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Liu Y, Ai H. Comprehensive insights into human papillomavirus and cervical cancer: Pathophysiology, screening, and vaccination strategies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189192. [PMID: 39349261 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189192] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
This article provides an in-depth review of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a predominant etiological factor in cervical cancer, exploring its pathophysiology, epidemiology, and mechanisms of oncogenesis. We examine the role of proteins, DNA methylation markers, and non-coding RNAs as predictive biomarkers in cervical cancer, highlighting their potential in refining diagnostic and prognostic practices. The evolution and efficacy of cervical cancer screening methods, including the Papanicolaou smear, HPV testing, cytology and HPV test, and colposcopy techniques, are critically analyzed. Furthermore, the article delves into the current landscape and future prospects of prophylactic HPV vaccines and therapeutic vaccines, underscoring their significance in the prevention and potential treatment of HPV-related diseases. This comprehensive review aims to synthesize recent advances and ongoing challenges in the field, providing a foundation for future research and clinical strategies in the prevention and management of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health, Jinzhou Medical University, 2, Section 5, Heping Road, Linghe, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, PR China
| | - Hao Ai
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health, Jinzhou Medical University, 2, Section 5, Heping Road, Linghe, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, PR China.
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Abou Kors T, Meier M, Mühlenbruch L, Betzler AC, Oliveri F, Bens M, Thomas J, Kraus JM, Doescher J, von Witzleben A, Hofmann L, Ezic J, Huber D, Benckendorff J, Barth TFE, Greve J, Schuler PJ, Brunner C, Blackburn JM, Hoffmann TK, Ottensmeier C, Kestler HA, Rammensee HG, Walz JS, Laban S. Multi-omics analysis of overexpressed tumor-associated proteins: gene expression, immunopeptide presentation, and antibody response in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, with a focus on cancer-testis antigens. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1408173. [PMID: 39136024 PMCID: PMC11317303 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1408173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The human leukocyte antigen complex (HLA) is essential for inducing specific immune responses to cancer by presenting tumor-associated peptides (TAP) to T cells. Overexpressed tumor associated antigens, mainly cancer-testis antigens (CTA), are outlined as essential targets for immunotherapy in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). This study assessed the degree to which presentation, gene expression, and antibody response (AR) of TAP, mainly CTA, are correlated in OPSCC patients to evaluate their potential as immunotherapy targets. Materials and methods Snap-frozen tumor (NLigand/RNA=40), healthy mucosa (NRNA=6), and healthy tonsils (NLigand=5) samples were obtained. RNA-Seq was performed using Illumina HiSeq 2500/NovaSeq 6000 and whole exome sequencing (WES) utilizing NextSeq500. HLA ligands were isolated from tumor tissue using immunoaffinity purification, UHPLC, and analyzed by tandem MS. Antibodies were measured in serum (NAb=27) utilizing the KREX™ CT262 protein array. Data analysis focused on 312 proteins (KREX™ CT262 panel + overexpressed self-proteins). Results 183 and 94 of HLA class I and II TAP were identified by comparative profiling with healthy tonsils. Genes from 26 TAP were overexpressed in tumors compared to healthy mucosa (LFC>1; FDR<0.05). Low concordance (r=0.25; p<0.0001) was found between upregulated mRNA and class I TAP. The specific mode of correlation of TAP was found to be dependent on clinical parameters. A lack of correlation was observed both between mRNA and class II TAP, as well as between class II tumor-unique TAP (TAP-U) presentation and antibody response (AR) levels. Discussion This study demonstrates that focusing exclusively on gene transcript levels fails to capture the full extent of TAP presentation in OPSCC. Furthermore, our findings reveal that although CTA are presented at relatively low levels, a few CTA TAP-U show potential as targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsima Abou Kors
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Matthias Meier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lena Mühlenbruch
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Eberhard Karls University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika C. Betzler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Core Facility Immune Monitoring, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Franziska Oliveri
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Bens
- Core Facility Next Generation Sequencing, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Jaya Thomas
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Johann M. Kraus
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Doescher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Augsburg University Hospital, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Adrian von Witzleben
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Linda Hofmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jasmin Ezic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Diana Huber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Jens Greve
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick J. Schuler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Core Facility Immune Monitoring, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jonathan M. Blackburn
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thomas K. Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian Ottensmeier
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Liverpool Head and Neck Center, University of Liverpool, Faculty of Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hans A. Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Rammensee
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane S. Walz
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Eberhard Karls University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
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Li X, González-Maroto C, Tavassoli M. Crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells in head and neck cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:303. [PMID: 38926351 PMCID: PMC11208506 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02053-9] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are amongst the most aggressive, complex, and heterogeneous malignancies. The standard of care treatments for HNC patients include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or their combination. However, around 50% do not benefit while suffering severe toxic side effects, costing the individuals and society. Decades have been spent to improve HNSCC treatment outcomes with only limited success. Much of the research in HNSCC treatment has focused on understanding the genetics of the HNSCC malignant cells, but it has become clear that tumour microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression as well as treatment response in HNSCC. Understanding the crosstalk between cancer cells and TME is crucial for inhibiting progression and treatment resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant component of stroma in HNSCC, serve as the primary source of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and various pro-tumoral composites in TME. The activation of CAFs in HNSCC is primarily driven by cancer cell-secreted molecules, which in turn induce phenotypic changes, elevated secretive status, and altered ECM production profile. Concurrently, CAFs play a pivotal role in modulating the cell cycle, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to targeted and chemoradiotherapy in HNSCC cells. This modulation occurs through interactions with secreted molecules or direct contact with the ECM or CAF. Co-culture and 3D models of tumour cells and other TME cell types allows to mimic the HNSCC tumour milieu and enable modulating tumour hypoxia and reprograming cancer stem cells (CSC). This review aims to provide an update on the development of HNSCC tumour models comprising CAFs to obtain better understanding of the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells, and for providing preclinical testing platforms of current and combination with emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Celia González-Maroto
