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Recent advances in melanoma systemic therapy. BRAF inhibitors, CTLA4 antibodies and beyond. Eur J Cancer 2013; 49:3229-41. [PMID: 23870385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2013.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma has a poor prognosis and until recently systemic therapy was ineffective. Advances in the understanding of tumour biology and immune regulation have led to the development of targeted agents that have changed clinical practice, with further improvements expected with new compounds and combinations. The first major advance was the development of selective mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors (BRAF and MEK inhibitors) and immune checkpoint blockade with a CTLA4 antibody (ipilimumab). These drugs proved vastly superior to conventional chemotherapy, however response, resistance and toxicity were limitations. The second major advance is the development of other immune checkpoint blocking agents, including PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies, and the use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in combination, with a higher proportion of durable responses coupled with less toxicity. In an effort to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma further, trials are underway examining the combination of MAPK inhibitors, immunotherapies and other pathway inhibitors and adjuvant studies of many of these agents have commenced.
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203
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Millward M, Underhill C, Lobb S, McBurnie J, Meech SJ, Gomez-Navarro J, Marshall MA, Huang B, Mather CB. Phase I study of tremelimumab (CP-675 206) plus PF-3512676 (CPG 7909) in patients with melanoma or advanced solid tumours. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:1998-2004. [PMID: 23652314 PMCID: PMC3670507 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tremelimumab, a fully human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 monoclonal antibody, and PF-3512676, a Toll-like receptor-9 agonist, are targeted immune modulators that elicit durable single-agent antitumour activity in advanced cancer. Methods: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of these agents combined during this phase I study, patients received intravenous tremelimumab (6.0, 10.0, or 15.0 mg kg−1) every 12 weeks plus subcutaneous PF-3512676 (0.05, 0.10, or 0.15 mg kg−1) weekly. Primary end points were safety and tolerability; secondary end points included pharmacokinetics and antitumour activity. Results: Twenty-one patients with stage IV melanoma (n=17) or advanced solid tumours (n=4) were enrolled. Injection-site reactions (n=21; 100%), influenza-like illness (n=18; 86%), and diarrhoea (n=13; 62%) were the most common treatment-related adverse events (TAEs). Grade ⩾3 TAEs were reported (n=7; 33%). Dose-limiting toxicities (prespecified 6-week observation) occurred in one of the six patients in the 10 mg kg−1 tremelimumab plus 0.05 mg kg−1 PF-3512676 cohort (grade 3 hypothalamopituitary disorder) and two of the six patients in the 15 mg kg−1 tremelimumab plus 0.05 mg kg−1 PF-3512676 cohort (grade 3 diarrhoea). Consequently, 15 mg kg−1 tremelimumab plus 0.05 mg kg−1 PF-3512676 exceeded the MTD. Two melanoma patients achieved durable (⩾170 days) partial response. No human antihuman antibody responses to tremelimumab were observed. Conclusion: Weekly PF-3512676 (⩽0.15 mg kg−1) plus tremelimumab (⩽10 mg kg−1 every 12 weeks) was tolerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Millward
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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Nicholas S, Mathios D, Ruzevick J, Jackson C, Yang I, Lim M. Current trends in glioblastoma multiforme treatment: radiation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Brain Tumor Res Treat 2013; 1:2-8. [PMID: 24904882 PMCID: PMC4027120 DOI: 10.14791/btrt.2013.1.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer. Even with aggressive combination therapy, the median life expectancy for patients with GBM remains approximately 14 months. In order to improve the outcomes of patients with GBM, the development of newer treatments is critical. The concept of using the immune system as a therapeutic option has been suggested for several decades; by harnessing the body's adaptive immune mechanisms, immunotherapy could provide a durable and targeted treatment against cancer. However, many cancers, including GBM, have developed mechanisms that protect tumor cells from being recognized and eliminated by the immune system. For new immunotherapeutic regimens to be successful, overcoming immunosuppression via immune checkpoint signaling should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nicholas
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dimitris Mathios
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacob Ruzevick
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher Jackson
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Isaac Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. ; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Corsello SM, Barnabei A, Marchetti P, De Vecchis L, Salvatori R, Torino F. Endocrine side effects induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:1361-75. [PMID: 23471977 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-4075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT In recent years, progress has been made in cancer immunotherapy by the development of drugs acting as modulators of immune checkpoint proteins, such as the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1), two co-inhibitory receptors that are expressed on T cells upon activation. These molecules play crucial roles in maintaining immune homeostasis by down-regulating T-cell signaling, thereby preventing unbridled T-cell proliferation while maintaining tolerance to self-antigens, such as tumor-associated antigens. CTLA4 blockade through systemic administration of the CTLA4-blocking antibody ipilimumab was shown to confer significant survival benefit and prolonged stable disease in patients affected by advanced cutaneous melanoma. Other immune checkpoint inhibitors are under clinical evaluation. However, immune checkpoint blockade can lead to the breaking of immune self-tolerance, thereby inducing a novel syndrome of autoimmune/autoinflammatory side effects, designated as "immune-related adverse events," mainly including rash, colitis, hepatitis, and endocrinopathies. DATA ACQUISITION We searched the medical literature using the words "hypophysitis," "hypopituitarism," "thyroid," "adrenal insufficiency," and "endocrine adverse events" in association with "immune checkpoint inhibitors," "ipilimumab," "tremelimumab," "PD-1," and "PD-1-L." EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The spectrum of endocrine disease experienced by patients treated with ipilimumab includes most commonly hypophysitis, more rarely thyroid disease or abnormalities in thyroid function tests, and occasionally primary adrenal insufficiency. Hypophysitis has emerged as a distinctive side effect of CTLA4-blocking antibodies, establishing a new form of autoimmune pituitary disease. This condition, if not promptly recognized, may be life-threatening (due to secondary hypoadrenalism). Hypopituitarism caused by these agents is rarely reversible, and prolonged or lifelong substitutive hormonal treatment is often required. The precise mechanism of injury to the endocrine system triggered by these drugs is yet to be fully elucidated. CONCLUSIONS Although reports of endocrine side effects caused by cancer immune therapy are abundant, their exact prevalence and mechanism are unclear. Well-designed correlative studies oriented to finding and validating predictive factors of autoimmune toxicity are urgently needed.
