - Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi-682041, Kerala, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi-682041, Kerala, India
| | | | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi-682041, Kerala, India
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68
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Dai K, Wu Y, She S, Zhang Q. Advancement of chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:2029-2037. [PMID: 35070039 PMCID: PMC8713322 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i12.2029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advance of genome engineering technology, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)-based immunotherapy has become an emerging therapeutic strategy for tumors. Although initially designed for T cells in tumor immunotherapy, CARs have been exploited to modify the function of natural killer (NK) cells against a variety of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CAR-NK cells have the potential to sufficiently kill tumor antigen-expressing HCC cells, independent of major histocompatibility complex matching or prior priming. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in genetic engineering of CAR-NK cells against HCC and discuss the current challenges and prospects of CAR-NK cells as a revolutionary cellular immunotherapy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yin Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Sha She
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
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69
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De Battista D, Zamboni F, Gerstein H, Sato S, Markowitz TE, Lack J, Engle RE, Farci P. Molecular Signature and Immune Landscape of HCV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Differences and Similarities with HBV-HCC. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1399-1413. [PMID: 34849372 PMCID: PMC8615147 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s325959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction HCC is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with chronic viral hepatitis accounting for more than 70% of the cases. Therapeutic options are limited and ineffective. The increasing use of immune-based therapies in solid tumors highlights the need to expand our knowledge on the immunologic microenvironment of HCC. Methods Access to liver samples from 20 well-characterized patients with HCC associated with HCV (n = 9) or HBV (n = 11) gave us the opportunity to study the immunologic landscape in these tumors. For each patient, RNA-sequencing was performed on the tumor and surrounding nontumorous tissue. Results We found that both HCV- and HBV-HCC are associated with a predominance of downregulated genes (74% and 67%, respectively). Analysis of the immune landscape using a curated gene list showed 216 of 2481 (9%) immune genes in HCV-HCC and 164 of 2560 (6%) in HBV-HCC. However, only 8 immune genes (4%) were upregulated in HCV-HCC and 27 (16.5%) in HBV-HCC. HCV-HCC was characterized by an enrichment of downregulated genes related to T-cell activation and oxidative stress. The dramatic downregulation of immune genes related to T-cell activation in HCV-HCC prompted us to perform an extensive immunohistochemistry analysis on paraffin-embedded liver specimen. Interestingly, we found a significant reduction of immune-cell infiltration (CD3, CD8 and CD20 positive cells) within the tumor. Moreover, we observed that HCV-HCC is characterized by an enrichment of M2-like CD68-positive cells. These data are consistent with the dramatic downregulation of immune-cell infiltration seen in HCV-HCC. Conversely, HBV-HCC was characterized by upregulation of genes related to monocyte/macrophage activation and cell cycle control, and downregulation of genes involved in various cell metabolisms. Conclusion This study demonstrates a distinctive molecular signature and immune landscape in HCC of different viral etiology, which could provide new insights into pathogenesis and lead to the development of novel immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Battista
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Fausto Zamboni
- Liver Transplantation Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Hannah Gerstein
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Shinya Sato
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tovah E Markowitz
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Justin Lack
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ronald E Engle
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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70
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Xu D, Wang Y, Wu J, Lin S, Chen Y, Zheng J. Identification and clinical validation of EMT-associated prognostic features based on hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:621. [PMID: 34819088 PMCID: PMC8613962 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to construct a model based on the prognostic features associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to explore the various mechanisms and therapeutic strategies available for the treatment of metastasis and invasion by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS EMT-associated genes were identified, and their molecular subtypes were determined by consistent clustering analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the molecular subtypes were ascertained using the limma package and they were subjected to functional enrichment analysis. The immune cell scores of the molecular subtypes were evaluated using ESTIMATE, MCPcounter, and GSCA packages of R. A multi-gene prognostic model was constructed using lasso regression, and the immunotherapeutic effects of the model were analyzed using the Imvigor210 cohort. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis was performed on a cohort of HCC tissue to validate gene expression. RESULTS Based on the 59 EMT-associated genes identified, the 365-liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) samples were divided into two subtypes, C1 and C2. The C1 subtype mostly showed poor prognosis, had higher immune scores compared to the C2 subtype, and showed greater correlation with pathways of tumor progression. A four-gene signature construct was fabricated based on the 1130 DEGs among the subtypes. The construct was highly robust and showed stable predictive efficacy when validated using datasets from different platforms (HCCDB18 and GSE14520). Additionally, compared to currently existing models, our model demonstrated better performance. The results of the immunotherapy cohort showed that patients in the low-risk group have a better immune response, leading to a better patient's prognosis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression levels of the FTCD, PON1, and TMEM45A were significantly over-expressed in 41 normal samples compared to HCC samples, while that of the G6PD was significantly over-expressed in cancerous tissues. CONCLUSIONS The four-gene signature construct fabricated based on the EMT-associated genes provides valuable information to further study the pathogenesis and clinical management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafeng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Geriatric Medicine Center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jincai Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shixun Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yonghai Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinfang Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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71
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Brandi G. First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: current management and future challenges. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:1245-1251. [PMID: 34431725 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1973431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy has recently taken on an extremely important role in medical oncology, as first- or later-line treatment in several tumor types, and recent years have seen the emerging of clinical trials assessing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AREAS COVERED Herein, we provide an overview of recently published studies exploring the dual immune checkpoint blockade or the combination of ICIs plus biological treatments as first-line treatment in HCC patients with advanced disease, especially focusing on the biological rationale behind these therapeutic strategies, and ongoing active and recruiting clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Results of studies on monotherapy with ICIs have suggested that this strategy could be beneficial only in a minority of patients; conversely, the recently published IMbrave150 study has reported an overall survival benefit in HCC receiving the combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab compared to sorafenib as first-line treatment. A wide number of clinical trials is evaluating ICI-based combinations in advanced HCC, a strategy which is supported by robust preclinical and early-phase clinical data, and results of these studies are highly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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73
