251
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Baker JJ, Stitzenberg KB, Collichio FA, Meyers MO, Ollila DW. Systematic Review: Surgery for Patients with Metastatic Melanoma during Active Treatment with Ipilimumab. Am Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481408000833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies of ipilimumab have shown improved overall survival in patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma. As a result, use of ipilimumab in patients with Stage IV melanoma is rapidly increasing. Patients with Stage IV melanoma often require urgent operations for complications from metastases, but little is known about the safety of surgical intervention for patients receiving ipilimumab. We performed a systematic review of the literature using PubMed. Our search terms were melanoma and ipilimumab. We excluded foreign language articles, review articles, and those not addressing cutaneous melanoma. We identified 194 publications matching the search criteria. Only six of those met the inclusion criteria. In these six publications, seven patients who had undergone surgical intervention during treatment with ipilimumab were described. There were no documented surgical complications. We reviewed our institutional experience and identified an additional three patients. No postoperative complications could be attributed directly to ipilimumab. There are limited data on the safety of surgical intervention during treatment with ipilimumab. Preliminary reports suggest there is no reason to withhold or delay surgery for patients receiving ipilimumab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J. Baker
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine
| | | | | | - Michael O. Meyers
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery
| | - David W. Ollila
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery
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252
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Abstract
Targeting CTLA-4 represents a new type of immunotherapeutic approach, namely immune checkpoint inhibition. Blockade of CTLA-4 by ipilimumab was the first strategy to achieve a significant clinical benefit for late-stage melanoma patients in two phase 3 trials. These results fueled the notion of immunotherapy being the breakthrough strategy for oncology in 2013. Subsequently, many trials have been set up to test various immune checkpoint modulators in malignancies, not only in melanoma. In this review, recent new ideas about the mechanism of action of CTLA-4 blockade, its current and future therapeutic use, and the intensive search for biomarkers for response will be discussed. Immune checkpoint blockade, targeting CTLA-4 and/or PD-1/PD-L1, is currently the most promising systemic therapeutic approach to achieve long-lasting responses or even cure in many types of cancer, not just in patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian U Blank
- Department of Medical Oncology and Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Enk
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Heidelberg, Im Neunheimer Feld 440, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
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253
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Voltaggio L, Lam-Himlin D, Limketkai BN, Singhi AD, Arnold CA. Message in a bottle: decoding medication injury patterns in the gastrointestinal tract. J Clin Pathol 2014; 67:903-12. [DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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254
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Durable benefit and the potential for long-term survival with immunotherapy in advanced melanoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2014; 40:1056-64. [PMID: 25060490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Historically, the median overall survival for patients with stage IV melanoma was less than 1 year and the 5-year survival rate was ∼10%. Recent advances in therapy have raised 5-year survival expectations to ∼20%. Notably, a subset of melanoma patients who receive immunotherapy with high-dose interleukin-2, and now ipilimumab, can achieve long-term survival of at least 5 years. A major goal in melanoma research is to increase the number of patients who experience this overall survival benefit. In this review, we discuss the attributes of immunotherapy and newer targeted agents, and consider how combination strategies might improve the chances of achieving durable benefit and long-term survival. We also discuss three areas that we believe will be critical to making further advances in melanoma treatment. To better understand the clinical profile of patients who achieve long-term survival with immunotherapy, we first present data from ipilimumab clinical trials in which a subset of patients experienced durable responses. Second, we discuss the limitations of traditional metrics used to evaluate the benefits of immunotherapies. Third, we consider emerging issues that clinicians are currently facing when making treatment decisions regarding immunotherapy. A better understanding of these novel treatments may improve survival outcomes in melanoma, increase the number of patients who experience this overall survival benefit, and inform the future use of these agents in the treatment of other cancer types.
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255
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Simeone E, Gentilcore G, Giannarelli D, Grimaldi AM, Caracò C, Curvietto M, Esposito A, Paone M, Palla M, Cavalcanti E, Sandomenico F, Petrillo A, Botti G, Fulciniti F, Palmieri G, Queirolo P, Marchetti P, Ferraresi V, Rinaldi G, Pistillo MP, Ciliberto G, Mozzillo N, Ascierto PA. Immunological and biological changes during ipilimumab treatment and their potential correlation with clinical response and survival in patients with advanced melanoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:675-83. [PMID: 24695951 PMCID: PMC11028686 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1545-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ipilimumab can induce durable disease control and long-term survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. Identification of a biomarker that correlates with clinical benefit and potentially provides an early marker of response is an active area of research. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ipilimumab was available upon physician request for patients aged ≥16 years with stage III (unresectable) or IV cutaneous, ocular or mucosal melanoma, who had failed or did not tolerate previous treatments and had no other therapeutic option available. Patients received ipilimumab 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks for four doses. Tumour assessments were conducted at baseline, Week 12 and Week 24 using immune-related response criteria. Patients were monitored continuously for adverse events (AEs), including immune-related AEs. Candidate immunological markers were evaluated in peripheral blood and sera samples collected at baseline and Weeks 4, 7, 10 and 12. RESULTS Among 95 patients treated with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg, the immune-related disease control rate at Week 24 was 38 %. With a median follow-up of 24 months, median overall survival was 9.6 months. Both disease control and survival were significantly associated with decreasing levels of lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein and FoxP3/regulatory T cells, and increasing absolute lymphocyte count, between baseline and the end of dosing (Week 12). CONCLUSION Ipilimumab is a feasible treatment option for heavily pretreated patients with metastatic melanoma. Changes in some immunological markers between baseline and the fourth ipilimumab infusion appear to be associated with disease control and survival, but verification in prospective clinical trials is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Simeone
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Gentilcore
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Antonio M. Grimaldi
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Corrado Caracò
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Curvietto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Assunta Esposito
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Miriam Paone
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Palla
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ernesta Cavalcanti
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Sandomenico
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Petrillo
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Franco Fulciniti
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paola Queirolo
- San Martino Hospital, National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Sant’Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gaetana Rinaldi
- “Paolo Giaccone” Polyclinic University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Pistillo
- San Martino Hospital, National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Mozzillo
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo A. Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale”, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
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256
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Hu-Lieskovan S, Robert L, Homet Moreno B, Ribas A. Combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy in BRAF-mutant melanoma: promise and challenges. J Clin Oncol 2014; 32:2248-54. [PMID: 24958825 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2013.52.1377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in the treatment of advanced melanoma are based on scientific advances in understanding oncogenic signaling and the immunobiology of this cancer. Targeted therapy can successfully block oncogenic signaling in BRAF(V600)-mutant melanoma with high initial clinical responses, but relapse rates are also high. Activation of an immune response by releasing inhibitory check points can induce durable responses in a subset of patients with melanoma. These advances have driven interest in combining both modes of therapy with the goal of achieving high response rates with prolonged duration. Combining BRAF inhibitors and immunotherapy can specifically target the BRAF(V600) driver mutation in the tumor cells and potentially sensitize the immune system to target tumors. However, it is becoming evident that the effects of paradoxical mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation by BRAF inhibitors in non-BRAF-mutant cells needs to be taken into account, which may be implicated in the problems encountered in the first clinical trial testing a combination of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4), with significant liver toxicities. Here, we present the concept and potential mechanisms of combinatorial activity of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, review the literature for evidence to support the combination, and discuss the potential challenges and future directions for rational conduct of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, Lidia Robert, Blanca Homet Moreno, and Antoni Ribas, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; and Blanca Homet Moreno, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Robert
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, Lidia Robert, Blanca Homet Moreno, and Antoni Ribas, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; and Blanca Homet Moreno, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Homet Moreno
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, Lidia Robert, Blanca Homet Moreno, and Antoni Ribas, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; and Blanca Homet Moreno, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, Lidia Robert, Blanca Homet Moreno, and Antoni Ribas, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; and Blanca Homet Moreno, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
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257
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Srivastava N, McDermott D. Update on benefit of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in melanoma: the changing landscape. Cancer Manag Res 2014; 6:279-89. [PMID: 25018651 PMCID: PMC4073973 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s64979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is on the rise. There have been recent advances in targeted agents and immunotherapies that have improved the management and treatment of patients with advanced melanoma. This review discusses the clinical efficacy and unique side effects of targeted immunotherapy and the role of predictive biomarkers in better selection of patients who would derive most benefit from specific treatments. Additionally, this review addresses concerns about the best sequencing algorithms for the currently available targeted agents. By thoroughly and extensively researching through PubMed and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 69 published articles and abstracts were identified as addressing topics related to malignant melanoma and immunotherapy. The research was divided into subcategories discussing cytokine-based therapy, immunotherapy, molecularly targeted agents, other novel targeted agents, and combination regimens for malignant melanoma. New immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted agents are able to improve immune-mediated regulatory effects against tumors and, specifically in advanced melanoma, are associated with improvement in overall survival. These new agents have distinct side effects that are often controlled and reversed with dose reductions and/or use of corticosteroids. Currently, there are clinical trials underway to assess the role of combination therapy, whereas other trials are focusing on devising algorithms to delineate how best to sequentially administer these drugs. Although there has been tremendous progress in the management of advanced melanoma with immunotherapy and targeted agents, there is still much to be learned about clinically useful predictive biomarkers and combination therapies as well as how to administer these agents safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeharika Srivastava