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Differing patterns of circulating regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in metastatic melanoma patients receiving anti-CTLA4 antibody and interferon-α or TLR-9 agonist and GM-CSF with peptide vaccination. J Immunother 2013; 35:702-10. [PMID: 23090079 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e318272569b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the biomarkers of host suppressor immune response were evaluated in patients with melanoma enrolled in 2 trials. Two similar cohorts of patients participating in the 2 studies were evaluated. The first (IFN/treme) tested interferon (IFN)-α2b and tremelimumab in metastatic melanoma and reported a response rate of 24%, 6.4 months median progression-free survival, and 21 months median overall survival. The second [toll-like receptor 9 (TLR)/GM] tested vaccination with MART-1, gp100, tyrosinase given with TLR-9 agonist and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and reported 9% response rate, median progression-free survival of 1.9 months, and median overall survival of 13.4 months. We monitored circulating T regulatory cells (T-reg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) utilizing multicolor flow cytometry. In "IFN/treme," changes in circulating T-reg and MDSC were compared between baseline, day 29 (end of IFN-α induction) and day 85 (1 course). The CD4(+)CD25hi(+)CD39(+) T-reg percentage was increased most at day 85 (P = 0.018) and less significantly at day 29 (P = 0.09). There was a decrease in the percentage of MDSC populations taken in aggregate, which was most significant for monocytic MDSC (HLA-DR(+) low/CD14(+)) at day 29 (P < 0.0001) and day 85 (P = 0.001). In "TLR-9/GM," changes in T-reg and MDSC were compared between baseline and day 50 (4 vaccinations) and day 90 (8 vaccinations). There were no significant changes in T-reg or MDSC, except for a trend towards decreased (HLA-DR(+) low/CD14(+)) MDSC at day 50 (P = 0.07). Therefore, IFN/treme significantly downregulated MDSC suggesting a role on the significant clinical activity observed in this trial. T-reg findings suggest that IFN/treme induced clinically significant antitumor responses by inhibiting CTLA4 suppressive effects on T effectors, and less so by affecting T-reg.
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207
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Ma C, Cheung AF, Chodon T, Koya RC, Wu Z, Ng C, Avramis E, Cochran AJ, Witte ON, Baltimore D, Chmielowski B, Economou JS, Comin-Anduix B, Ribas A, Heath JR. Multifunctional T-cell analyses to study response and progression in adoptive cell transfer immunotherapy. Cancer Discov 2013; 3:418-29. [PMID: 23519018 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-12-0383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of genetically engineered T cells expressing cancer-specific T-cell receptors (TCR) is a promising cancer treatment. Here, we investigate the in vivo functional activity and dynamics of the transferred cells by analyzing samples from 3 representative patients with melanoma enrolled in a clinical trial of ACT with TCR transgenic T cells targeted against the melanosomal antigen MART-1. The analyses included evaluating 19 secreted proteins from individual cells from phenotypically defined T-cell subpopulations, as well as the enumeration of T cells with TCR antigen specificity for 36 melanoma antigens. These analyses revealed the coordinated functional dynamics of the adoptively transferred, as well as endogenous, T cells, and the importance of highly functional T cells in dominating the antitumor immune response. This study highlights the need to develop approaches to maintaining antitumor T-cell functionality with the aim of increasing the long-term efficacy of TCR-engineered ACT immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE A longitudinal functional study of adoptively transferred TCR–engineered lymphocytes yielded revealing snapshots for understanding the changes of antitumor responses over time in ACT immunotherapy of patients with advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- NanoSystems Biology Cancer Center, Division of Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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Maslin B, Alexandrescu DT, Ichim TE, Dasanu CA. Newer developments in the immunotherapy of malignant melanoma. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2013; 20:3-10. [DOI: 10.1177/1078155212472702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with malignant melanoma present a variety of immune abnormalities including but not limited to cellular immune dysfunction, antigen presentation deficits, and cytokine production defects. Therefore, enhancing the immune system potential represents an appealing avenue for melanoma therapy. The authors review the immune therapies currently in clinical use as well as the most promising immunotherapy candidates. Ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody against the CTLA-4, was approved for the therapy of advanced melanoma in 2011. In addition, sizeable anti-melanoma activity has recently been shown with the use of other agents including anti-PD-1/anti-PD-1 ligand antibodies. Consequently, these experimental immunotherapy agents may soon become important items in the anti-melanoma armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Maslin
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Constantin A Dasanu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA
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209
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Hamid O, Carvajal RD. Anti-programmed death-1 and anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibodies in cancer therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2013; 13:847-61. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2013.770836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Hamid
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Melanoma Center, 11818 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA ;
| | - Richard D Carvajal
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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210
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Brahmer JR. Harnessing the immune system for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol 2013; 31:1021-8. [PMID: 23401435 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.45.8703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last several years, new therapeutic targets have emerged in immunotherapy, particularly the immune checkpoint pathways. Blocking inhibitory pathways via monoclonal antibodies, such as the anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 antibody (ipilimumab), anti-programmed cell death-1 antibody (BMS-936558), and anti-programmed cell death-1 ligand antibody (BMS-936559), has the ability to break down the shield that tumors co-opt for their defense. Vaccines are able to help the immune system develop immune memory that can have long-lasting, tumor-specific effects. Newer vaccines, particularly the tumor cell vaccine, belagenpumatucel-L, and the antigen-specific vaccines, melanoma-associated antigen-A3, liposomal BLP-25, TG4010, and recombinant human epidermal growth factor, are being evaluated in some of the largest trials ever attempted in lung cancer therapy. These therapies alone or in combination may hold the key to making immunotherapy a reality in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Brahmer
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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211
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Ribas A, Kefford R, Marshall MA, Punt CJA, Haanen JB, Marmol M, Garbe C, Gogas H, Schachter J, Linette G, Lorigan P, Kendra KL, Maio M, Trefzer U, Smylie M, McArthur GA, Dreno B, Nathan PD, Mackiewicz J, Kirkwood JM, Gomez-Navarro J, Huang B, Pavlov D, Hauschild A. Phase III randomized clinical trial comparing tremelimumab with standard-of-care chemotherapy in patients with advanced melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2013; 31:616-22. [PMID: 23295794 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.44.6112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 585] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In phase I/II trials, the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4-blocking monoclonal antibody tremelimumab induced durable responses in a subset of patients with advanced melanoma. This phase III study evaluated overall survival (OS) and other safety and efficacy end points in patients with advanced melanoma treated with tremelimumab or standard-of-care chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with treatment-naive, unresectable stage IIIc or IV melanoma were randomly assigned at a ratio of one to one to tremelimumab (15 mg/kg once every 90 days) or physician's choice of standard-of-care chemotherapy (temozolomide or dacarbazine). RESULTS In all, 655 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned. The test statistic crossed the prespecified futility boundary at second interim analysis after 340 deaths, but survival follow-up continued. At final analysis with 534 events, median OS by intent to treat was 12.6 months (95% CI, 10.8 to 14.3) for tremelimumab and 10.7 months (95% CI, 9.36 to 11.96) for chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.88; P = .127). Objective response rates were similar in the two arms: 10.7% in the tremelimumab arm and 9.8% in the chemotherapy arm. However, response duration (measured from date of random assignment) was significantly longer after tremelimumab (35.8 v 13.7 months; P = .0011). Diarrhea, pruritus, and rash were the most common treatment-related adverse events in the tremelimumab arm; 7.4% had endocrine toxicities. Seven deaths in the tremelimumab arm and one in the chemotherapy arm were considered treatment related by either investigators or sponsor. CONCLUSION This study failed to demonstrate a statistically significant survival advantage of treatment with tremelimumab over standard-of-care chemotherapy in first-line treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Ribas
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, 11-934 Factor Building, UCLA Medical Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1782, USA.
