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Zemek RM, Anagnostou V, Pires da Silva I, Long GV, Lesterhuis WJ. Exploiting temporal aspects of cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:480-497. [PMID: 38886574 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Many mechanisms underlying an effective immunotherapy-induced antitumour response are transient and critically time dependent. This is equally true for several immunological events in the tumour microenvironment induced by other cancer treatments. Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has proven to be very effective in the treatment of some cancers, but unfortunately, with many cancer types, most patients do not experience a benefit. To improve outcomes, a multitude of clinical trials are testing combinations of ICT with various other treatment modalities. Ideally, those combination treatments should take time-dependent immunological events into account. Recent studies have started to map the dynamic cellular and molecular changes that occur during treatment with ICT, in the tumour and systemically. Here, we overlay the dynamic ICT response with the therapeutic response following surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. We propose that by combining treatments in a time-conscious manner, we may optimally exploit the interactions between the individual therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Zemek
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Valsamo Anagnostou
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Inês Pires da Silva
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Willem Joost Lesterhuis
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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2
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Song L, Gong Y, Wang E, Huang J, Li Y. Unraveling the tumor immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma using single-cell RNA sequencing. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359231210274. [PMID: 38606165 PMCID: PMC11008351 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231210274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and its indications for lung cancer patient prognosis and therapeutic response have become new hotspots in cancer research in recent years. Tumor cells, immune cells, various regulatory factors, and their interactions in the TIME have been suggested to commonly influence lung cancer development and therapeutic outcome. The heterogeneity of TIME is composed of dynamic immune-related components, including various cancer cells, immune cells, cytokine/chemokine environments, cytotoxic activity, or immunosuppressive factors. The specific composition of cell subtypes may facilitate or hamper the response to immunotherapy and influence patient prognosis. Various markers have been found to stratify the patient prognosis or predict the therapeutic outcome. In this article, we systematically reviewed the recent advancement of TIME studies in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) techniques, with specific focuses on the roles of TIME in LUAD development, TIME heterogeneity, indications of TIME in patient prognosis and therapeutic response during immunotherapy and drug resistance. The main findings in TIME heterogeneity and relevant markers or models for prognosis stratification and response prediction have been summarized. We hope that this review provides an overview of TIME status in LUAD and an inspiration for future development of strategies and biomarkers in LUAD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Song
- Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Erpeng Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, P.R. China
| | - Jianchun Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. No. 295, Xichang Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yuemin Li
- Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital. No.8, Dongdajie, Fengtai District, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
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3
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Nafie MS, Ali MA, Youssef MM. N-allyl quinoxaline derivative exhibited potent and selective cytotoxicity through EGFR/VEGFR-mediated apoptosis: In vitro and in vivo studies. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23690. [PMID: 38493304 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23690] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The cytotoxic activity, EGFR/VEGFR2 target inhibition, apoptotic activity, RT-PCR gene expression, in vivo employing a solid-Ehrlich carcinoma model, and in silico investigations for highlighting the binding affinity of eight quinoxaline derivatives were tested for anticancer activities. The results showed that compound 8 (N-allyl quinoxaline) had potent cytotoxicity against A594 and MCF-7 cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.86 and 1.06 µM, respectively, with noncytotoxic activity against WISH and MCF-10A cells having IC50 values more than 100 µM. Furthermore, it strongly induced apoptotic cell death in A549 and MCF-7 cells by 43.13% and 34.07%, respectively, stopping the cell cycle at S and G1-phases. For the molecular target, the results showed that compound 8 had a promising EGFR inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.088 µM compared to Sorafenib (IC50 = 0.056 µM), and it had a promising VEGFR2 inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.108 µM compared to Sorafenib (IC50 = 0.049 µM). Treatment with compound 8 ameliorated biochemical and histochemical parameters near normal in the in vivo investigation, with a tumor inhibition ratio of 68.19% compared to 64.8% for 5-FU treatment. Finally, the molecular docking study demonstrated the binding affinity through binding energy and interactive binding mode inside the EGFR/VEGFR2 proteins. Potent EGFR and VEGFR2 inhibition of compound 8 suggests its potential for development as a selective anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Nafie
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohab A Ali
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Magdy M Youssef