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Cao L, Zhu YQ, Wu ZX, Wang GX, Cheng HW. Engineering nanotheranostic strategies for liver cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1213-1228. [PMID: 34721763 PMCID: PMC8529922 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i10.1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma have continued to increase over the last few years, and the medicine-based outlook of patients is poor. Given great ideas from the development of nanotechnology in medicine, especially the advantages in the treatments of liver cancer. Some engineering nanoparticles with active targeting, ligand modification, and passive targeting capacity achieve efficient drug delivery to tumor cells. In addition, the behavior of drug release is also applied to the drug loading nanosystem based on the tumor microenvironment. Considering clinical use of local treatment of liver cancer, in situ drug delivery of nanogels is also fully studied in orthotopic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ablation therapy. Furthermore, novel therapies including gene therapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy are also applied as combined therapy for liver cancer. Engineering nonviral polymers to function as gene delivery vectors with increased efficiency and specificity, and strategies of co-delivery of therapeutic genes and drugs show great therapeutic effect against liver tumors, including drug-resistant tumors. Phototherapy is also applied in surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Combination strategies significantly enhance therapeutic effects and decrease side effects. Overall, the application of nanotechnology could bring a revolutionary change to the current treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cao
- Department of Pathology, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yu-Qin Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhi-Xian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, The 900th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force, Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Gao-Xiong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hong-Wei Cheng
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, Fujian Province, China
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74
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Xu L, Jian X, Liu Z, Zhao J, Zhang S, Lin Y, Xie L. Construction and Validation of an Immune Cell Signature Score to Evaluate Prognosis and Therapeutic Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:741226. [PMID: 34646307 PMCID: PMC8503558 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.741226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays a pivotal role in the outcome and treatment of HCC. However, the effect of immune cell signatures (ICSs) representing the characteristics of TIME on the prognosis and therapeutic benefit of HCC patients remains to be further studied. Materials and methods: In total, the gene expression profiles of 1,447 HCC patients from several databases, i.e., The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium, and Gene Expression Omnibus, were obtained and applied. Based on a comprehensive collection of marker genes, 182 ICSs were evaluated by single sample gene set enrichment analysis. Then, by performing univariate and multivariate Cox analysis and random forest modeling, four significant signatures were selected to fit an immune cell signature score (ICSscore). Results: In this study, an ICSscore-based prognostic model was constructed to stratify HCC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups in the TCGA-LIHC cohort, which was successfully validated in two independent cohorts. Moreover, the ICSscore values were found to positively correlate with the current American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, indicating that ICSscore could act as a comparable biomarker for HCC risk stratification. In addition, when setting the four ICSs and ICSscores as features, the classifiers can significantly distinguish treatment-responding and non-responding samples in HCC. Also, in melanoma and breast cancer, the unified ICSscore could verify samples with therapeutic benefits. Conclusion: Overall, we simplified the tedious ICS to develop the ICSscore, which can be applied successfully for prognostic stratification and therapeutic evaluation in HCC. This study provides an insight into the therapeutic predictive efficacy of prognostic ICS, and a novel ICSscore was constructed to allow future expanded application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Xu
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingxing Jian
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Bioinformatics Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenhao Liu
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Bioinformatics Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siwen Zhang
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Lin
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xie
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Bioinformatics Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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75
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Swersky A, Kulik L, Kalyan A, Grace K, Caicedo JC, Lewandowski RJ, Salem R. Contemporary Algorithm for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 2021: The Northwestern Approach. Semin Intervent Radiol 2021; 38:432-437. [PMID: 34629710 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality around the world. Frequently, concurrent liver dysfunction and variations in tumor burden make it difficult to design effective and standardized treatment pathways. Contemporary treatment guidelines designed for an era of personalized medicine should consider these features in a more clinically meaningful way to improve outcomes for patients across the HCC spectrum. Given the heterogeneity of HCC, we propose a detailed clinical algorithm for selecting optimal treatment using an evidence-based and practical approach, incorporating liver function, tumor burden, the extent of disease, and ultimate treatment intent, with the goal of individualizing clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Swersky
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Laura Kulik
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aparna Kalyan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Karen Grace
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Juan Carlos Caicedo
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert J Lewandowski
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Riad Salem
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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HCC and Molecular Targeting Therapies: Back to the Future. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101345. [PMID: 34680462 PMCID: PMC8533575 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death from cancer in the world. Recently, the effectiveness of new antiviral therapies and the HBV vaccine have reduced HCC’s incidence, while non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis is an emerging risk factor. This review focuses on antiangiogenic molecules and immune checkpoint inhibitors approved for HCC treatment and possible future approaches. Sorafenib was the first drug approved for the treatment of advanced HCC (aHCC) and it has been shown to increase survival by a few months. Lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, has shown non-inferiority in survival compared with sorafenib and an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS). The combination of atezolizumab (an anti-PDL1 antibody) and bevacizumab (an anti-VEGF antibody) was the first drug combination approved for HCC, demonstrating improved survival compared with sorafenib (19.2 vs. 13.4 months). As a second line of therapy, three regimens (regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab) have been approved for the treatment of aHCC after progression on sorafenib according to guidelines. Furthermore, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab plus ipilimumab have been approved by the FDA (2017, 2018, and 2020, respectively). Finally, immune target therapy, cancer vaccines, and epigenetic drugs represent three new possible weapons for the treatment of HCC.