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Autoimmune hypophysitis in a patient successfully treated with anti-ctla-4 (Ipilimumab) immunotherapy for metastatic malignant melanoma. Pathology 2013. [DOI: 10.1097/01.pat.0000426945.15005.b4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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213
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Hochhaus A, Lüftner D, Mackensen A. Gezielte Therapie: alte und neue Hoffnungsträger. Oncol Res Treat 2013; 36 Suppl 5:2-11. [DOI: 10.1159/000351997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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214
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Ribas A, Chesney JA, Gordon MS, Abernethy AP, Logan TF, Lawson DH, Chmielowksi B, Glaspy JA, Lewis K, Huang B, Wang E, Hsyu PH, Gomez-Navarro J, Gerhardt D, Marshall MA, Gonzalez R. Safety profile and pharmacokinetic analyses of the anti-CTLA4 antibody tremelimumab administered as a one hour infusion. J Transl Med 2012; 10:236. [PMID: 23171508 PMCID: PMC3543342 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CTLA4 blocking monoclonal antibodies provide a low frequency but durable tumor responses in patients with metastatic melanoma, which led to the regulatory approval of ipilimumab based on two randomized clinical trials with overall survival advantage. The similarly fully human anti-CTLA4 antibody tremelimumab had been developed in the clinic at a fixed rate infusion, resulting in very prolonged infusion times. A new formulation of tremelimumab allowed testing a shorter infusion time. Methods A phase 1 multi-center study to establish the safety and tolerability of administering tremelimumab as a 1-hour infusion to patients with metastatic melanoma. Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetic and clinical effects of tremelimumab. Results No grade 3 or greater infusion-related adverse events or other adverse events preventing the administration of the full tremelimumab dose were noted in 44 treated patients. The overall side effect profile was consistent with prior experiences with anti-CTLA4 antibodies. Objective tumor responses were noted in 11% of evaluable patients with metastatic melanoma, which is also consistent with the prior experience with CTLA4 antagonistic antibodies. Conclusions This study did not identify any safety concerns when tremelimumab was administered as a 1-hour infusion. These data support further clinical testing of the 1-hour infusion of tremelimumab. (Clinical trial registration number NCT00585000).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Ribas
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, 11-934 Factor Building, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1782, USA.
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215
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Velho TR. Metastatic melanoma - a review of current and future drugs. Drugs Context 2012; 2012:212242. [PMID: 24432031 PMCID: PMC3885142 DOI: 10.7573/dic.212242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, and it is estimated that 76,250 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin in the USA in 2012. Over the last few decades many drugs have been developed but only in 2011 have new drugs demonstrated an impact on survival in metastatic melanoma. Methods: A systematic search of literature was conducted, and studies providing data on the effectiveness of current and/or future drugs used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma were selected for review. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of these agents, evaluating past, current and future clinical trials designed to overcome such limitations. Results: To date, there are four drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for melanoma (dacarbazine, interleukin-2, ipilimumab and vemurafenib). Despite efforts to develop new drugs, few of them have demonstrated any clinical benefits. Approved in 1975, dacarbazine remains the gold standard in chemotherapy, although ipilimumab and vemurafenib have raised many hopes in the last few years. Combining dacarbazine or other chemotherapy agents with new pharmacological agents may be a new way to achieve better clinical responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. Discussion: Advances in the molecular knowledge of melanoma have led to major improvements in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma, providing new targets and insights. However, heterogeneity amongst study populations, different approaches to treatment and the different melanoma types and localisations included in the trials makes their comparison difficult. New studies focusing on drugs developed in recent decades are warranted.
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216
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Cetin B, Berk V, Kaplan MA, Afsar B, Tufan G, Ozkan M, Isikdogan A, Benekli M, Coskun U, Buyukberber S. Is the pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio an important prognostic parameter in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma? Clin Genitourin Cancer 2012; 11:141-8. [PMID: 23083797 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine kinase inhibitor is a standard treatment for mRCC. The NLR, an index of systemic inflammation, is associated with outcome in several cancer types. To study the association of pretreatment NLR with PFS and overall survival (OS) of patients treated with VEGF-targeted therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively studied an unselected cohort of patients with mRCC, who were treated with TKIs. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses were employed on PFS and OS and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analyzed clinical parameters for their prognostic relevance. RESULTS A total of 100 patients with mRCC who had early progressed after first-line therapy with interferon-α were included in this retrospective multicenter study conducted at 4 centers between February 2008 and December 2011. The median of the NLR was 3.04 and patients were divided into 2 higher and lower NLR groups according to median of NLR. Median PFS was 9 versus 11 months in patients with baseline NLR > 3.04 versus ≤ 3.04 (P = .009). The median OS was 16 months versus 29 months, in patients with NLR > 3.04 versus ≤ 3.04, respectively (P = .004). In the whole group OS was independently associated with higher NLR (hazard ratio [HR], 2.406; P = .004), PFS more than 6 months (HR, 4.081; P = .0001), and sex (HR, 2.342; P = .040). On the other hand in the higher NLR group (HR, 1.107; P = .009) Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center score (HR, 3.398; P = .0001) was associated with PFS. CONCLUSION In patients with mRCC treated with VEGF-targeted therapy, pretreatment NLR, the duration of PFS might be associated with OS. This should be investigated prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Cetin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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217
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Facciabene A, Motz GT, Coukos G. T-regulatory cells: key players in tumor immune escape and angiogenesis. Cancer Res 2012; 72:2162-71. [PMID: 22549946 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-3687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 605] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
T-regulatory cells (Tregs) are found infiltrating tumors in a vast array of tumor types, and tumor-infiltrating Tregs are often associated with a poor clinical outcome. Tregs are potent immunosuppressive cells of the immune system that promote progression of cancer through their ability to limit antitumor immunity and promote angiogenesis. Here, we discuss the ways in which Tregs suppress the antitumor immune response and elaborate on our recent discovery that Tregs make significant direct contributions to tumor angiogenesis. Further, we highlight several current therapies aimed at eliminating Tregs in cancer patients. Given the multifaceted role of Tregs in cancer, a greater understanding of their functions will ultimately strengthen future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Facciabene
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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218
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Safety and immunogenicity of vaccination with MART-1 (26-35, 27L), gp100 (209-217, 210M), and tyrosinase (368-376, 370D) in adjuvant with PF-3512676 and GM-CSF in metastatic melanoma. J Immunother 2012; 35:359-66. [PMID: 22495394 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e31825481fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The effectivenes of cancer vaccines in inducing CD8(+) T-cell responses remains a challenge, resulting in a need for testing more potent adjuvants. Our objective was to determine the safety and immunogenicity of vaccination against melanoma-related antigens employing MART-1, gp100, and tysosinase paptides combined with the TLR9 agonist PF-3512676 and local granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor in oil emulsion. Using continuous monitoring of safety and a 2-stage design for immunologic efficacy, 20 immune response evaluable patients were targetted. Vaccinations were given subcutaneously on days 1 and 15 per cycle (1cycle=28 d) for up to 13 cycles. Interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot was used as the primary assay measuring the frequency of peripheral antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells at days 50 and 90 compared with baseline (target ≥ 9/20 immunologic responses). Clinical responses were measured by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors every 8 weeks. Twenty-two (including 20 immune response evaluable) melanoma patients were enrolled. All had American Joint Committe on Cancer stage IV (5M1a, 6M1b, 11M1c) and most had previously received therapy. Eight had previously treated brain metastases. An average of 3.5 cycles of vaccination per patient was administered. Clinical response data were available for 21 patients. There were 2 partial response and 8 stable disease lasting 2-7 months. One patient with ongoing partial response continued on treatment. At a median follow-up of 7.39 months (range, 3.22-20.47 mo), median progression-free survival was 1.9 months (90% confidence interval, 1.84-3.68) and median overall survival was 13.4 months (90% confidence interval,11.3-∞). No regimen-related grade 3/4/5 toxicities were observed. There were 9/20 patients with positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot at day 50 and/or day 90. Our adjuvant regimen combining PF-3512676 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor was safe and is worthy of further testing with these or alternative peptides, potentially in combination with antibodies that target immunoregulatory checkpoints.
