101
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Hsieh YP, Naler LB, Ma S, Lu C. Cell-type-specific epigenomic variations associated with BRCA1 mutation in pre-cancer human breast tissues. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac006. [PMID: 35118379 PMCID: PMC8808540 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BRCA1 germline mutation carriers are predisposed to breast cancers. Epigenomic regulations have been known to strongly interact with genetic variations and potentially mediate biochemical cascades involved in tumorigenesis. Due to the cell-type specificity of epigenomic features, profiling of individual cell types is critical for understanding the molecular events in various cellular compartments within complex breast tissue. Here, we produced cell-type-specific profiles of genome-wide histone modifications including H3K27ac and H3K4me3 in basal, luminal progenitor, mature luminal and stromal cells extracted from a small pilot cohort of pre-cancer BRCA1 mutation carriers (BRCA1mut/+) and non-carriers (BRCA1+/+), using a low-input ChIP-seq technology that we developed. We discovered that basal and stromal cells present the most extensive epigenomic differences between mutation carriers (BRCA1mut/+) and non-carriers (BRCA1+/+), while luminal progenitor and mature luminal cells are relatively unchanged with the mutation. Furthermore, the epigenomic changes in basal cells due to BRCA1 mutation appear to facilitate their transformation into luminal progenitor cells. Taken together, epigenomic regulation plays an important role in the case of BRCA1 mutation for shaping the molecular landscape that facilitates tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Pang Hsieh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Lynette B Naler
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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102
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Targeting immune checkpoints in gynecologic cancer: updates & perspectives for pathologists. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:142-151. [PMID: 34493822 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy is increasingly used in the treatment of gynecologic cancers, and most often targets the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Pathologists should be familiar with the biomarkers required to determine candidacy for these treatments based on existing FDA approvals, including mismatch repair protein immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability testing, tumor mutation burden testing, and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry. This review summarizes the rationale behind these treatments and their associated biomarkers and delivers guidance on how to utilize and readout these tests. It also introduces additional biomarkers which may provide information regarding immunotherapeutic vulnerability in the future such as neoantigen load; POLE mutation status; and immunohistochemical expression of immunosuppressive checkpoints like LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, and VISTA; immune-activating checkpoints such as CD27, CD40, CD134, and CD137; enzymes such as IDO-1 and adenosine-related compounds; and MHC class I.
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103
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Kraya AA, Maxwell KN, Eiva MA, Wubbenhorst B, Pluta J, Feldman M, Nayak A, Powell DJ, Domchek SM, Vonderheide RH, Nathanson KL. PTEN Loss and BRCA1 Promoter Hypermethylation Negatively Predict for Immunogenicity in BRCA-Deficient Ovarian Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100159. [PMID: 35201851 PMCID: PMC8982238 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ovarian cancers can exhibit a prominent immune infiltrate, but clinical trials have not demonstrated substantive response rates to immune checkpoint blockade monotherapy. We aimed to understand genomic features associated with immunogenicity in BRCA1/2 mutation-associated cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the Cancer Genome Atlas whole-exome sequencing, methylation, and expression data, we analyzed 66 ovarian cancers with either germline or somatic loss of BRCA1/2 and whole-exome sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and CyTOF in 20 ovarian cancers with germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants from Penn. RESULTS We found two groups of BRCA1/2 ovarian cancers differing in their immunogenicity: (1) 37 tumors significantly enriched for PTEN loss (11, 30%) and BRCA1 promoter-hypermethylated (10, 27%; P = .0016) and (2) PTEN wild-type (28 of 29 tumors) cancers, with the latter group having longer overall survival (OS; P = .0186, median OS not reached v median OS = 66.1 months). BRCA1/2-mutant PTEN loss and BRCA1 promoter-hypermethylated cancers were characterized by the decreased composition of lymphocytes estimated by gene expression (P = .0030), cytolytic index (P = .034), and cytokine expression but higher homologous recombination deficiency scores (P = .00013). Large-scale state transitions were the primary discriminating feature (P = .001); neither mutational burden nor neoantigen burden could explain differences in immunogenicity. In Penn tumors, PTEN loss and high homologous recombination deficiency cancers exhibited fewer CD3+ (P = .05), CD8+ (P = .012), and FOXP3+ (P = .0087) T cells; decreased PRF1 expression (P = .041); and lower immune costimulatory and inhibitory molecule expression. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that within ovarian cancers with genetic loss of BRCA1/2 are two subsets exhibiting differential immunogenicity, with lower levels associated with PTEN loss and BRCA hypermethylation. These genomic features of BRCA1/2-associated ovarian cancers may inform considerations around how to optimally deploy immune checkpoint inhibitors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam A. Kraya
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kara N. Maxwell
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Monika A. Eiva
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bradley Wubbenhorst
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - John Pluta
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Michael Feldman
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anupma Nayak
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniel J. Powell
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Susan M. Domchek
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Basser Center for BRCA and Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Robert H. Vonderheide
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Basser Center for BRCA and Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine L. Nathanson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Basser Center for BRCA and Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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104
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Senescence induction dictates response to chemo- and immunotherapy in preclinical models of ovarian cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2117754119. [PMID: 35082152 PMCID: PMC8812522 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117754119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to understand and find new treatment options for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) have been confounded by a paucity of immune-competent models that accurately reflect the genetics and biology of the disease. Here, we leverage somatic tissue engineering to develop a fast and flexible immune-competent mouse model of HGSOC and reveal mechanistic insights into factors that dictate the response of ovarian tumors to conventional chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade. Our results identify a genotype-dependent therapy-induced senescence program that mediates sensitivity and resistance to first line chemotherapy and point to strategies to harness the senescence program to sensitize ovarian tumors to immune checkpoint blockade. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a cancer with dismal prognosis due to the limited effectiveness of existing chemo- and immunotherapies. To elucidate mechanisms mediating sensitivity or resistance to these therapies, we developed a fast and flexible autochthonous mouse model based on somatic introduction of HGSOC-associated genetic alterations into the ovary of immunocompetent mice using tissue electroporation. Tumors arising in these mice recapitulate the metastatic patterns and histological, molecular, and treatment response features of the human disease. By leveraging these models, we show that the ability to undergo senescence underlies the clinically observed increase in sensitivity of homologous recombination (HR)–deficient HGSOC tumors to platinum-based chemotherapy. Further, cGas/STING-mediated activation of a restricted senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was sufficient to induce immune infiltration and sensitize HR-deficient tumors to immune checkpoint blockade. In sum, our study identifies senescence propensity as a predictor of therapy response and defines a limited SASP profile that appears sufficient to confer added vulnerability to concurrent immunotherapy and, more broadly, provides a blueprint for the implementation of electroporation-based mouse models to reveal mechanisms of oncogenesis and therapy response in HGSOC.
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105
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Lodewijk I, Bernardini A, Suárez-Cabrera C, Bernal E, Sánchez R, Garcia JL, Rojas K, Morales L, Wang S, Han X, Dueñas M, Paramio JM, Manso L. Genomic landscape and immune-related gene expression profiling of epithelial ovarian cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:7. [PMID: 35087175 PMCID: PMC8795445 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-021-00247-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery is an accepted treatment for patients with stage III or IV epithelial ovarian cancer who are not suitable for primary debulking surgery. The identification of suitable adjuvant treatments in these patients is an unmet need. Here, we explore potential genomic characteristics (mutational and immune-associated expression profiles) in a series of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor samples from biopsy and interval debulking surgery were analyzed for mutational landscape and immune profiling, together with detailed immunohistochemistry using different immune cell markers, and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and potential response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. No major differences in the mutational landscape were observed in paired biopsy and surgery samples. Genomic loss of heterozygosity was found to be higher in patients with total/near-total tumor response. The immune gene expression profile after neoadjuvant chemotherapy revealed activation of several immune regulation-related pathways in patients with no/minimal or partial response. In parallel, neoadjuvant therapy caused a significant increase of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte population abundance, primarily due to an augmentation of the CD8+ T cell population. Remarkably, these changes occurred irrespective of potential homologous recombination defects, such as those associated with BRCA1/2 mutations. Our study strengthens the use of loss of heterozygosity as a biomarker of homologous repair deficiency. The changes of immune states during neoadjuvant chemotherapy reveal the dynamic nature of tumor-host immune interactions and suggest the potential use of immune checkpoint inhibitors or their combination with poly-ADP polymerase inhibitors in high stage and grade epithelial ovarian cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Lodewijk
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Bernardini
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Suárez-Cabrera
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Bernal
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital 12 De Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Medical Oncology, Infant Cristina University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Sánchez
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital 12 De Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - J L Garcia
- Pathology Department, University Hospital 12 De Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - K Rojas
- Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Morales
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - S Wang
- Experimental Medicine Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - X Han
- Experimental Medicine Unit, Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - M Dueñas
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Paramio
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Manso
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital 12 De Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
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106
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Pirš B, Škof E, Smrkolj V, Smrkolj Š. Overview of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Gynecological Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030631. [PMID: 35158899 PMCID: PMC8833536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, cancer treatment has been revolutionized by introduction of immunotherapy—drugs that target body’s immune system to attack cancer. Most clinically used drugs stop the mechanisms that dampen immune response. These drugs are called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs in gynecological cancers are most effective for treating uterine endometrial cancer, but less so far ovarian, uterine cervical or vulvar cancer. However, combining ICIs with other drugs has yielded good results in some studies in these cancers. Stopping mechanisms that dampen immune response can produce severe side effects, as has been seen with the use of ICIs. Therefore, selection of patients that would benefit the most from ICI therapy is of paramount importance. This can be done by analysing tumour characteristics either by looking at protein expression, genetic changes and even constitution of faecal microbiota, these properties are called biomarkers. It is not entirely known which biomarkers predict response most accurately, and this varies by cancer type. In this article, we review mechanisms of action of ICIs, selected biomarkers and latest clinical trials of ICIs in gynecological cancers. Abstract In the last ten years, clinical oncology has been revolutionized by the introduction of oncological immunotherapy, mainly in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that transformed the standard of care of several advanced solid malignancies. Using ICIs for advanced gynecological cancers has yielded good results, especially for endometrial cancer. In ovarian or cervical cancer, combining ICIs with other established agents has shown some promise. Concurrently with the clinical development of ICIs, biomarkers that predict responses to such therapy have been discovered and used in clinical trials. The translation of these biomarkers to clinical practice was somewhat hampered by lacking assay standardization and non-comprehensive reporting of biomarker status in trials often performed on a small number of gynecological cancer patients. We can expect increased use of ICIs combined with other agents in gynecological cancer in the near future. This will create a need for reliable response prediction tools, which we believe will be based on biomarker, clinical, and tumor characteristics. In this article, we review the basic biology of ICIs and response prediction biomarkers, as well as the latest clinical trials that focus on subgroup effectiveness based on biomarker status in gynecological cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boštjan Pirš
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Erik Škof
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Smrkolj
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
| | - Špela Smrkolj
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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107
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Zhou M, Li B, Liu J, Hong L. Genomic, Immunological, and Clinical Characterization of Pyroptosis in Ovarian Cancer. J Inflamm Res 2022; 14:7341-7358. [PMID: 34992421 PMCID: PMC8714015 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s344554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pyroptosis is a form of lytic programmed cell death that is associated with the pathogenesis of many tumors. However, the potential roles of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unclear. Materials and Methods We systematically described the genetic and transcriptional alterations in PRGs in gynecological cancers. An unsupervised clustering method was used to investigate the molecular subtypes of ovarian cancer (OV) and systematically analyze the TME cell infiltration characteristics. A prognostic signature and nomogram were established to quantify the pyroptosis patterns of individual tumors. We also analyzed the expression levels of eight PRGs in the OV tissues. Results Two distinct molecular subtypes of OV were identified, and these two distinct molecular subtypes could predict clinicopathological features, prognosis, TME stromal activity, immune infiltrating cells, and immune checkpoints. A prognostic signature was established, and its predictive capability was validated. Low risk score, characterized by activation of immunity, upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 expression, lower tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion scores, lower tumor mutation burden, and favorable prognosis. These findings suggested that low-risk patients with OV may be more sensitive to immunotherapy. In addition, this signature could effectively predict the response to chemotherapy in patients with OV. Furthermore, a prognostic nomogram was generated, which exhibited superior predictive accuracy. Conclusion This study highlights the crucial role of PRGs in the TME and may help develop immunotherapies and promote individualized therapeutic strategies for patients with OV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingshu Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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108
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When breaks get hot: inflammatory signaling in BRCA1/2-mutant cancers. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:174-189. [PMID: 35000881 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.12.003] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Genomic instability and inflammation are intricately connected hallmark features of cancer. DNA repair defects due to BRCA1/2 mutation instigate immune signaling through the cGAS/STING pathway. The subsequent inflammatory signaling provides both tumor-suppressive as well as tumor-promoting traits. To prevent clearance by the immune system, genomically instable cancer cells need to adapt to escape immune surveillance. Currently, it is unclear how genomically unstable cancers, including BRCA1/2-mutant tumors, are rewired to escape immune clearance. Here, we summarize the mechanisms by which genomic instability triggers inflammatory signaling and describe adaptive mechanisms by which cancer cells can 'fly under the radar' of the immune system. Additionally, we discuss how therapeutic activation of the immune system may improve treatment of genomically instable cancers.