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David McDermott
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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258
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Sanlorenzo M, Vujic I, Posch C, Dajee A, Yen A, Kim S, Ashworth M, Rosenblum MD, Algazi A, Osella-Abate S, Quaglino P, Daud A, Ortiz-Urda S. Melanoma immunotherapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:665-74. [PMID: 24651672 PMCID: PMC4049781 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.28555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of melanoma, and is intended to modulate the host immunity against the tumor. Immunotherapy can be used in an adjuvant setting, after complete surgical excision in patients with a high risk of disease relapse and as a treatment in advanced (unresectable or metastatic) stages. Development of novel therapeutic approaches and the optimization of existing therapies hold a great promise in the field of melanoma therapy research. Different clinical trials are ongoing, and immunotherapy is showing the ability to confirm durable clinical benefits in selected groups of melanoma patients. The aim of this review is to summarize different types of immunotherapy agents, as well as to discuss different strategies, complementary regimens, and possible biomarkers of response to the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Sanlorenzo
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Dermatology; University of Turin; Turin, Italy
| | - Igor Vujic
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
- The Rudolfstiftung Hospital; Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Posch
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
- The Rudolfstiftung Hospital; Vienna, Austria
| | - Akshay Dajee
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Adam Yen
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Sarasa Kim
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
| | | | | | - Alain Algazi
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Simona Osella-Abate
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Dermatology; University of Turin; Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Dermatology; University of Turin; Turin, Italy
| | - Adil Daud
- University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
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259
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Leung AM, Lee AF, Ozao-Choy J, Ramos RI, Hamid O, O'Day SJ, Shin-Sim M, Morton DL, Faries MB, Sieling PA, Lee DJ. Clinical Benefit from Ipilimumab Therapy in Melanoma Patients may be Associated with Serum CTLA4 Levels. Front Oncol 2014; 4:110. [PMID: 24904825 PMCID: PMC4032905 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stage IV metastatic melanoma patients historically have a poor prognosis with 5–10% 5-year survival. Ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), is one of the first treatments to provide beneficial durable responses in advanced melanoma. However, less than 25% of those treated benefit, treatment is expensive, and side effects can be fatal. Since soluble (s) CTLA4 may mediate inhibitory effects previously ascribed to the membrane-bound isoform (mCTLA4), we hypothesized patients benefiting from ipilimumab have higher serum levels of sCTLA4. We found that higher sCTLA4 levels correlated both with response and improved survival in patients treated with ipilimumab in a small patient cohort [patients with (n = 9) and without (n = 5) clinical benefit]. sCTLA4 levels were statistically higher in ipilimumab-treated patients with response to ipilimumab. In contrast, sCTLA4 levels did not correlate with survival in patients who did not receive ipilimumab (n = 11). These preliminary observations provide a previously unrecognized link between serum sCTLA4 levels and response to ipilimumab as well as to improved survival in ipilimumab-treated melanoma patients and a potential mechanism by which ipilimumab functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Leung
- Melanoma Research Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Agnes Fermin Lee
- Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Translational Immunology, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Junko Ozao-Choy
- Melanoma Research Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Romela Irene Ramos
- Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Translational Immunology, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Omid Hamid
- Melanoma Center, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute , Los Angeles, CA , USA
| | - Steven J O'Day
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beverly Hills Cancer Center , Beverly Hills, CA , USA
| | - Myung Shin-Sim
- Department of Biostatistics, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Donald L Morton
- Melanoma Research Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Mark B Faries
- Melanoma Research Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Peter A Sieling
- Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Translational Immunology, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
| | - Delphine J Lee
- Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Translational Immunology, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center , Santa Monica, CA , USA
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260
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Ott PA, Hodi FS, Robert C. CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade: new immunotherapeutic modalities with durable clinical benefit in melanoma patients. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 19:5300-9. [PMID: 24089443 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 514] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade with monoclonal antibodies directed at the inhibitory immune receptors CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 has emerged as a successful treatment approach for patients with advanced melanoma. Ipilimumab is the first agent associated with a documented improved overall survival benefit in this patient population. A striking attribute of CTLA-4 blockade is the durability of objective responses, leading to speculation of a possible cure for some patients. Many tumor responses achieved with PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibition were durable in the phase I trials and were seen in a higher proportion of patients with melanoma than typically observed with ipilimumab. Biomarker development to identify the subset of patients with melanoma who will achieve durable clinical benefit with checkpoint blockade is critical; tumor PD-L1 expression has been promising in early studies. The contrast between unprecedented response rates but limited durability of responses achieved with BRAF and MEK inhibition in BRAF(V600)-mutated melanoma and the impressive durability but relatively low rate of response achieved with immune checkpoint blockade is striking. Preclinical data on potential synergies between CTLA-4/PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition and MAPK-targeted therapy is emerging, and combined immune checkpoint blockade and MAPK inhibition are being explored in clinical trials. Other promising approaches to increase the number of patients with melanoma who benefit from durable responses with immune checkpoint blockade include concurrent or sequenced CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition and combination with other immunotherapeutic strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 19(19); 5300-9. ©2013 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Ott
- Authors' Affiliations: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif-Paris Sud, Paris, France
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261
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Robert L, Tsoi J, Wang X, Emerson R, Homet B, Chodon T, Mok S, Huang RR, Cochran AJ, Comin-Anduix B, Koya RC, Graeber TG, Robins H, Ribas A. CTLA4 blockade broadens the peripheral T-cell receptor repertoire. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:2424-32. [PMID: 24583799 PMCID: PMC4008652 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-2648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) blockade with tremelimumab in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used next-generation sequencing to study the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) from the rearranged T-cell receptor (TCR) variable beta (V-beta) in PBMCs of 21 patients, at baseline and 30 to 60 days after receiving tremelimumab. RESULTS After receiving tremelimumab, there was a median of 30% increase in unique productive sequences of TCR V-beta CDR3 in 19 out of 21 patients, and a median decrease of 30% in only 2 out of 21 patients. These changes were significant for richness (P = 0.01) and for Shannon index diversity (P = 0.04). In comparison, serially collected PBMCs from four healthy donors did not show a significant change in TCR V-beta CDR3 diversity over 1 year. There was a significant difference in the total unique productive TCR V-beta CDR3 sequences between patients experiencing toxicity with tremelimumab compared with patients without toxicity (P = 0.05). No relevant differences were noted between clinical responders and nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS CTLA4 blockade with tremelimumab diversifies the peripheral T-cell pool, representing a pharmacodynamic effect of how this class of antibodies modulates the human immune system.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- CTLA-4 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cluster Analysis
- Complementarity Determining Regions/genetics
- Computational Biology
- Female
- Genetic Variation
- Humans
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Count
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Male
- Melanoma/diagnosis
- Melanoma/drug therapy
- Melanoma/genetics
- Melanoma/metabolism
- Melanoma/mortality
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Neoplasm Staging
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Robert
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Jennifer Tsoi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Department of Medicine (Statistics core), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Ryan Emerson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Madrid, Spain
- Adaptive Biotechnologies, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Homet
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thinle Chodon
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Stephen Mok
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Rong Rong Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Alistair J. Cochran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Begonya Comin-Anduix
- Department of Surgery (Division of Surgical-Oncology), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Richard C. Koya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Thomas G. Graeber
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Harlan Robins
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Madrid, Spain
- Adaptive Biotechnologies, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
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Kelderman S, Heemskerk B, van Tinteren H, van den Brom RRH, Hospers GAP, van den Eertwegh AJM, Kapiteijn EW, de Groot JWB, Soetekouw P, Jansen RL, Fiets E, Furness AJS, Renn A, Krzystanek M, Szallasi Z, Lorigan P, Gore ME, Schumacher TNM, Haanen JBAG, Larkin JMG, Blank CU. Lactate dehydrogenase as a selection criterion for ipilimumab treatment in metastatic melanoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:449-58. [PMID: 24609989 PMCID: PMC11029318 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1528-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ipilimumab, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 blocking antibody, has improved overall survival (OS) in metastatic melanoma in phase III trials. However, about 80 % of patients fail to respond, and no predictive markers for benefit from therapy have been identified. We analysed a 'real world' population of patients treated with ipilimumab to identify markers for treatment benefit. METHODS Patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma were treated in the Netherlands (NL) and the United Kingdom (UK) with ipilimumab at 3 mg/kg. Baseline characteristics and peripheral blood parameters were assessed, and patients were monitored for the occurrence of adverse events and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 166 patients were treated in the Netherlands. Best overall response and disease control rates were 17 and 35 %, respectively. Median follow-up was 17.9 months, with a median progression-free survival of 2.9 months. Median OS was 7.5 months, and OS at 1 year was 37.8 % and at 2 years was 22.9 %. In a multivariate model, baseline serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was demonstrated to be the strongest predictive factor for OS. These findings were validated in an independent cohort of 64 patients from the UK. CONCLUSION In both the NL and UK cohorts, long-term benefit of ipilimumab treatment was unlikely for patients with baseline serum LDH greater than twice the upper limit of normal. In the absence of prospective data, clinicians treating melanoma may wish to consider the data presented here to guide patient selection for ipilimumab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Kelderman