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Seliger B, Quandt D. The expression, function, and clinical relevance of B7 family members in cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1327-41. [PMID: 22695874 PMCID: PMC11028783 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The modulation and suppression of anti-tumor immune responses is a characteristic feature of tumor cells to escape immune surveillance. Members of the B7 family are involved in this process, since the level of activation of the anti-tumor immune response depends on the balance between co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals. Some molecules are often overexpressed in tumors, which has been associated with the pathogenesis and progression of malignancies as well as their immunological and non-immunological functions. The B7 homologs play a key role in the maintenance of self-tolerance and the regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity in tumor-bearing hosts. Furthermore, the blockade of negative signals mediated by the interaction of co-inhibitory ligands and counter-receptors of the B7 family is currently being studied as a potential immunotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 2, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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220
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Brahmer JR, Tykodi SS, Chow LQM, Hwu WJ, Topalian SL, Hwu P, Drake CG, Camacho LH, Kauh J, Odunsi K, Pitot HC, Hamid O, Bhatia S, Martins R, Eaton K, Chen S, Salay TM, Alaparthy S, Grosso JF, Korman AJ, Parker SM, Agrawal S, Goldberg SM, Pardoll DM, Gupta A, Wigginton JM. Safety and activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody in patients with advanced cancer. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:2455-65. [PMID: 22658128 PMCID: PMC3563263 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1200694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6055] [Impact Index Per Article: 504.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death 1 (PD-1) protein, a T-cell coinhibitory receptor, and one of its ligands, PD-L1, play a pivotal role in the ability of tumor cells to evade the host's immune system. Blockade of interactions between PD-1 and PD-L1 enhances immune function in vitro and mediates antitumor activity in preclinical models. METHODS In this multicenter phase 1 trial, we administered intravenous anti-PD-L1 antibody (at escalating doses ranging from 0.3 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight) to patients with selected advanced cancers. Anti-PD-L1 antibody was administered every 14 days in 6-week cycles for up to 16 cycles or until the patient had a complete response or confirmed disease progression. RESULTS As of February 24, 2012, a total of 207 patients--75 with non-small-cell lung cancer, 55 with melanoma, 18 with colorectal cancer, 17 with renal-cell cancer, 17 with ovarian cancer, 14 with pancreatic cancer, 7 with gastric cancer, and 4 with breast cancer--had received anti-PD-L1 antibody. The median duration of therapy was 12 weeks (range, 2 to 111). Grade 3 or 4 toxic effects that investigators considered to be related to treatment occurred in 9% of patients. Among patients with a response that could be evaluated, an objective response (a complete or partial response) was observed in 9 of 52 patients with melanoma, 2 of 17 with renal-cell cancer, 5 of 49 with non-small-cell lung cancer, and 1 of 17 with ovarian cancer. Responses lasted for 1 year or more in 8 of 16 patients with at least 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Antibody-mediated blockade of PD-L1 induced durable tumor regression (objective response rate of 6 to 17%) and prolonged stabilization of disease (rates of 12 to 41% at 24 weeks) in patients with advanced cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer, melanoma, and renal-cell cancer. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00729664.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Brahmer
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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Madorsky-Rowdo FP, Lacreu ML, Mordoh J. Melanoma vaccines and modulation of the immune system in the clinical setting: building from new realities. Front Immunol 2012; 3:103. [PMID: 22566975 PMCID: PMC3343264 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To endow the immune system with the capacity to fight cancer has always attracted attention, although the clinical results obtained have been until recently disappointing. Cutaneous melanoma is a highly immunogenic tumor; therefore most of the attempts to produce cancer vaccines have been addressed to this disease. New advances in the comprehension of the mechanisms of antigen presentation by dendritic cells, in the immune responses triggered by adjuvants, as well as the understanding of the role of immunosuppressor molecules such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), which led to the recent approval of the anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody ipilimumab, have opened new hopes about the installment of immunotherapy as a new modality to treat cancer.