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109
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Toulmonde M, Brahmi M, Giraud A, Chakiba C, Bessede A, Kind M, Toulza E, Pulido M, Albert S, Guégan JP, Cousin S, Mathoulin-Pélissier S, Perret R, Croce S, Blay JY, Ray-Coquard I, Floquet A, Italiano A. Trabectedin plus durvalumab in patients with advanced pretreated soft tissue sarcoma and ovarian carcinoma (TRAMUNE): an open-label, multicenter phase Ib study. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:1765-1772. [PMID: 34965951 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trabectedin has shown pre-clinical synergy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors in pre-clinical models. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN TRAMUNE is a phase Ib study investigating trabectedin combined with durvalumab trough a dose-escalation phase and two expansion cohorts (soft tissue sarcoma and ovarian carcinoma). Trabectedin was given at three dose levels (1 mg/m2, 1.2 mg/m2 and 1.5 mg/m2) on day 1, in combination with durvalumab, 1120 mg on day 2, every 3 weeks. The primary endpoints were the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of trabectedin combined with durvalumab and the objective response rate (ORR) as per RECIST 1.1. The secondary endpoints included safety, 6-month progression-free rate (PFR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and biomarker analyses. RESULTS 40 patients were included (dose escalation: n=9; STS cohort: n=16; ovarian cohort: n=15, 80% platinum resistant/refractory). The most frequent toxicities were grade 1-2 fatigue, nausea, neutropenia, and alanine/aspartate aminotransferase increase. One patient experienced a dose-limiting toxicity at dose level 2. Trabectedin at 1.2 mg/m2 was selected as the RP2D. In the STS cohort, 43% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage, the ORR was 7% (95% CI 0.2 - 33.9) and the 6-month PFR 28.6% (95% CI 8.4-58.1). In the ovarian carcinoma cohort, 43% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage, the ORR was 21.4% (95% CI 4.7 - 50.8) and the 6-month PFR 42.9% (95% CI 17.7 - 71.1). Baseline levels of PD-L1 expression and CD8-positive T-cell infiltrates were associated with PFS in ovarian carcinoma patients. CONCLUSIONS Combining trabectedin and durvalumab is manageable. Promising activity is observed in platinum-refractory ovarian carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sabrina Albert
- Clinical research and Epidemiology Unit, Institut Bergonié
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Medecine, Centre Leon Bérard, Univ Claude Bernard, Unicancer
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110
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Yang F, Wang JF, Wang Y, Liu B, Molina JR. Comparative Analysis of Predictive Biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Cancers: Developments and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010109. [PMID: 35008273 PMCID: PMC8750062 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has greatly changed the treatment landscape of multiple malignancies. However, the wide administration of ICIs is mainly obstructed by the low response rate and several life-threatening adverse events. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify sets of biomarkers to predict which patients will respond to ICIs. In this review, we discuss the recently investigated molecular and clinical determinants of ICI response, from the aspects of tumor features, clinical features, as well as tumor microenvironment. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have dramatically changed the landscape of cancer therapy. Both remarkable and durable responses have been observed in patients with melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other malignancies. However, the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has demonstrated meaningful clinical responses and benefits in only a subset of patients. In addition, several severe and life-threatening adverse events were observed in these patients. Therefore, the identification of predictive biomarkers is urgently needed to select patients who are more likely to benefit from ICI therapy. PD-L1 expression level is the most commonly used biomarker in clinical practice for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. However, negative PD-L1 expression cannot reliably exclude a response to a PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Other factors, such as tumor microenvironment and other tumor genomic signatures, appear to impact the response to ICIs. In this review, we examine emerging data for novel biomarkers that may have a predictive value for optimizing the benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China;
| | | | - Yucai Wang
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China;
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Julian R. Molina
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.R.M.)
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111
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Zong C, Zhu T, He J, Huang R, Jia R, Shen J. PARP mediated DNA damage response, genomic stability and immune responses. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:1745-1759. [PMID: 34952967 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes, especially PARP1, play important roles in the DNA damage response and in the maintenance of genome stability, which makes PARPis a classic synthetic lethal therapy for BRCA-deficient tumors. Conventional mechanisms suggest that PARPis exert their effects via catalytic inhibition and PARP-DNA trapping. Recently, PARP1 has been found to play a role in the immune modulation of tumors. The blockade of PARP1 is able to induce innate immunity through a series of molecular mechanisms, thus allowing the prediction of the feasibility of PARPis combined with immune agents in the treatment of tumors. PARPis combined with immunomodulators may have a stronger tumor suppressive effect on inhibiting tumor growth and blocking immune escape. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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Fahmy O, Alhakamy NA, Khairul-Asri MG, Ahmed OAA, Fahmy UA, Fresta CG, Caruso G. Oncological Response and Predictive Biomarkers for the Checkpoint Inhibitors in Castration-Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pers Med 2021; 12:jpm12010008. [PMID: 35055323 PMCID: PMC8778903 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12010008] [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: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, checkpoint inhibitors have been investigated in metastatic prostate cancer, however their overall effect is unclear and needs to be further investigated. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the oncological response of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic review of the literature was conducted through online electronic databases and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting Library. Eligible publications were selected after a staged screening and selection process. RevMan 5.4 software was employed to run the quantitative analysis and forest plots. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for the randomized and non-randomized trials, respectively. Results: From the 831 results retrieved, 8 studies including 2768 patients were included. There was no significant effect on overall survival (OS) (overall response (OR) = 0.98; Z = 0.42; p = 0.67). Meanwhile, progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better with immune checkpoint inhibitors administration (OR = 0.85; Z = 3.9; p < 0.0001). The subgroup analysis for oncological outcomes based on programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) positivity status displayed no significant effect, except on prostate-specific antigen response rate (PSA RR) (OR = 3.25; Z = 2.29; p = 0.02). Based on DNA damage repair (DDR), positive patients had a significantly better PFS and a trend towards better OS and overall response rate (ORR); the ORR was 40% in positive patients compared to 20% in the negative patients (OR = 2.46; Z = 1.3; p = 0.19), while PSA RR was 23.5% compared to 14.3% (OR = 1.88; Z = 0.88; p = 0.38). Better PFS was clearly associated with DDR positivity (OR = 0.70; Z = 2.48; p = 0.01) with a trend towards better OS in DDR positive patients (OR = 0.71; Z = 1.38; p = 0.17). Based on tumor mutation burden (TMB), ORR was 46.7% with high TMB versus 8.8% in patients with low TMB (OR = 11.88; Z = 3.0; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Checkpoint inhibitors provide modest oncological advantages in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. There are currently no good predictive indicators that indicate a greater response in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Fahmy
- Department of Urology, University Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Malaysia; (O.F.); (M.G.K.-A.)