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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Rosenberg AJ, Perez CA, Guo W, de Oliveira Novaes JM, da Silva Reis KFO, McGarrah PW, Price KAR. Breaking Ground in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Novel Therapies Beyond PD-L1 Immunotherapy. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e433330. [PMID: 38718318 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_433330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The treatment for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD1) with or without chemotherapy has led to an improvement in survival. Yet, despite this therapeutic advancement, only 15%-19% of patients remain alive at four years, highlighting the poor survival and unmet need for improved therapies for this patient population. Some of the key evolving novel therapeutics beyond anti-PD1 in R/M HNSCC have included therapeutic vaccine therapies, bispecific antibodies/fusion proteins and multitargeted kinase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Multiple concurrent investigations of novel therapeutics for patients with R/M HNSCC beyond anti-PD(L)1 inhibition are currently underway with some promising early results. Beyond immune checkpoint inhibition, novel immunotherapeutic strategies including therapeutic vaccines ranging from targeting human papillomavirus-specific epitopes to personalized neoantigen vaccines are ongoing with some early efficacy signals and large, randomized trials. Other novel weapons including bispecific antibodies, fusion proteins, and multitargeted kinase inhibitors leverage multiple concurrent targets and modulation of the tumor microenvironment to harness antitumor immunity and inhibition of protumorigenic signaling pathways with emerging promising results. Finally, as with other solid tumors, ADCs remain a promising therapeutic intervention either alone or in combination with immunotherapy for patients with R/M HNSCC. With early enthusiasm across novel therapies in R/M HNSCC, results of larger randomized trials in R/M HNSCC are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari J Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Cesar A Perez
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Florida Cancer Specialists, Orlando, FL
| | - Wenji Guo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Emilius L, Bremm F, Binder AK, Schaft N, Dörrie J. Tumor Antigens beyond the Human Exome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4673. [PMID: 38731892 PMCID: PMC11083240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094673] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of immunotherapeutics, a new era in the combat against cancer has begun. Particularly promising are neo-epitope-targeted therapies as the expression of neo-antigens is tumor-specific. In turn, this allows the selective targeting and killing of cancer cells whilst healthy cells remain largely unaffected. So far, many advances have been made in the development of treatment options which are tailored to the individual neo-epitope repertoire. The next big step is the achievement of efficacious "off-the-shelf" immunotherapies. For this, shared neo-epitopes propose an optimal target. Given the tremendous potential, a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms which lead to the formation of neo-antigens is of fundamental importance. Here, we review the various processes which result in the formation of neo-epitopes. Broadly, the origin of neo-epitopes can be categorized into three groups: canonical, noncanonical, and viral neo-epitopes. For the canonical neo-antigens that arise in direct consequence of somatic mutations, we summarize past and recent findings. Beyond that, our main focus is put on the discussion of noncanonical and viral neo-epitopes as we believe that targeting those provides an encouraging perspective to shape the future of cancer immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisabeth Emilius
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Bremm
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amanda Katharina Binder
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Gonçalves CA, Pereira-da-Silva G, Silveira RCCP, Mayer PCM, Zilly A, Lopes-Júnior LC. Safety, Efficacy, and Immunogenicity of Therapeutic Vaccines for Patients with High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN 2/3) Associated with Human Papillomavirus: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:672. [PMID: 38339423 PMCID: PMC10854525 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030672] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the knowledge that HPV is responsible for high-grade CIN and cervical cancer, little is known about the use of therapeutic vaccines as a treatment. We aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate the evidence from clinical trials on the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of therapeutic vaccines in the treatment of patients with high-grade CIN associated with HPV. A systematic review of clinical trials adhering to the PRISMA 2020 statement in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS was undertaken, with no data or language restrictions. Primary endpoints related to the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of these vaccines were assessed by reviewing the adverse/toxic effects associated with the therapeutic vaccine administration via histopathological regression of the lesion and/or regression of the lesion size and via viral clearance and through the immunological response of individuals who received treatment compared to those who did not or before and after receiving the vaccine, respectively. A total of 1184 studies were identified, and 16 met all the criteria. Overall, the therapeutic vaccines were heterogeneous regarding their formulation, dose, intervention protocol, and routes of administration, making a meta-analysis unfeasible. In most studies (n = 15), the vaccines were safe and well tolerated, with clinical efficacy regarding the lesions and histopathological regression or viral clearance. In addition, eleven studies showed favorable immunological responses against HPV, and seven studies showed a positive correlation between immunogenicity and the clinical response, indicating promising results that should be further investigated. In summary, therapeutic vaccines, although urgently needed to avoid progression of CIN 2/3 patients, still present sparse data, requiring greater investments in a well-designed phase III RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Amélia Gonçalves
- Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing Department, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing, Campus Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Brazil; (C.A.G.)
| | - Gabriela Pereira-da-Silva
- Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing Department, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing, Campus Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Brazil; (C.A.G.)
| | - Renata Cristina Campos Pereira Silveira
- Maternal-Infant and Public Health Nursing Department, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing, Campus Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, Brazil; (C.A.G.)