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222
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Torino F, Barnabei A, De Vecchis L, Salvatori R, Corsello SM. Hypophysitis induced by monoclonal antibodies to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4: challenges from a new cause of a rare disease. Oncologist 2012; 17:525-35. [PMID: 22477725 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2011-0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific human monoclonal antibodies antagonize cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4 mAbs), a negative regulator of the immune system, inducing unrestrained T-cell activation. In patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma, one of these agents, ipilimumab, produced considerable disease control rates and, for the first time, a clear improvement in overall survival outcomes. However, accumulating clinical experience with anti-CTLA-4 mAbs identified a novel syndrome of autoimmune and autoinflammatory side effects, designated as "immune-related adverse events," including mainly rash, colitis, and hepatitis. Autoimmune hypophysitis has emerged as a distinctive side effect induced by anti-CTLA-4 mAbs. This condition may be life threatening because of adrenal insufficiency if not promptly recognized, but it may easily be diagnosed and treated if clinically suspected. Hypopituitarism caused by these agents is rarely reversible and prolonged or life-long substitutive hormonal treatment is often required. The precise mechanism of injury to the pituitary triggered by anti-CTLA-4 mAbs is yet to be fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Torino
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Toxicité dermatologique des nouvelles thérapies ciblées anticancéreuses utilisées en oncodermatologie. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2012; 57:106-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Guida M, Pisconti S, Colucci G. Metastatic melanoma: the new era of targeted therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16 Suppl 2:S61-70. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.645807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Among the most promising approaches to activating therapeutic antitumour immunity is the blockade of immune checkpoints. Immune checkpoints refer to a plethora of inhibitory pathways hardwired into the immune system that are crucial for maintaining self-tolerance and modulating the duration and amplitude of physiological immune responses in peripheral tissues in order to minimize collateral tissue damage. It is now clear that tumours co-opt certain immune-checkpoint pathways as a major mechanism of immune resistance, particularly against T cells that are specific for tumour antigens. Because many of the immune checkpoints are initiated by ligand-receptor interactions, they can be readily blocked by antibodies or modulated by recombinant forms of ligands or receptors. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) antibodies were the first of this class of immunotherapeutics to achieve US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Preliminary clinical findings with blockers of additional immune-checkpoint proteins, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), indicate broad and diverse opportunities to enhance antitumour immunity with the potential to produce durable clinical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew M Pardoll
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, CRB1 Room 444, 1650 Orleans Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
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226
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Tietze JK, Sckisel GD, Hsiao HH, Murphy WJ. Antigen-specific versus antigen-nonspecific immunotherapeutic approaches for human melanoma: the need for integration for optimal efficacy? Int Rev Immunol 2012; 30:238-93. [PMID: 22053969 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2011.598977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Due to its immunogenecity and evidence of immune responses resulting in tumor regression, metastatic melanoma has been the target for numerous immunotherapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, based on the clinical outcomes, even the successful induction of tumor-specific responses does not correlate with efficacy. Immunotherapies can be divided into antigen-specific approaches, which seek to induce T cells specific to one or several known tumor associated antigens (TAA), or with antigen-nonspecific approaches, which generally activate T cells to become nonspecifically lytic effectors. Here the authors critically review the different immunotherapeutic approaches in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Tietze
- Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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227
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Wendler A, Wehling M. Translatability scoring in drug development: eight case studies. J Transl Med 2012; 10:39. [PMID: 22397594 PMCID: PMC3330010 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational medicine describes the transfer of basic in vitro and in vivo data into human applications. In the light of low rates of market approvals for new medical entities, better strategies to predict the risk of drug development should be used to increase output and reduce costs. Recently, a scoring system to assess the translatability of early drug projects has been proposed. Here eight drugs from different therapeutic areas have been subjected to a retrospective test-run in this system fictively located at the phase II-III transition. The scores gained here underline the importance of biomarker quality which is pivotal to decrease the risk of the project in all cases. This is particularly evident for gefitinib. The EGFR mutation status is a breakthrough biomarker to predict therapeutic success which made this compound clinically acceptable, and this is plausibly reflected by a considerable increase of the translatability score. For psychiatric and Alzheimer's drugs, and for a CETP-inhibitor, the lack of suitable biomarkers and animal models is reflected by a low translatability score, well correlating with the excessive translational risk in these areas. These case studies document the apparent utility of the scoring system, at least under retrospective conditions, as the scores correlate with the outcomes at the level of market approval. Prospective validation is still missing, but these case studies are encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wendler
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Clinical Pharmacology Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Maybachstr,14, D-68169 Mannheim, Germany
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Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is on the rise worldwide despite increasing awareness and vigilance towards prevention by the lay public and health professionals. Melanoma is easily curable by surgical excision when detected early, but it is nearly incurable when discovered in its later stages owing to resistance to treatment. Unfortunately, treatment options traditionally used in melanoma have not shown a survival benefit. However, as the understanding of tumor biology and metastatic growth evolves, new therapeutic options for metastatic melanoma have shown impressive survival benefit. The blockade of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) by use of the monoclonal antibody, ipilimumab (Yervoy™, Bristol-Myers Squibb), produces favorable antitumor immune system responses and was recently approved by the US FDA for use in patients with advanced melanoma. In addition, targeting components of the MAPK pathway have also demonstrated survival advantage in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma and vemurafenib (Zelboraf™, Plexxikon/Roche) was approved by the FDA in August 2011 for the first-line treatment of both metastatic and unresectable melanomas for patients whose tumors have V600E mutations in the BRAF gene.
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229
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Pardoll D, Drake C. Immunotherapy earns its spot in the ranks of cancer therapy. J Exp Med 2012; 209:201-9. [PMID: 22330682 PMCID: PMC3280881 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20112275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since it became clear that all cancer cells express tumor-specific and tumor-selective antigens generated by genetic alterations and epigenetic dysregulation, the immunology community has embraced the possibility of designing therapies to induce targeted antitumor immune responses. The potential therapeutic specificity and efficacy of such treatments are obvious to anyone who studies the exquisite specificity and cytocidal potency of immune responses. However, the value assigned to a therapeutic modality by the oncology community at large does not depend on scientific principle; all that matters is how patients respond. The bar for the ultimate acceptance of a therapy requires more than anecdotal clinical responses; rather, the major modalities of cancer therapeutics, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, more recently, drugs targeting oncogenes, have earned their place only after producing dramatic frequent clinical responses or demonstrating statistically significant survival benefits in large randomized phase 3 clinical trials, leading to FDA approval. Although tumor-targeted antibodies have certainly cleared this bar, immunotherapies aimed at harnessing antitumor cellular responses have not-until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Pardoll
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
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Targeting costimulatory molecules to improve antitumor immunity. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:926321. [PMID: 22500111 PMCID: PMC3303883 DOI: 10.1155/2012/926321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The full activation of T cells necessitates the concomitant activation of two signals, the engagement of T-cell receptor by peptide/major histocompatibility complex II and an additional signal delivered by costimulatory molecules. The best characterized costimulatory molecules belong to B7/CD28 and TNF/TNFR families and play crucial roles in the modulation of immune response and improvement of antitumor immunity. Unfortunately, tumors often generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment, where T-cell response is attenuated by the lack of costimulatory molecules on the surface of cancer cells. Thus, targeting costimulatory pathways represent an attractive therapeutic strategy to enhance the antitumor immunity in several human cancers. Here, latest therapeutic approaches targeting costimulatory molecules will be described.