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd G. Khairul-Asri
- Department of Urology, University Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Malaysia; (O.F.); (M.G.K.-A.)
| | - Osama A. A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (O.A.A.A.); (U.A.F.)
| | - Claudia G. Fresta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Zhu L, Liu J, Chen J, Zhou Q. The developing landscape of combinatorial therapies of immune checkpoint blockade with DNA damage repair inhibitors for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:206. [PMID: 34930377 PMCID: PMC8686226 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) using antibodies against programmed death receptor (PD)-1, PD ligand (PD-L)-1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) has redefined the therapeutic landscape in solid tumors, including skin, lung, bladder, liver, renal, and breast tumors. However, overall response rates to ICB therapy remain limited in PD-L1-negative patients. Thus, rational and effective combination therapies will be needed to address ICB treatment resistance in these patients, as well as in PD-L1-positive patients who have progressed under ICB treatment. DNA damage repair inhibitors (DDRis) may activate T-cell responses and trigger inflammatory cytokines release and eventually immunogenic cancer cell death by amplifying DNA damage and generating immunogenic neoantigens, especially in DDR-defective tumors. DDRi may also lead to adaptive PD-L1 upregulation, providing a rationale for PD-L1/PD-1 blockade. Thus, based on preclinical evidence of efficacy and no significant overlapping toxicity, some ICB/DDRi combinations have rapidly progressed to clinical testing in breast and ovarian cancers. Here, we summarize the available clinical data on the combination of ICB with DDRi agents for treating breast and ovarian cancers and discuss the mechanisms of action and other lessons learned from translational studies conducted to date. We also review potential biomarkers to select patients most likely to respond to ICB/DDRi combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
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Pignochino Y, Crisafulli G, Giordano G, Merlini A, Berrino E, Centomo ML, Chiabotto G, Brusco S, Basiricò M, Maldi E, Pisacane A, Leuci V, Sangiolo D, D’Ambrosio L, Aglietta M, Kasper B, Bardelli A, Grignani G. PARP1 Inhibitor and Trabectedin Combination Does Not Increase Tumor Mutational Burden in Advanced Sarcomas-A Preclinical and Translational Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246295. [PMID: 34944915 PMCID: PMC8699802 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but not for all tumor types. Indeed, sarcomas are considered “immune-cold” tumors, which are relatively unresponsive to immunotherapy. One strategy to potentiate immunotherapy efficacy is to increase tumor immunogenicity, for instance by boosting the number of candidate targets (neoantigens) to be recognized by the immune system. Tumor mutational burden indicates the number of somatic mutations identified in the tumor and normalized per megabase. Tumor mutational burden is considered as an acceptable, measurable surrogate of tumor neoantigens. Here, we explored whether the combination of two DNA-damaging agents, trabectedin and olaparib, could increase tumor mutational burden in sarcomas, to prime subsequent immunotherapy. We found no variation in tumor mutational burden after trabectedin + olaparib in preclinical and clinical samples. Therefore, other aspects should be considered to increase sarcoma immunogenicity, by exploiting different pathways such as the potential modulation of the tumor microenvironment induced by trabectedin + olaparib. Abstract Drug-induced tumor mutational burden (TMB) may contribute to unleashing the immune response in relatively “immune-cold” tumors, such as sarcomas. We previously showed that PARP1 inhibition perpetuates the DNA damage induced by the chemotherapeutic agent trabectedin in both preclinical models and sarcoma patients. In the present work, we explored acquired genetic changes in DNA repair genes, mutational signatures, and TMB in a translational platform composed of cell lines, xenografts, and tumor samples from patients treated with trabectedin and olaparib combination, compared to cells treated with temozolomide, an alkylating agent that induces hypermutation. Whole-exome and targeted panel sequencing data analyses revealed that three cycles of trabectedin and olaparib combination neither affected the mutational profiles, DNA repair gene status, or copy number alterations, nor increased TMB both in homologous recombinant-defective and proficient cells or in xenografts. Moreover, TMB was not increased in tumor specimens derived from trabectedin- and olaparib-treated patients (5–6 cycles) when compared to pre-treatment biopsies. Conversely, repeated treatments with temozolomide induced a massive TMB increase in the SJSA-1 osteosarcoma model. In conclusion, a trabectedin and olaparib combination did not show mutagenic effects and is unlikely to prime subsequent immune-therapeutic interventions based on TMB increase. On the other hand, these findings are reassuring in the increasing warning of treatment-induced hematologic malignancies correlated to PARP1 inhibitor use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ymera Pignochino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy;
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Crisafulli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giordano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Merlini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0119933623
| | - Enrico Berrino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy;
| | - Maria Laura Centomo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiabotto
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy;
| | - Silvia Brusco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Basiricò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Elena Maldi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Alberto Pisacane
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Valeria Leuci
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo D’Ambrosio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Cardinal Massaia Hospital, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | - Bernd Kasper
- Sarcoma Unit, Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10100 Torino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grignani
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.C.); (G.G.); (E.B.); (M.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (E.M.); (A.P.); (V.L.); (D.S.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
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Zachariah NN, Basu A, Gautam N, Ramamoorthi G, Kodumudi KN, Kumar NB, Loftus L, Czerniecki BJ. Intercepting Premalignant, Preinvasive Breast Lesions Through Vaccination. Front Immunol 2021; 12:786286. [PMID: 34899753 PMCID: PMC8652247 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.786286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) prevention remains the ultimate cost-effective method to reduce the global burden of invasive breast cancer (IBC). To date, surgery and chemoprevention remain the main risk-reducing modalities for those with hereditary cancer syndromes, as well as high-risk non-hereditary breast lesions such as ADH, ALH, or LCIS. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a preinvasive malignant lesion of the breast that closely mirrors IBC and, if left untreated, develops into IBC in up to 50% of lesions. Certain high-risk patients with DCIS may have a 25% risk of developing recurrent DCIS or IBC, even after surgical resection. The development of breast cancer elicits a strong immune response, which brings to prominence the numerous advantages associated with immune-based cancer prevention over drug-based chemoprevention, supported by the success of dendritic cell vaccines targeting HER2-expressing BC. Vaccination against BC to prevent or interrupt the process of BC development remains elusive but is a viable option. Vaccination to intercept preinvasive or premalignant breast conditions may be possible by interrupting the expression pattern of various oncodrivers. Growth factors may also function as potential immune targets to prevent breast cancer progression. Furthermore, neoantigens also serve as effective targets for interception by virtue of strong immunogenicity. It is noteworthy that the immune response also needs to be strong enough to result in target lesion elimination to avoid immunoediting as it may occur in IBC arising from DCIS. Overall, if the issue of vaccine targets can be solved by interrupting premalignant lesions, there is a potential to prevent the development of IBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amrita Basu
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Namrata Gautam
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ganesan Ramamoorthi
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Krithika N Kodumudi
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Nagi B Kumar
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Loretta Loftus
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Brian J Czerniecki
- Department of Breast Surgery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
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Chardin L, Leary A. Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Thinking Beyond PD-1/PD-L1. Front Oncol 2021; 11:795547. [PMID: 34966689 PMCID: PMC8710491 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.795547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, affecting approximately 1 in 70 women with only 45% surviving 5 years after diagnosis. This disease typically presents at an advanced stage, and optimal debulking with platinum-based chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of management. Although most ovarian cancer patients will respond effectively to current management, 70% of them will eventually develop recurrence and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. There is a rationale for immune-oncological treatments (IO) in the managements of patients with OC. Many OC tumors demonstrate tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the degree of TIL infiltration is strongly and reproducibly correlated with survival. Unfortunately, results to date have been disappointing in relapsed OC. Trials have reported very modest single activity with various antibodies targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 resulting in response rate ranging from 4% to 15%. This may be due to the highly immunosuppressive TME of the disease, a low tumor mutational burden and low PD-L1 expression. There is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the immune microenvironment in OC in order to develop effective therapies. This review will discuss immune subpopulations in OC microenvironment, current immunotherapy modalities targeting these immune subsets and data from clinical trials testing IO treatments in OC and its combination with other therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Chardin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm U981, Biomarqueurs Prédictifs et Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques en Oncologie, Villejuif, France
| | - Alexandra Leary
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm U981, Biomarqueurs Prédictifs et Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques en Oncologie, Villejuif, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm U981, Biomarqueurs Prédictifs et Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques en Oncologie, Villejuif, France
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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Akay M, Funingana IG, Patel G, Mustapha R, Gjafa E, Ng T, Ng K, Flynn MJ. An In-Depth Review of Niraparib in Ovarian Cancer: Mechanism of Action, Clinical Efficacy and Future Directions. Oncol Ther 2021; 9:347-364. [PMID: 34363200 PMCID: PMC8593085 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-021-00167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Niraparib is an oral, potent, highly selective poly-ADP ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) and PARP2 inhibitor. In most developed countries, it is approved as a maintenance treatment for epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer in patients with complete or partial response to platinum-based therapy. These approvals are based on results of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, particularly the NOVA trial and more recently the PRIMA trial. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the scientific basis of PARP inhibition, discussing both preclinical and clinical data which have led to the current approval status of niraparib. We also discuss ongoing trials and biological rationale of combination treatments involving niraparib, with particular focus on antiangiogenic drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) pathway. In addition, we reflect on potential strategies and challenges of utilising current biomarkers for treatment selection of patients to ensure maximal benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melek Akay
- Department of Medical Oncology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Grisma Patel
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Rami Mustapha
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK King's Health Partners Centre, London, UK
| | - Ernese Gjafa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tony Ng
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK King's Health Partners Centre, London, UK
- Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, UK
| | - Kenrick Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
- Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, UK.
| | - Michael J Flynn
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
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Understanding and overcoming resistance to PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:773-791. [PMID: 34285417 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Developing novel targeted anticancer therapies is a major goal of current research. The use of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in patients with homologous recombination-deficient tumours provides one of the best examples of a targeted therapy that has been successfully translated into the clinic. The success of this approach has so far led to the approval of four different PARP inhibitors for the treatment of several types of cancers and a total of seven different compounds are currently under clinical investigation for various indications. Clinical trials have demonstrated promising response rates among patients receiving PARP inhibitors, although the majority will inevitably develop resistance. Preclinical and clinical data have revealed multiple mechanisms of resistance and current efforts are focused on developing strategies to address this challenge. In this Review, we summarize the diverse processes underlying resistance to PARP inhibitors and discuss the potential strategies that might overcome these mechanisms such as combinations with chemotherapies, targeting the acquired vulnerabilities associated with resistance to PARP inhibitors or suppressing genomic instability.
