151
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van der Heijden M, Essers PBM, de Jong MC, de Roest RH, Sanduleanu S, Verhagen CVM, Hamming-Vrieze O, Hoebers F, Lambin P, Bartelink H, Leemans CR, Verheij M, Brakenhoff RH, van den Brekel MWM, Vens C. Biological Determinants of Chemo-Radiotherapy Response in HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer: A Multicentric External Validation. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1470. [PMID: 31998639 PMCID: PMC6966332 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Tumor markers that are related to hypoxia, proliferation, DNA damage repair and stem cell-ness, have a prognostic value in advanced stage HNSCC patients when assessed individually. Here we aimed to evaluate and validate this in a multifactorial context and assess interrelation and the combined role of these biological factors in determining chemo-radiotherapy response in HPV-negative advanced HNSCC. Methods: RNA sequencing data of pre-treatment biopsy material from 197 HPV-negative advanced stage HNSCC patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy was analyzed. Biological parameter scores were assigned to patient samples using previously generated and described gene expression signatures. Locoregional control rates were used to assess the role of these biological parameters in radiation response and compared to distant metastasis data. Biological factors were ranked according to their clinical impact using bootstrapping methods and multivariate Cox regression analyses that included clinical variables. Multivariate Cox regression analyses comprising all biological variables were used to define their relative role among all factors when combined. Results: Only few biomarker scores correlate with each other, underscoring their independence. The different biological factors do not correlate or cluster, except for the two stem cell markers CD44 and SLC3A2 (r = 0.4, p < 0.001) and acute hypoxia prediction scores which correlated with T-cell infiltration score, CD8+ T cell abundance and proliferation scores (r = 0.52, 0.56, and 0.6, respectively with p < 0.001). Locoregional control association analyses revealed that chronic (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 3.9) and acute hypoxia (HR = 1.9), followed by stem cell-ness (CD44/SLC3A2; HR = 2.2/2.3), were the strongest and most robust determinants of radiation response. Furthermore, multivariable analysis, considering other biological and clinical factors, reveal a significant role for EGFR expression (HR = 2.9, p < 0.05) and T-cell infiltration (CD8+T-cells: HR = 2.2, p < 0.05; CD8+T-cells/Treg: HR = 2.6, p < 0.01) signatures in locoregional control of chemoradiotherapy-treated HNSCC. Conclusion: Tumor acute and chronic hypoxia, stem cell-ness, and CD8+ T-cell parameters are relevant and largely independent biological factors that together contribute to locoregional control. The combined analyses illustrate the additive value of multifactorial analyses and support a role for EGFR expression analysis and immune cell markers in addition to previously validated biomarkers. This external validation underscores the relevance of biological factors in determining chemoradiotherapy outcome in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn van der Heijden
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul B M Essers
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monique C de Jong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Reinout H de Roest
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Sanduleanu
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Caroline V M Verhagen
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Olga Hamming-Vrieze
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frank Hoebers
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The D-Lab and The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Harry Bartelink
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marcel Verheij
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michiel W M van den Brekel
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Conchita Vens
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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152
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Recent Advances in Head and Neck Tumor Microenvironment-Based Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1296:11-31. [PMID: 34185284 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59038-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a group of heterogeneous aggressive tumors affecting more than half a million patients worldwide annually. While the tobacco- and alcohol-associated HNSCC tumors are declining, human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced tumors are on rise. Despite recent advances in multimodality therapeutic interventions including surgery in combination with chemoradiation therapy (CRT), the overall 5-year survival has not improved more than 50%. The underlying reasons for this dismal prognosis is the intrinsic or acquired resistance to CRT. While previous studies were focused to target tumor cells, recent findings have implicated the involvement of tumor microenvironment (TME) on tumor progression and response to therapy. HNSCC TME includes cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, immune cells, endocrine cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagen and fibronectin. Understanding the crosstalk between TME and cancer cells is important to formulate more effective novel therapies and to overcome resistance mechanisms. Here, we summarized the current literature on recent advances on HNSCC TME with special emphasis on novel cell-cell interactions and therapies currently under development.