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231
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Fayyad-Kazan H, Rouas R, Fayyad-Kazan M, Badran R, El Zein N, Lewalle P, Najar M, Hamade E, Jebbawi F, Merimi M, Romero P, Burny A, Badran B, Martiat P. MicroRNA profile of circulating CD4-positive regulatory T cells in human adults and impact of differentially expressed microRNAs on expression of two genes essential to their function. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:9910-9922. [PMID: 22294691 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.337154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are characterized by a high expression of IL-2 receptor α chain (CD25) and of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), the latter being essential for their development and function. Another major player in the regulatory function is the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated molecule-4 (CTLA-4) that inhibits cytotoxic responses. However, the regulation of CTLA-4 expression remains less well explored. We therefore studied the microRNA signature of circulating CD4(+) Tregs isolated from adult healthy donors and identified a signature composed of 15 differentially expressed microRNAs. Among those, miR-24, miR-145, and miR-210 were down-regulated in Tregs compared with controls and were found to have potential target sites in the 3'-UTR of FOXP3 and CTLA-4; miR-24 and miR-210 negatively regulated FOXP3 expression by directly binding to their two target sites in its 3'-UTR. On the other hand, miR-95, which is highly expressed in adult peripheral blood Tregs, positively regulated FOXP3 expression via an indirect mechanism yet to be identified. Finally, we showed that miR-145 negatively regulated CTLA-4 expression in human CD4(+) adult peripheral blood Tregs by binding to its target site in CTLA-4 transcript 3'-UTR. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of a human adult peripheral blood CD4(+) Treg microRNA signature. Moreover, unveiling one mechanism regulating CTLA-4 expression is novel and may lead to a better understanding of the regulation of this crucial gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Redouane Rouas
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Mohammad Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Rabih Badran
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Nabil El Zein
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Philippe Lewalle
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Medhi Najar
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Eva Hamade
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Immunology, EDST-PRASE, Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, Hadath-Beirut, Lebanon, and
| | - Fadi Jebbawi
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Makram Merimi
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Pedro Romero
- Division of Clinical Onco-Immunology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, 4 Avenue Pierre-Decker, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arsène Burny
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Bassam Badran
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Immunology, EDST-PRASE, Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, Hadath-Beirut, Lebanon, and
| | - Philippe Martiat
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium;.
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Tarhini AA, Cherian J, Moschos SJ, Tawbi HA, Shuai Y, Gooding WE, Sander C, Kirkwood JM. Safety and efficacy of combination immunotherapy with interferon alfa-2b and tremelimumab in patients with stage IV melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:322-8. [PMID: 22184371 PMCID: PMC3422533 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.37.5394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We tested the hypothesis that the combination of tremelimumab and interferon alfa-2b acting via different and possibly synergistic mechanisms would overcome tumor immune tolerance and lead to significant and durable clinical responses. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a phase II study in which patients were administered tremelimumab 15 mg/kg/course (three cycles [one cycle = 4 weeks]) intravenously every 12 weeks. High-dose interferon alfa-2b (HDI) was administered concurrently, including intravenous induction at 20 MU/m2/d for 5 d/wk for 4 weeks followed by maintenance at 10 MU/m2/d subcutaneously three times a week for 8 weeks per course. From course 2 onward, HDI maintenance was administered subcutaneously. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IV (9M1a, 6M1b, and 22M1c) were enrolled. Two patients had previously treated brain metastases. Grades 3 and 4 toxicities included neutropenia (six patients; 17%), diarrhea/colitis (four patients; 11%), liver enzyme increase (four patients; 11%), rash (four patients; 11%), fatigue (15 patients; 40%), and anxiety/depression (five patients; 14%). Response data were available for 35 patients. The best objective response rate (RR; Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) by intention to treat was 24% (90% CI, 13% to 36%; four complete responses [CRs] and five partial responses [PRs] that lasted 6, 6, > 12, > 14, > 18, 20, > 28, 30, and > 37 months, respectively). Fourteen patients (38%) had stable disease (SD) that lasted 1.5 to 21 months. The median progression-free survival was 6.4 months (95% CI, 3.3 to 12.1 months). The median overall survival (OS) was 21 months (95% CI, 9.5 to not reached). There was a weak association between therapy-induced autoimmunity and clinical benefits (CR/PR/SD; P = .0059), baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) less than or equal to 2.7× the upper limit of normal and clinical benefits (P = .0494) and improved probability of survival (P = .0032), and baseline lymphocyte count of at least 1,000/μL and response (CR/PR; P = .0183) and clinical benefits (CR/PR/SD; P = .0255). Biomarker associations were not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION HDI can be administered combined with tremelimumab with acceptable toxicity and promising durable antitumor efficacy that warrant further testing in a randomized trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A Tarhini
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Ave, Fifth Fl, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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Wang XY, Zuo D, Sarkar D, Fisher PB. Blockade of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 as a new therapeutic approach for advanced melanoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2011; 12:2695-706. [PMID: 22077831 PMCID: PMC3711751 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2011.629187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of melanoma continues to rise, and prognosis in patients with metastatic melanoma remains poor. The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) serves as one of the primary immune check points and downregulates T-cell activation pathways. Enhancing T-cell activation by antibody blockade of CTLA-4 provides a new approach to overcome tumor-induced immune tolerance. Recently, anti-CTLA-4 therapy demonstrated significant clinical benefits in patients with metastatic melanoma, which led to the approval of ipilimumab by the FDA in early 2011. AREAS COVERED The fundamental concepts underlying CTLA-4 blockade-potentiated immune activation are presented in this paper, along with the scientific rationale for and the preclinical evidence supporting CTLA-4-targeted cancer immunotherapy. It also provides an update on clinical trials with anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors and discusses the associated autoimmune toxicity. EXPERT OPINION Given that overall survival is the only validated end point for anti-CTLA-4 therapy, the clinical implications of the antigen or tumor-specific immunity in patients remain to be clarified. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the prognostic significance of immune-related side effects and significantly optimize the treatment regimens. An improved understanding of the mechanisms of action of CTLA-4 antibodies may also culminate in wide-ranging clinical applications of this new therapy for other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yang Wang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Immunology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
| | - Paul B. Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA23298, USA
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Targeted cancer immunotherapy with oncolytic adenovirus coding for a fully human monoclonal antibody specific for CTLA-4. Gene Ther 2011; 19:988-98. [PMID: 22071969 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Promising clinical results have been achieved with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as ipilimumab and tremelimumab that block cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4, CD152). However, systemic administration of these agents also has the potential for severe immune-related adverse events. Thus, local production might allow higher concentrations at the target while reducing systemic side effects. We generated a transductionally and transcriptionally targeted oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-Δ24aCTLA4 expressing complete human mAb specific for CTLA-4 and tested it in vitro, in vivo and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of normal donors and patients with advanced solid tumors. mAb expression was confirmed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Biological functionality was determined in a T-cell line and in PBMCs from cancer patients. T cells of patients, but not those of healthy donors, were activated by an anti-CTLA4mAb produced by Ad5/3-Δ24aCTLA4. In addition to immunological effects, a direct anti-CTLA-4-mediated pro-apoptotic effect was observed in vitro and in vivo. Local production resulted in 43-fold higher (P<0.05) tumor versus plasma anti-CTLA4mAb concentration. Plasma levels in mice remained below what has been reported safe in humans. Replication-competent Ad5/3-Δ24aCTLA4 resulted in 81-fold higher (P<0.05) tumor mAb levels as compared with a replication-deficient control. This is the first report of an oncolytic adenovirus producing a full-length human mAb. High mAb concentrations were seen at tumors with lower systemic levels. Stimulation of T cells of cancer patients by Ad5/3-Δ24aCTLA4 suggests feasibility of testing the approach in clinical trials.