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Santos Apolonio J, Lima de Souza Gonçalves V, Cordeiro Santos ML, Silva Luz M, Silva Souza JV, Rocha Pinheiro SL, de Souza WR, Sande Loureiro M, de Melo FF. Oncolytic virus therapy in cancer: A current review. World J Virol 2021; 10:229-255. [PMID: 34631474 PMCID: PMC8474975 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v10.i5.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of the advancement in the understanding about the most diverse types of cancer and consequently a relentless search for a cure and increased survival rates of cancer patients, finding a therapy that is able to combat the mechanism of aggression of this disease is extremely important. Thus, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have demonstrated great benefits in the treatment of cancer because it mediates antitumor effects in several ways. Viruses can be used to infect cancer cells, especially over normal cells, to present tumor-associated antigens, to activate "danger signals" that generate a less immune-tolerant tumor microenvironment, and to serve transduction vehicles for expression of inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines. The success of therapies using OVs was initially demonstrated by the use of the genetically modified herpes virus, talimogene laherparepvec, for the treatment of melanoma. At this time, several OVs are being studied as a potential treatment for cancer in clinical trials. However, it is necessary to be aware of the safety and possible adverse effects of this therapy; after all, an effective treatment for cancer should promote regression, attack the tumor, and in the meantime induce minimal systemic repercussions. In this manuscript, we will present a current review of the mechanism of action of OVs, main clinical uses, updates, and future perspectives on this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Santos Apolonio
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Luísa Cordeiro Santos
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - João Victor Silva Souza
- Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Campus Vitória da Conquista, Vitória da Conquista 45083-900, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Samuel Luca Rocha Pinheiro
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Wedja Rafaela de Souza
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Matheus Sande Loureiro
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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Zhou W, Fang DL, He Y. Screening potential prognostic biomarkers for portal vein emboli in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1927-1938. [PMID: 34532139 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The formation of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is closely related to the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms by which PVTTs form and the biomarkers involved are still little understood. Methods The Genome Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to obtain transcriptome data from normal tissue, HCC tissue, primary tumors (PTs) of HCC, and paired PVTT tissue. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PTs and PVTTs were analyzed. The differentially expressed immune genes were further investigated in terms of their prognostic significance, immune infiltration, function. Finally, we explored the relationship between risk scores and drug sensitivity based on the R package. Results In the two datasets, there were 458 DEGs identified in the PT and PVTT tissues, of which, 58 were immune-related genes. The differentially expressed immune genes may promote the progression of PVTT by participating in the regulation of non-cellular components such as the extracellular matrix, inflammatory factors, and chemokines. Furthermore, the immune genes KDR, AKT3, FCGR2B, KIAA1429, and TPT1 were correlated with the prognosis of HCC in patients with PVTT. Using this data, a model was constructed to predict the prognosis of patients, thus allowing for the identification of high- and low-risk patients. Conclusions This study demonstrated that immune-related genes may be involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix and acellular components, and subsequently, in the formation of PVTT. These five genes KDR, AKT3, FCGR2B, KIAA1429, and TPT1 may be potential prognostic biomarkers and treatment targets for HCC patients with PVTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhou
- Clinical Laboratory, Baise People's Hospital, Baise, China
| | - Da Lang Fang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yongfei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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79
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Wang R, Guo H, Tang X, Zhang T, Liu Y, Zhang C, Yu H, Li Y. Interferon Gamma-Induced Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 Activates Transcription of HHLA2 and Induces Immune Escape of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Inflammation 2021; 45:308-330. [PMID: 34536158 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-021-01547-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunosuppression developed by cancer cells remains a leading cause of treating failure of immunotherapies. This study aimed to explore the function of human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2), an immune checkpoint molecule from the B7 family, in the immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mouse models with primary HCC or with xenograft tumors were established. The portion of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and the level of PD-L1 in the tumor tissues were examined. THP-1 cells were treated with PMA to obtain a macrophage-like phenotype. The PMA-treated THP-1 cells were co-cultured with the HCC cells in Transwell chambers to examine the function of HHLA2 in chemotactic migration and polarization of macrophages. HHLA2 expression was correlated with infiltration of immune cells, especially macrophages, and was linked to poor prognosis of patients with HCC. HHLA2 knockdown reduced incidence rate of primary HCC in mice. It also reduced tumor metastasis, the portion of M2 macrophages, and the expression of PD-L1 in primary and xenograft tumors. In vitro, HHLA2 upregulation increased expression of PD-L1 in HCC cells indirectly by inducing M2 polarization and chemotactic migration of macrophages. Interferon gamma (IFNG) enhanced expression of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IFR1) in HCC cells, and IFR1 bound to the promoter region of HHLA2 to activate HHLA2 expression. This study suggested that the IFNG/IFR1/HHLA2 axis in HCC induces M2 polarization and chemotactic migration of macrophages, which leads to immune escape and development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research Affiliated to Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research Affiliated to Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research Affiliated to Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanbing Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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80
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Lin Z, Xie YZ, Zhao MC, Hou PP, Tang J, Chen GL. Xanthine dehydrogenase as a prognostic biomarker related to tumor immunology in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:475. [PMID: 34496841 PMCID: PMC8425161 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) is a critical enzyme involved in the oxidative metabolism of purines, pterin and aldehydes and a central component of the innate immune system. However, the prognostic value of XDH in predicting tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte abundance, the immune response, and survival in different cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is still unclear. Methods XDH expression was analyzed in multiple databases, including Oncomine, the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), the Kaplan–Meier plotter database, the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). XDH-associated transcriptional profiles were detected with an mRNA array, and the levels of infiltrating immune cells were validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of HCC tissues. A predictive signature containing multiple XDH-associated immune genes was established using the Cox regression model. Results Decreased XDH mRNA expression was detected in human cancers originating from the liver, bladder, breast, colon, bile duct, kidney, and hematolymphoid system. The prognostic potential of XDH mRNA expression was also significant in certain other cancers, including HCC, breast cancer, kidney or bladder carcinoma, gastric cancer, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. In HCC, a low XDH mRNA level predicted poorer overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free survival, and progression-free survival. The prognostic value of XDH was independent of the clinical features of HCC patients. Indeed, XDH expression in HCC activated several immune-related pathways, including the T cell receptor, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways, which induced a cytotoxic immune response. Importantly, the microenvironment of XDHhigh HCC tumors contained abundant infiltrating CD8 + T cells but not exhausted T cells. A risk prediction signature based on multiple XDH-associated immune genes was revealed as an independent predictor in the TCGA liver cancer cohort. Conclusion These findings suggest that XDH is a valuable prognostic biomarker in HCC and other cancers and indicate that it may function in tumor immunology. Loss of XDH expression may be an immune evasion mechanism for HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02173-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Lin
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.,Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yi-Zhao Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ming-Chun Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Guilin Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Pin-Pin Hou
- Central Laboratory, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201114, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541199, China.
