1
|
Wang M, Xu X, Wang K, Diao Y, Xu J, Gu L, Yao L, Li C, Lv G, Yang T. Conversion therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of precision medicine: Current status, challenges and opportunities. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2159-2169. [PMID: 38695305 PMCID: PMC11247552 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent malignancy of the digestive tract, is characterized by a high mortality rate and poor prognosis, primarily due to its initial diagnosis at an advanced stage that precludes any surgical intervention. Recent advancements in systemic therapies have significantly improved oncological outcomes for intermediate and advanced-stage HCC, and the combination of locoregional and systemic therapies further facilitates tumor downstaging and increases the likelihood of surgical resectability for initially unresectable cases following conversion therapies. This shift toward high conversion rates with novel, multimodal treatment approaches has become a principal pathway for prolonged survival in patients with advanced HCC. However, the field of conversion therapy for HCC is marked by controversies, including the selection of potential surgical candidates, formulation of conversion therapy regimens, determination of optimal surgical timing, and application of adjuvant therapy post-surgery. Addressing these challenges and refining clinical protocols and research in HCC conversion therapy is essential for setting the groundwork for future advancements in treatment strategies and clinical research. This narrative review comprehensively summarizes the current strategies and clinical experiences in conversion therapy for advanced-stage HCC, emphasizing the unresolved issues and the path forward in the context of precision medicine. This work not only provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of treatment modalities for conversion therapy but also paves the way for future studies and innovations in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming‐Da Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Xue‐Jun Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region of PLAUrumuqiXinjiangChina
| | - Ke‐Chun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Yong‐Kang Diao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Jia‐Hao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Li‐Hui Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Lan‐Qing Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Guo‐Yue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery CenterFirst Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery HospitalSecond Military Medical University (Navy Medical University)ShanghaiChina
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery CenterFirst Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilinChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marin JJG, Macias RIR, Asensio M, Romero MR, Temprano AG, Pereira OR, Jimenez S, Mauriz JL, Di Giacomo S, Avila MA, Efferth T, Briz O. Strategies to enhance the response of liver cancer to pharmacological treatments. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C11-C33. [PMID: 38708523 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00176.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In contrast to other types of cancers, there is no available efficient pharmacological treatment to improve the outcomes of patients suffering from major primary liver cancers, i.e., hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. This dismal situation is partly due to the existence in these tumors of many different and synergistic mechanisms of resistance, accounting for the lack of response of these patients, not only to classical chemotherapy but also to more modern pharmacological agents based on the inhibition of tyrosine kinase receptors (TKIs) and the stimulation of the immune response against the tumor using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review summarizes the efforts to develop strategies to overcome this severe limitation, including searching for novel drugs derived from synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural products with vectorial properties against therapeutic targets to increase drug uptake or reduce drug export from cancer cells. Besides, immunotherapy is a promising line of research that is already starting to be implemented in clinical practice. Although less successful than in other cancers, the foreseen future for this strategy in treating liver cancers is considerable. Similarly, the pharmacological inhibition of epigenetic targets is highly promising. Many novel "epidrugs," able to act on "writer," "reader," and "eraser" epigenetic players, are currently being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. Finally, gene therapy is a broad field of research in the fight against liver cancer chemoresistance, based on the impressive advances recently achieved in gene manipulation. In sum, although the present is still dismal, there is reason for hope in the non-too-distant future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose J G Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio I R Macias
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro G Temprano
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Olívia R Pereira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
- Research Centre for Active Living and Wellbeing (LiveWell), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Silvia Jimenez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria, Hospital de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose L Mauriz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of Leon, Leon, Spain
| | - Silvia Di Giacomo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Matias A Avila
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM) Group, University of Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ruli TM, Pollack ED, Lodh A, Evers CD, Price CA, Shoreibah M. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Their Hepatic-Related Side Effects: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2042. [PMID: 38893164 PMCID: PMC11171072 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent type of liver cancer. The prognosis of patients with advanced, unresectable HCC has historically been poor. However, with the emergence of immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), there is reason for optimism. Nevertheless, ICIs do not come without risk, especially when administered in patients with HCC, given their potential underlying poor hepatic reserve. Given their novelty in the management of HCC, there are few studies to date specifically investigating ICI-related side effects on the liver in patients with underlying HCC. This review will serve as a guide for clinicians on ICIs' role in the management of HCC and their potential side effect profile. There will be a discussion on ICI-related hepatotoxicity, the potential for hepatitis B and C reactivation with ICI use, the potential for the development of autoimmune hepatitis with ICI use, and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with ICI use. As ICIs become more commonplace as a treatment option in patients with advanced HCC, it is imperative that clinicians not only understand the mechanism of action of such agents but also understand and are able to identify hepatic-related side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Ruli