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Funingana IG, Reinius MAV, Petrillo A, Ang JE, Brenton JD. Can integrative biomarker approaches improve prediction of platinum and PARP inhibitor response in ovarian cancer? Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:67-82. [PMID: 33607245 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) encompasses distinct histological, molecular and genomic entities that determine intrinsic sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. Current management of each subtype is determined by factors including tumour grade and stage, but only a small number of biomarkers can predict treatment response. The recent incorporation of PARP inhibitors into routine clinical practice has underscored the need to personalise ovarian cancer treatment based on tumour biology. In this article, we review the strengths and limitations of predictive biomarkers in current clinical practice and highlight integrative strategies that may inform the development of future personalised medicine programs and composite biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionut-Gabriel Funingana
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marika A V Reinius
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angelica Petrillo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy; University of Study of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Joo Ern Ang
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - James D Brenton
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Xu Q, Li Z. Update on Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer With Non-BRCA Mutations. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:743073. [PMID: 34912215 PMCID: PMC8667582 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.743073] [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: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) has become an important maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer after surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy, which has changed the disease management model of ovarian cancer, greatly decreased the risk of recurrence, and made the prognosis of ovarian cancer better to certain extent. The three PARPis currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of ovarian cancer are Olaparib, Niraparib and Rucaparib. With the incremental results from new clinical trials, the applicable population of PARPi for ovarian cancer have expanded to population with non-BRCA mutations. Although BRCA mutated population are still the main beneficiaries of PARPi, recent clinical trials indicated PARPis' therapeutic potential in non-BRCA mutated population, especially in homologous recombination repair deficiency (HRD) positive population. However, lack of unified HRD status detection method poses a challenge for the accurate selection of PARPi beneficiaries. The reversal of homologous recombination (HR) function during the treatment will not only cause resistance to PARPis, but also reduce the accuracy of the current method to determine HRD status. Therefore, the development of reliable HRD status detection methods to determine the beneficiary population, as well as rational combination treatment are warranted. This review mainly summarizes the latest clinical trial results and combination treatment of PARPis in ovarian cancer with non-BRCA mutations, and discusses the application prospects, including optimizing combination therapy against drug resistance, developing unified and accurate HRD status detection methods for patient selection and stratification. This review further poses an interesting topic: the efficacy and safety in patients retreated with PARPis after previous PARPi treatment---"PARPi after PARPi".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhengyu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Chen M, Linstra R, van Vugt MATM. Genomic instability, inflammatory signaling and response to cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1877:188661. [PMID: 34800547 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic and chromosomal instability are hallmarks of cancer and shape the genomic composition of cancer cells, thereby determining their behavior and response to treatment. Various genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer have been linked to genomic instability, including DNA repair defects, oncogene-induced replication stress, and spindle assembly checkpoint malfunction. A consequence of genomic and chromosomal instability is the leakage of DNA from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, either directly or through the formation and subsequent rupture of micronuclei. Cytoplasmic DNA subsequently activates cytoplasmic DNA sensors, triggering downstream pathways, including a type I interferon response. This inflammatory signaling has pleiotropic effects, including enhanced anti-tumor immunity and potentially results in sensitization of cancer cells to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, cancers frequently evolve mechanisms to avoid immune clearance, including suppression of inflammatory signaling. In this review, we summarize inflammatory signaling pathways induced by various sources of genomic instability, adaptation mechanisms that suppress inflammatory signaling, and implications for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renske Linstra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel A T M van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Liu Z, Liu L, Guo C, Yu S, Meng L, Zhou X, Han X. Tumor suppressor gene mutations correlate with prognosis and immunotherapy benefit in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108340. [PMID: 34789428 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The tumor microenvironment (TME) has profound impacts on prognosis and immunotherapy. The TME can be altered by the genomic mutations on specific tumor-suppressor genes (TSG), thus, comprehending the association between TME and TSG in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is imperative. METHODS With a total of 1699 HCC patients from 6 international multicenter cohorts, we delineated the mutational landscape of TSG and summarized the proportion of TSG mutated HCC in different countries. Using the genomic and transcriptomic data, we comprehensively explored the impacts of TSG mutations on TME and immunity in HCC. A dataset of 31 HCC patients from the cBioPortal database was utilized to evaluate the predictive value of TSG subtypes for immunotherapy response. RESULTS Interestingly, TSG non-mutated HCC will have more "immune-hot" tumors, and display the infiltration abundance of immune cells such as B cell, CD4+/CD8+T cell, and neutrophil. Moreover, TSG non-mutated HCC was characterized by the higher expression level of three immune checkpoints, including CD40, CD40LG, and TNFRSF4. In line with the TME characterization and immune checkpoint profiles, TSG non-mutated HCC displayed prolonged overall survival and relapse-free survival, notably, are more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested the TSG subtypes could serve as a promising biomarker for guiding surveillance protocol and immunotherapeutic decisions for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - ChunGuang Guo
- Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Sun Yu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Lingfang Meng
- Department of Infection Management, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Xueliang Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China; Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
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Zhang H, Wu Y, Li H, Sun L, Meng X. Model constructions of chemosensitivity and prognosis of high grade serous ovarian cancer based on evaluation of immune microenvironment and immune response. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:593. [PMID: 34736480 PMCID: PMC8567582 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02295-y] [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: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients is closely related to the immune microenvironment and immune response. Based on this, the purpose of this study was to construct a model to predict chemosensitivity and prognosis, and provide novel biomarkers for immunotherapy and prognosis evaluation of HGSOC. METHODS GSE40595 (38 samples), GSE18520 (63 samples), GSE26712 (195 samples), TCGA (321 samples) and GTEx (88 samples) were integrated to screen differential expressed genes (DEGs) of HGSOC. The prognosis related DEGs (DEPGs) were screened through overall survival analysis. The DEGs-encoded protein-protein interaction network was constructed and hub genes of DEPGs (DEPHGs) were generated by STRING. Immune characteristics of the samples were judged by ssGSEA, ESTIMATE and CYBERSORT. TIMER was used to analyze the relationship between DEPHGs and tumor-infiltrating immunocytes, as well as the immune checkpoint genes, finally immune-related DEPHGs (IDEPHGs) were determined, and whose expression in 12 pairs of HGSOC tissues and tumor-adjacent tissues were analyzed by histological verification. Furthermore, the chemosensitivity genes in IDEPHGs were screened according to GSE15622 (n = 65). Finally, two prediction models of paclitaxel sensitivity score (PTX score) and carboplatin sensitivity score (CBP score) were constructed by lasso algorithm. The area under curve was calculated to estimate the accuracy of candidate gene models in evaluating chemotherapy sensitivity. RESULTS 491 DEGs were screened and 37 DEGs were identified as DEPGs, and 11 DEPHGs were further identified. Among them, CXCL13, IDO1, PI3, SPP1 and TRIM22 were screened as IDEPHGs and verified in the human tissues. Further analysis showed that IDO1, PI3 and TRIM22 could independently affect the chemotherapy sensitivity of HGSOC patients. The PTX score was significantly better than TRIM22, PI3, SPP1, IDO1 and CXCL13 in predicting paclitaxel sensitivity, so was CBP score in predicting carboplatin sensitivity. What's more, both of the HGSOC patients with high PTX score or high CBP score had longer survival time. CONCLUSIONS Five IDEPHGs identified through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis were closely related with the prognosis, immune microenvironment and chemotherapy sensitivity of HGSOC. Two prediction models based on IDEPHGs might have potential application of chemotherapy sensitivity and prognosis for patients with HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, and Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Wu
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, and Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Sun
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, and Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangkai Meng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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DNA Damage Response Genes in Osteosarcoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9365953. [PMID: 35251167 PMCID: PMC8894034 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9365953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving the osteosarcoma (OS) patients' survival has long been a challenge, even though the disease's treatment is on the verge of progress. DNA damage response (DDR) has traditionally been associated with carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and genomic instability. No study has used DDR genes as a signature to identify the prognosis of OS. The goal of this work was to find an effective possible DDR gene biomarker for predicting OS prognosis, which may be useful in clinical diagnosis and therapy. METHODS To assess gene methylation, univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were performed on data from OS patients. The data were retrieved from public databases, including the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). RESULTS The DDR gene signature was chosen, which included seven genes (NHEJ1, RMI2, SWI5, ERCC2, CLK2, POLG, and MLH1). In the TARGET dataset, patients were categorized into two groups: high-risk and low-risk. Patients with a high-risk score revealed a shorter OS rate (hazard ratio (HR): 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38-4.34, P < 0.001) in comparison with the patients with a low-risk score in the TARGET as a training group. The validation of the prognostic signature accuracy was carried out in relapse and validation cohorts (TARGET, n = 75; GSE21257, n = 53). The signature was found to be an independent predictive factor for OS in multivariate cox regression analysis, and a nomogram model was developed to predict an individual's risk of OS. DDR gene signature involved in Fanconi anemia pathway, nonhomologous end-joining pathway, mismatch repair, and nucleotide excision repair pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the identified novel DDR genes could be a powerful prognostic tool for prognosis evaluation and a valuable tool in predicting the risk factors in OS patients.
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Cerniglia M, Xiu J, Grothey A, Pishvaian MJ, Baca Y, Hwang JJ, Marshall JL, VanderWalde AM, Shields AF, Lenz HJ, Korn WM, Salem M, Philip PA, Goldberg RM, Zeng J, Kim SS. Association of Homologous Recombination-DNA Damage Response Gene Mutations with Immune Biomarkers in Gastroesophageal Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 21:227-236. [PMID: 34725190 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of homologous recombination-DNA damage response (HR-DDR) genetic alterations is of therapeutic interest in gastroesophageal cancers. This study is a comprehensive assessment of HR-DDR mutation prevalence across gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Here we investigate the association of HR-DDR mutations with known predictors for immune-checkpoint inhibition [deficiency in mismatch-repair (dMMRP), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)]. We confirmed HR-DDR mutations are present in a subset of gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (23%) and gastroesophageal squamous cell carcinomas (20%). Biomarker expression of dMMRP (18% vs. 1%) and TMB-high with a cutoff of ≥10 mt/MB (27% vs. 9%) was significantly more prevalent in the DDR-mutated cohort compared with the non-DDR-mutated cohort. Mean combined positive score for PD-L1 in the total adenocarcinoma cohort was significantly higher in the DDR-mutated cohort compared with the non-DDR-mutated cohort (10.1 vs. 5.8). We demonstrated that alterations in ARID1A, BRCA2, PTEN, and ATM are correlated with dMMRP, TMB-high, and increased PD-L1 expression in gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. Our findings show that a subset of gastroesophageal tumors harbor HR-DDR mutations correlated with established immune biomarkers. By better understanding the relationship between HR-DDR mutations and immune biomarkers, we may be able to develop better immunotherapy combination strategies to target these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael J Pishvaian
- NCR Kimmel Cancer Center, Sibley Memorial Hospital and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Jimmy J Hwang
- Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - John L Marshall
- Ruesch Center for The Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Anthony F Shields
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of, Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Mohamed Salem
- Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Jia Zeng
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Sunnie S Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado.