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Shao J, Ye Z, Shen Z, Liu N, Zhang L, Tachibana M, Xie Z. Chidamide improves gefitinib treatment outcomes in NSCLC by attenuating recruitment and immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116306. [PMID: 38401520 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a significant challenge. Recent studies have indicated that the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) increases following gefitinib treatment, correlating with a poor patient response in NSCLC. Our study revealed that gefitinib treatment stimulates the production of CCL2, which subsequently enhances monocyte (M)-MDSC migration to tumor sites. Chidamide, a selective inhibitor of the histone deacetylase subtype, counteracted the gefitinib-induced increase in CCL2 levels in tumor cells. Additionally, chidamide down-regulated the expression of CCR2 in M-MDSCs, inhibiting their migration. Furthermore, chidamide attenuated the immunosuppressive function of M-MDSCs both alone and in combination with gefitinib. Chidamide also alleviated tumor immunosuppression by reducing the number of M-MDSCs in LLC-bearing mice, thereby enhancing the antitumor efficacy of gefitinib. In conclusion, our findings suggest that chidamide can improve gefitinib treatment outcomes, indicating that MDSCs are promising targets in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Shao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Center of Safety Evaluation and Research, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhichao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Center of Safety Evaluation and Research, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zeren Shen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Nienwei Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lijiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang Province, Center of Safety Evaluation and Research, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Masashi Tachibana
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Zhiqi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
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Wang H, Wang X, Zhang X, Xu W. The promising role of tumor-associated macrophages in the treatment of cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 73:101041. [PMID: 38198845 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are important components of the immune system. Mature macrophages can be recruited to tumor microenvironment that affect tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune suppression, as well as chemotherapy resistance. Classically activated type I macrophages (M1) exhibited marked tumor killing and phagocytosis. Therefore, using macrophages for adoptive cell therapy has attracted attention and become one of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment. Through cytokines and/or chemokines, macrophage can inhibit myeloid cells recruitment, and activate anti-tumor and immune killing functions. Applying macrophages for anti-tumor delivery is one of the most promising approaches for cancer therapy. This review article introduces the role of macrophages in tumor development and drug resistance, and the possible clinical application of targeting macrophages for overcoming drug resistance and enhancing cancer therapeutics, as well as its challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wang
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Department of Surgical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, PR China.
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, PR China; Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, PR China; Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Wanhai Xu
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, PR China.
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6
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Jiang K, Wu L, Zheng X, Xu Y, Miao Q, Zheng X, Zhang L, Huang C, Lin G. Chemotherapy versus personalized therapy for EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a retrospective dual-center study. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:96. [PMID: 38402169 PMCID: PMC10893690 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02905-1] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients often develop resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), leaving uncertainties regarding subsequent treatment strategies. Although personalized therapy targeting individual acquired resistances (ARs) shows promise, its efficacy has not been systematically compared with platinum-containing doublet chemotherapy, a widely accepted treatment after EGFR-TKIs failure. METHODS A retrospective dual-center study was conducted involving patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and EGFR mutations who developed resistance to EGFR-TKIs between January 2017 and December 2022. Eligible patients were adults aged 18 years or older with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 0-1, normal organ function, and no prior chemotherapy. Patients were divided into the chemotherapy group (CG) or personalized therapy group (PG) based on the treatment received after disease progression. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). RESULTS Of the 144 patients enrolled, there were 53 patients in the PG and 91 patients in the CG. The PG acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs through the MET amplification (27, 50%) and small cell lung cancer transformation (16, 30%) and 18% of them reported multiple resistance mechanisms. The ORR of the PG was similar to that of the CG (34% vs. 33%, P = 1.0) and the PFS of the PG patients was not statistically different from that of their CG counterparts [4.2 months (95% CI: 3.6-4.8 months) vs. 5.3 months (95% CI: 4.6-6.0 months), P = 0.77]. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy approximates to that of personalized therapy, which signifies that chemotherapy is still a reliable choice for patients who develop resistance to EGFR-TKIs and that further research is awaited to explore the benefit of personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lin Wu
- The Second Department of Thoracic Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xinlong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiquan Xu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qian Miao
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Longfeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gen Lin
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis, Fuzhou, China.