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153
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Patel JJ, Levy DA, Nguyen SA, Knochelmann HM, Day TA. Impact of PD-L1 expression and human papillomavirus status in anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-Systematic review and meta-analysis. Head Neck 2019; 42:774-786. [PMID: 31762164 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathway inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has demonstrated inconsistent efficacy regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) status and PD-L1 expression. This study compared outcomes in HNSCC in the context of PD-L1 and HPV expression. Outcomes: PD-L1 and HPV expression; overall survival (OS), and tumor response (ORR). 1088 patients received PD-1/L1 inhibitors. Four methodologies were identified in determining PD-L1 expression, most commonly using the Dako PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmaDx assay. Using a 1% threshold, ORR was greater for PD-L1 expressers vs non-expressers (18.9%, CI 16.1-21.8 v 8.8% CI 5.3-13.7, P = 0.009), as was OS at 6 months (60.6%, CI 49.2-71.4 v 49.0%, CI 39.1-59.0, P = 0.04) but not at 12 or 18 months. No advantages were identified for HPV expressers. Patients expressing PD-L1 may have a better tumor response and OS. No impact on survival or response was observed based on HPV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimin J Patel
- Head and Neck Tumor Center, Hollings Cancer Center Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Dylan A Levy
- Head and Neck Tumor Center, Hollings Cancer Center Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shaun A Nguyen
- Head and Neck Tumor Center, Hollings Cancer Center Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Hannah M Knochelmann
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Terry A Day
- Head and Neck Tumor Center, Hollings Cancer Center Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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154
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Pan YA, Su NW, Leu YS. Anti-PDL1 Immunotherapy as a Radiosensitizer on Treating Advanced Recurrent Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2019; 100:415S-416S. [PMID: 31690109 DOI: 10.1177/0145561319881565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-An Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei
| | - Nai-Wen Su
- School of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei.,Department of Medical Research, Laboratory of Good Clinical Research Center, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
| | - Yi-Shing Leu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei.,School of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City
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155
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Napolitano M, Schipilliti FM, Trudu L, Bertolini F. Immunotherapy in head and neck cancer: The great challenge of patient selection. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 144:102829. [PMID: 31739116 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.102829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revolutionized the therapeutic landscape in head and neck cancer. However, the majority of patients present primary resistance to ICIs and do not benefit from use of these agents, highlighting the need of developing predictive biomarkers to better determine who will benefit from treatment with ICIs. Patient's related clinical characteristics, disease related features, pathological and molecular factors, as well as emerging immune predictive biomarkers can be considered for the selection of those patients who would be the best candidate for immunotherapy. We examined these factors, emerging from the results of currently available studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in order to provide a useful tool which could assist the oncologist in their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Napolitano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | | | - Lucia Trudu
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Bertolini
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
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156
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Cristina V, Herrera-Gómez RG, Szturz P, Espeli V, Siano M. Immunotherapies and Future Combination Strategies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5399. [PMID: 31671550 PMCID: PMC6862353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a dismal prognosis. Nearly 10 years after the approval of cetuximab, anti-PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors are the first drugs that have shown any survival benefit for the treatment on platinum-refractory recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC. Furthermore, checkpoint inhibitors are better tolerated than chemotherapy. The state of the art in the treatment of R/M HNSCC is changing, thanks to improved results for checkpoint inhibitors. Results for these treatments are also awaited in curative settings and for locally advanced HNSCC. Unfortunately, the response rate of immunotherapy is low. Therefore, the identification of predictive biomarkers of response and resistance to anti-PD1/PD-L1 is a key point for better selecting patients that would benefit the most from immunotherapy. Furthermore, the combination of checkpoint inhibitors with various agents is being currently evaluated to improve the response rate, prolong response duration, and even increase the chances for a cure. In this review, we summarize the most important results regarding immune targeting agents for HNSCC, predictive biomarkers for resistance to immune therapies, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Cristina
- Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | | | - Petr Szturz
- Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Vittoria Espeli
- Oncology Department, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Marco Siano
- Interdisciplinary Cancer Service-SIC, Hôpital Riviera-Chablais, 1847 Rennaz, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University and Unive rsity Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
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157
