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Saj F, Wu YL, Pant S, Goyal L. Dual checkpoint inhibition in gallbladder cancer: Bridging new hope with the need for biomarkers. Cancer 2024; 130:2904-2906. [PMID: 38873826 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Dual checkpoint blockade with nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients with advanced, refractory gallbladder cancer showed activity in select patients in cohort 48 of the SWOG 1609 DART trial. Optimizing patient selection for this regimen will require validating predictive biomarkers of response and understanding the role of the regimen after chemoimmunotherapy in the frontline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Saj
- Department of Medical Oncology, Balco Medical Center, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Y Linda Wu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lipika Goyal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Gao B, Wang Y, Zhang X, Jiang H, Han F, Li C, Lu S. Identification and validation of inflammatory subtypes in intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:730. [PMID: 39103879 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation plays a critical role in tumor development. Inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory mediator synthesis cause changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in several cancers, especially in intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC). However, methods to ascertain the inflammatory state of patients using reliable biomarkers are still being explored. METHOD We retrieved the RNA sequencing and somatic mutation analyses results and the clinical characteristics of 244 patients with ICC from published studies. We performed consensus clustering to identify the molecular subtypes associated with inflammation. We compared the prognostic patterns, clinical characteristics, somatic mutation profiles, and immune cell infiltration patterns across inflammatory subtypes. We performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to confirm gene expression. We performed logistic regression analyses to construct a nomogram predicting the inflammatory status of patients with ICC. RESULTS Our results confirmed that ICC can be categorized into an inflammation-high subtype (IHS) and an inflammation-low subtype (ILS). Patients from each group had distinct prognosis, clinical characteristics, and TME composition. Patients with ICC in the IHS group showed poorer prognosis owing to the immunosuppressive microenvironment and high frequency of KRAS and TP53 mutations. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived COLEC11 reduced myeloid inflammatory cell infiltration and attenuated inflammatory responses. The results of qRT-PCR and IHC experiments confirmed that COLEC11 expression levels were significantly reduced in tumor tissues compared to those in paracancerous tissues. Patients with ICC in the IHS group were more likely to respond to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) owing to their higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) scores, tumor neoantigen burden (TNB) scores, neoantigen counts, and immune checkpoint expression levels. Finally, we developed a nomogram to effectively predict the inflammatory status of patients with ICC based on their clinical characteristics and inflammatory gene expression levels. We evaluated the calibration, discrimination potential, and clinical utility of the nomogram. CONCLUSION The inflammatory response in IHS is primarily induced by myeloid cells. COLEC11 can reduce the infiltration level of this group of cells, and myeloid inflammatory cells may be a novel target for ICC treatment. We developed a novel nomogram that could effectively predict the inflammatory state of patients with ICC, which will be useful for guiding individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Gao
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yafei Wang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xianzhou Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Han
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan Province, China.
| | - Chonghui Li
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
| | - Shichun Lu
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
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Schirru M, Charef H, Ismaili KE, Fenneteau F, Zugaj D, Tremblay PO, Nekka F. Predicting efficacy assessment of combined treatment of radiotherapy and nivolumab for NSCLC patients through virtual clinical trials using QSP modeling. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2024; 51:319-333. [PMID: 38493439 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-024-09903-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the main causes of cancer death worldwide. In the urge of finding an effective approach to treat cancer, enormous therapeutic targets and treatment combinations are explored in clinical studies, which are not only costly, suffer from a shortage of participants, but also unable to explore all prospective therapeutic solutions. Within the evolving therapeutic landscape, the combined use of radiotherapy (RT) and checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) emerged as a promising avenue. Exploiting the power of quantitative system pharmacology (QSP), we undertook a study to anticipate the therapeutic outcomes of these interventions, aiming to address the limitations of clinical trials. After enhancing a pre-existing QSP platform and accurately replicating clinical data outcomes, we conducted an in-depth study, examining different treatment protocols with nivolumab and RT, both as monotherapy and in combination, by assessing their efficacy through clinical endpoints, namely time to progression (TTP) and duration of response (DOR). As result, the synergy of combined protocols showcased enhanced TTP and extended DOR, suggesting dual advantages of extended response and slowed disease progression with certain combined regimens. Through the lens of QSP modeling, our findings highlight the potential to fine-tune combination therapies for NSCLC, thereby providing pivotal insights for tailoring patient-centric therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schirru
- Laboratoire de recherche en pharmacométrie, Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Hamza Charef
- Laboratoire de recherche en pharmacométrie, Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Khalil-Elmehdi Ismaili
- Laboratoire de recherche en pharmacométrie, Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Frédérique Fenneteau
- Laboratoire de recherche en pharmacométrie, Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Didier Zugaj