- Netherlands Cancer Institute NKI-AVL, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Heemskerk
- Netherlands Cancer Institute NKI-AVL, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm van Tinteren
- Netherlands Cancer Institute NKI-AVL, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Geke A. P. Hospers
- University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ellen W. Kapiteijn
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Patricia Soetekouw
- Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob L. Jansen
- Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Edward Fiets
- Medical Center Leeuwarden, Henri Dunantweg 2, 8934 AD Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alexandra Renn
- Royal Marsden Hospital, 197 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ UK
| | - Marcin Krzystanek
- Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej 1, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Zoltan Szallasi
- Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej 1, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Paul Lorigan
- Christie Hospital, 550 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX UK
| | - Martin E. Gore
- Royal Marsden Hospital, 197 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ UK
| | - Ton N. M. Schumacher
- Netherlands Cancer Institute NKI-AVL, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John B. A. G. Haanen
- Netherlands Cancer Institute NKI-AVL, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Christian U. Blank
- Netherlands Cancer Institute NKI-AVL, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Campian JL, Sarai G, Ye X, Marur S, Grossman SA. Association between severe treatment-related lymphopenia and progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed squamous cell head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2014; 36:1747-53. [PMID: 24174270 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe treatment-related lymphopenia occurs commonly in many cancers and is associated with early tumor progression. Data are lacking as to whether this occurs in squamous cell head and neck cancer. METHODS Serial total lymphocyte counts were retrospectively reviewed in patients with newly diagnosed squamous head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation and associated with treatment outcomes. RESULTS The median baseline total lymphocyte count in 56 patients was 1660 cells/mm(3) , which fell by 73% to 445 cells/mm(3) 2 months after initiating chemoradiation (p < .0001). Human papillomavirus negative (HPV-) patients with a total lymphocyte count <500 cells/mm(3) at 2 months had significantly earlier disease progression than those with higher total lymphocyte counts (hazard ratio [HR], 5.75; p = .045). CONCLUSION Baseline total lymphocyte counts were normal, but at 2 months approximately 60% of patients had severe treatment-related lymphopenia regardless of HPV status. Severe treatment-related lymphopenia in HPV- patients is independently associated with earlier disease progression. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings, which suggest that immune preservation is important in this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian L Campian
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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264
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Saenger Y, Magidson J, Liaw B, de Moll E, Harcharik S, Fu Y, Wassmann K, Fisher D, Kirkwood J, Oh WK, Friedlander P. Blood mRNA expression profiling predicts survival in patients treated with tremelimumab. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:3310-8. [PMID: 24721645 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-2906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tremelimumab (ticilimumab, Pfizer), is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Ipilimumab (Yervoy, BMS), another anti-CTLA-4 antibody, is approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Biomarkers are needed to identify the subset of patients who will achieve tumor control with CTLA-4 blockade. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Pretreatment peripheral blood samples from 218 patients with melanoma who were refractory to prior therapy and receiving tremelimumab in a multicenter phase II study were measured for 169 mRNA transcripts using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A two-class latent model yielded a risk score based on four genes that were highly predictive of survival (P < 0.001). This signature was validated in an independent population of 260 treatment-naïve patients with melanoma enrolled in a multicenter phase III study of tremelimumab. RESULTS Median follow-up was 297 days for the training population and 386 days for the test population. Expression levels of the 169 genes were closely correlated across the two populations (r = 0.9939). A four-gene model, including cathepsin D (CTSD), phopholipase A2 group VII (PLA2G7), thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1), and interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 3 (IRAK3), predicted survival in the test population (P = 0.001 by log-rank test). This four-gene model added to the predictive value of clinical predictors (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Expression levels of CTSD, PLA2G7, TXNRD1, and IRAK3 in peripheral blood are predictive of survival in patients with melanoma treated with tremelimumab. Blood mRNA signatures should be further explored to define patient subsets likely to benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Saenger
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, CanadaAuthors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jay Magidson
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bobby Liaw
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ellen de Moll
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Harcharik
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yichun Fu
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karl Wassmann
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Fisher
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Kirkwood
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - William K Oh
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip Friedlander
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, CanadaAuthors' Affiliations: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Statistical Innovations, Belmont; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Gene News, Ontario, Canada
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265
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Griewank KG, Scolyer RA, Thompson JF, Flaherty KT, Schadendorf D, Murali R. Genetic alterations and personalized medicine in melanoma: progress and future prospects. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:djt435. [PMID: 24511108 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djt435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing technologies are providing new insights into the genetic alterations involved in melanomagenesis. It appears likely that most genetic events important in the pathogenesis of melanoma will be discovered over the next few years. Genetic analysis is also increasingly being used to direct patient care. In parallel with the discovery of new genes and the elucidation of molecular pathways important in the development of melanoma, therapies targeting these pathways are becoming available. In other words, the age of personalized medicine has arrived, characterized by molecular profiling of melanoma to identify the relevant genetic alterations and the abnormal signaling mechanisms involved, followed by selection of optimal, individualized therapies. In this review, we summarize the key genetic alterations in melanoma and the development of targeted agents against melanomas bearing specific mutations. These developments in melanoma serve as a model for the implementation of personalized medicine for patients with all cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus G Griewank
- Affiliations of authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany (KGG, DS); Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia (RAS); University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia (RAS, JFT); Melanoma Institute Australia, North Sydney, NSW, Australia (RAS, JFT); Center for Melanoma, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF); Department of Pathology, and Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (RM)
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266
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Johnson ME, Zhu F, Li T, Wu H, Galloway TJ, Farma JM, Perlis CS, Turaka A. Absolute lymphocyte count: a potential prognostic factor for Merkel cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2014; 70:1028-35. [PMID: 24666998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.01.890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is a laboratory value commonly obtained during workup of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). OBJECTIVE We report the prognostic impact of ALC as a surrogate of immune status in MCC. METHODS A complete blood cell count was available for 64 patients with MCC in the month before definitive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Statistical analysis was performed with classification and regression tree analysis, log rank test, and Cox model. RESULTS Median overall survival (OS) for the cohort was 97 months. Median OS for patients with an ALC less than 1.1 k/mm(3) was 18.8 versus 110.1 months for those with ALC greater than or equal to 1.1 k/mm(3) (P = .002, hazard ratio 0.29). Multivariate analysis of OS controlling for ALC, sex, stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, hematologic malignancy, and immunosuppression demonstrated ALC as a prognostic factor (P = .03). Disease-free survival at 36 months for ALC less than 1.1 k/mm(3) was 26.9% versus 64.4% for those with ALC greater than or equal to 1.1 k/mm(3) (P = .01). ALC was not a significant predictor for disease-free survival on multivariate analysis (P = .12). LIMITATIONS This is a single-institution retrospective data set. CONCLUSION ALC is associated with OS but not disease-free survival in MCC using a threshold of less than 1.1 k/mm(3). This test may provide additional prognostic information for patients with MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Johnson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Dermatopathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Thomas J Galloway
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey M Farma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Clifford S Perlis
- Department of Dermatology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aruna Turaka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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267
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Page DB, Postow MA, Callahan MK, Wolchok JD. Checkpoint modulation in melanoma: an update on ipilimumab and future directions. Curr Oncol Rep 2014; 15:500-8. [PMID: 23933888 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-013-0337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ipilimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 antibody, was the first therapy demonstrated to improve overall survival in melanoma. Since ipilimumab's approval by the FDA in 2011, a wealth of data has amassed, helping clinicians to optimize its use. We have learned how to mitigate the adverse effects of ipilimumab, identified its effects in melanoma subpopulations such as those with brain metastases, uveal melanoma, and mucosal melanoma, discovered potential biomarkers of activity, and investigated its use in combination with other therapeutic modalities. These discoveries have paved the way for rapid development of second-generation immunomodulatory antibodies such as inhibitors of the programmed cell death 1 receptor axis. These new agents hold promise as monotherapy, but perhaps the greatest allure lies in the possibility of combining these agents in synergistic multidrug regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Page
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA,