| | - Guang-Liang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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81
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Farha M, Jairath NK, Lawrence TS, El Naqa I. Characterization of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment Identifies M0 Macrophage-Enriched Cluster as a Poor Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2021; 4:1002-1013. [PMID: 33136432 DOI: 10.1200/cci.20.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. The tumor immune microenvironment in HCC has been characterized as shifted toward immunosuppression. We conducted a genomic data-driven classification of immune microenvironment HCC subtypes. In addition, we demonstrated their prognostic value and suggested a potential therapeutic targeting strategy. METHODS RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma was used (n = 366). Abundance of immune cells was imputed using CIBERSORT and visualized using unsupervised hierarchic clustering. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression. Differential expression and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted on immune clusters with poor OS and high programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) coexpression. A scoring metric combining differentially expressed genes and immune cell content was created, and its prognostic value and immune checkpoint blockade response prediction was evaluated. RESULTS Two clusters were characterized by macrophage enrichment, with distinct M0Hi and M2Hi subtypes. M2Hi (P = .038) and M0Hi (P = .018) were independently prognostic for OS on multivariable analysis. Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated that patients in M0Hi and M2Hi treated with sorafenib had decreased OS (P = .041), and angiogenesis hallmark genes were enriched in the M0Hi group. CXCL6 and POSTN were overexpressed in both the M0Hi and the PD-1Hi/PD-L1Hi groups. A score consisting of CXCL6 and POSTN expression and absolute M0 macrophage content was discriminatory for OS (intermediate: hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; P ≤ .001; unfavorable: HR, 2.08; P = .04). CONCLUSION Distinct immune cell clusters with macrophage predominance characterize an aggressive HCC phenotype, defined molecularly by angiogenic gene enrichment and clinically by poor prognosis and sorafenib response. This novel immunogenomic signature may aid in stratification of unresectable patients to receive checkpoint inhibitor and antiangiogenic therapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Farha
- Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Neil K Jairath
- Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Issam El Naqa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Wang Y, Li N, Tian D, Zhou CW, Wang YH, Yang C, Zeng MS. Analysis of m6A-Related lncRNAs for Prognosis Value and Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:6451-6471. [PMID: 34429653 PMCID: PMC8379396 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s322179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, how their interaction is involved in the prognostic value of HCC and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy remains unclear. Methods The RNA sequencing and clinical data of HCC patients were collected from TCGA database. The prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs were screened out with Pearson correlation test, univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. Patients with HCC were classified into 2 subtypes by consensus clustering. Survival analyses were performed to assess the prognostic value of different clusters and risk models. Potential tumor correlated biological pathways correlated with different clusters were explored through gene set enrichment analysis. We also identified the relationship of the risk model and clusters with response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy and tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, the prognostic value of the 9 m6A-related lncRNAs was validated in the external cohort. Finally, the role of SNHG4 was explored by silencing and overexpression of SNHG4 through conducting proliferation, migration and invasion experiments. Results Patients from 2 clusters and different risk groups based on m6A-related lncRNAs had significantly different clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival outcomes. Tumor-correlated biological pathways were found to be correlated with Cluster 2 through GSEA. Moreover, we found that patients from different clusters and risk groups expressed higher levels of immune checkpoint genes and had distinct TME and different responses for ICIs therapy. Prognostic value of this risk model was further confirmed in the external cohort. Finally, consistent with the discovery, SNHG4 played an oncogenic role in vitro. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the 9 m6A-related lncRNA signature may serve as a novel predictor in the prognosis of HCC and optimize (ICIs) therapy. SNHG4 plays an oncogenic role in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Tian
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Wu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Hua Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Su Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
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Eresen A, Yang J, Scotti A, Cai K, Yaghmai V, Zhang Z. Combination of natural killer cell-based immunotherapy and irreversible electroporation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1089. [PMID: 34423001 PMCID: PMC8339821 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most lethal cancer types despite great advancement in overall survival of the patients over the last decades. Surgical resection or partial hepatectomy has been approved as the curative treatment for early-stage HCC patients however only up to 30% of them are eligible for the procedures. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes recognized for killing virally infected cells and improving immune functions for defending the body against malignant cells. Although autologous NK cells failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit, transfer of allogeneic adoptive NK cells arises as a promising approach for the treatment of solid tumors. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and inadequate homing efficiency of NK cells to tumors can inhibit adoptive transfer immunotherapy (ATI) efficacy. However, potential of the NK cells is challenged by the transfection efficiency. The local ablation techniques that employ thermal or chemical energy have been investigated for the destruction of solid tumors for three decades and demonstrated promising benefits for individuals not eligible for surgical resection or partial hepatectomy. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is one of the most recent minimally invasive ablation methods that destruct the cell within the targeted region through non-thermal energy. IRE destroys the tumor cell membrane by delivering high-frequency electrical energy in short pulses and overcomes tumor immunosuppression. The previous studies demonstrated that IRE can induce immune changes which can facilitate activation of specific immune responses and improve transfection efficiency. In this review paper, we have discussed the mechanism of NK cell immunotherapy and IRE ablation methods for the treatment of HCC patients and the combinatorial benefits of NK cell immunotherapy and IRE ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aydin Eresen
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alessandro Scotti
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kejia Cai
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vahid Yaghmai