- Clinical Pharmacology, Syneos Health, Quebec, Quebec G1P 0A2, Canada
| | | | - Fahima Nekka
- Laboratoire de recherche en pharmacométrie, Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre de recherches mathématiques (CRM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine (CAMBAM), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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4
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Zhang X, Zheng P, Meng B, Zhuang H, Lu B, Yao J, Han F, Luo S. Histamine-related genes participate in the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and impact the immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:129. [PMID: 38884870 PMCID: PMC11182831 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01399-9] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is pivotal in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histamine is a biologically active substance that amplifies the inflammatory and immune response and serves as a neurotransmitter. However, knowledge of histamine's role in HCC and its effects on immunotherapy remains lacking. We focused on histamine-related genes to investigate their potential role in HCC. The RNA-seq data and clinical information regarding HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). After identifying the differentially expressed genes, we constructed a signature using the univariate Cox proportional hazard regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses. The signature's predictive performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Furthermore, drug sensitivity, immunotherapy effects, and enrichment analyses were conducted. Histamine-related gene expression in HCC was confirmed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A histamine-related gene prognostic signature (HRGPS) was developed in TCGA. Time-dependent ROC and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses demonstrated the signature's strong predictive power. Importantly, patients in high-risk groups exhibited a higher frequency of TP53 mutations, elevated immune checkpoint-related gene expression, and increased infiltration of immunosuppressive cells-indicating a potentially favorable response to immunotherapy. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the signature could effectively predict chemotherapy efficacy and sensitivity. qRT-PCR results validated histamine-related gene overexpression in HCC. Our findings demonstrate that inhibiting histamine-related genes and signaling pathways can impact the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1/PD-L1. The precise predictive ability of our signature in determining the response to different therapeutic options highlights its potential clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhou Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Bo Meng
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Hao Zhuang
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Bing Lu
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Feng Han
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| | - Suxia Luo
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
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Rangwala HS, Fatima H, Ali M, Sunder S, Devi S, Rangwala BS, Abbas SR. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy compared to nivolumab monotherapy in advanced cancers (excluding melanoma): a systemic review and meta-analysis. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2024; 36:14. [PMID: 38705953 DOI: 10.1186/s43046-024-00218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nivolumab (Nivo) and ipilimumab (Ipi) have revolutionized cancer treatment by targeting different pathways. Their combination shows promising results in various cancers, including melanoma, but not all studies have demonstrated significant benefits. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness and safety of Nivo-Ipi compared to Nivo alone in advanced cancer types (excluding melanoma). METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a meta-analysis up to September 30, 2023, searching databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We focused on advanced solid malignancies (excluding melanoma) with specific Nivo and Ipi dosing. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), grades 3-4 adverse events (AEs), and treatment-related discontinuations. Secondary outcomes included specific adverse events. Statistical analysis in Review Manager included hazard ratio (HR) and risk ratio (RR), assessing heterogeneity (Higgins I2). RESULTS Nine RCTs, involving 2152 patients covering various malignancies, were analyzed. The Nivo plus Ipi group exhibited a median OS of 12.3 months and a median PFS of 3.73 months, compared to monotherapy with 11.67 months and 3.98 months, respectively. OS showed no significant difference between Nivo and Ipi combination and Nivo alone (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.08, p = 0.61). PFS had a slight improvement with combination therapy (HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.00, p = 0.04). Treatment-related cumulative grades 3-4 adverse events were higher with Nivo and Ipi (RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.78, p < 0.00001), as were treatment-related discontinuations (RR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.46 to 2.70, p < 0.0001). Hepatotoxicity (RR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.39 to 4.24, p = 0.002), GI toxicity (RR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.44 to 5.59, p = 0.002), pneumonitis (RR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.23, p = 0.008), dermatitis (RR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.08 to 8.14, p = 0.04), and endocrine dysfunction (RR = 6.22, 95% CI: 2.31 to 16.71, p = 0.0003) were more frequent with Nivo and Ipi. CONCLUSIONS Combining nivolumab and ipilimumab did not significantly improve overall survival compared to nivolumab alone in advanced cancers (except melanoma). However, it did show slightly better PFS at the cost of increased toxicity, particularly grades 3-4 adverse events. Specific AEs occurred more frequently in the combination group. Further trials are needed to fully assess this combination in treating advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hareer Fatima
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mirha Ali
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sailesh Sunder
- Department of Medicine, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sonia Devi
- Department of Medicine, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Syed Raza Abbas