| | | | - Adriana Zilly
- Center for Education, Literature and Health, State University of West of Parana, Cascavel 85819-110, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior
- Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo (UFES), Av. Marechal Campos, 1468—Maruípe, Vitoria 29043-900, Brazil
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Ye J, Zheng L, He Y, Qi X. Human papillomavirus associated cervical lesion: pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e368. [PMID: 37719443 PMCID: PMC10501338 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus globally. Persistent high-risk HPV infection can result in cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, with 70% of cervical cancer cases associated with high-risk types HPV16 and 18. HPV infection imposes a significant financial and psychological burden. Therefore, studying methods to eradicate HPV infection and halt the progression of precancerous lesions remains crucial. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms underlying HPV-related cervical lesions, including the viral life cycle, immune factors, epithelial cell malignant transformation, and host and environmental contributing factors. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of treatment methods for HPV-related cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Our focus is on immunotherapy, encompassing HPV therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and advanced adoptive T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the commonly employed drugs and other nonsurgical treatments currently utilized in clinical practice for managing HPV infection and associated cervical lesions. Gene editing technology is currently undergoing clinical research and, although not yet employed officially in clinical treatment of cervical lesions, numerous preclinical studies have substantiated its efficacy. Therefore, it holds promise as a precise treatment strategy for HPV-related cervical lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatian Ye
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lan Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Lab MedicineUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Yuedong He
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaorong Qi
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Schwarz S, Nientiedt C, Prigge ES, Kaczorowski A, Geisler C, Porcel CL, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Hohenfellner M, Duensing S. Senescent Tumor Cells Are Frequently Present at the Invasion Front: Implications for Improving Disease Control in Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer. Pathobiology 2023; 90:312-321. [PMID: 37004506 PMCID: PMC10614482 DOI: 10.1159/000530430] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Local tumor invasion is a critical factor for the outcome of men with prostate cancer. In particular, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) has been reported to be associated with a more unfavorable prognosis. A better understanding of the functional state of invading prostate cancer cells is crucial to develop novel therapeutic strategies for patients with locally advanced disease. METHODS The prognostic impact of local tumor progression was ascertained in over 1,000 men with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer specimens were stained by double-immunohistochemistry for the proliferation marker Ki-67 and the senescence marker p16INK4A. The migratory properties of senescent prostate cancer cells were analyzed in vitro using a wound healing assay and immunofluorescence microscopy for p16INK4A. RESULTS We confirm the notion that patients with SVI have a more unfavorable prognosis than patients with extraprostatic extension alone. Surprisingly, we found that the tumor invasion front frequently harbors p16INK4A-positive and Ki-67-negative, i.e., senescent, tumor cells. While the intraprostatic tumor periphery was a hotspot for both proliferation and expression of p16INK4A, the area of SVI showed less proliferative activity but was at the same time a hotspot of cells with increased nuclear p16INK4A expression. Senescence was associated with an accelerated migration of prostate cancer cells in vitro. CONCLUSION This proof-of-concept study shows that invading prostate cancer cells frequently show signs of cellular senescence. This finding may open new avenues for neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment concepts in men with locally advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schwarz
- Molecular Urooncology, Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cathleen Nientiedt
- Molecular Urooncology, Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena-Sophie Prigge
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adam Kaczorowski
- Molecular Urooncology, Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Geisler
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carlota Lucena Porcel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Tissue Bank of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Hohenfellner
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Duensing
- Molecular Urooncology, Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Therapeutic Vaccination in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030634. [PMID: 36992219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination is one of the most effective immunotherapeutic approaches, second only to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which have already been approved for clinical use. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are heterogenous epithelial tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract, and a significant proportion of these tumors tend to exhibit unfavorable therapeutic responses to the existing treatment options. Comprehending the immunopathology of these tumors and choosing an appropriate immunotherapeutic maneuver seems to be a promising avenue for solving this problem. The current review provides a detailed overview of the strategies, targets, and candidates for therapeutic vaccination in HNSCC. The classical principle of inducing a potent, antigen-specific, cell-mediated cytotoxicity targeting a specific tumor antigen seems to be the most effective mechanism of therapeutic vaccination, particularly against the human papilloma virus positive subset of HNSCC. However, approaches such as countering the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of HNSCC and immune co-stimulatory mechanisms have also been explored recently, with encouraging results.
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) incidence has been increasing in recent decades. Treatment of the locally advanced HPV-related OPSCC includes a multidisciplinary approach. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors is used in the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), including HPV-related OPSCC patients. There is increasing knowledge of the role of HPV in the tumor immune microenvironment. Therefore, HPV status of OPSCC plays an essential role in the design of immunotherapy clinical trials in both curative intent and metastatic settings. Moreover, HPV has become a potential therapeutic target, with vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies being developed against HPV for the treatment of OPSCC. Several novel studies are designed to target HPV in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, HPV-related OPSCC remains a unique subgroup in the immunotherapy era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Roof
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, 10201 Carnegie Avenue, CA Building CA 6-150, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Emrullah Yilmaz
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, 10201 Carnegie Avenue, CA Building CA 6-150, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
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11
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Yan F, Cowell LG, Tomkies A, Day AT. Therapeutic Vaccination for HPV-Mediated Cancers. CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 11:44-61. [PMID: 36743978 PMCID: PMC9890440 DOI: 10.1007/s40136-023-00443-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The goal of this narrative review is to educate clinicians regarding the foundational concepts, efficacy, and future directions of therapeutic vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated cancers. Recent Findings Therapeutic HPV vaccines deliver tumor antigens to stimulate an immune response to eliminate tumor cells. Vaccine antigen delivery platforms are diverse and include DNA, RNA, peptides, proteins, viral vectors, microbial vectors, and antigen-presenting cells. Randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated that therapeutic HPV vaccines are efficacious in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In patients with HPV-mediated malignancies, evidence of efficacy is limited. However, numerous ongoing studies evaluating updated therapeutic HPV vaccines in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition and other therapies exhibit significant promise. Summary Therapeutic vaccines for HPV-mediated malignancies retain a strong biological rationale, despite their limited efficacy to date. Investigators anticipate they will be most effectively used in combination with other regimens, such as immune checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Lindsay G Cowell
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Anna Tomkies
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2001 Inwood Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9035 USA
| | - Andrew T Day
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2001 Inwood Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9035 USA
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12
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Xu Q, Chen Y, Jin Y, Wang Z, Dong H, Kaufmann AM, Albers AE, Qian X. Advanced Nanomedicine for High-Risk HPV-Driven Head and Neck Cancer. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122824. [PMID: 36560828 PMCID: PMC9788019 DOI: 10.3390/v14122824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is on the rise globally. HR-HPV-driven HNSCC displays molecular and clinical characteristics distinct from HPV-uninvolved cases. Therapeutic strategies for HR-HPV-driven HNSCC are under investigation. HR-HPVs encode the oncogenes E6 and E7, which are essential in tumorigenesis. Meanwhile, involvement of E6 and E7 provides attractive targets for developing new therapeutic regimen. Here we will review some of the recent advancements observed in preclinical studies and clinical trials on HR-HPV-driven HNSCC, focusing on nanotechnology related methods. Materials science innovation leads to great improvement for cancer therapeutics including HNSCC. This article discusses HPV-E6 or -E7- based vaccines, based on plasmid, messenger RNA or peptide, at their current stage of development and testing as well as how nanoparticles can be designed to target and access cancer cells and activate certain immunology pathways besides serving as a delivery vehicle. Nanotechnology was also used for chemotherapy and photothermal treatment. Short interference RNA targeting E6/E7 showed some potential in animal models. Gene editing by CRISPR-CAS9 combined with other treatments has also been assessed. These advancements have the potential to improve the outcome in HR-HPV-driven HNSCC, however breakthroughs are still to be awaited with nanomedicine playing an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yuan Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Haoru Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Andreas M. Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas E. Albers
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical School Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Correspondence:
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13
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Spînu AD, Marcu DR, Amza RA, Iorga DL, Mischianu D, Costache RS, Costache DO, Constantin A. Clinical significance of p16INK4a and p53 and their involvement in penile cancer development. A literature review. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MILITARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.55453/rjmm.2022.125.4.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
"Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncoproteins are vital for developing HPV induced penile carcinoma. The viral oncoproteins play a central role in oncogenesis by interacting with several cellular regulatory proteins, such as p16INK4a and p53. Many studies suggest that these proteins showed clinical utility in predicting nodal disease, cancer specific survival, overall survival and even tumor grade. Understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the carcinogenesis of penile cancer could offer biomarkers for disease progression, treatment response and potential targeted therapies; (2) Methods: This paper is a prospective study on a group of 100 patients who underwent prostate surgery during 2013 and 2014 in the Urology Clinic of “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital Bucharest. They were tested for HPV by PCR and IHC (p16) methods; (3) Results: 11 cases (22%) of HPV were found in the cluster of patients tested. PCR and P16 were the HPV diagnostic tests used. In order to determine the consistency of the 2 tests, the Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used at a p level < 0.05. The PCR method had a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 94.9%. The P16 method had a sensitivity of 63.6% and a specificity of 89.7%."