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Wang H, Mustafa A, Liu S, Liu J, Lv D, Yang H, Zou J. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity in Head and Neck Cancer: From Identification to Management. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1254. [PMID: 31708780 PMCID: PMC6819434 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Benefiting from the continuously clarifying underlying biology of immune checkpoints and ligand–receptor interactions, the emergence of new anticancer treatment strategy, immunotherapy has shown substantial benefits on several liquid and solid tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can block the negative regulatory components and enhance the T cell function, thus leading to prominent anticancer activity. On account of their promising effect on various malignancies shown in clinical trials, ICIs have been considered to be the most potent anticancer agents in the near future. Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common neoplasm worldwide, and the gross 5-year survival rate was only 60%. Managing locoregionally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic head and neck tumors is still a challenging problem for both oncologists and surgeons. Recent clinical trials employing the immune-modulating antibodies that target cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) herald a new era of anticancer therapy. However, like all other anticancer drugs, ICIs also have side effects while upregulating the immune system to enhance antitumor response, which were known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Generally, most irAEs were transient, but sometimes they can cause serious organ dysfunction, even fatal. In addition, due to the distinct anatomical feature, advanced head and neck tumors often affect the upper aerodigestive tract and cause serious dyspnea or dysphagia. Toxicities of ICIs may be more lethal for such patients. Thus, with the increasing application of anti-checkpoint agents in head and neck cancer, there is urgent need to ascertain the safety of this novel treatment strategy. Here, we compile this review of existing clinical trials on the toxicity of ICIs during cancer treatment. The particular clinical manifestation, characteristics of complication development in fatal cases, and the management strategies were discussed. This may provide vital information for future oncology trials and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Abdulkadir Mustafa
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shixi Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Lv
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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158
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Chen T, Chang PM‐H, Yang M. Novel immune‐modulating drugs for advanced head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2019; 41 Suppl 1:46-56. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.25929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tien‐Hua Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of OncologyTaipei Veterans General Hospital Taipei Taiwan
| | - Peter M. ‐H. Chang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of OncologyTaipei Veterans General Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Medicine, National Yang‐Ming University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Muh‐Hwa Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of OncologyTaipei Veterans General Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical MedicineNational Yang‐Ming University Taipei Taiwan
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159
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Wang J, Sun H, Zeng Q, Guo XJ, Wang H, Liu HH, Dong ZY. HPV-positive status associated with inflamed immune microenvironment and improved response to anti-PD-1 therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13404. [PMID: 31527697 PMCID: PMC6746709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49771-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy predominantly improve the clinical outcomes of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Whether this superiority goes on when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors is still unclear. This study sought to determine the predictive value and potential mechanisms of HPV status for the treatment of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/ligand 1(PD-L1) inhibitors. We conducted an integrated analysis of the relationships between HPV status and PD-L1, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and inflammation-related immune cells and molecules, based on the analysis of repository databases and resected HNSCC specimens. The pooled analysis of overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR) suggested that HPV-positive patients benefited more from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors than HPV-negative patients (OS: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.71, p = 0.02; ORR: 21.9% vs 14.1%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, p = 0.01). Analysis of public databases and resected HNSCC specimens revealed that HPV status was independent of PD-L1 expression and TMB in HNSCC. However, HPV infection significantly increased T-cell infiltration, immune effector cell activation and the diversity of T-cell receptors. Notably, HPV-positivity correlated with increased immune cytolytic activity and a T-cell-inflamed gene expression profile. This work provides evidence that HPV status can be used to predict the effectiveness of PD-1 inhibitors in HNSCC, independently of PD-L1 expression and TMB, and probably results from an inflamed immune microenvironment induced by HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Jun Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan-Huan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Yi Dong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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160
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Economopoulou P, de Bree R, Kotsantis I, Psyrri A. Diagnostic Tumor Markers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in the Clinical Setting. Front Oncol 2019; 9:827. [PMID: 31555588 PMCID: PMC6727245 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a group of tumors arising in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx. Although HNSCC is traditionally associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption, a growing proportion of head and neck tumors, mainly of the oropharynx, are associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Recurrent/metastatic disease is characterized by dismal prognosis and there is an unmet need for the development of biomarkers for detection of early disease, accurate prediction of prognosis, and appropriate selection of therapy. Based on the REMARK guidelines, a variety of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are being evaluated in clinical trials but their clinical significance is doubtful. Herein, we will focus on biomarkers in HNSCC used in the clinical setting and we will illustrate their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Economopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Kotsantis
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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161