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Shwe TH, Pothacharoen P, Phitak T, Wudtiwai B, Kongtawelert P. Atorvastatin Attenuates Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) Induction in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168755. [PMID: 34445462 PMCID: PMC8395726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a major ligand of programmed death 1 receptor (PD1), and PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint acts as a negative regulator of the immune system. Cancers evade the host’s immune defense via PD-L1 expression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tumor-related cytokines, interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on PD-L1 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HepG2. Furthermore, as atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering agent, is documented for its immunomodulatory properties, its effect on PD-L1 expression was investigated. In this study, through real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry methods, PD-L1 expression in both mRNA and protein levels was found to be synergistically upregulated in HepG2 by a combination of IFNγ and TNFα, and STAT1 activation was mainly responsible for that synergistic effect. Next, atorvastatin can inhibit the induction of PD-L1 by either IFNγ alone or IFNγ/TNFα combination treatment in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, in HepG2 cells, expression of PD-L1 was augmented by cytokines in the tumor microenvironment, and the effect of atorvastatin on tumor immune response through inhibition of PD-L1 induction should be taken into consideration in cancer patients who have been prescribed atorvastatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuzar Hla Shwe
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Yangon P.O. Box 11191, Myanmar
| | - Peraphan Pothacharoen
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Thanyaluck Phitak
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Benjawan Wudtiwai
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
| | - Prachya Kongtawelert
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (T.H.S.); (P.P.); (T.P.); (B.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-53-94-5325 (ext. 217)
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Cheng HW, Ou YL, Kuo CC, Tsao HY, Lu HE. Ansamitocin P3-Loaded Gold-NanoCage Conjugated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor to Enhance Photo-Chemo-Thermal Maturation of Dendritic Cells for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:2726. [PMID: 34451265 PMCID: PMC8398096 DOI: 10.3390/polym13162726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a newly developed method for cancer treatment, but still generates limited response in partial patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because the immunity cycle is limited by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we introduce multifunctional gold nanocages (AuNCs)-based nanocarriers with Ansamitocin P3 (AP3) loaded and anti-PDL1 binding (AP3-AuNCs-anti-PDL1) which can combine photothermal therapy, chemotherapeutic agent-triggered DCs maturation, and checkpoint immunotherapy in one platform. The AP3-AuNCs-anti-PDL1 using Avidin-biotin to bind anti-PDL1 on the surface of AP3-AuNCs showed specifically cellular targeting compared to AuNCs, which can increase the immune responses. The AP3-AuNCs+NIR-10 min exhibited the highly activated DCs maturation with two-fold higher than control+NIR, which can be attributed to the significant release of AP3. The results illustrated the synergistic effect of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and controlled AP3 release under near infrared (NIR) in triggering effective DCs maturation. Among them, AP3 release played the more important role than the TAAs under PTT in promoting T-cell activation. These results illustrate the promising potential of AuNCs-based nanocarriers combined with AP3 and the checkpoint inhibitors to strengthen the positive loop of immunity cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Wei Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan; (H.-W.C.); (Y.-L.O.); (C.-C.K.); (H.-Y.T.)
| | - Yu-Ling Ou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan; (H.-W.C.); (Y.-L.O.); (C.-C.K.); (H.-Y.T.)
| | - Chia-Chi Kuo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan; (H.-W.C.); (Y.-L.O.); (C.-C.K.); (H.-Y.T.)
| | - Hsin-Yi Tsao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan; (H.-W.C.); (Y.-L.O.); (C.-C.K.); (H.-Y.T.)
| | - Huai-En Lu
- Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu 300193, Taiwan
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Advances in clinical immunotherapy for gastric cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188615. [PMID: 34403771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant human cancers with increasing incidence worldwide, ranking among the top five malignant tumors worldwide in terms of incidence and mortality. The clinical efficacy of conventional therapies is limited, and the median overall survival (mOS) for advanced-stage gastric cancer is only about 8 months. Emerging as one of breakthroughs for cancer therapy, immunotherapy has become an effective treatment modality after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this review, we have summarized the progresses of clinical development of immunotherapies for gastric cancer. Major advances with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have started to change the clinical practice for gastric cancer treatment and prognosis. Additionally, combination therapies with other modalities, such as targeted therapies, are expected to push immunotherapies to front-line. In this review, the efficacy of ICIs and targeted therapy alone or combination with existing therapies gastric cancer treatment was described and the predictive value of biomarkers for immunotherapies in gastric cancer treatment is also discussed.
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87
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Cai J, Zhou M, Xu J. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation regulator SNRPC is a prognostic biomarker and is correlated with immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:241. [PMID: 34389000 PMCID: PMC8364031 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, and due to its complex pathogenic factors, its prognosis is poor. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation plays an important role in the tumorigenesis, progression, and prognosis of many tumors. The m6A RNA methylation regulator small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide C (SNRPC), which encodes one of the specific protein components of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) particle, has been proven to be related to the prognosis of patients with HCC. However, the effect of SNRPC on the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy in HCC remains unclear. Case presentation The HCC RNA-seq profiles in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases, including 421 LIHC and 440 LIRI-JP samples, respectively, were used in this study. Both the expression of SNRPC in HCC was upregulated in the TCGA and ICGC databases compared to normal tissues. Next, the expression of SNRPC was validated as a risk factor for prognosis by Kaplan-Meier analysis and employed to establish a nomogram with T pathologic stage. By gene set variation (GSVA) analysis and gene set enrichment (GSEA) analysis, we found that SNRPC was mainly related to protein metabolism and the immune process. Furthermore, the estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumor tissues using expression (ESTIMATE), microenvironment cell population counter (MCP-counter), and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA) algorithms revealed that the high-SNRPC group had a lower stromal score, lower abundance of endothelial cells and fibroblasts, and lower immune infiltration. Ultimately, a tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) analysis revealed that patients in the low-SNRPC group may be more sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Conclusion SNRPC could serve as a promising prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker in HCC and might contribute to new directions and strategies for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihao Cai
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
| | - Minglei Zhou
- School of Computer Science and Technology of Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Jianxin Xu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Liu SR, Yan Q, Lin HM, Shi GZ, Cao Y, Zeng H, Liu C, Zhang R. Anti-programmed cell death ligand 1-based immunotherapy in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus and metastasis: Three case reports. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:5988-5998. [PMID: 34368318 PMCID: PMC8316958 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i21.5988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus is a great challenge for oncologists and has a poor prognosis. To date, the safety and efficacy of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are still unknown.
CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old male was identified as having a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava 3 years after surgery. The patient underwent a second surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the level of alpha-fetoprotein was elevated after 2 mo, and lung metastases and mediastinal lymph node metastases were identified. The expression of PD-L1 in HCC and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Then, the patient received atezolizumab immunotherapy. The level of alpha-fetoprotein dropped to normal, the mediastinal lymph node metastases decreased in size and the lung metastases disappeared after 3 mo of immunotherapy. The patient had no signs of recurrence at 21 mo of follow-up. A 60-year-old male underwent left hepatic tumor resection, inferior vena cava incision and thrombus removal, followed by regular chemotherapy. The patient developed lung and splenic metastases after surgery. Pembrolizumab was used for six courses, and the splenic metastasis shrank, after which splenectomy was performed. The patient continued to receive pembrolizumab for thirteen courses, and the lung metastases showed no progression. A 34-year-old male was diagnosed with liver cancer with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. The patient underwent right hepatectomy and received tislelizumab for three courses. He is still receiving immunotherapy and in good condition.
CONCLUSION Anti-PD-L1 therapy in HCC patients with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus and metastasis is associated with relatively good patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Ru Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510288, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qing Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510288, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hao-Ming Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510288, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guang-Zi Shi
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Emergency, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510288, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510288, Guangdong Province, China
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Xie G, Zhu Y, Lin Z, Sun Y, Gu G, Wang W, Chen H. HOPMCLDA: predicting lncRNA-disease associations based on high-order proximity and matrix completion. Mol Omics 2021; 17:760-768. [PMID: 34251001 DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00138h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, emerging evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important roles in the biological processes of complex diseases. However, experiments to determine the associations between diseases and lncRNAs are time consuming and costly. Therefore, there is a need to develop effective computational methods for exploring potential lncRNA-disease associations. In this study, we present a computational prediction method based on high-order proximity and matrix completion to predict lncRNA-disease associations (HOPMCLDA). HOPMCLDA integrates explicit similarity and high-order proximity information on lncRNAs and diseases and constructs a heterogeneous disease-lncRNA network to utilize similarity information. Finally, nuclear norm regularization is carried out on the heterogeneous network for the recovery of a lncRNA-disease association matrix. By implementing leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) and five-fold cross validation (5-fold CV), we compare HOPMCLDA with five other methods. HOPMCLDA outperforms the other methods, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.8755 and 0.8353 ± 0.0045 using LOOCV and 5-fold CV, respectively. Furthermore, case studies of three human diseases (gastric cancer, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma) confirm the reliable predictive performance of HOPMCLDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobo Xie
- School of Computers, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yinting Zhu
- School of Computers, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhiyi Lin
- School of Computers, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuping Sun
- School of Computers, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guosheng Gu
- School of Computers, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Weiming Wang
- School of Computers, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Computers, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
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Devan AR, Kumar AR, Nair B, Anto NP, Muraleedharan A, Mathew B, Kim H, Nath LR. Insights into an Immunotherapeutic Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070656. [PMID: 34358082 PMCID: PMC8308499 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most lethal cancers worldwide because of its high refractoriness and multi-drug resistance to existing chemotherapies, which leads to poor patient survival. Novel pharmacological strategies to tackle HCC are based on oral multi-kinase inhibitors like sorafenib; however, the clinical use of the drug is restricted due to the limited survival rate and significant side effects, suggesting the existence of a primary or/and acquired drug-resistance mechanism. Because of this hurdle, HCC patients are forced through incomplete therapy. Although multiple approaches have been employed in parallel to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR), the results are varying with insignificant outcomes. In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough approach and has played a critical role in HCC treatment. The liver is the main immune organ of the lymphatic system. Researchers utilize immunotherapy because immune evasion is considered a major reason for rapid HCC progression. Moreover, the immune response can be augmented and sustained, thus preventing cancer relapse over the post-treatment period. In this review, we provide detailed insights into the immunotherapeutic approaches to combat MDR by focusing on HCC, together with challenges in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy R. Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Ayana R. Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Nikhil Ponnoor Anto
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Amitha Muraleedharan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India;
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, and Research Institute of Life Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (L.R.N.)
| | - Lekshmi R. Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (L.R.N.)
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91
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Banerjee I, Fisher PB, Sarkar D. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1): A key driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Adv Cancer Res 2021; 152:329-381. [PMID: 34353442 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
An array of human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), overexpress the oncogene Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1). It is now firmly established that AEG-1 is a key driver of carcinogenesis, and enhanced expression of AEG-1 is a marker of poor prognosis in cancer patients. In-depth studies have revealed that AEG-1 positively regulates different hallmarks of HCC progression including growth and proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, migration, metastasis and resistance to therapeutic intervention. By interacting with a plethora of proteins as well as mRNAs, AEG-1 regulates gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels, and modulates numerous pro-tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive signal transduction pathways. Even though extensive research over the last two decades using various in vitro and in vivo models has established the pivotal role of AEG-1 in HCC, effective targeting of AEG-1 as a therapeutic intervention for HCC is yet to be achieved in the clinic. Targeted delivery of AEG-1 small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) has demonstrated desired therapeutic effects in mouse models of HCC. Peptidomimetic inhibitors based on protein-protein interaction studies has also been developed recently. Continuous unraveling of novel mechanisms in the regulation of HCC by AEG-1 will generate valuable knowledge facilitating development of specific AEG-1 inhibitory strategies. The present review describes the current status of AEG-1 in HCC gleaned from patient-focused and bench-top studies as well as transgenic and knockout mouse models. We also address the challenges that need to be overcome and discuss future perspectives on this exciting molecule to transform it from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil Banerjee
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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92
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Bhatt S, Kanoujia J, Dhar AK, Singh RK, Rajangam J. Current and Future Scenario of Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394716999200818103724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the immune checkpoint inhibitors such as programed cell death-1 protein/
Programmed death ligand-1 or 2 and (PD-1/PD-L1 or PD-L2) and Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated
protein 4 (CTLA-4) paved the way for developing novel cancer treatment. The check
point inhibitors are found to be very efficient in treating many hot tumors (with immune environment)