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268
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Meyer C, Cagnon L, Costa-Nunes CM, Baumgaertner P, Montandon N, Leyvraz L, Michielin O, Romano E, Speiser DE. Frequencies of circulating MDSC correlate with clinical outcome of melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:247-57. [PMID: 24357148 PMCID: PMC11029062 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 426] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma has a poor prognosis with high resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Recently, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab has demonstrated clinical efficacy, being the first agent to significantly prolong the overall survival of inoperable stage III/IV melanoma patients. A major aim of patient immune monitoring is the identification of biomarkers that predict clinical outcome. We studied circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in ipilimumab-treated patients to detect alterations in the myeloid cell compartment and possible correlations with clinical outcome. Lin(-) CD14(+) HLA-DR(-) monocytic MDSC were enriched in peripheral blood of melanoma patients compared to healthy donors (HD). Tumor resection did not significantly alter MDSC frequencies. During ipilimumab treatment, MDSC frequencies did not change significantly compared to baseline levels. We observed high inter-patient differences. MDSC frequencies in ipilimumab-treated patients were independent of baseline serum lactate dehydrogenase levels but tended to increase in patients with severe metastatic disease (M1c) compared to patients with metastases in skin or lymph nodes only (M1a), who had frequencies comparable to HD. Interestingly, clinical responders to ipilimumab therapy showed significantly less lin(-) CD14(+) HLA-DR(-) cells as compared to non-responders. The data suggest that the frequency of monocytic MDSC may be used as predictive marker of response, as low frequencies identify patients more likely benefitting from ipilimumab treatment. Prospective clinical trials assessing MDSC frequencies as potential biomarkers are warranted to validate these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Meyer
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurène Cagnon
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carla M. Costa-Nunes
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Petra Baumgaertner
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Montandon
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Loredana Leyvraz
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Michielin
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Service of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela Romano
- Service of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E. Speiser
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Service of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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269
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Abstract
In the past decade, major advances have been made in the understanding of melanoma. New predisposition genes have been reported and key somatic events, such as BRAF mutation, directly translated into therapeutic management. Surgery for localised melanoma and regional lymph node metastases is the standard of care. Sentinel-node biopsy provides precise staging, but has not been reported to affect survival. The effect of lymph-node dissection on survival is a topic of investigation. Two distinct approaches have emerged to try to extend survival in patients with metastatic melanoma: immunomodulation with anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibodies, and targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors or MEK inhibitors for BRAF-mutated melanoma. The combination of BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors might improve progression-free survival further and, possibly, increase overall survival. Response patterns differ substantially-anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy can induce long-term responses, but only in a few patients, whereas targeted drugs induce responses in most patients, but nearly all of them relapse because of pre-existing or acquired resistance. Thus, the long-term prognosis of metastatic melanoma remains poor. Anti-PD1 and anti-PDL1 antibodies have emerged as breakthrough drugs for melanoma that have high response rates and long durability. Biomarkers that have predictive value remain elusive in melanoma, although emerging data for adjuvant therapy indicate that interferon sensitivity is associated with ulceration of the primary melanoma. Intense investigation continues for clinical and biological markers that predict clinical benefit of immunotherapeutic drugs, such as interferon alfa or anti-CTLA4 antibodies, and the mechanisms that lead to resistance of targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M M Eggermont
- Melanoma Unit and INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute, Grand Paris, Villejuif, France; Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Alan Spatz
- Department of Pathology, McGill University & Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Robert
- Melanoma Unit and INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute, Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
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270
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A combination trial of vaccine plus ipilimumab in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: immune correlates. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:407-18. [PMID: 24514956 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1524-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We recently reported the clinical results of a Phase I trial combining ipilimumab with a vaccine containing transgenes for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and for a triad of costimulatory molecules (PROSTVAC) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Thirty patients were treated with escalating ipilimumab and a fixed dose of vaccine. Of 24 chemotherapy-naïve patients, 58 % had a PSA decline. Combination therapy did not exacerbate the immune-related adverse events associated with ipilimumab. Here, we present updated survival data and an evaluation of 36 immune cell subsets pre- and post-therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected before therapy, at 13 days and at 70 days post-initiation of therapy, and phenotyped by flow cytometry for the subsets of T cells, regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Associations between overall survival (OS) and immune cell subsets prior to treatment, and the change in a given immune cell subset 70 days post-initiation of therapy, were evaluated. The median OS was 2.63 years (1.77-3.45). There were trends toward associations for longer OS and certain immune cell subsets before immunotherapy: lower PD-1(+)Tim-3(NEG)CD4EM (P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.010), higher PD-1(NEG)Tim-3(+)CD8 (P = 0.002, adjusted P = 0.004), and a higher number of CTLA-4(NEG) Tregs (P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.010). We also found that an increase in Tim-3(+) natural killer cells post- versus pre-vaccination associated with longer OS (P = 0.0074, adjusted P = 0.015). These results should be considered as hypothesis generating and should be further evaluated in larger immunotherapy trials.
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271
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Singer J, Jensen‐Jarolim E. IgE-based immunotherapy of cancer: challenges and chances. Allergy 2014; 69:137-49. [PMID: 24117861 PMCID: PMC4022995 DOI: 10.1111/all.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Passive immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies is an indispensable cornerstone of clinical oncology. Notably, all FDA-approved antibodies comprise the IgG class, although numerous research articles proposed monoclonal antibodies of the IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE classes directed specifically against tumor-associated antigens. In particular, for the IgE isotype class, several recent studies could demonstrate high tumoricidic efficacy. Therefore, this review specifically highlights the latest developments toward IgE-based immunotherapy of cancer. Possible mechanisms and safety aspects of IgE-mediated tumor cell death are discussed with special focus on the attracted immune cells. An outlook is given on how especially comparative oncology could contribute to further developments. Humans and dogs have a highly comparable IgE biology, suggesting that translational AllergoOncology studies in patients with canine cancer could have predictive value for the potential of IgE-based anticancer immunotherapy in human clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Singer
- Comparative Immunology and Oncology Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - E. Jensen‐Jarolim
- Comparative Immunology and Oncology Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Comparative Medicine Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Medical University Vienna and University Vienna Vienna Austria
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272
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Perez-Gracia JL, Labiano S, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Sanmamed MF, Melero I. Orchestrating immune check-point blockade for cancer immunotherapy in combinations. Curr Opin Immunol 2014; 27:89-97. [PMID: 24485523 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitory receptors on immune system cells respond to membrane-bound and soluble ligands to abort or mitigate the intensity of immune responses by raising thresholds of activation, halting proliferation, favoring apoptosis or inhibiting/deviating effector function differentiation. Such evolutionarily selected inhibitory mechanisms are termed check-points and therefore check-point inhibitors empower any ongoing anti-cancer immune response that might have been too weak or exhausted. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) interfering with CTLA-4-CD80/86, PD-1 - PD-L1, TIM-3-GAL9 and LAG3-MHC-II belong to this category of check-point inhibitors. The anti-CTLA-4 mAb ipilimumab has been approved for metastatic melanoma. Anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 mAbs have shown extremely encouraging clinical activity. The potential of combination strategies with these agents has recently been highlighted by clinical observations on CTLA-4+PD-1 combined blockade in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Labiano
- CIMA and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ignacio Melero
- CIMA and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Sandin LC, Eriksson F, Ellmark P, Loskog AS, Tötterman TH, Mangsbo SM. Local CTLA4 blockade effectively restrains experimental pancreatic adenocarcinoma growth in vivo. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e27614. [PMID: 24701377 PMCID: PMC3962508 DOI: 10.4161/onci.27614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated blockade of CTLA4 has been shown to be effective in treating a select group of patients with late-stage melanoma. The precise mechanism underlying the clinical activity of CTLA4 immunotherapy is poorly understood, although recent experimental findings indicate that antibody-mediated depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in efficacious antitumor responses. In the current study, we used an experimental model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to compare the antitumor efficacy of peritumoral low-dose anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) administration to that of a commonly utilized systemic high-dose anti-CTLA4 regimen. We selected pancreatic adenocarcinoma as it presents a particular challenge to clinicians due to its aggressive behavior, metastatic spread and limited treatment options. Furthermore, Fc gamma receptor (FcγR)-dense myeloid cells commonly infiltrate pancreatic tumors, such that these tumor types exhibit increased susceptibility to CTLA4 antibody-targeted Treg depletion via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Locally administered anti-CTLA4 mAb effectively reduced tumor growth at a low dose and no additional anti-tumor effects were apparent when increasing the dose or number of injections. No significant difference in overall survival was seen when comparing locally administered low-dose with standard systemic high-dose CTLA4 blockade therapy, and both delivery routes led to increased tumor-infiltrating effector T cells and reduced Treg cells. As opposed to low-dose peritumoral treatment, high-dose systemic therapy stimulated the accumulation of Tregs in secondary lymphoid organs, an effect that could potentially counteract the antitumor immunotherapeutic benefit of CTLA4 blockade. Our study confirms previous findings that local administration of low-dose anti-CTLA4 antibody generates sustained antitumor effects and provides rationale to devise ultrasound-guided intratumoral anti-CTLA4 antibody injection regimens to treat patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other types of solid tumors. In support, clinical relevancy could include reduced immune-related adverse events by limiting systemic antibody spread to immune cell-dense organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C Sandin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology; Clinical Immunology; Uppsala University; Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Eriksson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology; Clinical Immunology; Uppsala University; Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience AB; Lund, Sweden ; Department of Immunotechnology; Lund University; Lund, Sweden