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Badr M, Jöhrens K, Allgäuer M, Boxberg M, Weichert W, Tinhofer I, Denkert C, Schirmacher P, Stenzinger A, Budczies J. Morphomolecular analysis of the immune tumor microenvironment in human head and neck cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1443-1454. [PMID: 31444607 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02378-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is effective in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but only a minority of patients responds to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). To contribute to a better understanding of the underlying immune biology, we combined histomorphological evaluation and molecular analysis of the HNSCC immune microenvironment in the TCGA cohort. Analyzing digital HE-stained slides, a method for classification of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the intra-epithelial compartment (ieTILs, present vs. absent) and the stromal compartment (strTILs, high vs. low) was established. We also analyzed the abundance of eight immune cell populations (estimated from RNAseq data) and PD-L1 mRNA expression. Status of ieTILs and status of strTILs were concordant for 61%, but discordant for 39% of tumors. In univariate survival analysis, ieTILs were a positive prognostic marker for DFS in the study cohort (HR = 0.66, p = 0.015) and in the HPV- subcohort (HR = 0.68, p = 0.04), but not in the HPV + subcohort. T cells were a positive prognostic marker for DFS in the study cohort (HR = 0.80, p = 0.03) and in the HPV + subcohort (HR = 0.20, p = 0.001), but not in the HPV- subcohort. In univariate survival analysis, PD-L1 mRNA expression was neither associated with DFS nor with OS. However, in bivariate and multivariate analyses including both PD-L1 mRNA levels and T cells, PD-L1 was a negative prognostic marker of DFS and OS, while T cells remained a positive prognostic marker. In conclusion, ieTILs and strTILs were non-redundant biomarkers in HNSCC and should be evaluated separately. The identified prognostic markers should be evaluated for predictivity in ICB-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Badr
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Korinna Jöhrens
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Hospital, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Allgäuer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boxberg
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Tinhofer
- Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Charité Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Hospital, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Marburg (UKGM) and Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Budczies
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany.
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162
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Wang BC, Cao RB, Li PD, Fu C. The effects and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors on head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med 2019; 8:5969-5978. [PMID: 31436392 PMCID: PMC6792498 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitors of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have been increasingly used in head and neck cancer therapy and reported to improve the outcomes with an acceptable safety profile. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the benefit and risk of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with head and neck cancer. METHOD The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to find potentially eligible studies up to May 30, 2019. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and adverse events. RESULTS Overall, this analysis consisted of nine eligible studies, with two randomized controlled trials and seven single arm trials. In the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, PD-1 inhibitors showed significantly lower relative risk of death than standard-of-care therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-0.82, I2 = 0%, P = .001). Programmed cell death-1 inhibitors also decreased the risk of disease progression, however, there was no statistically significant difference of PFS between the treatments (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48-1.01, I2 = 0%, P = .05). Subgroup analysis showed that human papillomavirus (HPV) positive patients had higher response rates than HPV negative patients in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors-treated population (ORR: 18.8% vs 12.2%; DCR: 42.8% vs 34.4%). The most common any-grade and grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (14.7%, 95% CI: 12.3%-17.1%) and aspartate aminotransferase increased (1.6%, 95% CI: 0.3%-2.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION Programmed cell death-1 inhibitors prolonged OS in comparison with standard-of-care therapy in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer patients. Human papillomavirus positive patients were superior to HPV negative patients in the treatment of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. More phase III randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Cheng Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ru-Bo Cao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pin-Dong Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Fu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
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163
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Cohen EEW, Bell RB, Bifulco CB, Burtness B, Gillison ML, Harrington KJ, Le QT, Lee NY, Leidner R, Lewis RL, Licitra L, Mehanna H, Mell LK, Raben A, Sikora AG, Uppaluri R, Whitworth F, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL. The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer consensus statement on immunotherapy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:184. [PMID: 31307547 PMCID: PMC6632213 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 397] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers, including those of the lip and oral cavity, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oropharynx, larynx and nasopharynx represent nearly 700,000 new cases and 380,000 deaths worldwide per annum, and account for over 10,000 annual deaths in the United States alone. Improvement in outcomes are needed for patients with recurrent and or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the first immunotherapeutic approvals - the anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab - for the treatment of patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) that is refractory to platinum-based regimens. The European Commission followed in 2017 with approval of nivolumab for treatment of the same patient population, and shortly thereafter with approval of pembrolizumab monotherapy for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC in adults whose tumors express PD-L1 with a ≥ 