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14
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Pereira D, Martins D, Mendes F. Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer When, How, and Why? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092151. [PMID: 36140252 PMCID: PMC9495940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Alcohol and tobacco consumption, besides viral infections, are the main risk factors associated with this cancer. When diagnosed in advanced stages, HNC patients present a higher probability of recurrence or metastasising. The complexity of therapeutic options and post-treatment surveillance is associated with poor prognosis and reduced overall survival (OS). This review aims to explore immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), therapeutic vaccines, and oncolytic viruses) in HNC patients’ treatment, and to explore when, how, and why patients can benefit from it. The monotherapy with ICI or in combination with chemotherapy (QT) shows the most promising results. Compared to standard therapy, ICI are able to increase OS and patients’ quality of life. QT in combination with ICI demonstrates significant response rates and considerable long-term clinical benefits. However, the toxicity associated with this approach is still a hurdle to overcome. In parallel, the therapeutic vaccines directed to the Human Papilloma Virus are also efficient in increasing the antitumour response, inducing cellular and humoral immunity. Although these results demonstrate clinical benefits compared to standard therapy, it is also important to unravel the resistance mechanisms in order to predict the clinical benefit of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pereira
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Martins
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório de Investigação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde (LabinSaúde), Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Mendes
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório de Investigação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde (LabinSaúde), Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- European Association for Professions in Biomedical Sciences, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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15
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Yu C, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wen ZF, Dong H, Mou Y. Current status and perspective of tumor immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:941750. [PMID: 36092724 PMCID: PMC9458968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.941750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a high incidence and mortality rate, and investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies of HNSCC is required for further progress. Immunotherapy is a considerable therapeutic strategy for HNSCC due to its potential to produce a broad and long-lasting antitumor response. However, immune escape, which involves mechanisms including dyregulation of cytokines, perturbation of immune checkpoints, and recruitment of inhibitory cell populations, limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, multiple immunotherapy strategies for HNSCC have been exploited, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, costimulatory agonists, antigenic vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy, adoptive T cell transfer (ACT), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. Each of these strategies has unique advantages, and the appropriate application of these immunotherapies in HNSCC treatment has significant value for patients. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms of immune escape and the characteristics of different immunotherapy strategies in HNSCC to provide a foundation and consideration for the clinical treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhang Yu
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Fa Wen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongbin Mou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Schmidt MW, Battista MJ, Schmidt M, Garcia M, Siepmann T, Hasenburg A, Anic K. Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer—A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020441. [PMID: 35053603 PMCID: PMC8773848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To systematically review the current body of evidence on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for cervical cancer (CC). Material and Methods: Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science were searched for prospective trials assessing immunotherapy in CC patients in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Full-text articles in English and German reporting outcomes of survival, response rates or safety were eligible. Results: Of 4655 screened studies, 51 were included (immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) n=20; therapeutic vaccines n = 25; adoptive cell transfer therapy n=9). Of these, one qualified as a phase III randomized controlled trial and demonstrated increased overall survival following treatment with pembrolizumab, chemotherapy and bevacizumab. A minority of studies included a control group (n = 7) or more than 50 patients (n = 15). Overall, response rates were low to moderate. No response to ICIs was seen in PD-L1 negative patients. However, few remarkable results were achieved in heavily pretreated patients. There were no safety concerns in any of the included studies. Conclusion: Strong evidence on the efficacy of strategies to treat recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer is currently limited to pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy and bevacizumab, which substantiates an urgent need for large confirmatory trials on alternative immunotherapies. Overall, there is sound evidence on the safety of immunotherapy in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona W. Schmidt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (M.J.B.); (M.S.); (A.H.); (K.A.)
- Division of Health Care Sciences Center for Clinical Research and Management Education Dresden, Dresden International University, 01067 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6131-17-0
| | - Marco J. Battista
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (M.J.B.); (M.S.); (A.H.); (K.A.)
| | - Marcus Schmidt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (M.J.B.); (M.S.); (A.H.); (K.A.)
| | - Monique Garcia
- Division of Health Care Sciences Center for Clinical Research and Management Education Dresden, Dresden International University, 01067 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.); (T.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC MG), Betim 32604-115, Brazil
| | - Timo Siepmann
- Division of Health Care Sciences Center for Clinical Research and Management Education Dresden, Dresden International University, 01067 Dresden, Germany; (M.G.); (T.S.)
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Annette Hasenburg
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (M.J.B.); (M.S.); (A.H.); (K.A.)
| | - Katharina Anic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (M.J.B.); (M.S.); (A.H.); (K.A.)