| | - Angelica Si Loskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology; Clinical Immunology; Uppsala University; Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas H Tötterman
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology; Clinical Immunology; Uppsala University; Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara M Mangsbo
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology; Clinical Immunology; Uppsala University; Uppsala, Sweden
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274
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275
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Postow MA, Yuan J, Kitano S, Lesokhin AM, Wolchok JD. Markers for anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) therapy in melanoma. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1102:83-95. [PMID: 24258975 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-727-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies that block Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) enhance antitumor immunity and prolong the lives of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, only a subset of patients benefit, and responses are often delayed due to heterogeneous response kinetics. Ongoing monitoring of the immunologic effects of therapy and correlating these immunologic changes with patient outcomes continue to be important goals to better identify possible mechanisms of clinical activity of these agents. This chapter introduces the major areas of investigation in monitoring patients treated with CTLA-4 blockade and provides specific details of our experience performing selected assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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276
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Slovin SF. Emerging treatments in management of prostate cancer: biomarker validation and endpoints for immunotherapy clinical trial design. Immunotargets Ther 2013; 3:1-8. [PMID: 27471695 PMCID: PMC4918229 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s30821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapidly emerging field of immunotherapy and the development of novel immunologic agents that have been approved in melanoma and successfully studied in lung cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer have mandated that there be uniformity in clinical trial analysis beyond conventional survival endpoints and imaging. This includes some measure of determining whether the immunologic target is hit and how the treatment has impacted on the immune system in toto. While melanoma is leading the field towards these ends, there is some doubt that not all of the recent successes with immune therapies, for example, checkpoint inhibitors, will be effective for every cancer, and that the toxicities may also be different depending on the malignancy. This review serves to elucidate the current issues facing clinical investigators who perform immunologic trials targeted at patients with prostate cancer and discusses the challenges in assessing the right immunologic endpoints to demonstrate biologic/immunologic targeting leading to clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan F Slovin
- Genitourinary Oncology Service, Sidney Kimmel Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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277
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Golden EB, Demaria S, Schiff PB, Chachoua A, Formenti SC. An abscopal response to radiation and ipilimumab in a patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2013; 1:365-72. [PMID: 24563870 PMCID: PMC3930458 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-13-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 520] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A posteriori evidence suggests that radiotherapy to a targeted tumor can elicit an immune-mediated abscopal (ab-scopus, away from the target) effect in non-targeted tumors, when combined with an anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 monoclonal (CTLA-4) antibody. Concurrent radiotherapy and ipilimumab (a human monoclonal anti-CTLA-4 antibody) induced immune-mediated abscopal effects in poorly immunogenic pre-clinical tumor models and metastatic melanoma patients. However, no such reports exist for patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. We report the first abscopal response in a treatment-refractory lung cancer patient treated with radiotherapy and ipilimumab. A post-treatment increase in tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic lymphocytes, tumor regression, and normalization of tumor markers was observed. One year after treatment with concurrent radiotherapy and ipilimumab the patient is without evidence of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Encouse B Golden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY ; Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Peter B Schiff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Abraham Chachoua
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Silvia C Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
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278
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Tse BWC, Collins A, Oehler MK, Zippelius A, Heinzelmann-Schwarz VA. Antibody-based immunotherapy for ovarian cancer: where are we at? Ann Oncol 2013; 25:322-31. [PMID: 24285017 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdt405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy continue to be the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment. However, as mortality from advanced ovarian cancer remains very high, novel therapies are required to be integrated into existing treatment regimens. Immunotherapy represents an alternative and rational therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer based on a body of evidence supporting a protective role of the immune system against these cancers, and on the clinical success of immunotherapy in other malignancies. Whether or not immunotherapy will have a role in the future management of ovarian cancer is too early to tell, but research in this field is active. This review will discuss recent clinical developments of selected immunotherapies for ovarian cancer which fulfil the following criteria: (i) they are antibody-based, (ii) target a distinct immunological pathway, and (iii) have reached the clinical trial stage. Specifically, the focus is on Catumaxomab (anti-EpCAM×anti-CD3), Abagovomab, Oregovomab (anti-CA125), Daclizumab (anti-CD25), Ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4), and MXD-1105 (anti-PD-L1). Catumaxomab has reached phase III clinical trials and exhibits promise with reports, showing that it can cause a significant and sustained reduction in ascites. Phase I-III clinical trials continue to be conducted on the other antibodies, some of which have had encouraging reports. We will also provide our perspective on the future of immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, and how it may be best employed in treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- B W C Tse
- Ovarian Cancer Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School
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279
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Ascierto PA, Kalos M, Schaer DA, Callahan MK, Wolchok JD. Biomarkers for immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies in combination strategies for melanoma and other tumor types. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:1009-20. [PMID: 23460532 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-2982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of the immune system by targeting coinhibitory and costimulatory receptors has become a promising new approach of immunotherapy for cancer. The recent approval of the CTLA-4-blocking antibody ipilimumab for the treatment of melanoma was a watershed event, opening up a new era in the field of immunotherapy. Ipilimumab was the first treatment to ever show enhanced overall survival (OS) for patients with stage IV melanoma. However, measuring response rates using standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) or modified World Health Organization criteria or progression-free survival does not accurately capture the potential for clinical benefit for ipilimumab-treated patients. As immunotherapy approaches are translated into more tumor types, it is important to study biomarkers, which may be more predictive of OS to identify the patients most likely to have clinical benefit. Ipilimumab is the first-in-class of a series of immunomodulating antibodies that are in clinical development. Anti-PD1 (nivolumab and MK-3475), anti-PD-L1 (BMS-936 559, RG7446, and MEDI4736), anti-CD137 (urelumab), anti-OX40, anti-GITR, and anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies are just some of the agents that are being actively investigated in clinical trials, each having the potential for combination with the ipilimumab to enhance its effectiveness. Development of rational combinations of immunomodulatory antibodies with small-molecule pathway inhibitor therapies such as vemurafenib makes the discovery of predictive biomarkers even more important. Identifying reliable biomarkers is a necessary step in personalizing the treatment of each patient's cancer through a baseline assessment of tumor gene expression and/or immune profile to optimize therapy for the best chance of therapeutic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo A Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
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280
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Page DB, Postow MA, Callahan MK, Allison JP, Wolchok JD. Immune modulation in cancer with antibodies. Annu Rev Med 2013; 65:185-202. [PMID: 24188664 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-092012-112807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ipilimumab is the prototypical immunomodulatory antibody, approved by the FDA in 2011 for advanced melanoma on the basis of survival benefit. Since that time, we have made significant strides in optimizing this therapy: we have characterized the spectrum of immune-related adverse events and learned how to mitigate them with treatment algorithms, discovered potential biomarkers of activity, and identified the potential synergy between checkpoint modulation and other therapeutic modalities. Recent phase I trials have established the efficacy and safety of next-generation checkpoint agents, including PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, across multiple tumor types. Much work lies ahead in developing these next-generation checkpoint agents, testing them in combination, and determining how to integrate them into the treatment paradigms of various tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Page
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065; , , ,
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281
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Kyi C, Postow MA. Checkpoint blocking antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. FEBS Lett 2013; 588:368-76. [PMID: 24161671 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancers can be recognized by the immune system, and the immune system may regulate and even eliminate tumors. The development of checkpoint blocking antibodies, such as those directed against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1), have demonstrated significant recent promise in the treatment of an expanding list of malignancies. While both CTLA-4 and PD-1 function as negative regulators, each plays a non-redundant role in modulating immune responses. CTLA-4 attenuates the early activation of naïve and memory T cells. In contrast, PD-1 is primarily involved in modulating T cell activity in peripheral tissues via interaction with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. Unfortunately, not all patients respond to these therapies, and evaluation of biomarkers associated with clinical outcomes is ongoing. This review will examine the efficacy, toxicities, and clinical development of checkpoint blocking antibodies, including agents already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (anti-CTLA-4, ipilimumab) or in development (anti-PD-1, PD-L1). Future studies will likely uncover new promising immunologic checkpoints to target alone or in combination with other immunotherapeutic approaches, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisann Kyi
- Department of Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital Cornell, 525 E 68th St., New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Michael A Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St., New York, NY 10065, United States.