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Ethan D. Pollack
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Atul Lodh
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Charles D. Evers
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Christopher A. Price
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Mohamed Shoreibah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kou XS, Li FF, Meng Y, Zhao JM, Liu SF, Zhang L. Multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment of massive hepatocellular carcinoma with hemorrhage: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2225-2232. [PMID: 38764847 PMCID: PMC11099427 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.2225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major contributor to cancer-related deaths, is particularly prevalent in Asia, largely due to hepatitis B virus infection. Its prognosis is generally poor. This case report contributes to the medical literature by detailing a unique approach in treating a large HCC through multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly in patients with massive HCC complicated by ruptured bleeding, a scenario not extensively documented previously. CASE SUMMARY The patient presented with large HCC complicated by intratumoral bleeding. Treatment involved a multidisciplinary approach, providing individualized care. The strategy included drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization, sorafenib-targeted therapy, laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, and standardized sintilimab monoclonal antibody therapy. Six months after treatment, the patient achieved complete radiological remission, with significant symptom relief. Imaging studies showed no lesions or recurrence, and clinical assessments confirmed complete remission. This report is notable as possibly the first documented case of successfully treating such complex HCC conditions through integrated multidisciplinary efforts, offering new insights and a reference for future similar cases. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated effective multidisciplinary treatment for massive HCC with intratumoral bleeding, providing insights for future similar cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Shuai Kou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Fan-Fan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yun Meng
- Department of Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jian-Ming Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Sheng-Fen Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen KY, Zhu Y, Xie SZ, Qin LX. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and prospectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:25. [PMID: 38679698 PMCID: PMC11057182 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the systemic treatment of HCC. The combination treatments based on ICIs have been the major trend in this area. Recently, dual immune checkpoint blockade with durvalumab plus tremelimumab has also emerged as an effective treatment for advanced HCC. However, the majority of HCC patients obtain limited benefits. Understanding the immunological rationale and exploring novel ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy has drawn much attention. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in this area, the ongoing clinical trials of immune-based combination therapies, as well as novel immunotherapy strategies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells, personalized neoantigen vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and bispecific antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Yu Shen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Sun-Zhe Xie
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China.
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang YZ, Liu YC, Su T, Shi JN, Huang Y, Liang B. Current advances and future directions in combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2024; 12:goae031. [PMID: 38628397 PMCID: PMC11018545 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The low incidence of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is an important factor limiting research progression. Our study extensively included nearly three decades of relevant literature and assembled the most comprehensive database comprising 5,742 patients with cHCC-CCA. We summarized the characteristics, tumor markers, and clinical features of these patients. Additionally, we present the evolution of cHCC-CCA classification and explain the underlying rationale for these classification standards. We reviewed cHCC-CCA diagnostic advances using imaging features, tumor markers, and postoperative pathology, as well as treatment options such as surgical, adjuvant, and immune-targeted therapies. In addition, recent advances in more effective chemotherapeutic regimens and immune-targeted therapies were explored. Furthermore, we described the molecular mutation features and potential specific markers of cHCC-CCA. The prognostic value of Nestin has been proven, and we speculate that Nestin will also play a role in classification and diagnosis. However, further research is needed. Moreover, we believe that the possibility of using machine learning liquid biopsy for preoperative diagnosis and establishing a scoring system are directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Zhu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Chen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jiang-Nan Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Llovet JM, Pinyol R, Yarchoan M, Singal AG, Marron TU, Schwartz M, Pikarsky E, Kudo M, Finn RS. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:294-311. [PMID: 38424197 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00868-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The development of effective systemic therapies, particularly those involving immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has substantially improved the outcomes of patients with advanced-stage HCC. Approximately 30% of patients are diagnosed with early stage disease and currently receive potentially curative therapies, such as resection, liver transplantation or local ablation, which result in median overall survival durations beyond 60 months. Nonetheless, up to 70% of these patients will have disease recurrence within 5 years of resection or local ablation. To date, the results of randomized clinical trials testing adjuvant therapy in patients with HCC have been negative. This major unmet need has been addressed with the IMbrave 050 trial, demonstrating a recurrence-free survival benefit in patients with a high risk of relapse after resection or local ablation who received adjuvant atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In parallel, studies testing neoadjuvant ICIs alone or in combination in patients with early stage disease have also reported efficacy. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current approaches to manage patients with early stage HCC. We also describe the tumour immune microenvironment and the mechanisms of action of ICIs and cancer vaccines in this setting. Finally, we summarize the available evidence from phase II/III trials of neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches and discuss emerging clinical trials, identification of biomarkers and clinical trial design considerations for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Pinyol