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17
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Turbeville HR, Toni TA, Allen C. Immune Landscape and Role of Immunotherapy in Treatment of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40136-021-00384-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Thakur R, Suri CR, Kaur IP, Rishi P. Review. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst 2022; 40:49-100. [DOI: 10.1615/critrevtherdrugcarriersyst.2022040322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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19
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Sun Z, Sun X, Chen Z, Du J, Wu Y. Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Risk Factors, Molecular Alterations, Immunology and Peptide Vaccines. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 28:19. [PMID: 34903958 PMCID: PMC8653808 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises from the epithelial lining of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx. There are several potential risk factors that cause the generation of HNSCC, including cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, inadequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene, HPV and Epstein–Barr virus, and Candida albicans infections. HNSCC has causative links to both environmental factors and genetic mutations, with the latter playing a more critical role in cancer progression. These molecular changes to epithelial cells include the inactivation of cancer suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes overexpression, resulting in tumour cell proliferation and distant metastasis. HNSCC patients have impaired dendritic cell (DC) and natural killer (NK) cell functions, increased production of higher immune-suppressive molecules, loss of regulatory T cells and co-stimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ι molecules, lower number of lymphocyte subsets, and a poor response to antigen-presenting cells. At present, the standard treatment modalities for HNSCC patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and combinatorial therapy. Despite advances in the development of novel treatment modalities over the last few decades, survival rates of HNSCC patients have not increased. To establish effective immunotherapies, a greater understanding of interactions between the immune system and HNSCC is required, and there is a particular need to develop novel therapeutic options. A therapeutic cancer vaccine has been proposed as a promising method to improve outcome by inducing a powerful adaptive immune response that leads to cancer cell elimination. Compared with other vaccines, peptide cancer vaccines are more robust and specific. In the past few years, there have been remarkable achievements in peptide-based vaccines for HNSCC patients. Here, we summarize the latest molecular alterations in HNSCC, explore the immune response to HNSCC, and discuss the latest developments in peptide-based cancer vaccine strategies. This review highlights areas for valuable future research focusing on peptide-based cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sun
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endodontics, Gaoxin Branch of Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000 China
| | - Zhanwei Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
| | - Yihua Wu
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021 China
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20
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Vaccine-Based Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236041. [PMID: 34885150 PMCID: PMC8656843 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Therapeutic vaccines are given to patients with cancer, as opposed to prophylactic vaccines given to a healthy population. The challenge for therapeutic oncological vaccines is to stimulate an immune T cell response against endogenous (or derived) antigens that is sufficiently potent to induce cytotoxic activity and broad enough to take tumor heterogeneity into account. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of the prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines that target viral or non-viral antigens, particularly in head and neck cancers. Abstract In 2019, the FDA approved pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, for the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancers, despite only a limited number of patients benefiting from the treatment. Promising effects of therapeutic vaccination led the FDA to approve the use of the first therapeutic vaccine in prostate cancer in 2010. Research in the field of therapeutic vaccination, including possible synergistic effects with anti-PD(L)1 treatments, is evolving each year, and many vaccines are in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The aim of this review article is to discuss vaccines as a new therapeutic strategy, particularly in the field of head and neck cancers. Different vaccination technologies are discussed, as well as the results of the first clinical trials in HPV-positive, HPV-negative, and EBV-induced head and neck cancers.
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21
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Buchwald ZS, Schmitt NC. Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2021; 54:729-742. [PMID: 34116846 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Most immune therapies consist of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapy. This article reviews basic tumor immunology and provides an overview of immunotherapeutic strategies used for HNSCC. The current indications for use of programmed cell death protein 1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC are summarized. In addition, new immunotherapeutic biologics and combinations under investigation in early-phase clinical trials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Buchwald
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, C5086, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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22
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Ballhausen A, Przybilla MJ, Jendrusch M, Haupt S, Pfaffendorf E, Seidler F, Witt J, Hernandez Sanchez A, Urban K, Draxlbauer M, Krausert S, Ahadova A, Kalteis MS, Pfuderer PL, Heid D, Stichel D, Gebert J, Bonsack M, Schott S, Bläker H, Seppälä T, Mecklin JP, Ten Broeke S, Nielsen M, Heuveline V, Krzykalla J, Benner A, Riemer AB, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Kloor M. The shared frameshift mutation landscape of microsatellite-unstable cancers suggests immunoediting during tumor evolution. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4740. [PMID: 32958755 PMCID: PMC7506541 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system can recognize and attack cancer cells, especially those with a high load of mutation-induced neoantigens. Such neoantigens are abundant in DNA mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient, microsatellite-unstable (MSI) cancers. MMR deficiency leads to insertion/deletion (indel) mutations at coding microsatellites (cMS) and to neoantigen-inducing translational frameshifts. Here, we develop a tool to quantify frameshift mutations in MSI colorectal and endometrial cancer. Our results show that frameshift mutation frequency is negatively correlated to the predicted immunogenicity of the resulting peptides, suggesting counterselection of cell clones with highly immunogenic frameshift peptides. This correlation is absent in tumors with Beta-2-microglobulin mutations, and HLA-A*02:01 status is related to cMS mutation patterns. Importantly, certain outlier mutations are common in MSI cancers despite being related to frameshift peptides with functionally confirmed immunogenicity, suggesting a possible driver role during MSI tumor evolution. Neoantigens resulting from shared mutations represent promising vaccine candidates for prevention of MSI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexej Ballhausen
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Moritz Jakob Przybilla
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Jendrusch
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Haupt
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Pfaffendorf
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Seidler
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Witt
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alejandro Hernandez Sanchez
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Urban
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Draxlbauer
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Krausert
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Simon Kalteis
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pauline L Pfuderer
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Heid
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Damian Stichel
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Gebert
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Bonsack
- Immunotherapy and Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Schott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Toni Seppälä
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka-Pekka Mecklin
- Department of Education and Research, Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Sanne Ten Broeke
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Heuveline
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Krzykalla
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Benner
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelika Beate Riemer
- Immunotherapy and Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Collaboration Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University Hospital and EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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von Witzleben A, Wang C, Laban S, Savelyeva N, Ottensmeier CH. HNSCC: Tumour Antigens and Their Targeting by Immunotherapy. Cells 2020; 9:E2103. [PMID: 32942747 PMCID: PMC7564543 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are a heterogeneous group of malignant tumours typically caused by alcohol and tobacco consumption, although an increasing number of HNSCC arise due to persistent infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV). The treatment of HNSCC remains challenging, and the first-line setting is focused on surgery and chemoradiotherapy. A substantial proportion of HNSCC patients die from their disease, especially those with recurrent and metastatic disease. Among factors linked with good outcome, immune cell infiltration appears to have a major role. HPV-driven HNSCC are often T-cell rich, reflecting the presence of HPV antigens that are immunogenic. Tumour-associated antigens that are shared between patients or that are unique to an individual person may also induce varying degrees of immune response; studying these is important for the understanding of the interaction between the host immune system and the cancer. The resulting knowledge is critical for the design of better immunotherapies. Key questions are: Which antigens lead to an adaptive immune response in the tumour? Which of these are exploitable for immunotherapy? Here, we review the current thinking regarding tumour antigens in HNSCC and what has been learned from early phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian von Witzleben
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (A.v.W.); (N.S.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Chuan Wang
- Head and Neck Center, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK;
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Natalia Savelyeva
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (A.v.W.); (N.S.)
| | - Christian H. Ottensmeier
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (A.v.W.); (N.S.)