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Medical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
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Ahn BC, Park C, Kim MS, Lee JM, Choi JH, Kim HY, Lee GK, Yu N, Lee Y, Han JY. Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Neoadjuvant Erlotinib Therapy and Its Clinical Impact on Operable EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Res Treat 2024; 56:70-80. [PMID: 37340841 PMCID: PMC10789966 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2023.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors have greatly improved survival in EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, their effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) are unknown. We assessed the changes induced by neoadjuvant erlotinib therapy (NE) in the TME of operable EGFRm NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a single-arm phase II trial for neoadjuvant/adjuvant erlotinib therapy in patients with stage II/IIIA EGFRm NSCLC (EGFR exon 19 deletion or L858R mutations). Patients received up to 2 cycles of NE (150 mg/day) for 4 weeks, followed by surgery and adjuvant erlotinib or vinorelbine plus cisplatin therapy depending on observed NE response. TME changes were assessed based on gene expression analysis and mutation profiling. RESULTS A total of 26 patients were enrolled; the median age was 61, 69% were female, 88% were stage IIIA, and 62% had L858R mutation. Among 25 patients who received NE, the objective response rate was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.4 to 85.7). The median disease-free and overall survival (OS) were 17.9 (95% CI, 10.5 to 25.4) and 84.7 months (95% CI, 49.7 to 119.8), respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis in resected tissues revealed upregulation of interleukin, complement, cytokine, transforming growth factor β, and hedgehog pathways. Patients with upregulated pathogen defense, interleukins, and T-cell function pathways at baseline exhibited partial response to NE and longer OS. Patients with upregulated cell cycle pathways at baseline exhibited stable/progressive disease after NE and shorter OS. CONCLUSION NE modulated the TME in EGFRm NSCLC. Upregulation of immune-related pathways was associated with better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beung-Chul Ahn
- Center for Lung Cancer, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Charny Park
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Moon Soo Kim
- Center for Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Jong Mog Lee
- Center for Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Jin Ho Choi
- Center for Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Hyae Young Kim
- Department of Radiology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Geon Kook Lee
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Namhee Yu
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Youngjoo Lee
- Center for Lung Cancer, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Ji-Youn Han
- Center for Lung Cancer, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
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Wang B, Pan L, Chen M, Ma Y, Gao J, Tang D, Jiang Z. SIRP-alpha-IL-6 axis induces immunosuppressive macrophages in non-small-cell lung cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 682:386-396. [PMID: 37844448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.10.035] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Signal regulatory protein-alpha (SIRPα) and IL-6 participate in the induction of tumor immune suppressive environment and facilitate tumor growth. In this study, we found that SIRPα was significantly elevated in macrophages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, which was positively correlated to the expression of CD163, PD-1, IL-6, and lung cancer progression. SIRPα in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of NSCLC patients was also associated with CD163, PD-1, and plasma IL-6. Blockade of SIRPα signaling in SIRPα ± and SIRPα-/- mice attenuated lung cancer growth and reduced IL-6 expression in LLC cells-transplanted murine lung cancer model. Co-targeting SIRPα and IL-6 additively suppressed the expression of IL-6 and activation of STAT3, accompanied with a reduced population of pro-tumorigenic CD206+ M2 subtype of macrophages, PD-1+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and PD-1+CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues of anti-IL-6 antibody (aIL-6)-treated mice deficient in SIRPα. Further in vitro studies showed that blockade of SIRPα signaling by anti-SIRPα effectively improved phagocytosis of human PBMCs. IL-6 treatment improved polarization of M2 subtypes and the expression of PD-1 in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs); whereas both aIL-6 and STAT3 inhibitor C188-9 suppressed the expression of PD-1 and SIRPα in BMDMs. M2 cell-biased polarization was also reduced in aIL-6 or C188-9 treated BMDMs. Thereby, SIRPα and IL-6 form a positive feedback loop and regulate each other through STAT3 signaling in macrophages. The increased SIRPα/IL-6 axis may promote immune suppressive environment and lung cancer growth, which may be a potential target for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Cancer Center, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyue Pan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiameng Gao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongfang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhilong Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Wang Z, Li T, Li R, Cao B, Wang S, Fei X, Li C, Li G. Sijunzi Tang improves gefitinib resistance by regulating glutamine metabolism. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115438. [PMID: 37738796 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115438] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a major health concern and significant barrier to human well-being and social development. Although targeted therapy has shown remarkable progress in the treatment of lung cancer, the emergence of drug resistance has limited its clinical efficacy. Sijunzi Tang (SJZ) is a classical Chinese herbal formula known for tonifying qi and nourishing the lungs, has been recognized for its potential in lung cancer management. However, the underlying mechanism of its combined use with anti-cancer drugs remains unclear. Here, we investigated the anti-lung cancer efficacy and underlying mechanisms of the combination of gefitinib and SJZ in gefitinib-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cells (PC-9/GR). We conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments using histopathology and targeted metabolomics approaches. Our results demonstrated that the combination of SJZ and gefitinib exhibited synergistic effects on tumor growth inhibition in PC-9/GR-bearing nude mice. Notably, the co-administration of SJZ and gefitinib synergistically promoted tumor cell apoptosis, potentially through the regulation of BAX and BCL-2 expression. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis found down-regulation of GLS, GS, and SLC1A5 expression in the co-administration group compared to the control and the individual treatment groups. Targeted metabolomics revealed significant alterations in the plasma glutamine metabolic markers glutamine, alanine, succinate, glutamate, and pyruvate. Of the glutamine metabolism markers measured in tumor tissues, glutamine and pyruvate demonstrated significant differences across the treatment groups. These findings suggest that administration of SJZ improves gefitinib resistance in the treatment of lung cancer without toxic effects. Moreover, SJZ may affect glutamine metabolism by regulating key targets involved in glutamine metabolism (SLC1A5, GLS, and GS) and modulating the levels of related metabolic markers, ultimately reducing gefitinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Taifeng Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Ruisheng Li
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Cao
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofei Fei
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
| | - Guohui Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
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Yan D. Hope and Challenges: Immunotherapy in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2916. [PMID: 38001917 PMCID: PMC10669068 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the preferred initial treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring sensitive EGFR mutations. Sadly, remission is transient, and no approved effective treatment options are available for EGFR-TKI-advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Although immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induces sustained cancer remission in a subset of NSCLCs, ICI therapy exhibits limited activity in most EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Mechanistically, the strong oncogenic EGFR signaling in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs contributes to a non-inflamed tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), characterized by a limited number of CD8+ T cell infiltration, a high number of regulatory CD4+ T cells, and an increased number of inactivated infiltrated T cells. Additionally, EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients are generally non-smokers with low levels of PD-L1 expression and tumor mutation burden. Promisingly, a small population of EGFR-mutant NSCLCs still durably respond to ICI therapy. The hope of ICI therapy from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials is reviewed in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. The challenges of application ICI therapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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11
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He D, Wang L, Xu J, Zhao J, Bai H, Wang J. Research advances in mechanism of antiangiogenic therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1265865. [PMID: 37915579 PMCID: PMC10618022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1265865] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment strategy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in recent years, among which anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies are the most used. However, the majority of patients with NSCLC do not derive benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Vascular abnormalities are a hallmark of most solid tumors and facilitate immune evasion. Thus, combining antiangiogenic therapies might increase the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. In this paper, the mechanisms of anti-angiogenic agents combined with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies are illustrated, moreover, relevant clinical studies and predictive immunotherapeutic biomarkers are summarized and analyzed, in order to provide more treatment options for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hua Bai
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Translational Research on Lung Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Translational Research on Lung Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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12
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Chen MT, Li BZ, Zhang EP, Zheng Q. Potential roles of tumor microenvironment in gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35086. [PMID: 37800802 PMCID: PMC10553124 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the course of treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant, gefitinib resistance (GR) is unavoidable. As the environment for tumor cells to grow and survive, tumor microenvironment (TME) can significantly affect therapeutic response and clinical outcomes, offering new opportunities for addressing GR. Dynamic changes within the TME were identified during the treatment of gefitinib, suggesting the close relationship between TME and GR. Various dynamic processes like angiogenesis, hypoxia-pathway activation, and immune evasion can be blocked so as to synergistically enhance the therapeutic effects of gefitinib or reverse GR. Besides, cellular components like macrophages can be reprogrammed for the same purpose. In this review, we summarized recently proposed therapeutic targets to provide an overview of the potential roles of TME in treating gefitinib-resistant NSCLC, and discussed the difficulty of applying these targets in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Tong Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Bai-Zhi Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - En-Pu Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing Zheng