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Gray SG, Meirson T, Mutti L. Based on the Real-World Results From Australia, Immunotherapy Is Not a Good Option for Patients With Mesothelioma. J Thorac Oncol 2024; 19:541-546. [PMID: 38582546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Gray
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tomer Meirson
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Luciano Mutti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Sbarro Health Research Organization, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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7
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Shenoy NK. Considerations in Meta-Analysis of Immunotherapy for Advanced Cancers Other Than Melanoma-Reply. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:536. [PMID: 38300549 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.6773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Niraj K Shenoy
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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8
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Pang H, Sun H. Considerations in Meta-Analysis of Immunotherapy for Advanced Cancers Other Than Melanoma. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:535-536. [PMID: 38300567 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.6770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Huayang Pang
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
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Tassinari E, Rosellini M, Marchetti A, Mollica V, Massari F. What is the risk of hepatotoxicity induced by immune-checkpoint inhibitors and how can we avoid it? Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:5-8. [PMID: 38299484 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2314059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Tassinari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Rosellini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Marchetti
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Walker K, Simister SK, Carr-Ascher J, Monument MJ, Thorpe SW, Randall RL. Emerging innovations and advancements in the treatment of extremity and truncal soft tissue sarcomas. J Surg Oncol 2024; 129:97-111. [PMID: 38010997 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In this special edition update on soft tissue sarcomas (STS), we cover classifications, emerging technologies, prognostic tools, radiation schemas, and treatment disparities in extremity and truncal STS. We discuss the importance of enhancing local control and reducing complications, including the role of innovative imaging, surgical guidance, and hypofractionated radiation. We review advancements in systemic and immunotherapeutic treatments and introduce disparities seen in this vulnerable population that must be considered to improve overall patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Walker
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Samuel K Simister
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Janai Carr-Ascher
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Michael J Monument
- Department of Surgery, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steven W Thorpe
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - R Lor Randall
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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Pouyiourou M, Kraft BN, Wohlfromm T, Stahl M, Kubuschok B, Löffler H, Hacker UT, Hübner G, Weiss L, Bitzer M, Ernst T, Schütt P, Hielscher T, Delorme S, Kirchner M, Kazdal D, Ball M, Kluck K, Stenzinger A, Bochtler T, Krämer A. Nivolumab and ipilimumab in recurrent or refractory cancer of unknown primary: a phase II trial. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6761. [PMID: 37875494 PMCID: PMC10598029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42400-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary has a dismal prognosis, especially following failure of platinum-based chemotherapy. 10-20% of patients have a high tumor mutational burden (TMB), which predicts response to immunotherapy in many cancer types. In this prospective, non-randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase II trial (EudraCT 2018-004562-33; NCT04131621), patients relapsed or refractory after platinum-based chemotherapy received nivolumab and ipilimumab following TMBhigh vs. TMBlow stratification. Progression-free survival (PFS) represented the primary endpoint; overall survival (OS), response rates, duration of clinical benefit and safety were the secondary endpoints. The trial was prematurely terminated in March 2021 before reaching the preplanned sample size (n = 194). Among 31 evaluable patients, 16% had a high TMB ( > 12 mutations/Mb). Overall response rate was 16% (95% CI 6-34%), with 7.7% (95% CI 1-25%) vs. 60% (95% CI 15-95%) in TMBlow and TMBhigh, respectively. Although the primary endpoint was not met, high TMB was associated with better median PFS (18.3 vs. 2.4 months) and OS (18.3 vs. 3.6 months). Severe immune-related adverse events were reported in 29% of cases. Assessing on-treatment dynamics of circulating tumor DNA using combined targeted hotspot mutation and shallow whole genome sequencing as part of a predefined exploratory analysis identified patients benefiting from immunotherapy irrespective of initial radiologic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pouyiourou
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bianca N Kraft
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy Wohlfromm
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Evangelische Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany
| | - Boris Kubuschok
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Augsburg University Medical Center and Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Cite Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Harald Löffler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Marienhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrich T Hacker
- Department of Medicine II, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerdt Hübner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ameos Krankenhausgesellschaft Ostholstein, Eutin, Germany
| | - Lena Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Bitzer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Delorme
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Kazdal
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ball
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Kluck
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilmann Bochtler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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