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282
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Tosti G, Cocorocchio E, Pennacchioli E. Anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 antibodies in melanoma. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2013; 6:245-56. [PMID: 24204168 PMCID: PMC3804494 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s24246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approaches aimed at enhancement of the tumor specific response have provided proof for the rationale of immunotherapy in cancer, both in animal models and in humans. Ipilimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibody, is a new generation immunotherapeutic agent that has shown activity in terms of disease free and overall survival in metastatic melanoma patients. Its use was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 2011 to treat patients with late stage melanoma that has spread or that cannot be removed by surgery. The mechanism of action of CTLA-4 antibodies in the activation of an antitumor immune response and selected clinical studies of ipilimumab in advanced melanoma patients are discussed. Ipilimumab treatment has been associated with immune related adverse events due to T-cell activation and proliferation. Most of these serious adverse effects are associated with the gastrointestinal tract and include severe diarrhea and colitis. The relationship between immune related adverse events and antitumor activity associated with ipilimumab was explored in clinical studies. Potential biomarkers predictive for clinical response and survival in patients treated with anti-CTLA-4 therapy are presently under investigation. Besides the conventional patterns of response and stable disease as defined by standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria, in subsets of patients, ipilimumab has shown patterns of delayed clinical activity which were associated with an improved overall survival. For this reason a new set of response criteria for tumor immunotherapy has been proposed, which was termed immune related response criteria. These new criteria are presently used to better analyze clinical activity of immunotherapeutic regimens. Ipilimumab is currently under investigation in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, target agents, radiotherapy, and other immuno-therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Tosti
- Divisione Melanomi e Sarcomi, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milano, Italy
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283
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Bello DM, Ariyan CE, Carvajal RD. Melanoma Mutagenesis and Aberrant Cell Signaling. Cancer Control 2013; 20:261-81. [DOI: 10.1177/107327481302000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Bello
- Department of Surgery Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Charlotte E. Ariyan
- Department of Surgery Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard D. Carvajal
- Department of Medical Oncology Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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284
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Gyorki DE, Callahan M, Wolchok JD, Ariyan CE. The delicate balance of melanoma immunotherapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2013; 2:e5. [PMID: 25505953 PMCID: PMC4232053 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2013.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The strategy of immune modulation for the treatment of cancer is being refined with the introduction of multiple new therapeutic agents into the clinic. Melanoma is a disease where many of these agents have demonstrated efficacy. The mechanisms of action of these agents exploit the counter-regulatory mechanisms of the immune response. However, these agents are also associated with immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), which represent tissue-specific inflammatory responses. These IRAEs highlight the delicate balance of immunologic homeostasis and, with some interventions, may occur more frequently in patients who sustain a therapeutic response. This review will discuss melanoma immunogenicity and immunotherapy. Furthermore, the spectrum and distinction between a reversible immune adverse event and autoimmunity will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Gyorki
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret Callahan
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA ; Ludwig Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA ; Ludwig Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA ; Weill Cornell Medical College , New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte E Ariyan
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA ; Weill Cornell Medical College , New York, NY, USA
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285
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Callahan MK, Postow MA, Wolchok JD. Immunomodulatory therapy for melanoma: ipilimumab and beyond. Clin Dermatol 2013; 31:191-9. [PMID: 23438382 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first new therapy for melanoma in more than a decade, ipilimumab (Yervoy). Ipilimumab is a novel antibody that blocks cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), a regulatory molecule expressed on activated T cells. Blockade of this important immune checkpoint can lead to durable tumor regression, and phase III studies show an overall survival benefit for patients with advanced melanoma. During the clinical development of ipilimumab, several unique features of this immunotherapy were identified, including the remarkable durability of responses and a distinct side-effects profile. We review the preclinical and clinical development of CTLA-4-blocking antibodies and describe current practices using ipilimumab for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Unique clinical issues related to ipilimumab will be summarized. Lastly, we will briefly preview combination therapies that incorporate ipilimumab and new checkpoint-targeting antibodies currently in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret K Callahan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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286
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Callahan MK, Postow MA, Wolchok JD. Immunomodulatory therapy for melanoma: ipilimumab and beyond. Clin Dermatol 2013. [PMID: 23438382 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first new therapy for melanoma in more than a decade, ipilimumab (Yervoy). Ipilimumab is a novel antibody that blocks cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), a regulatory molecule expressed on activated T cells. Blockade of this important immune checkpoint can lead to durable tumor regression, and phase III studies show an overall survival benefit for patients with advanced melanoma. During the clinical development of ipilimumab, several unique features of this immunotherapy were identified, including the remarkable durability of responses and a distinct side-effects profile. We review the preclinical and clinical development of CTLA-4-blocking antibodies and describe current practices using ipilimumab for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Unique clinical issues related to ipilimumab will be summarized. Lastly, we will briefly preview combination therapies that incorporate ipilimumab and new checkpoint-targeting antibodies currently in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret K Callahan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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287
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Tarhini AA. Tremelimumab: a review of development to date in solid tumors. Immunotherapy 2013; 5:215-29. [PMID: 23444951 DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tremelimumab is an investigational, fully human IgG monoclonal antibody directed against CTLA-4, a coinhibitory receptor that represses effector T-cell activity in cancer. Tremelimumab has produced promising anticancer responses in early clinical trials. However, a phase III trial of tremelimumab monotherapy versus chemotherapy in advanced melanoma was stopped early when no statistically significant difference in overall survival was observed between the two interventions. This article describes tremelimumab's putative mechanism of action, its preclinical pharmacology and clinical results to date across a range of cancer settings as monotherapy, as well as in combination with other therapies. The failure of the Phase III trial in melanoma is examined and factors affecting the possible future clinical development of tremelimumab are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A Tarhini
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Fifth Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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288
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Luke JJ, Callahan MK, Postow MA, Romano E, Ramaiya N, Bluth M, Giobbie-Hurder A, Lawrence DP, Ibrahim N, Ott PA, Flaherty KT, Sullivan RJ, Harding JJ, D'Angelo S, Dickson M, Schwartz GK, Chapman PB, Wolchok JD, Hodi FS, Carvajal RD. Clinical activity of ipilimumab for metastatic uveal melanoma: a retrospective review of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and University Hospital of Lausanne experience. Cancer 2013; 119:3687-95. [PMID: 23913718 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal melanoma exhibits a high incidence of metastases; and, to date, there is no systemic therapy that clearly improves outcomes. The anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA-4) antibody ipilimumab is a standard of care for metastatic melanoma; however, the clinical activity of CTLA-4 inhibition in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma is poorly defined. METHODS To assess ipilimumab in this setting, the authors performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of 4 hospitals in the United States and Europe. Clinical characteristics, toxicities, and radiographic disease burden, as determined by central, blinded radiology review, were evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients with uveal melanoma were identified, including 34 patients who received 3 mg/kg ipilimumab and 5 who received 10 mg/kg ipilimumab. Immune-related response criteria and modified World Health Organization criteria were used to assess the response rate (RR) and the combined response plus stable disease (SD) rate after 12 weeks, after 23 weeks, and overall (median follow-up, 50.4 weeks [12.6 months]). At week 12, the RR was 2.6%, and the response plus SD rate was 46.%; at week 23, the RR was 2.6%, and the response plus SD rate was 28.2%. There was 1 complete response and 1 late partial response (at 100 weeks after initial SD) for an immune-related RR of 5.1%. Immune-related adverse events were observed in 28 patients (71.8%) and included 7 (17.9%) grade 3 and 4 events. Immune-related adverse events were more frequent in patients who received 10 mg/kg ipilimumab than in those who received 3 mg/kg ipilimumab. The median overall survival from the first dose of ipilimumab was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval, 6.3-13.4 months; range, 1.6-41.6 months). Performance status, lactate dehydrogenase level, and an absolute lymphocyte count ≥ 1000 cells/μL at week 7 were associated significantly with survival. CONCLUSIONS In this multicenter, retrospective analysis of 4 hospitals in the United States and Europe of patients with uveal melanoma, durable responses to ipilimumab and manageable toxicity were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Luke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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289
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Barker CA, Postow MA, Khan SA, Beal K, Parhar PK, Yamada Y, Lee NY, Wolchok JD. Concurrent radiotherapy and ipilimumab immunotherapy for patients with melanoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2013; 1:92-8. [PMID: 24777500 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-13-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ipilimumab and radiotherapy are commonly used to treat unresectable and metastatic melanoma. Results from preclinical studies and case reports suggest a biologic interaction between these two treatments. To understand the clinical implications of the interaction, we carried out a retrospective study reviewing records of patients treated with ipilimumab and radiotherapy for melanoma at our institution between 2005 and 2011. The review included details of treatment, response, adverse events (AE), and overall survival (OS). Twenty-nine patients underwent 33 courses of non-brain radiotherapy between their first and last dose of ipilimumab. Immune-related AEs (ir-AEs) were observed in 43% of patients receiving ipilimumab at 10 mg/kg and in 22% of patients receiving 3 mg/kg; the frequency of ir-AEs was not significantly different compared with previous studies of ipilimumab alone. Radiotherapy-related AEs were significantly more common in patients receiving higher doses of radiation. Palliation of symptoms was reported by 77% of patients after radiotherapy. Median OS was 9 and 39 months in patients receiving radiotherapy during induction and maintenance with ipilimumab, respectively. In this retrospective study, concurrent ipilimumab and radiotherapy was neither associated with higher than expected rates of AEs nor did it abrogate palliative effects of radiotherapy or survival benefits of ipilimumab. Further studies to prospectively explore the efficacy of this therapeutic combination are warranted.