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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13
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Zhang S, Yang L, Yang Y, Yang G, Xu H, Niu X, Wang Y. The efficacy and safety of chemo-free therapy in epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A single-arm, phase II study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19438-19448. [PMID: 37723846 PMCID: PMC10587943 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6545] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of toripalimab combined with anlotinib in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who developed resistance after using first- or second-generation EGFR-TKIs as their first-line regimen without EGFR T790M mutation or had disease progression after being treated with third-generation EGFR-TKIs as first- or second-line therapy were enrolled. All patients received toripalimab (240 mg/day on Day 1, intravenously) combined with anlotinib (12 mg/day, Days 1-14, orally) once every 3 weeks. Treatment continued until disease progression, or if toxicity was intolerable. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) assessed by the investigator. The secondary endpoint was the progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS In total, 19 patients were enrolled between May 2020 and October 2021.The ORR was 0%, and a median PFS was 2.1 months (95% CI 0.251-3.949). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 11% patients. Common adverse events included hypothyroidism (12/19), fatigue (9/19), and hypertension (8/19). Patients in stable disease (SD) group had lower abundance of EGFR mutation allele frequency (AF) before enrollment than those in progressive disease (PD) group (p = 0.031). Patients without detectable EGFR mutation (EGFR-) had longer PFS compared to the ones with EGFR mutations (p = 0.059). Patients with high levels of soluble programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) at baseline also tended to have longer PFS (p = 0.160). CONCLUSION Toripalimab combined with anlotinib was tolerable in EGFR-TKI-resistant advanced NSCLC patients not previously treated with chemotherapy. Patients without detectable EGFR mutation and high soluble PD-L1 levels may benefit from this chemotherapy-free treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyang Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Tongren HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiation SicknessPeking University Third HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yaning Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Guangjian Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and InstituteShandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanChina
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Comprehensive Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xueliang Niu
- Department of Medical AffairsShanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd.ShanghaiChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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14
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Wu MF, Chang YH, Chen HY, Ho CC, Chen HW. Regulation of dendritic cell maturation in osimertinib-treated lung adenocarcinoma patients. J Formos Med Assoc 2023; 122:955-960. [PMID: 37169657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.04.018] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Osimertinib (OSI), a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), efficiently benefits lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, combined OSI and immune checkpoint inhibitor in EGFR-mutant patients increases the incidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), although the mechanism is unknown. Here, we investigated the interaction between dendritic cells (DCs), a potential critical player in ILD, and OSI. Seventeen LUAD patients received TKI therapy, and only the OSI therapy group (N = 10) showed a significant increase in CD40 and CD83 on immature DCs (iDCs), and an elevated trend for both markers on mature DCs (mDCs) during short- and long-term OSI therapy. Our results indicated that OSI therapy may potentially activate DC functions, which might increase the potential immune toxicity when combined with onco-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Fang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsuan Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Chi Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Huei-Wen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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15
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Cheng D, Ge K, Yao X, Wang B, Chen R, Zhao W, Fang C, Ji M. Tumor-associated macrophages mediate resistance of EGFR-TKIs in non-small cell lung cancer: mechanisms and prospects. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209947. [PMID: 37649478 PMCID: PMC10463184 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are the first-line standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation. However, resistance to EGFR-TKIs is inevitable. Currently, most studies on the mechanism of EGFR-TKIs resistance mainly focus on the spontaneous resistance phenotype of NSCLC cells. Studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment (TME) also mediates EGFR-TKIs resistance in NSCLC. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), one of the central immune cells in the TME of NSCLC, play an essential role in mediating EGFR-TKIs resistance. This study aims to comprehensively review the current mechanisms underlying TAM-mediated resistance to EGFR-TKIs and discuss the potential efficacy of combining EGFR-TKIs with targeted TAMs therapy. Combining EGFR-TKIs with TAMs targeting may improve the prognosis of NSCLC with EGFR mutation to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cheng Fang