- Head and Neck Center, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK;
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24
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Kloor M, Reuschenbach M, Pauligk C, Karbach J, Rafiyan MR, Al-Batran SE, Tariverdian M, Jäger E, von Knebel Doeberitz M. A Frameshift Peptide Neoantigen-Based Vaccine for Mismatch Repair-Deficient Cancers: A Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:4503-4510. [PMID: 32540851 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is a hallmark of Lynch syndrome, the most common inherited cancer syndrome. MMR-deficient cancer cells accumulate numerous insertion/deletion mutations at microsatellites. Mutations of coding microsatellites (cMS) lead to the generation of immunogenic frameshift peptide (FSP) neoantigens. As the evolution of MMR-deficient cancers is triggered by mutations inactivating defined cMS-containing tumor suppressor genes, distinct FSP neoantigens are shared by most MMR-deficient cancers. To evaluate safety and immunogenicity of an FSP-based vaccine, we performed a clinical phase I/IIa trial (Micoryx). PATIENTS AND METHODS The trial comprised three cycles of four subcutaneous vaccinations (FSP neoantigens derived from mutant AIM2, HT001, TAF1B genes) mixed with Montanide ISA-51 VG over 6 months. Inclusion criteria were history of MMR-deficient colorectal cancer (UICC stage III or IV) and completion of chemotherapy. Phase I evaluated safety and toxicity as primary endpoint (six patients), phase IIa addressed cellular and humoral immune responses (16 patients). RESULTS Vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses were observed in all patients vaccinated per protocol. Three patients developed grade 2 local injection site reactions. No vaccination-induced severe adverse events occurred. One heavily pretreated patient with bulky metastases showed stable disease and stable CEA levels over 7 months. CONCLUSIONS FSP neoantigen vaccination is systemically well tolerated and consistently induces humoral and cellular immune responses, thus representing a promising novel approach for treatment and even prevention of MMR-deficient cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Reuschenbach
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Pauligk
- Institute of Clinical Cancer Research (IKF), Krankenhaus Nordwest, UCT University Cancer Center, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Karbach
- Clinic for Oncology and Hematology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Salah-Eddin Al-Batran
- Institute of Clinical Cancer Research (IKF), Krankenhaus Nordwest, UCT University Cancer Center, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mirjam Tariverdian
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elke Jäger
- Clinic for Oncology and Hematology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Smalley Rumfield C, Roller N, Pellom ST, Schlom J, Jochems C. Therapeutic Vaccines for HPV-Associated Malignancies. Immunotargets Ther 2020; 9:167-200. [PMID: 33117742 PMCID: PMC7549137 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s273327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related malignancies are responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer in women, and over 50% of all cases of head and neck carcinoma. Worldwide, HPV-positive malignancies account for 4.5% of the global cancer burden, or over 600,000 cases per year. HPV infection is a pressing public health issue, as more than 80% of all individuals have been exposed to HPV by age 50, representing an important target for vaccine development to reduce the incidence of cancer and the economic cost of HPV-related health issues. The approval of Gardasil® as a prophylactic vaccine for high-risk HPV 16 and 18 and low-risk HPV6 and 11 for people aged 11-26 in 2006, and of Cervarix® in 2009, revolutionized the field and has since reduced HPV infection in young populations. Unfortunately, prophylactic vaccination does not induce immunity in those with established HPV infections or HPV-induced neoplasms, and there are currently no therapeutic HPV vaccines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This comprehensive review will detail the progress made in the development of therapeutic vaccines against high-risk HPV types, and potential combinations with other immunotherapeutic agents for more efficient and rational designs of combination treatments for HPV-associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Smalley Rumfield
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Roller
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samuel Troy Pellom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Jeffrey Schlom Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 10 Center Drive, Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD20892, USATel +1 240-858-3463Fax +1 240-541-4558 Email
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Kareemaghay S, Tavassoli M. Clinical immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2018; 48:419-436. [PMID: 30401512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, accounting for more than 550,000 cases and 380,000 deaths annually. The primary risk factors associated with HNSCC are tobacco use and alcohol consumption; nevertheless genetic predisposition and oncogenic viruses also play important roles in the development of these malignancies. The current treatments for HNSCC patients include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and cetuximab, and combinations of these. However, these treatments are associated with significant toxicity, and many patients are either refractory to the treatment or relapse after a short period. Despite improvements in the treatment of patients with HNSCC, the clinical outcomes of those who have been treated with standard therapies have remained unchanged for over three decades and the 5-year overall survival rate in these patients remains around 40-50%. Therefore, more specific and less toxic therapies are needed in order to improve patient outcomes. The tumour microenvironment of HNSCC is immunosuppressive; therefore immunotherapy strategies that can overcome the immunosuppressive environment and produce long-term tumour immunosurveillance will have a significant therapeutic impact in these patients. This review focuses on the current immunological treatment options under investigation or available for clinical use in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kareemaghay
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M Tavassoli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King's College London, London, UK.