50% tumor proportion score and have progressed on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Then in 2019, the FDA granted approval for PD-1 inhibition as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic or unresectable, recurrent HNSCC, approving pembrolizumab in combination with platinum and fluorouracil for all patients with HNSCC and pembrolizumab as a single agent for patients with HNSCC whose tumors express a PD-L1 combined positive score ≥ 1. These approvals marked the first new therapies for these patients since 2006, as well as the first immunotherapeutic approvals in this disease. In light of the introduction of these novel therapies for the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer, The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) formed an expert committee tasked with generating consensus recommendations for emerging immunotherapies, including appropriate patient selection, therapy sequence, response monitoring, adverse event management, and biomarker testing. These consensus guidelines serve as a foundation to assist clinicians' understanding of the role of immunotherapies in this disease setting, and to standardize utilization across the field for patient benefit. Due to country-specific variances in approvals, availability and regulations regarding the discussed agents, this panel focused solely on FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of patients in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra E W Cohen
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - R Bryan Bell
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Carlo B Bifulco
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Barbara Burtness
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maura L Gillison
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Nancy Y Lee
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rom Leidner
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Lisa Licitra
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Milan and University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Loren K Mell
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Adam Raben
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Newark, DE, USA
| | | | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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164
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Abstract
Introduction: The U.S. FDA has approved durvalumab for the treatment of advanced urothelial and non-small cell lung cancers. However, this immunotherapy agent is also being explored in other cancers. There is also ongoing research to better predict the responses to this drug. Areas covered: We summarize the literature regarding durvalumab pharmacology, safety and efficacy in several tumor types. We searched PubMed/Medline database from inception to 20 April 2019, performed a snowball method, and visited independent websites such as the U.S. FDA ( https://www.fda.gov ), ClinicalTrials.gov, among others. Expert opinion: Advanced phase clinical trials have shown benefit of durvalumab in advanced urothelial and non-small cell lung cancers, and suggest benefit in several other tumor types. This agent has a tolerable toxicity profile and seems more effective in patients with a higher PDL-1 expression, although this correlation is not perfect. An improved method to predict a response to durvalumab would be beneficial to best tailor therapy and minimize medical care costs. More research is needed to establish its efficacy in different disease stages and applicability in other tumor types. Hopefully, prospective, randomized trials of durvalumab, alone and/or in combination with other agents, will bring answers to these questions in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Alvarez-Argote
- a Department of Hematology-Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee , WI , USA
| | - Constantin A Dasanu
- b Department of Hematology-Oncology, Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center , Rancho Mirage , CA , USA.,c Department of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego Health System , San Diego , CA , USA
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165
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Guigay J, Sâada-Bouzid E, Peyrade F, Michel C. Approach to the Patient with Recurrent/Metastatic Disease. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2019; 20:65. [PMID: 31240480 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-019-0664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT For most of patients with a recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the treatment remains palliative: The main objective is to reduce the symptoms related to the locoregional relapse, prolong life while maintaining quality of life, which is a big challenge. The systemic treatment needs to be adapted to the performance status, comorbidities, and sequelae of patients. For fit patients, the combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and cetuximab (EXTREME) is the standard of care in first-line treatment since 2008, as no other targeted therapy has been approved in this setting until now. The replacement of 5-FU with a taxane (docetaxel) in the EXTREME regimen has been explored in the large randomized international study TPExtreme which results are awaited in a few months. Depending on the study results on survival, response rate, and tolerance, the TPEx regimen may become a treatment option for patients with R/M HNSCC. Unfit patients are usually treated with platinum-free combinations or with the monotherapies which are recommended in second-line setting (methotrexate, taxanes, cetuximab). However, the irruption of new immunotherapies (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors (CPI)) is changing the guidelines. The tolerance of anti-PD-1 CPI is better than that of chemotherapy, and they seem to be a good option for unfit patients. Anti-PD-1 nivolumab and pembrolizumab are now approved for platinum refractory patients, providing prolonged survival in the case of response, and improvement in quality of life. New options arise in first-line setting with pembrolizumab alone or combined with chemotherapy. Patients with a high PD-L1 biomarker level seem to benefit more from immunotherapy. Other situations (e.g., PD-L1-low, PD-L1-negative, high tumor burden) may more likely to benefit from other combinations, such as cetuximab plus chemotherapy, to avoid local failures and life-threatening fast progression. In terms of perspectives, chemo-free and CPI-free approaches, using other immune oncology agents, should be the next steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Guigay
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Cancer research center, Medical Oncology Department, FHU Oncoage, University Côte d'Azur, 33 av. de Valombrose, 06189, Nice Cedex 2, France.