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Chandrasekaran A, Elias KM. Synthetic Lethality in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2117-2128. [PMID: 34518297 PMCID: PMC8571039 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancers include several distinct malignancies which differ with respect to clinicopathologic features and prognosis. High-grade serous cancer is the most common histologic subtype and accounts for most ovarian cancer-related deaths. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is treated with surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, but most patients relapse and succumb to chemoresistant disease. The genetic concept of synthetic lethality, in which the synergy of mutations in multiple genes results in cell death, provides a framework to design novel therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Recent progress in understanding the genomic architecture and hereditary drivers of ovarian cancer has shown potential for synthetic lethality strategies designed around homologous DNA repair. Clinical trials have validated high response rates for PARP inhibitors in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Here we discuss the biological rationale behind targeting BRCA-PARP synthetic lethality based on genetic context in ovarian cancer and how this approach is being assessed in the clinic. Applying the concept of synthetic lethality to target non-BRCA-mutant cancers is an ongoing challenge, and we discuss novel approaches to target ovarian cancer using synthetic lethality in combination with and beyond PARP inhibitors. This review will also describe obstacles for synthetic lethality in ovarian cancer and new opportunities to develop potent targeted drugs for patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Chandrasekaran
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin M. Elias
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Author: Kevin M. Elias, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St. Boston, MA 02115. Phone: 617–732–8840; E-mail:
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128
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Jørgensen N, Hviid TVF, Nielsen LB, Sønderstrup IMH, Eriksen JO, Ejlertsen B, Gerdes AM, Kruse TA, Thomassen M, Jensen MB, Lænkholm AV. Tumour-infiltrating CD4-, CD8- and FOXP3-positive immune cells as predictive markers of mortality in BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1388-1398. [PMID: 34365471 PMCID: PMC8576013 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01514-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in breast cancer is well-established. However, the investigation of specific T-cell subsets exclusively in BRCA-associated breast cancer is sparse. METHODS Tumour tissues from 414 BRCA-mutated breast cancer patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis for expression of CD4, CD8 and FOXP3 immune markers. Distribution of CD4-, CD8- and FOXP3-positive cells and clinicopathological characteristics were assessed according to groups of low or high expression. The prognostic value was evaluated as continuous variables in univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival and disease-free survival. RESULTS Both CD4 and CD8 expression are associated with histological diagnosis, tumour grade and oestrogen and progesterone receptor expression status. CD4 expression is associated with BRCA gene status. A high percentage of tumour-infiltrating CD4-, CD8- or FOXP3-positive cells is significantly associated with lower mortality in BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast cancer and CD8-positive cells are associated with disease-free survival. No heterogeneity according to BRCA gene status was found for the prognostic value of the immune markers. CONCLUSIONS The results support a prognostic role of specific T-cell subsets in BRCA-associated breast cancer and the promising potential of targeting the immune system in the treatment of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lise B Nielsen
- Danish Breast Cancer Group, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida M H Sønderstrup
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jens Ole Eriksen
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bent Ejlertsen
- Danish Breast Cancer Group, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Gerdes
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben A Kruse
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Thomassen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maj-Britt Jensen
- Danish Breast Cancer Group, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Vibeke Lænkholm
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
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Clark CA, Yang ES. Harnessing DNA Repair Defects to Augment Immune-Based Therapies in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:703802. [PMID: 34631532 PMCID: PMC8497895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.703802] [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: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has poor prognosis with limited treatment options, with little therapeutic progress made during the past several decades. DNA damage response (DDR) associated therapies, including radiation and inhibitors of DDR, demonstrate potential efficacy against TNBC, especially under the guidance of genomic subtype-directed treatment. The tumor immune microenvironment also contributes greatly to TNBC malignancy and response to conventional and targeted therapies. Immunotherapy represents a developing trend in targeted therapies directed against TNBC and strategies combining immunotherapy and modulators of the DDR pathways are being pursued. There is increasing understanding of the potential interplay between DDR pathways and immune-associated signaling. As such, the question of how we treat TNBC regarding novel immuno-molecular strategies is continually evolving. In this review, we explore the current and upcoming treatment options of TNBC in the context of DNA repair mechanisms and immune-based therapies, with a focus on implications of recent genomic analyses and clinical trial findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis A Clark
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Eddy S Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
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130
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Xie H, Wang W, Qi W, Jin W, Xia B. Targeting DNA Repair Response Promotes Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Rationale and Clinical Application. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661115. [PMID: 34712221 PMCID: PMC8546337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have emerged as a powerful oncologic treatment modality for patients with different solid tumors. Unfortunately, the efficacy of ICI monotherapy in ovarian cancer is limited, and combination therapy provides a new opportunity for immunotherapy in ovarian cancer. DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways play central roles in the maintenance of genomic integrity and promote the progression of cancer. A deficiency in DDR genes can cause different degrees of DNA damage that enhance local antigen release, resulting in systemic antitumor immune responses. Thus, the combination of DDR inhibitors with ICI represents an attractive therapeutic strategy with the potential to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the interconnectivity between DDR pathway deficiency and immune response, summarize available clinical trials on the combination therapy in ovarian cancer, and discuss the potential predictive biomarkers that can be utilized to guide the use of combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Xie
- Clinical Research Center, Women’s Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjie Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wencai Qi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Weilin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bairong Xia
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology, Hefei, China
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Bronger H. Immunology and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Ovarian Cancer - Current Aspects. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2021; 81:1128-1144. [PMID: 34629492 PMCID: PMC8494520 DOI: 10.1055/a-1475-4335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) against the PD-1/PD-L1 system have revolutionised the treatment of numerous entities. To date, ovarian cancer has benefited very little from this success story. Possible causes include a rather low mutational burden compared to other tumour types, inadequate presentation of (neo-)antigens, and increased infiltration with immunosuppressive immune cells such as regulatory T cells and tumour-associated macrophages. In the clinical trials completed to date, the response rates to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have therefore been disappointingly low as well, although isolated long-term remissions have also been observed in ovarian cancer. The task now is to find suitable predictive biomarkers as well as to identify combination partners for ICB therapy that can increase the immunogenicity of ovarian cancer or overcome immunosuppressive resistance mechanisms. This paper provides an overview of the immune milieu in ovarian cancer, its impact on the effect of ICB, and summarises the clinical trial data available to date on ICB in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Bronger
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort München und Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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132
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Dai J, Jiang M, He K, Wang H, Chen P, Guo H, Zhao W, Lu H, He Y, Zhou C. DNA Damage Response and Repair Gene Alterations Increase Tumor Mutational Burden and Promote Poor Prognosis of Advanced Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:708294. [PMID: 34604048 PMCID: PMC8479169 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.708294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage response and repair (DDR) gene alterations increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, genomic instability, and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Whether DDR-related alterations relate to therapeutic response and prognosis in lung cancer lacking oncogenic drivers remains unknown. Pretherapeutic cancer samples of 122 patients [86 non-small cell lung cancer and 36 small cell lung cancer (SCLC)] harboring no EGFR/ALK alterations were collected. Through whole-exome sequencing, we outlined DDR mutational landscape and determined relationships between DDR gene alterations and TMB or intratumoral heterogeneity. Then, we evaluated the impacts of DDR gene alterations on therapeutic response and prognosis and established a DDR-based model for prognosis prediction. In addition, we investigated somatic interactions of DDR genes and immunomodulatory genes, immune expression patterns, immune microenvironment, and immune infiltration characteristics between DDR-deficient and DDR-proficient samples. Samples from cBioportal datasets were utilized for verification. We found that deleterious DDR gene alterations were closely associated with higher TMB than proficient-types (p < 0.001). DDR mechanisms attach great importance to the determination of patients’ prognosis after chemotherapy, and alterations of base excision repair pathway in adenocarcinoma, nucleotide excision repair in squamous carcinoma, and homologous recombination pathway in SCLC tend to associate with worse progression-free survival to first-line chemotherapy (all p < 0.05). A predictive nomogram model was constructed incorporating DDR-related alterations, clinical stage, and smoking status, with the area under curve values of 0.692–0.789 for 1- and 2-year receiver operating characteristic curves in training and testing cohorts. Furthermore, DDR-altered tumors contained enhanced frequencies of alterations in various genes of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I pathway including TAP1 and TAP2 than DDR-proficient samples. DDR-deficient types had lower expressions of STING1 (p = 0.01), CD28 (p = 0.020), HLA-DRB6 (p = 0.014) in adenocarcinoma, lower TNFRSF4 (p = 0.017), and TGFB1 expressions (p = 0.033) in squamous carcinoma, and higher CD40 (p = 0.012) and TNFRSF14 expressions (p = 0.022) in SCLC. DDR alteration enhanced activated mast cells in adenocarcinoma (p = 0.044) and M2 macrophage in squamous carcinoma (p = 0.004) than DDR-proficient types. Collectively, DDR gene alterations in lung cancer without oncogenic drivers are positively associated with high TMB. Specific DDR gene alterations tend to associate with worse progression-free survival to initial chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Dai
- SJTU-Yale Joint Center for Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minlin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kan He
- SJTU-Yale Joint Center for Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peixin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyue Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencheng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Lu
- SJTU-Yale Joint Center for Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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133
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Pham MM, Ngoi NYL, Peng G, Tan DSP, Yap TA. Development of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor and immunotherapy combinations: progress, pitfalls, and promises. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:958-970. [PMID: 34158277 PMCID: PMC8458234 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) is restricted by inevitable drug resistance, while their use in combination with chemotherapy and targeted agents is commonly associated with dose-limiting toxicities. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has demonstrated durable responses in different solid tumors and is well-established across multiple cancers. Despite this, single agent activity is limited to a minority of patients and drug resistance remains an issue. Building on the monotherapy success of both drug classes, combining PARPi with ICB may be a safe and well-tolerated strategy with the potential to improve survival outcomes. In this review, we present the preclinical, translational, and clinical data supporting the combination of DNA damage response (DDR) and ICB as well as consider important questions to be addressed with future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Pham
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie Y L Ngoi
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Guang Peng
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David S P Tan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; The Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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134
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Jiang M, Jia K, Wang L, Li W, Chen B, Liu Y, Wang H, Zhao S, He Y, Zhou C. Alterations of DNA damage response pathway: Biomarker and therapeutic strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2983-2994. [PMID: 34729299 PMCID: PMC8546664 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability remains an enabling feature of cancer and promotes malignant transformation. Alterations of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways allow genomic instability, generate neoantigens, upregulate the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and interact with signaling such as cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling. Here, we review the basic knowledge of DDR pathways, mechanisms of genomic instability induced by DDR alterations, impacts of DDR alterations on immune system, and the potential applications of DDR alterations as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer immunotherapy.