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Hamnvik OPR, Larsen PR, Marqusee E. Thyroid dysfunction from antineoplastic agents. J Natl Cancer Inst 2011; 103:1572-87. [PMID: 22010182 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djr373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike cytotoxic agents that indiscriminately affect rapidly dividing cells, newer antineoplastic agents such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies are associated with thyroid dysfunction. These include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bexarotene, radioiodine-based cancer therapies, denileukin diftitox, alemtuzumab, interferon-α, interleukin-2, ipilimumab, tremelimumab, thalidomide, and lenalidomide. Primary hypothyroidism is the most common side effect, although thyrotoxicosis and effects on thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion and thyroid hormone metabolism have also been described. Most agents cause thyroid dysfunction in 20%-50% of patients, although some have even higher rates. Despite this, physicians may overlook drug-induced thyroid dysfunction because of the complexity of the clinical picture in the cancer patient. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weakness, depression, memory loss, cold intolerance, and cardiovascular effects, may be incorrectly attributed to the primary disease or to the antineoplastic agent. Underdiagnosis of thyroid dysfunction can have important consequences for cancer patient management. At a minimum, the symptoms will adversely affect the patient's quality of life. Alternatively, such symptoms can lead to dose reductions of potentially life-saving therapies. Hypothyroidism can also alter the kinetics and clearance of medications, which may lead to undesirable side effects. Thyrotoxicosis can be mistaken for sepsis or a nonendocrinologic drug side effect. In some patients, thyroid disease may indicate a higher likelihood of tumor response to the agent. Both hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are easily diagnosed with inexpensive and specific tests. In many patients, particularly those with hypothyroidism, the treatment is straightforward. We therefore recommend routine testing for thyroid abnormalities in patients receiving these antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole-Petter Riksfjord Hamnvik
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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di Pietro A, Tosti G, Ferrucci PF, Testori A. The immunological era in melanoma treatment: new challenges for heat shock protein-based vaccine in the advanced disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:1395-407. [PMID: 21801084 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.605353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor-derived heat shock protein (HSP)-peptide complexes (HSPPCs) induced immunity against malignancies in preclinical trials, working across tumor types and bypassing the need to identify single immunogenic peptides. These results paved the way for the use of human gp96 obtained from autologous tumor samples as an anti-cancer vaccine. AREAS COVERED Autologous tumor-derived HSP gp96 peptide complex (HSPPC-96) vaccine is emerging as a tumor- and patient-specific cancer vaccine, with confirmed activity in several malignancies. It has been tested in Phase III clinical trials in advanced melanoma and kidney cancer with evidence for efficacy in patients with earlier stage disease. HSPPC-96-based vaccine demonstrated an excellent safety profile, thus emerging as a novel therapeutic approach with a suggestive role in cancer therapy. This review summarizes work on the use of HSPPC-96 as an autologous anti-tumor vaccine in advanced melanoma. Data were retrieved by PubMed and Medline research and using the authors' personal experience. EXPERT OPINION Further investigations are needed to understand the biological basis of immune functions in order to improve the clinical outcome of HSP-based cancer therapy. In the near future, the combination of HSP-based vaccines with other biological compounds might represent a successful strategy in the therapy of advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra di Pietro
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology, Melanoma Division, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy consists of approaches that modify the host immune system, and/or the utilization of components of the immune system, as cancer treatment. During the past 25 years, 17 immunologic products have received regulatory approval based on anticancer activity as single agents and/or in combination with chemotherapy. These include the nonspecific immune stimulants BCG and levamisole; the cytokines interferon-α and interleukin-2; the monoclonal antibodies rituximab, ofatumumab, alemtuzumab, trastuzumab, bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab; the radiolabeled antibodies Y-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan and I-131 tositumomab; the immunotoxins denileukin diftitox and gemtuzumab ozogamicin; nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplants with donor lymphocyte infusions; and the anti-prostate cancer cell-based therapy sipuleucel-T. All but two of these products are still regularly used to treat various B- and T-cell malignancies, and numerous solid tumors, including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, melanoma, kidney, glioblastoma, bladder, and head and neck. Positive randomized trials have recently been reported for idiotype vaccines in lymphoma and a peptide vaccine in melanoma. The anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody ipilumumab, which blocks regulatory T-cells, is expected to receive regulatory approval in the near future, based on a randomized trial in melanoma. As the fourth modality of cancer treatment, biotherapy/immunotherapy is an increasingly important component of the anticancer armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert O Dillman
- Hoag Cancer Institute of Hoag Hospital , Newport Beach, California 92658, USA.
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Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is one of the most resistant tumors to standard chemotherapy approaches. The median overall survival of patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma is lower than 9 months. Current approved treatments offer only marginal survival advantages. New immunotherapeutic targets have appeared recently trying to modulate the host immune response against the tumor. New targeted agents have changed the standard of care of other solid tumor types like breast cancer. Here, we discuss the new advances and achievements in the treatment of this highly resistant disease.
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Abstract
The incidence of melanoma has been increasing worldwide. A relationship between melanoma and the immune system was established years ago. Modulating the immune system in the management of different stages of melanoma has been the focus of numerous large randomized trials worldwide. This article reviews the current status of immunotherapy for melanoma, with a focus on the recent promising results from using vaccines, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, and adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Homsi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 430, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Abstract
Since the identification of self-renewing cells in the hematopoietic system, stem cells have transformed the study of medicine. Cancer biologists have identified stem-like cells in multiple malignancies, including those of solid organs. This has led to the development of a stem cell theory of cancer, which purports that a subpopulation of self-renewing tumor cells is responsible for tumorigenesis. This contrasts with the stochastic model of tumor development, which advances that all tumor cells are capable of tumor formation. Within the field of melanoma, the identity and existence of cancer stem cells has been the subject of recent debate. Much of the controversy may be traced to differences in interpretations and definitions related to the cancer stem cell theory, and the use of dissimilar methodologies to study melanoma cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer stem cells may exist in melanoma, although their frequency may vary and they may be capable of phenotypic plasticity. Importantly, these primitive melanoma cells are not only capable of self-renewal and differentiation plasticity, but also may confer virulence via immune evasion and multidrug resistance, and potentially via vasculogenic mimicry and transition to migratory and metastasizing derivatives. Therapeutic targeting of melanoma stem cells and the pathways that endow them with virulence hold promise for the design of more effective strategies for amelioration and eradication of this most lethal form of skin cancer.