| | - Esma Sâada-Bouzid
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Cancer research center, Medical Oncology Department, FHU Oncoage, University Côte d'Azur, 33 av. de Valombrose, 06189, Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Frédéric Peyrade
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Cancer research center, Medical Oncology Department, FHU Oncoage, University Côte d'Azur, 33 av. de Valombrose, 06189, Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Cécile Michel
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Cancer research center, Medical Oncology Department, FHU Oncoage, University Côte d'Azur, 33 av. de Valombrose, 06189, Nice Cedex 2, France
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166
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Gao P, Lazare C, Cao C, Meng Y, Wu P, Zhi W, Lin S, Wei J, Huang X, Xi L, Chen G, Hu J, Ma D, Wu P. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of virus-associated cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:58. [PMID: 31182108 PMCID: PMC6558794 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among all malignant tumors that threaten human health, virus-related tumors account for a large proportion. The treatment of these tumors is still an urgent problem to be resolved. The immune system is the "guard" of the human body, resisting the invasion of foreign substances such as viruses. Studies have shown that immunotherapy has clinical significance in the treatment of a variety of tumors. In particular, the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in recent years has opened a new door to cancer therapy. Considering the potential role of ICIs in the treatment of virus-related cancers, we focused on their therapeutic effect in virus-associated cancers and explored whether the therapeutic effect in virus-associated cancers was related to virus infection status. Although there is no clear statistical significance indicates that ICIs are more effective in virus-associated cancers than non-virus infections, the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of virus-related cancers is promising. We believe that this research provides a good direction for the implementation of individualized precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Cordelle Lazare
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Canhui Cao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Yifan Meng
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Ping Wu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Wenhua Zhi
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Juncheng Wei
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Xiaoyuan Huang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Ling Xi
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Gang Chen
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Junbo Hu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Peng Wu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
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167
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Current Prospects of Molecular Therapeutics in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pharmaceut Med 2019; 33:269-289. [DOI: 10.1007/s40290-019-00288-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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168
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Tewari KS. Immune Checkpoint Blockade in PD-L1-Positive Platinum-Refractory Cervical Carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2019; 37:1449-1454. [PMID: 31026210 DOI: 10.1200/jco.19.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors' suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice. A 36-year-old white married mother of two small children presented with intermenstrual bleeding, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain. Because of significant lapses in health care coverage, she had had only sporadic screening for cervical cancer over the past 15 years. On evaluation with a vaginal speculum, her cervix was found to have been replaced by a friable lesion 5 cm in diameter. Biopsy revealed poorly differentiated, squamous cell carcinoma. Bimanual pelvic and rectovaginal examination, as well as radiographic imaging studies, were consistent with an International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB3 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. She was treated with cisplatin-based chemoradiation (40 mg/m2 body surface area once per week with a planned total dose of 50 Gy using intensity modulated radiotherapy) plus high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (to bring the total dose to point A to 80 to 85 Gy). Despite missing eight radiotherapy sessions because of transportation issues, she had a complete clinical response. Fourteen months later, she developed severe pelvic and right flank pain. In the clinic, she was cachectic and reported significant abdominal discomfort that kept her from eating well over the past several months. She was no longer able to work as a medical assistant and spent most of her time confined to her apartment. Physical examination demonstrated a fixed, firm pelvic mass; a computed tomography-guided biopsy confirmed recurrent carcinoma, and staging scans disclosed a pulmonary metastasis.