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Key Words
- ATM, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated
- ATR, ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related
- BAP1, BRCA1-associated protein 1
- BER, base excision repair
- BRAF, v-RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B
- BRCA, breast cancer susceptibility gene
- CHEK, cell-cycle checkpoint kinase
- CHK1, checkpoint kinase 1
- DAMP, damage-associated molecular patterns
- DDR, DNA damage response
- DNA damage response
- DNA repair
- DR, direct repair
- DSBs, double-strand breaks
- FDA, United State Food and Drug Administration
- GSK3β, glycogen synthase kinase 3β
- Genomic instability
- HMGB1, high mobility group box-1
- HRR, homologous recombination repair
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- IFNγ, interferon gamma
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- IRF1, interferon regulatory factor 1
- Immunotherapy
- JAK, Janus kinase
- MAD1, mitotic arrest deficient-like 1
- MGMT, O6-methylguanine methyltransferase
- MLH1, MutL homolog 1
- MMR, mismatch repair
- MNT, MAX network transcriptional repressor
- MSH2/6, MutS protein homologue-2/6
- MSI, microsatellite instability
- MUTYH, MutY homolog
- MyD88, myeloid differentiation factor 88
- NEK1, NIMA-related kinase 1
- NER, nucleotide excision repair
- NGS, next generation sequencing
- NHEJ, nonhomologous end-joining
- NIMA, never-in-mitosis A
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer
- ORR, objective response rate
- OS, overall survival
- PALB2, partner and localizer of BRCA2
- PARP, poly-ADP ribose polymerase
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PD-1
- PD-1, programmed death 1
- PD-L1
- PD-L1, programmed death ligand 1
- PFS, progression-free survival
- RAD51C, RAD51 homolog C
- RB1, retinoblastoma 1
- RPA, replication protein A
- RSR, replication stress response
- SCNAs, somatic copy number alterations
- STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription
- STING, stimulator of interferon genes
- TBK1, TANK-binding kinase 1
- TILs, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
- TLR4, Toll-like receptor 4
- TMB, tumor mutational burden
- TME, tumor microenvironment
- TP53, tumor protein P53
- TRIF, Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing INF-β
- Tumor microenvironment
- XRCC4, X-ray repair cross complementing protein 4
- cGAS, cyclic GMP–AMP synthase
- cGAS–STING
- ssDNA, single-stranded DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Minlin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
- Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Keyi Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
- Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
- Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
- Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Sha Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
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135
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Monk BJ, Coleman RL, Fujiwara K, Wilson MK, Oza AM, Oaknin A, O'Malley DM, Lorusso D, Westin SN, Safra T, Herzog TJ, Marmé F, N Eskander R, Lin KK, Shih D, Goble S, Grechko N, Hume S, Maloney L, McNeish IA, Kristeleit RS. ATHENA (GOG-3020/ENGOT-ov45): a randomized, phase III trial to evaluate rucaparib as monotherapy (ATHENA-MONO) and rucaparib in combination with nivolumab (ATHENA-COMBO) as maintenance treatment following frontline platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2021; 31:1589-1594. [PMID: 34593565 PMCID: PMC8666815 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2021-002933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The optimal treatment strategy for women with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer has yet to be determined. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have demonstrated substantial improvement in progression-free survival as monotherapy maintenance treatment in the frontline setting versus active surveillance. Furthermore, preclinical and early clinical studies have shown that PARP inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors have synergistic antitumor activity and may provide an additional therapeutic option for patients in this population. Primary Objectives In women with newly diagnosed ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer, we wish to assess the efficacy of frontline maintenance treatment with the PARP inhibitor rucaparib versus placebo following response to platinum-based chemotherapy (ATHENA–MONO), and to assess the combination of rucaparib plus nivolumab (a programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1)–blocking monoclonal antibody) versus rucaparib alone (ATHENA–COMBO). Study Hypothesis (1) Maintenance therapy with rucaparib monotherapy may extend progression-free survival following standard treatment for ovarian cancer in the frontline setting. (2) The combination of nivolumab plus rucaparib may extend progression-free survival following standard treatment for ovarian cancer in the frontline setting compared with rucaparib alone. Trial Design ATHENA is an international, randomized, double-blind, phase III trial consisting of two independent comparisons (ATHENA–MONO and ATHENA–COMBO) in patients with newly diagnosed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Patients are randomized 4:4:1:1 to the following: oral rucaparib+ intravenous nivolumab (arm A); oral rucaparib + intravenous placebo (arm B); oral placebo+ intravenous nivolumab (arm C); and oral placebo + intravenous placebo (arm D). The starting dose of rucaparib is 600 mg orally twice a day and nivolumab 480 mg intravenously every 4 weeks. ATHENA–MONO compares arm B with arm D to evaluate rucaparib monotherapy versus placebo, and ATHENA–COMBO evaluates arm A versus arm B to investigate the effects of rucaparib and nivolumab in combination versus rucaparib monotherapy. ATHENA–MONO and ATHENA–COMBO share a common treatment arm (arm B) but each comparison is independently powered. Major Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria Patients ≥18 years of age with newly diagnosed advanced, high-grade epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer who have achieved a response after completion of cytoreductive surgery and initial platinum-based chemotherapy are enrolled. No other prior treatment for ovarian cancer, other than the frontline platinum regimen, is permitted. Primary Endpoint The primary endpoint is investigator-assessed progression-free survival by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. Sample Size Approximately 1000 patients have been enrolled and randomized. Estimated Dates for Completing Accrual and Presenting Results The trial completed accrual in 2020. While dependent on event rates, primary results of ATHENA–MONO are anticipated in early 2022 and results of ATHENA–COMBO are anticipated to mature at a later date. Trial Registration This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03522246).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Monk
- Arizona Oncology (US Oncology Network), University of Arizona College of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan
| | - Michelle K Wilson
- Department of Cancer and Blood, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amit M Oza
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana Oaknin
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David M O'Malley
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ohio State University, James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Domenica Lorusso
- Unità di Ginecologia Oncologica, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori and MITO, MIlan, Italy
| | - Shannon N Westin
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tamar Safra
- Oncology Department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thomas J Herzog
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Frederik Marmé
- Gynecological Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ramez N Eskander
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Rebecca and John Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kevin K Lin
- Molecular Diagnostics, Clovis Oncology, Inc, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Danny Shih
- Clinical Operations, Clovis Oncology, Inc, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Sandra Goble
- Biostatistics, Clovis Oncology, Inc, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Nikolay Grechko
- Clinical Development, Clovis Oncology, Ltd, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Stephanie Hume
- Clinical Development, Clovis Oncology, Inc, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Lara Maloney
- Clinical Development, Clovis Oncology, Inc, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Iain A McNeish
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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136
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Contos G, Baca Y, Xiu J, Brown J, Holloway R, Korn WM, Herzog TJ, Jones N, Winer I. Assessment of immune biomarkers and establishing a triple negative phenotype in gynecologic cancers. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 163:312-319. [PMID: 34563366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immuno-oncology (IO) has rapidly evolved, with many IO therapies either approved or under investigation for multiple malignancies. Biomarkers exist that can predict response to IO therapies including PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability (MSI), and total mutation burden (TMB). This paper serves to analyze the presence of these biomarkers across gynecologic cancers. METHODS A total of 16,300 gynecologic cancer specimens submitted for molecular profiling to Caris Life Sciences were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the SP142 anti-PD-L1 clone and assessed for intensity. Next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and fragment analysis were used to determine MSI status. TMB was measured by counting all non-synonymous missense mutations found per tumor not previously described as germline alterations. Chi-Square, Fisher Exact, and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare cohorts. RESULTS Of 16,300 specimens, 54.1% were ovarian, 37.2% uterine, 7.2% cervical, 0.3% vulvar, 1.2% vaginal, with 0.1% unspecified. MSI-H was most frequent in uterine cancer (17.7%) and only 1% of ovarian cancers. PD-L1 expression was present in 38.3% of cervical and 62.5% of vulvar cancers, but less than 8% of ovarian and uterine cancers. TMB-H was present in 21.1% cervical, 19.7% uterine, and 5% ovarian cancers. Few specimens exhibited a "triple positive" phenotype - 0.3% ovarian, 1.5% uterine, and 1.5% cervical. Associations were seen between MSI, TMB, and PD-L1 across all cancer types. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of individual biomarkers pertinent to IO therapy varies by cancer type. HPV-driven genital tract cancers have higher frequencies of PD-L1 expression, MSI-H, and TMBH. Endometrial cancers are characterized by MSI-H and TMB, whereas ovarian cancers have a low frequency of MSI-H and modest PD-L1 or TMBH. The incidence of 'triple positive" cases was less than 2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Contos
- Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R. St., Detroit, MI 48201, United States of America.
| | - Y Baca
- Caris Life Sciences, 4750 S. 44(th) Pl., Phoenix, AZ 85040, United States of America
| | - J Xiu
- Caris Life Sciences, 4750 S. 44(th) Pl., Phoenix, AZ 85040, United States of America
| | - J Brown
- Levine Cancer Institute, 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. #2100, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States of America.
| | - R Holloway
- Advent Health Medical Group, 2501 N. Orange Ave. Suite 786, Orlando, FL 32804, United States of America
| | - W M Korn
- Caris Life Sciences, 4750 S. 44(th) Pl., Phoenix, AZ 85040, United States of America
| | - T J Herzog
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute, 3255 Eden Ave. Suite 250B, Cincinnati, OH 45019, United States of America.
| | - N Jones
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604, United States of America.