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290
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Wolchok JD, Kluger H, Callahan MK, Postow MA, Rizvi NA, Lesokhin AM, Segal NH, Ariyan CE, Gordon RA, Reed K, Burke MM, Caldwell A, Kronenberg SA, Agunwamba BU, Zhang X, Lowy I, Inzunza HD, Feely W, Horak CE, Hong Q, Korman AJ, Wigginton JM, Gupta A, Sznol M. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab in advanced melanoma. N Engl J Med 2013; 369:122-33. [PMID: 23724867 PMCID: PMC5698004 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1302369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3214] [Impact Index Per Article: 292.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with melanoma, ipilimumab (an antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 [CTLA-4]) prolongs overall survival, and nivolumab (an antibody against the programmed death 1 [PD-1] receptor) produced durable tumor regression in a phase 1 trial. On the basis of their distinct immunologic mechanisms of action and supportive preclinical data, we conducted a phase 1 trial of nivolumab combined with ipilimumab in patients with advanced melanoma. METHODS We administered intravenous doses of nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by nivolumab alone every 3 weeks for 4 doses (concurrent regimen). The combined treatment was subsequently administered every 12 weeks for up to 8 doses. In a sequenced regimen, patients previously treated with ipilimumab received nivolumab every 2 weeks for up to 48 doses. RESULTS A total of 53 patients received concurrent therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab, and 33 received sequenced treatment. The objective-response rate (according to modified World Health Organization criteria) for all patients in the concurrent-regimen group was 40%. Evidence of clinical activity (conventional, unconfirmed, or immune-related response or stable disease for ≥24 weeks) was observed in 65% of patients. At the maximum doses that were associated with an acceptable level of adverse events (nivolumab at a dose of 1 mg per kilogram of body weight and ipilimumab at a dose of 3 mg per kilogram), 53% of patients had an objective response, all with tumor reduction of 80% or more. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events related to therapy occurred in 53% of patients in the concurrent-regimen group but were qualitatively similar to previous experience with monotherapy and were generally reversible. Among patients in the sequenced-regimen group, 18% had grade 3 or 4 adverse events related to therapy and the objective-response rate was 20%. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab had a manageable safety profile and provided clinical activity that appears to be distinct from that in published data on monotherapy, with rapid and deep tumor regression in a substantial proportion of patients. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01024231.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jedd D Wolchok
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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291
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Therapy of malignant melanoma recently experienced remarkable advances with the introduction of two treatment regimens, gene mutation-based therapies with signaling pathway inhibitors (kinase inhibitors) and treatments with immune modulators. Both strategies prolong patients' survival but still have specific limitations, demanding the identification of additional genetic and immunological biomarkers as predictors of treatment response and prognosis. New developments in that field are summarized in this review. RECENT FINDINGS Activating oncogene mutations are important melanoma biomarkers. They predict responsiveness to kinase inhibitor therapies and have therapy independent prognostic relevance. Epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA) in melanoma are emerging as potentially valuable biomarkers. With the successful introduction of immunotherapies for melanoma, interest in immunological biomarkers has grown. Tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells from patients' peripheral blood were recently proposed to predict prognosis and response to immunotherapy. A superior immune profile assessment could be achieved by combining a detailed characterization of a tumor's immune cell infiltrate with its (immune) gene signature. SUMMARY Genetic melanoma markers have already become clinically relevant. We expect both their role and that of immunological biomarkers to increase significantly in the next few years, enabling personalized therapy with optimal treatment selection for individual tumors.
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292
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Efficacy and safety of ipilimumab therapy in patients with metastatic melanoma: a retrospective multicenter analysis. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2013; 17:257-62. [PMID: 24596511 PMCID: PMC3934064 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2013.35785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study The Patient Assistance Program, a type of expanded access program, was initiated for compassionate purposes to provide ipilimumab to patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma with failed previous treatment. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ipilimumab therapy in daily clinical practice. Material and methods We analyzed 50 patients (29 males, 21 females) aged 21 to 76 years (median: 49 years). An ipilimumab dose of 3 mg/kg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks for a total of 4 doses. Patients were assessed for response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival, and monitored for adverse events. Results The objective response (complete or partial response) rate was 12%. Median overall survival was 8 months and median progression-free survival was 3 months. In patients with ECOG-PS 0, the median overall survival was 16 months. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occurred in 48% of the patients, grade 3 or 4 irAEs were reported in 8% of the patients, and there were no toxic deaths. Conclusions Ipilimumab demonstrated clinical benefit in previously treated advanced melanoma patients. Although clinical benefit is limited to a minority of the patients, there is a benefit in terms of overall survival in this group of patients.