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27
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Therapeutic human papillomavirus vaccines in head and neck cancer: A systematic review of current clinical trials. Vaccine 2018; 36:6594-6605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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28
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Tan YS, Sansanaphongpricha K, Prince MEP, Sun D, Wolf GT, Lei YL. Engineering Vaccines to Reprogram Immunity against Head and Neck Cancer. J Dent Res 2018; 97:627-634. [PMID: 29533731 PMCID: PMC5960883 DOI: 10.1177/0022034518764416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent Food and Drug Administration's approval of monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs) for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) offers exciting promise to improve patient outcome and reduce morbidities. A favorable response to ICR blockade relies on an extensive collection of preexisting tumor-specific T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). ICR blockade reinvigorates exhausted CD8+ T cells and enhances immune killing. However, resistance to ICR blockade is observed in about 85% of patients with HNSCC, therefore highlighting the importance of characterizing the mechanisms underlying HNSCC immune escape and exploring combinatorial strategies to sensitize hypoimmunogenic cold HNSCC to ICR inhibition. Cancer vaccines are designed to bypass the cold TME and directly deliver cancer antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs); these vaccines epitomize a priming strategy to synergize with ICR inhibitors. Cancer cells are ineffective antigen presenters, and poor APC infiltration as well as the M2-like polarization in the TME further dampens antigen uptake and processing, both of which render ineffective innate and adaptive immune detection. Cancer vaccines directly activate APC and expand the tumor-specific T-cell repertoire. In addition, cancer vaccines often contain an adjuvant, which further improves APC function, promotes epitope spreading, and augments host intrinsic antitumor immunity. Thus, the vaccine-induced immune priming generates a pool of effectors whose function can be enhanced by ICR inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the major HNSCC immune evasion strategies, the ongoing effort toward improving HNSCC vaccines, and the current challenges limiting the efficacy of cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Tan
- 1 Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- 2 University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Sansanaphongpricha
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - M E P Prince
- 2 University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- 4 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - D Sun
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - G T Wolf
- 2 University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- 4 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Y L Lei
- 1 Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- 2 University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- 4 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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29
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Tan YS, Sansanaphongpricha K, Xie Y, Donnelly CR, Luo X, Heath BR, Zhao X, Bellile E, Hu H, Chen H, Polverini PJ, Chen Q, Young S, Carey TE, Nör JE, Ferris RL, Wolf GT, Sun D, Lei YL. Mitigating SOX2-potentiated Immune Escape of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with a STING-inducing Nanosatellite Vaccine. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:4242-4255. [PMID: 29769207 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The response rates of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) to checkpoint blockade are below 20%. We aim to develop a mechanism-based vaccine to prevent HNSCC immune escape.Experimental Design: We performed RNA-Seq of sensitive and resistant HNSCC cells to discover central pathways promoting resistance to immune killing. Using biochemistry, animal models, HNSCC microarray, and immune cell deconvolution, we assessed the role of SOX2 in inhibiting STING-type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling-mediated antitumor immunity. To bypass SOX2-potentiated STING suppression, we engineered a novel tumor antigen-targeted nanosatellite vehicle to enhance the efficacy of STING agonist and sensitize SOX2-expressing HNSCC to checkpoint blockade.Results: The DNA-sensing defense response is the most suppressed pathway in immune-resistant HNSCC cells. We identified SOX2 as a novel inhibitor of STING. SOX2 facilitates autophagy-dependent degradation of STING and inhibits IFN-I signaling. SOX2 potentiates an immunosuppressive microenvironment and promotes HNSCC growth in vivo in an IFN-I-dependent fashion. Our unique nanosatellite vehicle significantly enhances the efficacy of STING agonist. We show that the E6/E7-targeted nanosatellite vaccine expands the tumor-specific CD8+ T cells by over 12-fold in the tumor microenvironment and reduces tumor burden. A combination of nanosatellite vaccine with anti-PD-L1 significantly expands tumor-specific CTLs and limits the populations expressing markers for exhaustion, resulting in more effective tumor control and improved survival.Conclusions: SOX2 dampens the immunogenicity of HNSCC by targeting the STING pathway for degradation. The nanosatellite vaccine offers a novel and effective approach to enhance the adjuvant potential of STING agonist and break cancer tolerance to immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4242-55. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Sun Tan
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kanokwan Sansanaphongpricha
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yuying Xie
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Christopher R Donnelly
- Oral Health Sciences PhD Program, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Xiaobo Luo
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Blake R Heath
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Graduate Program in Immunology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Emily Bellile
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hongxiang Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hongwei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Peter J Polverini
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Simon Young
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Dentistry, Houston, Texas
| | - Thomas E Carey
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jacques E Nör
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory T Wolf
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Duxin Sun
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yu L Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan. .,University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Oral Health Sciences PhD Program, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Graduate Program in Immunology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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30
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Highlights from the Second International Symposium on HPV infection in head and neck cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 275:1365-1373. [PMID: 29589141 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-018-4954-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The Second International Symposium on HPV Infection in Head and Neck Cancer was held on 3rd-4th November 2016 in Leipzig, Germany. The meeting brought together researchers and clinicians to share the latest knowledge on HPV infection in head and neck cancer and to join active and constructive scientific discussions. This report summarizes the major themes discussed during the symposium.