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169
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von der Grün J, Rödel F, Brandts C, Fokas E, Guckenberger M, Rödel C, Balermpas P. Targeted Therapies and Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand Today and Where to Go? Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E472. [PMID: 30987257 PMCID: PMC6521064 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With an increased understanding of the tumor biology of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), targeted therapies have found their way into the clinical treatment routines against this entity. Nevertheless, to date platinum-based cytostatic agents remain the first line choice and targeting the epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) with combined cetuximab and radiation therapy remains the only targeted therapy approved in the curative setting. Investigation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, resulted in a change of paradigms in oncology and in the first approval of new drugs for treating SCCHN. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab, two anti-PD-1 antibodies, were the first agents shown to improve overall survival for patients with metastatic/recurrent tumors in recent years. Currently, several clinical trials investigate the role of ICI in different therapeutic settings. A robust set of biomarkers will be an inevitable tool for future individualized treatment approaches including radiation dose de-escalation and escalation strategies. This review aims to summarize achieved goals, the current status and future perspectives regarding targeted therapies and ICI in the management of SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens von der Grün
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site: Frankfurt a. M., Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Christian Brandts
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site: Frankfurt a. M., Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site: Frankfurt a. M., Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rämistrasse 100, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Claus Rödel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site: Frankfurt a. M., Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Panagiotis Balermpas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rämistrasse 100, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.
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170
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Shinde A, Novak J, Freeman ML, Glaser S, Amini A. Induction of the Abscopal Effect with Immunotherapy and Palliative Radiation in Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Cureus 2019; 11:e4201. [PMID: 31114720 PMCID: PMC6505722 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The induction of the abscopal effect using immunotherapy and radiation is under investigation through case reports and institutional studies. We describe a case of the abscopal effect with a combination of ipilimumab, nivolumab, and palliative radiation, in a patient with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (mHNSCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Shinde
- Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, USA
| | - Jennifer Novak
- Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, USA
| | | | - Scott Glaser
- Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, USA
| | - Arya Amini
- Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, USA
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171
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Manukian G, Bar-Ad V, Lu B, Argiris A, Johnson JM. Combining Radiation and Immune Checkpoint Blockade in the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2019; 9:122. [PMID: 30895168 PMCID: PMC6414812 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatment options, even though potentially curative, have many limitations including a high rate of complications. Over the past few years immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have changed treatment paradigms in many malignancies and are currently under investigation in HNSCC as well. Despite improvements in treatment outcomes and the implementation of combined modality approaches long-term survival rates in patients with locally advanced HNSCC remain suboptimal. Accumulating evidence suggests that under certain conditions, radiation may be delivered in conjunction with ICI to augment efficacy. In this review, we will discuss the immune modulating mechanisms of ICI and radiation, how changing the dose, fractionation, and field of radiation may alter the tumor microenvironment (TME), and how these two treatment modalities may work in concert to generate durable treatment responses against HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Manukian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Voichita Bar-Ad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bo Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Athanassios Argiris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Johnson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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172
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Liu Y, Wu L, Tong R, Yang F, Yin L, Li M, You L, Xue J, Lu Y. PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Cervical Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:65. [PMID: 30774597 PMCID: PMC6367228 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological tumors, and the majority of early-stage cervical cancer patients achieve good recovery through surgical treatment and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). However, for patients with recurrent, persistent, metastatic cervical cancer, effective treatment is rare, except for bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy. Programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors might be a novel choice to improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. Thus far, some pivotal trials, including Keynote 028, Keynote 158 and Checkmate 358, have indicated established clinical benefit of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer. In light of these data, the FDA has approved pembrolizumab for patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression during or after chemotherapy. There are also some ongoing studies that may provide more evidence for the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway as a therapeutic target in cervical cancer. In this review, we have summarized the status and application of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in clinical trials for the treatment of cervical cancer and suggested some future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncong Liu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ruizhan Tong
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feiyue Yang
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Limei Yin
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengqian Li
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liting You
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - You Lu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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