| | - I Winer
- Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R. St., Detroit, MI 48201, United States of America
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137
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Liao JB, Gwin WR, Urban RR, Hitchcock-Bernhardt KM, Coveler AL, Higgins DM, Childs JS, Shakalia HN, Swensen RE, Stanton SE, Tinker AV, Wahl TA, Ancheta RG, McGonigle KF, Dai JY, Disis ML, Goff BA. Pembrolizumab with low-dose carboplatin for recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer: survival and immune correlates. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003122. [PMID: 34531249 PMCID: PMC8449961 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003122] [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] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapies have shown modest activity as monotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer. Platinum chemotherapies induce T-cell proliferation and enhance tumor recognition. We assessed activity and safety of pembrolizumab with carboplatin in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Patients and methods This phase I/II, single-arm clinical trial studied concurrent carboplatin and pembrolizumab in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. Primary platinum refractory patients were excluded. Patients were treated after progression on subsequent non-platinum systemic therapy after becoming platinum resistant or refractory. Pembrolizumab 200 mg was given on day 1 and carboplatin area under the curve 2 on days 8 and 15 of a 3-week cycle until progression. Imaging was assessed by blinded independent review. PD-L1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed for CD3, CD4, CD8, PD1, CTLA4 and Ki67. Results The most common treatment-related adverse events were lymphopenia (18%) and anemia (9%) with most being grade 1 or 2 (93%). Of 29 patients treated, 23 patients were evaluable for best objective response: 10.3% (95% CI 2.2 to 27.4) had partial response (PR), 51.7% (95% CI 32.5 to 70.6) had stable disease (SD). 56.5% of patients had decreases in target lesions from baseline. All PD-L1-positive patients achieved PR (3/7, 42.8%) or SD (4/7, 57.2%). Median progression-free survival was 4.63 months (95% CI 4.3 to 4.96). Median OS was 11.3 months (95% CI 6.094 to 16.506). Peripheral CD8+PD1+Ki67+ T cells expanded after 3 (p=0.0015) and 5 (p=0.0023) cycles. CTLA4+PD1+CD8+ T cells decreased through the course of treatment up to the 12th cycle (p=0.004). When stratified by ratio of peripheral CD8+PD1+Ki67+ T cells to tumor burden at baseline, patients with a ratio ≥0.0375 who had a significantly longer median OS of 18.37 months compared with those with a ratio <0.0375 who had a median OS of 8.72 months (p=0.0099). No survival advantage was seen with stratification by tumor burden alone (p=0.24) or by CD8+PD1+Ki67+ T cells alone (p=0.53). Conclusions Pembrolizumab with carboplatin was well-tolerated and active in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. A ratio of peripheral T-cell exhaustion to radiographic tumor burden may identify patients more likely to benefit from this chemoimmunotherapy. Trial registration number NCT03029598.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Liao
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - William R Gwin
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Renata R Urban
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Andrew L Coveler
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Doreen M Higgins
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jennifer S Childs
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hania N Shakalia
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Anna V Tinker
- BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tanya A Wahl
- Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - James Y Dai
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary L Disis
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Barbara A Goff
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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138
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Proteomics-derived basal biomarker DNA-PKcs is associated with intrinsic subtype and long-term clinical outcomes in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2021; 7:114. [PMID: 34504086 PMCID: PMC8429676 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise biomarkers are needed to guide better diagnostics and therapeutics for basal-like breast cancer, for which DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) has been recently reported by the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium as the most specific biomarker. We evaluated DNA-PKcs expression in clinically-annotated breast cancer tissue microarrays and correlated results with immune biomarkers (training set: n = 300; validation set: n = 2401). Following a pre-specified study design per REMARK criteria, we found that high expression of DNA-PKcs was significantly associated with stromal and CD8 + tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Within the basal-like subtype, tumors with low DNA-PKcs and high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes displayed the most favourable survival. DNA-PKcs expression by immunohistochemistry identified estrogen receptor-positive cases with a basal-like gene expression subtype. Non-silent mutations in PRKDC were significantly associated with poor outcomes. Integrating DNA-PKcs expression with validated immune biomarkers could guide patient selection for DNA-PKcs targeting strategies, DNA-damaging agents, and their combination with an immune-checkpoint blockade.
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Chan WY, Brown LJ, Reid L, Joshua AM. PARP Inhibitors in Melanoma-An Expanding Therapeutic Option? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184520. [PMID: 34572747 PMCID: PMC8464708 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184520] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanomas with homologous recombination DNA damage repair pathways represent a subset of melanoma that may benefit from PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy. PARP inhibitors have an established role in treating cancers with underlying BRCA mutation through synthetic lethality; however, there is increasing evidence that it can be applied to a larger population including other types of homologous recombination defects. These gene mutations can be found in 20–40% of cutaneous melanoma. To date, PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy have been overlooked in the management of melanoma. This review explores the reasons for combining PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy. There is evidence to suggest that PARP inhibitors can improve the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, this combination approach has the potential to impact future treatment of patients with melanoma, particularly those with homologous recombination DNA damage repair defects. Abstract Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape of melanoma; however, despite improvements in patient outcomes, monotherapy can often lead to resistance and tumour escape. Therefore, there is a need for new therapies, combination strategies and biomarker-guided decision making to increase the subset of patients most likely to benefit from treatment. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors act by synthetic lethality to target tumour cells with homologous recombination deficiencies such as BRCA mutations. However, the application of PARP inhibitors could be extended to a broad range of BRCA-negative cancers with high rates of DNA damage repair pathway mutations, such as melanoma. Additionally, PARP inhibition has the potential to augment the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy through multi-faceted immune-priming capabilities. In this review, we detail the immunological role of PARP and rationale for combining PARP and immune checkpoint inhibitors, with a particular focus on a subset of melanoma with homologous recombination defects that may benefit most from this targeted approach. We summarise the biology supporting this combined regimen and discuss preclinical results as well as ongoing clinical trials in melanoma which may impact future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yen Chan
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (W.Y.C.); (L.J.B.); (L.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lauren J. Brown
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (W.Y.C.); (L.J.B.); (L.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Lee Reid
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (W.Y.C.); (L.J.B.); (L.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Anthony M. Joshua
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; (W.Y.C.); (L.J.B.); (L.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, Sydney, NSW 2016, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Corvigno S, Burks JK, Hu W, Zhong Y, Jennings NB, Fleming ND, Westin SN, Fellman B, Liu J, Sood AK. Immune microenvironment composition in high-grade serous ovarian cancers based on BRCA mutational status. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:3545-3555. [PMID: 34476576 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE An in-depth analysis of the tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer is needed. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the architecture of the immune microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) with or without BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. METHODS A cohort of highly annotated HGSC patients with known germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 status was selected, and pretreatment tumor tissue specimens were analyzed with a multiplexed staining technique aimed at detecting lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts in the whole tumor area and in specific regions including epithelium, stroma, and perivascular areas. RESULTS BRCA1- or BRCA2-mutated tumors showed a more immunogenic microenvironment, characterized by a higher abundance of CD8+ and PD-L1+ cells, than did tumors with wild-type BRCA1 and BRCA2. High numbers of PD-L1+ and PD-L1+CD8+ cells were prognostic for event-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.41, 95% CI 0.21-0.79, p = 0.008 and HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.91, p = 0.025, respectively), as were high numbers of epithelial PD-L1+ and FAP+PD-L1+ cells (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.96, p = 0.037 and HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.87, p = 0.029) and CD8+ cells (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.93, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals substantial differences between the immune microenvironment composition of germline BRCA-mutated and BRCA wild-type HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Corvigno
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Jared K Burks
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Yanping Zhong
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Nicholas B Jennings
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Nicole D Fleming
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Shannon N Westin
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Bryan Fellman
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77054, USA. .,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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141
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Maiorano BA, Maiorano MFP, Lorusso D, Maiello E. Ovarian Cancer in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4438. [PMID: 34503248 PMCID: PMC8430975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) represents the eighth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among the female population. In an advanced setting, chemotherapy represents the first-choice treatment, despite a high recurrence rate. In the last ten years, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has profoundly modified the therapeutic scenario of many solid tumors. We sought to summarize the main findings regarding the clinical use of ICIs in OC. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Databases, and conference abstracts from international congresses (such as ASCO, ESMO, SGO) for clinical trials, focusing on ICIs both as monotherapy and as combinations in the advanced OC. RESULTS 20 studies were identified, of which 16 were phase I or II and 4 phase III trials. These trials used ICIs targeting PD1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab), PD-L1 (avelumab, aterolizumab, durvalumab), and CTLA4 (ipilimumab, tremelimumab). There was no reported improvement in survival, and some trials were terminated early due to toxicity or lack of response. Combining ICIs with chemotherapy, anti-VEGF therapy, or PARP inhibitors improved response rates and survival in spite of a worse safety profile. CONCLUSIONS The identification of biomarkers with a predictive role for ICIs' efficacy is mandatory. Moreover, genomic and immune profiling of OC might lead to better treatment options and facilitate the design of tailored trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigida Anna Maiorano
- Oncology Unit, Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Francesco Pio Maiorano
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biomedical and Human Oncological Science, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Domenica Lorusso
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione Policlinico “A.Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Evaristo Maiello
- Oncology Unit, Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
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Ordulu Z, Watkins J, Ritterhouse LL. Molecular Pathology of Ovarian Epithelial Neoplasms: Predictive, Prognostic, and Emerging Biomarkers. Surg Pathol Clin 2021; 14:415-428. [PMID: 34373093 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive molecular biomarkers in ovarian epithelial neoplasms in the context of their morphologic classifications. Currently, most clinically actionable molecular findings are reported in high-grade serous carcinomas; however, the data on less common tumor types are rapidly accelerating. Overall, the advances in genomic knowledge over the last decade highlight the significance of integrating molecular findings with morphology in ovarian epithelial tumors for a wide-range of clinical applications, from assistance in diagnosis to predicting response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Ordulu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02124, USA
| | - Jaclyn Watkins
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02124, USA
| | - Lauren L Ritterhouse
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02124, USA.