such as bladder cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC), etc. Numerous clinical trials have been initiated to evaluate the safety and effectiveness
of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with different cancer types, including hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic and prostate cancer. The results and findings of these trials are highly
appreciated. However, the search for check point inhibitors with better efficacy for the treatment of
HCC is still going on. The present review focuses on advancement in HCC treatments with respect
to various standard therapies and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shvetank Bhatt
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior-474005, India
| | - Jovita Kanoujia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior-474005, India
| | - Arghya K. Dhar
- Gurunanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kolkata-700110, India
| | - Rakesh K. Singh
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Panchgaon, Haryana 122412, India
| | - Jayaraman Rajangam
- Sree Vidya Niketan College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517102, India
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93
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Du Y, Zhang D, Wang Y, Wu M, Zhang C, Zheng Y, Zheng A, Liu X. A highly stable multifunctional aptamer for enhancing antitumor immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma by blocking dual immune checkpoints. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:4159-4168. [PMID: 33970170 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm02210a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
T-lymphocytes play a potent role in cancer immunotherapy; while, limited tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) combined with severe immunosuppression always significantly hinder their antitumor immune responses, especially in solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we prepared a highly stable multifunctional aptamer for strengthening antitumor immunity against HCC solid tumors through a dual immune checkpoint blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-L1. The engineered multifunctional aptamer (termed P1/C4-bi-apt) can block both CTLA-4/B7 and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways and thus enhance the antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, it can direct CTLA-4-positive T cells to infiltrate into tumors to further enhance the antitumor efficacy compared to a single blockage of CTLA-4 or PD-L1. As a result, the multifunctional aptamer can significantly inhibit tumor growth and thus improve the long-term survival of HCC-bearing mice. The designed multifunctional aptamer is simple, stable and easy to prepare, and it can significantly strengthen the functionality of T cells, holding great potential for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Du
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China. and Fujian Institute of Research on The Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China and College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Da Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China.
| | - Yiru Wang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Ming Wu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China.
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China.
| | - Youshi Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China.
| | - Aixian Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China. and Fujian Institute of Research on The Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
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94
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Lu F, Ma XJN, Jin WL, Luo Y, Li X. Neoantigen Specific T Cells Derived From T Cell-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:690565. [PMID: 34054880 PMCID: PMC8155510 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.690565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become an indispensable part of the comprehensive treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunotherapy has proven effective in patients with early HCC, advanced HCC, or HCC recurrence after liver transplantation. Clinically, the most commonly used immunotherapy is immune checkpoint inhibition using monoclonal antibodies, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1. However, it cannot fundamentally solve the problems of a weakened immune system and inactivation of immune cells involved in killing tumor cells. T cells can express tumor antigen-recognizing T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on the cell surface through gene editing to improve the specificity and responsiveness of immune cells. According to previous studies, TCR-T cell therapy is significantly better than CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of solid tumors and is one of the most promising immune cell therapies for solid tumors so far. However, its application in the treatment of HCC is still being researched. Technological advancements in induction and redifferentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) allow us to use T cells to induce T cell-derived iPSCs (T-iPSCs) and then differentiate them into TCR-T cells. This has allowed a convenient strategy to study HCC models and explore optimal treatment strategies. This review gives an overview of the major advances in the development of protocols to generate neoantigen-specific TCR-T cells from T-iPSCs. We will also discuss their potential and challenges in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Lu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jing-Nan Ma
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Health Science Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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95
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Hu J, Cai D, Zhao Z, Zhong GC, Gong J. Suppression of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein C Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion via Ras/MAPK Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:659676. [PMID: 33937074 PMCID: PMC8087488 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.659676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common malignant tumor, has high fatality and recurrence rates. Accumulating evidence shows that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), which is mainly involved in RNA splicing, export, and translation, promotes progression and metastasis of multiple tumor types; however, the effects of HNRNPC in HCC are unknown. In the present study, high levels of HNRNPC were detected in tumor tissues compared with para-tumor tissues by immunohistochemical and western blot assays. Furthermore, Cox proportional hazards regression models, the Kaplan–Meier method, and clinicopathologic features analysis showed that HNRNPC was not only an independent prognostic factor for both overall and disease-free survival in HCC but also a predictor of large tumor size and advanced tumor stage. Functional experiments revealed that silencing of HNRNPC not only led to arrest of more HCC cells at G0/G1 phase to inhibit their proliferation, but also suppressed EMT process to block their invasion, and migration in vitro; this was related to the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, blocking of HCC cell proliferation regulated by HNRNPC silencing was observed in vivo. Finally, rescue tests showed that after recovery of Ras/MAPK signaling pathway activity by treatment with Ras agonists, the proliferation, migration, and invasion suppression of Huh-7 and Hep 3B cell lines caused by HNRNPC knockdown was partially reversed. Taken together, these results indicate that HNRNPC knockdown inhibits HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, in part via the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, HNRNPC may have an important role in the progression of HCC and represents a promising biomarker for evaluation of prognosis and a potential therapeutic target in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejun Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhibo Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Chao Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianping Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Guan MC, Wang MD, Liu SY, Ouyang W, Liang L, Pawlik TM, Xu QR, Huang DS, Shen F, Zhu H, Yang T. Early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma: From bench to bedside. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:197-215. [PMID: 33889272 PMCID: PMC8040062 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i4.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The prognosis of patients with HCC remains poor largely due to the late diagnosis and lack of effective treatments. Despite being widely used, alpha-fetoprotein serology and ultrasonography have limited diagnostic performance for early-stage HCC. The emergence of omics strategies has contributed to significant advances in the development of non-invasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC including proteins, metabolites, circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid, and circulating non-coding ribonucleic acid. Early diagnosis is beneficial to patients as it increases the proportion who can be treated with curative treatment, thus prolonging survival outcomes. Currently, multiple clinical trials involving locoregional, systemic therapies, and combinations of these modalities are changing therapeutic strategies for different stage HCC. Success in several preclinical trials that involve immunotherapeutic innovations has created the potential to complement and enforce other treatment strategies in the future. This review summarizes the most recent advances in non-invasive early molecular detection, current therapy strategies, and potential immunotherapeutic innovations of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Cheng Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming-Da Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (Navy Medical University), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Si-Yu Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Qiu-Ran Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (Navy Medical University), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (Navy Medical University), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