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31
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Wittekindt C, Wagner S, Sharma SJ, Würdemann N, Knuth J, Reder H, Klußmann JP. [HPV - A different view on Head and Neck Cancer]. Laryngorhinootologie 2018; 97:S48-S113. [PMID: 29905354 PMCID: PMC6540966 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-121596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer with over 500000 annually reported incident cases worldwide. Besides major risk factors tobacco and alcohol, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) show increased association with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-associated and HPV-negative OSCC are 2 different entities regarding biological characteristics, therapeutic response, and patient prognosis. In HPV OSCC, viral oncoprotein activity, as well as genetic (mutations and chromosomal aberrations) and epigenetic alterations plays a key role during carcinogenesis. Based on improved treatment response, the introduction of therapy de-intensification and targeted therapy is discussed for patients with HPV OSCC. A promising targeted therapy concept is immunotherapy. The use of checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. anti-PD1) is currently investigated. By means of liquid biopsies, biomarkers such as viral DNA or tumor mutations in the will soon be available for disease monitoring, as well as detection of treatment failure. By now, primary prophylaxis of HPV OSCC can be achieved by vaccination of girls and boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Wittekindt
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Steffen Wagner
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Shachi Jenny Sharma
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Nora Würdemann
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Jennifer Knuth
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Henrike Reder
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Jens Peter Klußmann
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
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Tobias J, Jasinska J, Baier K, Kundi M, Ede N, Zielinski C, Wiedermann U. Enhanced and long term immunogenicity of a Her-2/neu multi-epitope vaccine conjugated to the carrier CRM197 in conjunction with the adjuvant Montanide. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:118. [PMID: 28183282 PMCID: PMC5301331 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously identified three short single peptides (P4, P6 and P7) representing different B-cell epitopes on the extracellular domain of Her-2/neu for a vaccine that was tested in a phase-I clinical trial. Here we describe the improvement of the multi peptide vaccine by fusing the single peptides to a hybrid peptide P467. Methods After coupling to either virosomes or to diphtheria toxoid CRM197 (CRM), the hybrid peptide was tested in different concentrations in combination with either Montanide or Aluminium hydroxide (Alum) in preclinical studies. Results Already low amount (10 μg) of P467 conjugated to CRM led to faster onset of high antibody levels compared to the P467-virosome. The formulation P467-CRM-Montanide induced higher serum IgG antibody titers, compared with P467-CRM-Alum, as examined by ELISA using recombinant Her-2/neu or Her-2/neu natively expressed on the tumor cell line SK-BR-3. Compared to P467-CRM-Alum, higher in vitro production of IL-2 and IFNγ in the Montanide-immunized mice was induced after re-stimulation of splenocytes with CRM but also with P467, indicating a clear Th1-biased response. In contrast to the single B cell peptides, the hybrid peptide led to T cell proliferation and cytokine production as CD4 T cell epitopes were generated in the fusion region of the single peptides P4 and P6 or P6 and P7. Additionally, a significantly higher proportion IFNγ-producing CD8+ T cells was found in the P467-CRM-Montanide immunized mice, probably by Montanide-driven bystander activation. Importantly, anti-P467 IgG antibodies exhibited anti-tumor properties and the combination of anti-P467 specific IgG with Herceptin® was found to inhibit the proliferation of Her-2/neu-overexpressing cell line SK-BR-3 in a significantly higher capacity than Herceptin® alone. Conclusions Fusion of the B cell peptides has led to additional generation of CD4 T cell epitopes, and this P467-multi epitope vaccine was found to induce polyclonal antibody responses with anti-proliferative capacity against Her-2/neu. The hybrid vaccine together with Montanide induced higher and long-lasting antibody levels, Th1-biased cellular responses being superior to vaccination with the single B cell peptides. This vaccine formulation is now planned to be evaluated in a phase Ib/II study in Her-2/neu overexpressing cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Tobias
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joanna Jasinska
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Baier
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicholas Ede
- Imugene Ltd., Suite 1, 1233 High Street, Armadale, Melbourne, VIC, 3143, Australia
| | - Christoph Zielinski
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), more specifically the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer, is dramatically increasing in industrialized countries. According to what has been learned from anogenital vaccination programs, there are reasons to believe that current human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations may be potentially effective also against HNSCC. However, before specific results on HNSCC are available, one must keep in mind that carcinogenesis in the head and neck region may differ from that of the anogenital tract. Furthermore, the current evidence supports the view that HPV infection is much more complex than simply a sexually transmitted disease. HPV is present in the semen, placenta and in the newborns, and these infections of the newborns create cell-mediated immunity (CMI) against HPV, including the T memory cells. Acquisition of HPV infection in early life will rise new series of questions in the field of HPV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Syrjänen
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jaana Rautava
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, 20520, Turku, Finland
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Wada S, Yada E, Ohtake J, Fujimoto Y, Uchiyama H, Yoshida S, Sasada T. Current status and future prospects of peptide-based cancer vaccines. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:1321-1333. [PMID: 27993087 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has attracted attention worldwide owing to the recent development of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, these therapies have shown limited efficacy, and further advancements are needed before these modalities can progress to widespread use. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of nonspecific cancer immunotherapy, and antitumor effects are only observed when cancer-specific T cells are found within the nonspecifically activated T-cell group. In order to facilitate the development of potent immunotherapies, selective enhancement of cancer-specific T cells is essential. In this report, we discuss current and future perspectives, including the latest clinical trials of cancer-specific immunotherapies, particularly cancer peptide vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Wada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Erika Yada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Junya Ohtake
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujimoto
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Hidemi Uchiyama
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yoshida
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Sasada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
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35
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Reuschenbach M, Wagner S, Würdemann N, Sharma SJ, Prigge ES, Sauer M, Wittig A, Wittekindt C, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Klussmann JP. [Human papillomavirus and squamous cell cancer of the head and neck region : Prognostic, therapeutic and prophylactic implications]. HNO 2016; 64:450-9. [PMID: 26864190 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-016-0123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are responsible for approximately half of all oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) and incidence rates of HPV-associated OPSCC continue to increase substantially. The defined viral carcinogenesis permits development of specific diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches. Laboratory identification of HPV-associated OPSCC may be achieved by p16(INK4a) immunohistochemistry combined with HPV DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using tumor tissue. Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC have a relatively good prognosis; therefore, the HPV status plays an important role in patient guidance. Due to the relatively favorable prognosis, ongoing studies are evaluating whether less rigorous therapy for HPV-positive patients results in equally good cure rates. The criteria for patient selection are, however, still uncertain. Particularly markers for detection of HPV-positive patients with a high risk of treatment failure are lacking. Besides tumor stage and comorbidities, distinct genomic, epigenetic, and immunologic alterations are prognostically relevant for HPV-associated OPSCC, and might be of predictive value. Furthermore, the characteristic molecular alterations suggest the possibility of novel vigilant and specific therapy approaches. These may be inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is frequently activated in HPV-associated OPSCC, and immunotherapeutic methods, e. g., therapeutic vaccination. Although prophylactic HPV vaccinations may also prevent development of HPV-associated OPSCC, foreseeable effects on OPSCC incidence will be low, given the low vaccination rates in Germany. This highlights the fact that interdisciplinary research networks should enhance the necessary activities related to HPV-associated OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reuschenbach
- Abteilung für Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland. .,The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC), .
| | - S Wagner
- The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC).,Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-, Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Deutschland
| | - N Würdemann
- The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC).,Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-, Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Deutschland
| | - S J Sharma
- The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC).,Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-, Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Deutschland
| | - E-S Prigge
- Abteilung für Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.,The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC)
| | - M Sauer
- Abteilung für Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.,The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC)
| | - A Wittig
- The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC).,Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - C Wittekindt
- The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC).,Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-, Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Deutschland
| | - M von Knebel Doeberitz
- Abteilung für Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.,The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC)
| | - J P Klussmann
- The Human Papillomavirus Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer Consortium (HOCC).,Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-, Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Deutschland
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