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Kinget L, Bechter O, Punie K, Debruyne PR, Brems H, Clement P, Roussel E, Van Herck Y, Albersen M, Baldewijns M, Schöffski P, Beuselinck B. Multitumor Case Series of Germline BRCA1, BRCA2 and CHEK2-Mutated Patients Responding Favorably on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:3227-3239. [PMID: 34449592 PMCID: PMC8395488 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28050280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPI) have become widely used for multiple solid malignancies. Reliable predictive biomarkers for selection of patients who would benefit most are lacking. Several tumor types with somatic or germline alterations in genes involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway harbor a higher tumor mutational burden, possibly associated with an increased tumoral neoantigen load. These neoantigens are thought to lead to stronger immune activation and enhanced response to ICPIs. We present a series of seven patients with different malignancies with germline disease-associated variants in DDR genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2) responding favorably to ICPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kinget
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.K.); (O.B.); (K.P.); (P.C.); (Y.V.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Oliver Bechter
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.K.); (O.B.); (K.P.); (P.C.); (Y.V.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Kevin Punie
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.K.); (O.B.); (K.P.); (P.C.); (Y.V.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Philip R. Debruyne
- Department of General Medical Oncology, AZ Groeninge, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium;
- Medical Technology Research Centre (MTRC), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Hilde Brems
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Paul Clement
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.K.); (O.B.); (K.P.); (P.C.); (Y.V.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Eduard Roussel
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Yannick Van Herck
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.K.); (O.B.); (K.P.); (P.C.); (Y.V.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.R.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Patrick Schöffski
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.K.); (O.B.); (K.P.); (P.C.); (Y.V.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Benoit Beuselinck
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.K.); (O.B.); (K.P.); (P.C.); (Y.V.H.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-1634-6900
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Verdon DJ, Jenkins MR. Identification and Targeting of Mutant Peptide Neoantigens in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4245. [PMID: 34439399 PMCID: PMC8391927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, adoptive cell transfer and checkpoint blockade therapies have revolutionized immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment. Advances in whole exome/genome sequencing and bioinformatic detection of tumour-specific genetic variations and the amino acid sequence alterations they induce have revealed that T cell mediated anti-tumour immunity is substantially directed at mutated peptide sequences, and the identification and therapeutic targeting of patient-specific mutated peptide antigens now represents an exciting and rapidly progressing frontier of personalized medicine in the treatment of cancer. This review outlines the historical identification and validation of mutated peptide neoantigens as a target of the immune system, and the technical development of bioinformatic and experimental strategies for detecting, confirming and prioritizing both patient-specific or "private" and frequently occurring, shared "public" neoantigenic targets. Further, we examine the range of therapeutic modalities that have demonstrated preclinical and clinical anti-tumour efficacy through specifically targeting neoantigens, including adoptive T cell transfer, checkpoint blockade and neoantigen vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Verdon
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Misty R. Jenkins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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Leary A, Tan D, Ledermann J. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in ovarian cancer: where do we stand? Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211039899. [PMID: 34422119 PMCID: PMC8377306 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211039899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous retrospective studies have demonstrated that the density of intra-tumoral immune cell infiltration is prognostic in epithelial ovarian cancer (OC). These observations together with reports of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in advanced OC provided the rationale for investigating the benefit of programmed death-1 (PD1) or PD-L1 inhibition in OC. Unfortunately clinical trials to date evaluating PD1/PD-L1 inhibition in patients with relapsed OC have been disappointing. In this review we will discuss early results from single agent PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors and the strategies to enhance benefit from immune-oncology agents in OC, including proposing anti-PD-L1 in combination with other agents (cytotoxics, anti-angiogenics, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. (PARP) inhibitors, targeted therapies or other immunotherapies), as well as evaluating these agents earlier in the disease course, or in biomarker selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Leary
- Institut Gustave Roussy, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, Villejuif 94805, France, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U981, Villejuif, France
| | - David Tan
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Ledermann
- UCL Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and UCL Trials Centre, London, UK
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Bruand M, Barras D, Mina M, Ghisoni E, Morotti M, Lanitis E, Fahr N, Desbuisson M, Grimm A, Zhang H, Chong C, Dagher J, Chee S, Tsianou T, Dorier J, Stevenson BJ, Iseli C, Ronet C, Bobisse S, Genolet R, Walton J, Bassani-Sternberg M, Kandalaft LE, Ren B, McNeish I, Swisher E, Harari A, Delorenzi M, Ciriello G, Irving M, Rusakiewicz S, Foukas PG, Martinon F, Dangaj Laniti D, Coukos G. Cell-autonomous inflammation of BRCA1-deficient ovarian cancers drives both tumor-intrinsic immunoreactivity and immune resistance via STING. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109412. [PMID: 34289354 PMCID: PMC8371260 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigate mechanisms leading to inflammation and immunoreactivity in ovarian tumors with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). BRCA1 loss is found to lead to transcriptional reprogramming in tumor cells and cell-intrinsic inflammation involving type I interferon (IFN) and stimulator of IFN genes (STING). BRCA1-mutated (BRCA1mut) tumors are thus T cell inflamed at baseline. Genetic deletion or methylation of DNA-sensing/IFN genes or CCL5 chemokine is identified as a potential mechanism to attenuate T cell inflammation. Alternatively, in BRCA1mut cancers retaining inflammation, STING upregulates VEGF-A, mediating immune resistance and tumor progression. Tumor-intrinsic STING elimination reduces neoangiogenesis, increases CD8+ T cell infiltration, and reverts therapeutic resistance to dual immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). VEGF-A blockade phenocopies genetic STING loss and synergizes with ICB and/or poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors to control the outgrowth of Trp53-/-Brca1-/- but not Brca1+/+ ovarian tumors in vivo, offering rational combinatorial therapies for HRD cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Bruand
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Barras
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Mina
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Computational Biology, UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Ghisoni
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Morotti
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evripidis Lanitis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Noémie Fahr
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Desbuisson
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alizée Grimm
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hualing Zhang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chloe Chong
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Dagher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sora Chee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Theodora Tsianou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Dorier
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland; Bioinformatics Competence Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Catherine Ronet
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Bobisse
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Genolet
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Walton
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michal Bassani-Sternberg
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bing Ren
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Iain McNeish
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alexandre Harari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Delorenzi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Ciriello
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Computational Biology, UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Rusakiewicz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Periklis G Foukas
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Attikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Denarda Dangaj Laniti
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Domblides C, Rochefort J, Riffard C, Panouillot M, Lescaille G, Teillaud JL, Mateo V, Dieu-Nosjean MC. Tumor-Associated Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: From Basic and Clinical Knowledge to Therapeutic Manipulation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698604. [PMID: 34276690 PMCID: PMC8279885 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex ecosystem almost unique to each patient. Most of available therapies target tumor cells according to their molecular characteristics, angiogenesis or immune cells involved in tumor immune-surveillance. Unfortunately, only a limited number of patients benefit in the long-term of these treatments that are often associated with relapses, in spite of the remarkable progress obtained with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICP). The presence of “hot” tumors is a determining parameter for selecting therapies targeting the patient immunity, even though some of them still do not respond to treatment. In human studies, an in-depth analysis of the organization and interactions of tumor-infiltrating immune cells has revealed the presence of an ectopic lymphoid organization termed tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in a large number of tumors. Their marked similarity to secondary lymphoid organs has suggested that TLS are an “anti-tumor school” and an “antibody factory” to fight malignant cells. They are effectively associated with long-term survival in most solid tumors, and their presence has been recently shown to predict response to ICP inhibitors. This review discusses the relationship between TLS and the molecular characteristics of tumors and the presence of oncogenic viruses, as well as their role when targeted therapies are used. Also, we present some aspects of TLS biology in non-tumor inflammatory diseases and discuss the putative common characteristics that they share with tumor-associated TLS. A detailed overview of the different pre-clinical models available to investigate TLS function and neogenesis is also presented. Finally, new approaches aimed at a better understanding of the role and function of TLS such as the use of spheroids and organoids and of artificial intelligence algorithms, are also discussed. In conclusion, increasing our knowledge on TLS will undoubtedly improve prognostic prediction and treatment selection in cancer patients with key consequences for the next generation immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Domblides
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Juliette Rochefort
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté de Santé, UFR Odontologie, Paris, France.,Service Odontologie, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Clémence Riffard
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Marylou Panouillot
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Lescaille
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Faculté de Santé, UFR Odontologie, Paris, France.,Service Odontologie, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Luc Teillaud
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Véronique Mateo
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Marie-Caroline Dieu-Nosjean
- Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, Sorbonne Université, UMRS 1135, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1135, Paris, France.,Laboratory "Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy", Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses Paris (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
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148
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Goel N, Foxall ME, Scalise CB, Wall JA, Arend RC. Strategies in Overcoming Homologous Recombination Proficiency and PARP Inhibitor Resistance. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1542-1549. [PMID: 34172532 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States and the most common cause of gynecologic cancer-related death. The majority of ovarian cancers ultimately recur despite excellent response rates to upfront platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy. Maintenance therapy after frontline treatment has emerged in recent years as an effective tool for extending the platinum-free interval of these patients. Maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors (PARPis), in particular, has become part of standard of care in the upfront setting and in patients with platinum-sensitive disease. Homologous recombination deficient (HRD) tumors have a nonfunctioning homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway and respond well to PARPis, which takes advantage of synthetic lethality by concomitantly impairing DNA repair mechanisms. Conversely, patients with a functioning HRR pathway, that is, HR-proficient tumors, can still elicit benefit from PARPi, but the efficacy is not as remarkable as what is seen in HRD tumors. PARPis are ineffective in some patients due to HR proficiency, which is either inherent to the tumor or potentially acquired as a method of therapeutic resistance. This review seeks to outline current strategies employed by clinicians and scientists to overcome PARPi resistance-either acquired or inherent to the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Goel
- University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - McKenzie E Foxall
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Carly Bess Scalise
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jaclyn A Wall
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rebecca C Arend
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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149
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Lengyel CG. Microsatellite Instability as a Predictor of Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer in the Era of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:968-976. [PMID: 33970843 DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210325121322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The microsatellite instable phenotype resulting from errors in DNA mismatch repair proteins accounts for as far as 15 to 20% of non-hereditary colon cancers but is scarce in rectal cancer. It has been shown that the increased existence of tumor-specific neoantigens in hypermutated tumors is correlated with higher tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and overexpression of immune checkpoint receptors and ligands, mainly PD-1 and PD-L1. In particular, the data gained up to now gives evidence that neoantigen recognition constitutes a dominant component in the course of immunotherapies. This review's primary objective is to describe current approvals and summarize present knowledge about the outcomes of immuno-oncology treatment of microsatellite instable colorectal cancer (CRC). The secondary objective is to give a narrative report about testing methodologies, prognostics, and the predictive value of microsatellite instability. For this purpose, a literature review was performed, focusing on published clinical trial results, ongoing clinical trials and timelines, testing methods, and prognostic and predictive value of MSI. Following four recent FDA approvals of immunotherapy of MSI-high CRC, further work should be warranted by pathology societies towards standardization and rising concordance and reproducibility across the IHC/MSI testing landscape in order to facilitate professionals to offer better survival options for patients with CRC.
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150
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Frontline Maintenance Treatment for Ovarian Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:97. [PMID: 34125335 PMCID: PMC8203502 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01088-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological cancer. Most patients with advanced disease will relapse within 3 years after primary treatment with surgery and chemotherapy. Recurrences become increasing difficult to treat due to the emergence of drug resistance and 5-year survival has changed little over the last decade. Maintenance treatment, here defined as treatment given beyond primary chemotherapy, can both consolidate the response and prolong the control of disease which is an approach to improve survival. Recent Findings Here we review maintenance strategies such as targeting angiogenesis, interference of DNA repair through inhibition of PARP, combinations of targeting agents, and immunotherapy and hormonal therapy. Summary Much has been learnt from the success and challenges of these treatments that have in the last few years which led to significant reduction in disease recurrence, changed the guidelines for treatment, and established a new paradigm for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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