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293
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Bruno TC, French JD, Jordan KR, Ramirez O, Sippel TR, Borges VF, Haugen BR, McCarter MD, Waziri A, Slansky JE. Influence of human immune cells on cancer: studies at the University of Colorado. Immunol Res 2013; 55:22-33. [PMID: 22941561 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-012-8346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There will be over half a million cancer-related deaths in the United States in 2012, with lung cancer being the leader followed by prostate in men and breast in women. There is estimated to be more than one and a half million new cases of cancer in 2012, making the development of effective therapies a high priority. As tumor immunologists, we are interested in the development of immunotherapies because the immune response offers exquisite specificity and the potential to target tumor cells without harming normal cells. In this review, we highlight the current advances in the field of immunotherapy and the current work being completed by laboratories at University of Colorado School of Medicine in multiple malignancies, including breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, thyroid cancer, and glioblastoma. This work focuses on augmenting the anti-tumor response of CD8 T cells in the blood, lymph nodes, and tumors of patients, determining biomarkers for patients who are more likely to respond to immunotherapy, and identifying additional anti-tumor and immunosuppressive cells that influence the overall response to tumors. These collaborative efforts will identify mechanisms to improve immune function, which may elucidate therapeutic targets for clinical trials to improve patient health and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullia C Bruno
- National Jewish Health, Integrated Department of Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO 80206, USA
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294
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Di Giacomo AM, Calabrò L, Danielli R, Fonsatti E, Bertocci E, Pesce I, Fazio C, Cutaia O, Giannarelli D, Miracco C, Biagioli M, Altomonte M, Maio M. Long-term survival and immunological parameters in metastatic melanoma patients who responded to ipilimumab 10 mg/kg within an expanded access programme. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:1021-8. [PMID: 23591982 PMCID: PMC11029072 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1418-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ipilimumab can result in durable clinical responses among patients with advanced melanoma. However, no predictive marker of clinical activity has yet been identified. We provide preliminary data describing the correlation between immunological parameters and response/survival among patients with advanced melanoma who received ipilimumab 10 mg/kg in an expanded access programme. METHODS Patients received ipilimumab 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks (Q3W) for four doses (induction) and Q12W from week 24 (W24) as maintenance therapy. Tumor assessments were conducted Q12W. Expression of inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS) on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells was assessed at baseline, W7, W12 and W24, and the ratio between absolute neutrophils (N) and lymphocytes (L) determined at baseline, W4, W7 and W10. RESULTS Median overall survival among 27 patients was 9.6 months (95 % CI 3.2-16.1), with 3- and 4-year survival rates of 20.4 %. Five patients survived >4 years. Patients with an increase in the number of circulating ICOS(+) T cells at W7 were more likely to experience disease control and have improved survival. An N/L ratio below the median at W7 and W10 was also associated with better survival compared with an N/L ratio above the median. CONCLUSIONS Ipilimumab can induce long-term survival benefits in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic melanoma. Changes in the number of circulating ICOS(+) T cells or N/L ratio during ipilimumab treatment may represent early markers of response. However, given the limited sample size, further investigation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luana Calabrò
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Danielli
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ester Fonsatti
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Erica Bertocci
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Isabella Pesce
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Carolina Fazio
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ornella Cutaia
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Statistical Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Clelia Miracco
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Biagioli
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maresa Altomonte
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Division of Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, University Hospital of Siena, Strada delle Scotte 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
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295
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Luke JJ, Hodi FS. Ipilimumab, vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and trametinib: synergistic competitors in the clinical management of BRAF mutant malignant melanoma. Oncologist 2013; 18:717-25. [PMID: 23709751 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been significant advances in the treatment of malignant melanoma with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of two drugs in 2011, the first drugs approved in 13 years. The developments of immune checkpoint modulation via cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 blockade, with ipilimumab, and targeting of BRAF(V600), with vemurafenib or dabrafenib, as well as MEK, with trametinib, have been paradigm changing both for melanoma clinical practice and for oncology therapeutic development. These advancements, however, reveal new clinical questions regarding combinations and optimal sequencing of these agents in patients with BRAF mutant disease. We review the development of these agents, putative biomarkers, and resistance mechanisms relevant to their use, and possibilities for sequencing and combining these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Luke
- Melanoma Disease Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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296
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Callahan MK, Wolchok JD. At the bedside: CTLA-4- and PD-1-blocking antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2013; 94:41-53. [PMID: 23667165 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1212631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly appreciated that cancers are recognized by the immune system, and under some circumstances, the immune system may control or even eliminate tumors. The modulation of signaling via coinhibitory or costimulatory receptors expressed on T cells has proven to be a potent way to amplify antitumor immune responses. This approach has been exploited successfully for the generation of a new class of anticancer therapies, "checkpoint-blocking" antibodies, exemplified by the recently FDA-approved agent, ipilimumab, an antibody that blocks the coinhibitory receptor CTLA-4. Capitalizing on the success of ipilimumab, agents that target a second coinhibitory receptor, PD-1, or its ligand, PD-L1, are in clinical development. Lessons learned from treating patients with CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathway-blocking antibodies will be reviewed, with a focus on concepts likely to inform the clinical development and application of agents in earlier stages of development. See related review At the bench: Preclinical rationale for CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade as cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret K Callahan
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
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297
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Queirolo P, Morabito A, Laurent S, Lastraioli S, Piccioli P, Ascierto PA, Gentilcore G, Serra M, Marasco A, Tornari E, Dozin B, Pistillo MP. Association of CTLA-4 polymorphisms with improved overall survival in melanoma patients treated with CTLA-4 blockade: a pilot study. Cancer Invest 2013; 31:336-45. [PMID: 23641913 DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2013.793699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CTLA-4 blockade with monoclonal antibodies can lead to cancer regression in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM). CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms may influence the response to anti-CTLA-4 antibodies although few data are available regarding this issue. We analyzed six CTLA-4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (-1661A > G, -1577G > A, -658C > T, -319C > T, +49A > G, and CT60G > A) in 14 Italian MM patients and 45 healthy subjects. We found a significant association between the -1577G/A and CT60G/A genotypes and improved overall survival (Pc < 0.006, Bonferroni corrected), further confirmed by the diplotype analysis (-1577 & CT60 GG-AA diplotype, p < 0.001). A positive trend toward an association between these genotypes and response to therapy was also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Queirolo
- UOC Oncologia Medica A, IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino-IST, Genova, Italy
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298
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Weber J, Hamid O, Amin A, O'Day S, Masson E, Goldberg SM, Williams D, Parker SM, Chasalow SD, Alaparthy S, Wolchok JD. Randomized phase I pharmacokinetic study of ipilimumab with or without one of two different chemotherapy regimens in patients with untreated advanced melanoma. CANCER IMMUNITY 2013; 13:7. [PMID: 23833564 PMCID: PMC3700777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We describe a randomized three-arm phase I study of ipilimumab administered alone (I group) or in combination with dacarbazine (D group) or carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP group) in patients with previously untreated advanced melanoma. The primary objective was to estimate the effect of ipilimumab on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of dacarbazine and paclitaxel and, conversely, to estimate the effects of dacarbazine and carboplatin/paclitaxel on the PK of ipilimumab. Secondary objectives included evaluation of the safety and anti-tumor activity of ipilimumab when administered alone or with either dacarbazine or carboplatin/paclitaxel, and assessment of pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of ipilimumab on the immune system when administered alone or with either of the two chemotherapies. Ipilimumab was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks for up to 4 doses. Patients in the D group received dacarbazine 850 mg/m(2) IV every 3 weeks. Patients in the CP group received paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) IV and carboplatin [AUC=6] IV every 3 weeks. Starting at week 24, patients without dose-limiting toxicities were eligible to receive maintenance ipilimumab at 10 mg/kg every 12 weeks until disease progressed or toxicity required discontinuation. Of 59 randomized patients, 18 (30.5%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Response rates by modified WHO criteria were 29.4% (I group), 27.8% (D group), and 11.1% (CP group). No major PK or PD interactions were observed when ipilimumab was administered with dacarbazine or with the carboplatin/paclitaxel combination. This study demonstrated that ipilimumab can be combined safely with two chemotherapy regimens commonly used in advanced melanoma.
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299
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Selby MJ, Engelhardt JJ, Quigley M, Henning KA, Chen T, Srinivasan M, Korman AJ. Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies of IgG2a isotype enhance antitumor activity through reduction of intratumoral regulatory T cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2013; 1:32-42. [PMID: 24777248 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-13-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 647] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antitumor activity of CTLA-4 antibody blockade is thought to be mediated by interfering with the negative regulation of T-effector cell (Teff) function resulting from CTLA-4 engagement by B7-ligands. In addition, a role for CTLA-4 on regulatory T cells (Treg), wherein CTLA-4 loss or inhibition results in reduced Treg function, may also contribute to antitumor responses by anti-CTLA-4 treatment. We have examined the role of the immunoglobulin constant region on the antitumor activity of anti-CTLA-4 to analyze in greater detail the mechanism of action of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. Anti-CTLA-4 antibody containing the murine immunoglobulin G (IgG)2a constant region exhibits enhanced antitumor activity in subcutaneous established MC38 and CT26 colon adenocarcinoma tumor models compared with anti-CTLA-4 containing the IgG2b constant region. Interestingly, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies containing mouse IgG1 or a mutated mouse IgG1-D265A, which eliminates binding to all Fcγ receptors (FcγR), do not show antitumor activity in these models. Assessment of Teff and Treg populations at the tumor and in the periphery showed that anti-CTLA-4-IgG2a mediated a rapid and dramatic reduction of Tregs at the tumor site, whereas treatment with each of the isotypes expanded Tregs in the periphery. Expansion of CD8(+) Teffs is observed with both the IgG2a and IgG2b anti-CTLA-4 isotypes, resulting in a superior Teff to Treg ratio for the IgG2a isotype. These data suggest that anti-CTLA-4 promotes antitumor activity by a selective reduction of intratumoral Tregs along with concomitant activation of Teffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Selby
- Authors' Affiliation: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Redwood City, California
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300
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Fischer A, Rosen AC, Ensslin CJ, Wu S, Lacouture ME. Pruritus to anticancer agents targeting the EGFR, BRAF, and CTLA-4. Dermatol Ther 2013; 26:135-48. [DOI: 10.1111/dth.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Fischer
- Dermatology Service; Department of Medicine; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; New York; New York; USA
| | - Alyx C. Rosen
- Dermatology Service; Department of Medicine; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; New York; New York; USA
| | - Courtney J. Ensslin
- Dermatology Service; Department of Medicine; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; New York; New York; USA
| | - Shenhong Wu
- Division of Medical Oncology; Department of Medicine; State University of New York at Stony Brook; Stony Brook; New York; USA
| | - Mario E. Lacouture
- Dermatology Service; Department of Medicine; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; New York; New York; USA
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