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Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy relies on the ability of the immune system to target tumor-specific antigens to generate an immune response. This initial response requires both binding of the MHC/antigen peptide to T-cell receptor complex, along with a second costimulatory signal created by the binding of CD28 on the T cell, with B7 located on the antigen-presenting cell. Regulatory checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), serve to attenuate this signal, thereby preventing autoimmunity. Its key role in regulating the immune system has made CTLA-4 an attractive therapeutic target for cancer, with the development of fully human monoclonal antibodies that have successfully targeted CTLA-4 in clinical trials. Augmentation of the immune response via blockade of CTLA-4 represents a significant advance in the field of oncology and has shown an improvement in survival for patients with metastatic melanoma. An increased understanding of the components of this pathway and the identification of other methods to modulate the immune system hold great promise for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- April K S Salama
- Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Sullivan RJ, Atkins MB. Molecular targeted therapy for patients with melanoma: the promise of MAPK pathway inhibition and beyond. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2011; 19:1205-16. [PMID: 20687784 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2010.504709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Recent discoveries have expanded the understanding of the molecular signaling events critical to melanomagenesis and led to the development of targeted therapeutic agents that are revolutionizing the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW This article reviews current therapy and its limitations, describes the key pathogenic mechanisms in melanoma for which inhibitors have been tested, and summarizes the results of clinical trials involving molecularly targeted agents in this disease. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN There has been an explosion of preclinical and clinical research aimed at targeting the key molecular alterations in melanoma for therapeutic benefit. These findings will be presented and placed in the proper clinical context, affording information regarding the current molecular targets in the melanoma and the activity and limitations of therapeutic agents directed against them. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Greater understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying melanoma development has prompted the development of new therapeutic approaches aimed at counteracting these processes. While progress made over the past few years has generated considerable excitement, the benefits of these new therapies are still limited by incomplete and transient tumor regressions. It is hoped that with further investigation, particularly into mechanisms of treatment de novo and acquired treatment resistance, these limitations can be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Sullivan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Abstract
Treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer is still challenging due to its resistance to conventional therapies, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Immunotherapeutic approaches with IL-2 and/or IFN-alpha have become standard regimens in treating metastatic renal cell cancer. Furthermore, molecularly targeted therapies, such as VEGF-pathway inhibition or use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, have demonstrated promising results and might become even more important in the following years. Finally, vaccination therapies have gained increasing interest and have been tested in multiple clinical trials. There is a vast choice of different application and production types of these vaccines, ranging from dendritic cell-based principals to the application of naked RNA. The development of new immune-enhancing strategies led to the option of interesting, potent combination regimes. This review has a focus on vaccination therapies in renal cell cancer, especially dendritic cell-based principals, and aims to give an overview of this rapidly changing field of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annkristin Heine
- University of Bonn, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Wilhelmstrasse 35-7, 53111 Bonn, Germany
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Thompson RH, Kwon ED, Allison JP. Inhibitors of B7-CD28 costimulation in urologic malignancies. Immunotherapy 2011; 1:129-39. [PMID: 20445772 DOI: 10.2217/1750743x.1.1.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell costimulatory molecules deliver positive or negative signals to govern the ultimate fate of immune responses. These ligands and receptors that negatively costimulate T cells (including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen [CTLA]-4, B7-H1, programmed death [PD]-1, B7-H3 and B7x) have received significant interest recently owing to their proposed ability to form a molecular shield for tumor cells. CTLA-4 represents the most extensively studied receptor in the costimulatory pathway and functions as a potent inhibitor of T-cell-mediated immunity. Clinical trials with anti-CTLA-4 are ongoing, although numerous objective responses have been observed in heavily pretreated patients, albeit with autoimmune side effects. In renal cell carcinoma, B7-H1, PD-1 and B7x have been observed to be expressed on tumor cells or infiltrating lymphocytes and are individually associated with adverse pathologic features and poor clinical outcome. In prostate cancer, B7-H3 and B7x immunostaining intensity correlate with disease spread, clinical cancer recurrence and cancer-specific death. External validation and prospective studies are now needed to confirm these findings, while further development of humanized monoclonal antibodies, similar to the experience with anti-CTLA-4, are underway. Herein, we review the B7-CD28 family as it applies to urologic malignancies.
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Jorritsma A, Schumacher TNM, Haanen JBAG. Immunotherapeutic strategies: the melanoma example. Immunotherapy 2011; 1:679-90. [PMID: 20635992 DOI: 10.2217/imt.09.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell-based immunotherapy can be induced by nonspecific activation, by antigen-specific immunization, or by adoptive immunotherapy. In this review, progress in these areas is discussed as based on data from clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Nonspecific immunotherapy has been shown to result in low, but in some cases significant, levels of objective tumor responses, and is often associated with autoimmune reactions. Antigen-specific targeting of tumors via vaccination has only resulted in low to very low levels of objective responses, and these strategies seem to have most value when the T-cell repertoire is not affected by tolerance. Finally, adoptive immunotherapy can be applied by in vitro expansion of autologous lymphocytes that have escaped tolerance or by genetic transfer of allogeneic T-cell receptors (TCRs). Autologous adoptive T-cell transfer has resulted in a very high frequency of clinical responses when combined with chemotherapy and IL-2 administration in single-center studies. Although TCR gene transfer has, until now, only resulted in a low frequency of clinical responses, it does have a broader application potential, and optimization of this strategy is likely to improve its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Jorritsma
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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The consequence of immune suppressive cells in the use of therapeutic cancer vaccines and their importance in immune monitoring. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:182413. [PMID: 21318157 PMCID: PMC3034984 DOI: 10.1155/2011/182413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the number, phenotypic characteristics, and function of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment and peripheral blood could elucidate the antitumor immune response and provide information to evaluate the efficacy of cancer vaccines. Further studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between changes in immunosuppressive cells and clinical outcomes of patients in cancer vaccine clinical trials. This paper focuses on the role of T-regulatory cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumor-associated macrophages in cancer and cancer immunotherapy and their role in immune monitoring.
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Garbe C, Eigentler TK, Keilholz U, Hauschild A, Kirkwood JM. Systematic review of medical treatment in melanoma: current status and future prospects. Oncologist 2011; 16:5-24. [PMID: 21212434 PMCID: PMC3228046 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2010-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma is increasing worldwide, and the prognosis for patients with high-risk or advanced metastatic melanoma remains poor despite advances in the field. Standard treatment for patients with thick (≥2.0 mm) primary melanoma with or without regional metastases to lymph nodes is surgery followed by adjuvant therapy or clinical trial enrollment. Adjuvant therapy with interferon-α and cancer vaccines is discussed in detail. Patients who progress to stage IV metastatic melanoma have a median survival of ≤1 year. Standard treatment with chemotherapy yields low response rates, of which few are durable. Cytokine therapy with IL-2 achieves durable benefits in a greater fraction, but it is accompanied by severe toxicities that require the patient to be hospitalized for support during treatment. A systematic literature review of treatments for advanced, metastatic disease was conducted to present the success of current treatments and the promise of those still in clinical development that may yield incremental improvements in the treatment of advanced, metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Garbe
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatooncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Liebermeisterstrasse 25, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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