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97
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Kim S, Lee M, Song Y, Lee SY, Choi I, Park IS, Kim J, Kim JS, Kim KM, Seo HR. Argininosuccinate synthase 1 suppresses tumor progression through activation of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:127. [PMID: 33838671 PMCID: PMC8035787 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide, and liver cancer has increased in mortality due to liver cancer because it was detected at an advanced stages in patients with liver dysfunction, making HCC a lethal cancer. Accordingly, we aim to new targets for HCC drug discovery using HCC tumor spheroids. METHODS Our comparative proteomic analysis of HCC cells grown in culture as monolayers (2D) and spheroids (3D) revealed that argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) expression was higher in 3D cells than in 2D cells due to upregulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses. We investigated the clinical value of ASS1 in Korean patients with HCC. The mechanism underlying ASS1-mediated tumor suppression was investigated in HCC spheroids. ASS1-mediated improvement of chemotherapy efficiency was observed using high content screening in an HCC xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Studies of tumor tissue from Korean HCC patients showed that, although ASS1 expression was low in most samples, high levels of ASS1 were associated with favorable overall survival of patients. Here, we found that bidirectional interactions between ASS1 ER stress responses in HCC-derived multicellular tumor spheroids can limit HCC progression. ASS1 overexpression effectively inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the efficacy of in vitro and in vivo anti-HCC combination chemotherapy via activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP axis, but was not dependent on the status of p53 and arginine metabolism. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the critical functional roles for the arginine metabolism-independent tumor suppressor activity of ASS1 in HCC and suggest that upregulating ASS1 in these tumors is a potential strategy in HCC cells with low ASS1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwa Kim
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Lee
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonhwa Song
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Lee
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
| | - Inhee Choi
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488 South Korea
| | - I-Seul Park
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488 South Korea
| | - Jiho Kim
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488 South Korea
| | - Jin-sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Kang mo Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 South Korea
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 463-400 Republic of Korea
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98
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Zhou W, Chen Y, Luo R, Li Z, Jiang G, Ou X. Identification of Biomarkers Related to Immune Cell Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Gene Co-Expression Network. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:601693. [PMID: 34257558 PMCID: PMC8262220 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.601693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with poor prognosis. Due to the lack of effective biomarkers and its complex immune microenvironment, the effects of current HCC therapies are not ideal. In this study, we used the GSE57957 microarray data from Gene Expression Omnibus database to construct a co-expression network. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis and CIBERSORT algorithm, which quantifies cellular composition of immune cells, were used to identify modules related to immune cells. Four hub genes (EFTUD2, GAPDH, NOP56, PA2G4) were identified by co-expression network and protein-protein interactions network analysis. We examined these genes in TCGA database, and found that the four hub genes were highly expressed in tumor tissues in multiple HCC groups, and the expression levels were significantly correlated with patient survival time, pathological stage and tumor progression. On the other hand, methylation analysis showed that the up-regulation of EFTUD2, GAPDH, NOP56 might be due to the hypomethylation status of their promoters. Next, we investigated the correlations between the expression levels of four hub genes and tumor immune infiltration using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). Gene set variation analysis suggested that the four hub genes were associated with numerous pathways that affect tumor progression or immune microenvironment. Overall, our results showed that the four hub genes were closely related to tumor prognosis, and may serve as targets for treatment and diagnosis of HCC. In addition, the associations between these genes and immune infiltration enhanced our understanding of tumor immune environment and provided new directions for the development of drugs and the monitoring of tumor immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbang Zhou
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiyang Chen
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruixing Luo
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zifan Li
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guanwei Jiang
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Ou
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Development of a Tetravalent T-Cell Engaging Bispecific Antibody Against Glypican-3 for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunother 2021; 44:106-113. [PMID: 33239522 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer therapies benefit from accelerated development of biotechnology, and many immunotherapeutic strategies spring up including vaccines, the immune checkpoint blockade, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a member of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan family of proteins and is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell membranes. Here, the authors describe a new tetravalent BsAb h8B-BsAb targeting GPC3 and CD3 antigens and studied its antitumor activities against HCC. h8B-BsAb was designed based on immunoglobulin G with a fragment variable fused to the light chain, whose biophysical stabilities including degradation resistance and thermostability were improved by introducing disulfide bonds. In vitro activity of h8B-BsAb showed potent T-cell recruitment and activation for HCC cell lysis by the presence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but no specific killing in GPC3-negative cells. In HCC xenograft mouse studies, h8B-BsAb induced robust regression of tumors. In summary, we engineered a highly stable and efficacious BsAb as a potential candidate for HCC treatment.
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100
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Sharma R, Motedayen Aval L. Beyond First-Line Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652007. [PMID: 33790915 PMCID: PMC8005707 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, the treatment landscape for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) was dominated by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) which offered an overall survival (OS) benefit when used both in the first-and second-line setting compared to best supportive care. However, the treatment landscape has changed with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of HCC with significant improvement in OS and progression free survival reported with combination atezolizumab and bevacizumab compared to sorafenib in the first-line setting. Nonetheless, the response to ICIs is 20–30% and invariably patients will progress. What remains unclear is which therapeutics should be used following ICI exposure. Extrapolating from the evidence base in renal cell carcinoma, subsequent therapy with TKIs offers both a response and survival benefit and are recommended by European guidelines. However, there are a number of novel therapies emerging that target mechanisms of ICI resistance that hold promise both in combination with ICI or as subsequent therapy. This paper will discuss the evidence for ICIs in HCC, the position of second-line therapies following ICIs and research strategies moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Sharma
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leila Motedayen Aval
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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