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas U Marron
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Department of Liver Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eli Pikarsky
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abou-Alfa GK, Sangro B. HIMALAYA Overall Survival Prominence and Other Routes to the Peak. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:409. [PMID: 38206602 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.6268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan K Abou-Alfa
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit and HPB Oncology Area, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Errors in the Abstract, Table 1, Text, and Reference List. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:411. [PMID: 38206599 PMCID: PMC10784990 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.6378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
|
10
|
Llovet JM, Cappuyns S, Finn RS. HIMALAYA Overall Survival Prominence and Other Routes to the Peak-Reply. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:1. [PMID: 38206615 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.6271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sarah Cappuyns
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, UZ Leuven/KU, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Richard S Finn
- Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pan D, Liu HN, Qu PF, Ma X, Ma LY, Chen XX, Wang YQ, Qin XB, Han ZX. Progress in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with immune combination therapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:273-286. [PMID: 38425407 PMCID: PMC10900147 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i2.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe malignancy that poses a serious threat to human health. Owing to challenges in early diagnosis, most patients lose the opportunity for radical treatment when diagnosed. Nonetheless, recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy provide new directions for the treatment of HCC. For instance, monoclonal antibodies against immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as programmed cell death protein 1/death ligand-1 inhibitors and cytotoxic t-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 significantly improved the prognosis of patients with HCC. However, tumor cells can evade the immune system through various mechanisms. With the rapid development of genetic engineering and molecular biology, various new immunotherapies have been used to treat HCC, including ICIs, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, engineered cytokines, and certain cancer vaccines. This review summarizes the current status, research progress, and future directions of different immunotherapy strategies in the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao-Nan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng-Fei Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lu-Yao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Qin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Xiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Köstek O, Demirel A, Hacıoğlu MB, Tastekin D, Karabulut S, Gündogdu A, Sever N, Ayhan M, Çelebi A, Majidova N, Yaşar A, Ağyol Y, Erel P, Kocaaslan E, Güren AK, Arıkan R, Isık S, Ercelep O, Goksu SS, Alandag C, Bilgetekin İ, Caner B, Sahin AB, Gulmez A, Akagunduz B, Kose F, Kaplan MA, Dogan E, Sakalar T, Guven DC, Gurbuz M, Ergun Y, Karaagac M, Turker S, Ozkul O, Yıldız B, Sahin S, Demiray AG, Sari M, Erdogan B, Hacıbekiroglu İ, Çakmak Öksüzoğlu ÖB, Kilickap S, Bilici A, Bayoglu İV, Topaloglu S, Cicin İ. The prognostic factors in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: impact of treatment sequencing. J Chemother 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38263804 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2024.2305066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with advanced HCC can vary widely depending on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and treatment regimens. This study aimed to investigate survival outcomes and associated factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this retrospective study, data from 23 medical oncology clinics were analyzed. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) values were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors associated with survival which were identified in univariate analysis were subsequently evaluated in a multivariate Cox-regression survival analysis was conducted using the backward stepwise (Conditional LR) method to determine the independent predictors of PFS and OS. Of 280 patients, 131 received chemotherapy and 142 received sorafenib, 6 received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and 1 received nivolumab for first-line setting. The median follow-up time was 30.4 (95%CI 27.1-33.6) months. For-first line, median PFS was 3.1 (95%CI2.7-3.5) months, and it was significantly longer in patients who received sorafenib or atezolizumab-bevacizumab or nivolumab (PFS 5.8 (95%CI 4.2-7.5) than in those received chemotherapy (PFS 2.1 (95%CI 1.9-2.3) in the first-line setting (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender (HR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.53-4.94, p = 0.01), poor ECOG performance score (HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-3.21, p = 0.02), higher baseline AFP level (HR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.54-3.67, p < 0.001) and upfront sorafenib treatment (HR,0.38; 95% CI: 0.23-0.62, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with shorter PFS. The median OS was 13.2 (95%CI 11.1-15.2) months. It was significantly longer in patients who received sorafenib or atezolizumab-bevacizumab or nivolumab in the first-line setting followed by TKIs (sorafenib or regorafenib, OS 18.6 (95%CI 13.8-23.5)) compared to those who received chemotherapy (OS 10.3 (95%CI 6.6-14.1)) in the first-line setting. The multivariate analysis revealed that upfront chemotherapy treatment approach, male gender (HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.07-2.94, p = 0.02), poor ECOG performance score (HR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.24-3.09, p = 0.004) and Child-Pugh score, presence of extrahepatic disease (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.09-2.18, p = 0.01), and higher baseline AFP value (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03-2.19, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, regarding of treatment sequence, upfront sorafenib followed by regorafenib showed a significantly lower risk of mortality (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25-0.66, p < 0.001). Sorafenib followed by regorafenib treatment was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality rather than upfront sorafenib followed by BSC group or upfront chemotherapy followed by TKIs. These findings underscore the importance of the optimal treatment sequences to improve survival in patients with advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osman Köstek
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Ahmet Demirel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | | | - Didem Tastekin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Senem Karabulut
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Abidin Gündogdu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Nadiye Sever
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Murat Ayhan
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Abdussamed Çelebi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Nargiz Majidova
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Alper Yaşar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Yeşim Ağyol
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Pınar Erel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Erkam Kocaaslan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Ali Kaan Güren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Rukiye Arıkan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Selver Isık
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Ozlem Ercelep
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Sema Sezgin Goksu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antalya University, Antalya, Turkiye
| | - Celal Alandag
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkiye
| | - İrem Bilgetekin
- Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Burcu Caner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkiye
| | | | - Ahmet Gulmez
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Baran Akagunduz
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Mengucekgazi Training and Research Hospital, Erzincan, Turkiye
| | - Fatih Kose
- Department of Medical Oncology, Baskent University, Adana, Turkiye
| | | | - Ender Dogan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkiye
| | - Teoman Sakalar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkiye
| | - Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Mustafa Gurbuz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Yakup Ergun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Mustafa Karaagac
- Department of Medical Oncology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkiye
| | - Sema Turker
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Ankara Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Ozlem Ozkul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkıye
| | - Birol Yıldız
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Süleyman Sahin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Van Education and Research Hospital, Van, Turkey
| | | | - Murat Sari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Bülent Erdogan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Trakya University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | | | | | | | - Ahmet Bilici
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | | | - Sernaz Topaloglu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Trakya University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - İrfan Cicin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Trakya University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Singal AG, Kanwal F, Llovet JM. Global trends in hepatocellular carcinoma epidemiology: implications for screening, prevention and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:864-884. [PMID: 37884736 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00825-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality rates are increasing globally, and particularly in the Western world. Cirrhosis remains the predominant risk factor for HCC. However, epidemiological shifts in the incidence of HCC from patients with virus-related liver disease to those with non-viral aetiologies, including alcohol-associated and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, have important implications for prevention, surveillance and treatment. Hepatitis B vaccination and antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C are effective for primary prevention of virus-related HCCs, but chemoprevention strategies for non-viral liver disease remain an unmet need. Emerging data suggest associations between aspirin, statins, metformin and coffee and reduced HCC incidence, although none has been proved to be causally related. Secondary prevention of HCC via semi-annual surveillance is associated with improvements in early detection and thus reduced mortality; however, current tools, including abdominal ultrasonography, have suboptimal sensitivity for the detection of early stage HCC, particularly in patients with obesity and/or non-viral liver disease. Promising blood-based or imaging-based surveillance strategies are emerging, although these approaches require further validation before adoption in clinical practice. In the interim, efforts should be focused on maximizing use of the existing surveillance tools given their prevalent underuse globally. Remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of HCC, including expanded eligibility for surgical therapies, improved patient selection for locoregional treatments and increased systemic treatment options, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we discuss trends in the epidemiology of HCC and their implications for screening, prevention and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt), Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tamai Y, Fujiwara N, Tanaka T, Mizuno S, Nakagawa H. Combination Therapy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors with Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5072. [PMID: 37894439 PMCID: PMC10605879 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and its overall prognosis is dismal because most cases are diagnosed at a late stage and are unamenable to curative treatment. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically improved the therapeutic efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma; however, their response rates remain unsatisfactory, partly because >50% of HCC exhibit an ICI-nonresponsive tumor microenvironment characterized by a paucity of cytotoxic T cells (immune-cold), as well as difficulty in their infiltration into tumor sites (immune excluded). To overcome this limitation, combination therapies with locoregional therapies, including ablation, transarterial embolization, and radiotherapy, which are usually used for early stage HCCs, have been actively explored to enhance ICI efficacy by promoting the release of tumor-associated antigens and cytokines, and eventually accelerating the so-called cancer-immunity cycle. Various combination therapies have been investigated in early- to late-phase clinical trials, and some have shown promising results. This comprehensive article provides an overview of the immune landscape for HCC to understand ICI efficacy and its limitations and, subsequently, reviews the status of combinatorial therapies of ICIs with locoregional therapy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Tamai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Takamitsu Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Shugo Mizuno
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| |
Collapse
|