- Departments of Oncology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Departments of Oncology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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16
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Liu D, Lu X, Huang W, Zhuang W. Long non-coding RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: implications for EGFR-TKI resistance. Front Genet 2023; 14:1222059. [PMID: 37456663 PMCID: PMC10349551 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1222059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common types of malignant tumors as well as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. The application of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has dramatically improved the prognosis of NSCLC patients who harbor EGFR mutations. However, despite an excellent initial response, NSCLC inevitably becomes resistant to EGFR-TKIs, leading to irreversible disease progression. Hence, it is of great significance to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical gene modulators that are able to act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors that modulate tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Recently, extensive evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs also have a significant function in modulating EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the lncRNAs involved in EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC and focus on their detailed mechanisms of action, including activation of alternative bypass signaling pathways, phenotypic transformation, intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) networks, and epigenetic modifications. In addition, we briefly discuss the limitations and the clinical implications of current lncRNAs research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaolin Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wentao Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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17
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Chen S, Yu Q, Jiang W, Lu Y, Zhao Y, Wang H. Rechallenge with EGFR-TKI after failure of immunotherapy is considered an effective treatment for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion: a case report. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1168220. [PMID: 37457583 PMCID: PMC10339383 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1168220] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have an excellent and long-lasting therapeutic response; however, virtually all patients eventually develop drug resistance and experience disease progression. The use of immunotherapy after EGFR-TKIs may be a successful therapeutic option for individuals who are resistant to them. It is still unclear if EGFR-TKIs can be administered again after immunotherapy has failed. We describe a case of a 37-year-old woman who was found to have T4N3M1a stage IVa lung adenocarcinoma. Amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR) genetic testing suggested EGFR exon 19 deletion. The patient was initially treated with a regimen of icotinib (125 mg tid) combined with anlotinib (8 mg qd d1-d14) with an optimal efficacy rating of partial response (PR) and was granted a PFS of 7 months. In second-line treatment, the patient received three cycles of a KN046 (KN046 is a bispecific antibody inhibitor of PD-L1 and CTLA-4) 295 mg d1, pemetrexed 800 mg d1, plus carboplatin 750 mg d1 regimen, with an optimal efficacy rating of stable disease (SD) on CT. The third-line therapy was chosen to be afatinib with docetaxel, and the patient was evaluated for PR on CT. Up to 15 August 2022, the patient had a progression free survival (PFS) of 14 months. The successful treatment of this patient is a reminder that EGFR-TKI rechallenge in EGFR exon 19 deletion patients with EGFR-TKI resistance, in which immunotherapy has failed, may be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubin Chen
- Medical Oncology of Respiratory, Guangxi Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qitao Yu
- Medical Oncology of Respiratory, Guangxi Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Medical Oncology of Respiratory, Guangxi Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yukun Lu
- Department of Pathology, Guangxi Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Medical Oncology of Respiratory, Guangxi Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Huilin Wang
- Medical Oncology of Respiratory, Guangxi Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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18
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Lo JH, Agarwal R, Goff LW, Heumann TR. Immunotherapy in Biliary Tract Cancers: Current Standard-of-Care and Emerging Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3312. [PMID: 37444422 PMCID: PMC10340362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133312] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), comprising intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma as well as gallbladder adenocarcinoma, continue to be challenging to manage. Conventional chemotherapy regimens for advanced disease are limited in both options and benefits, and more effective perioperative regimens are also needed. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has had a profound impact on the management of many solid tumor types, particularly in using immune checkpoint inhibition to enable a tumor-directed T cell response. Immunotherapy administered on its own has had limited utility in BTCs, in part due to a hostile immune microenvironment and the relative infrequency of biomarker-based tumor-agnostic indications for immunotherapy. However, immunotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapies, and/or anti-angiogenic therapies has gained traction, supported by evidence that these agents can impart favorable immunomodulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment. The TOPAZ-1 trial led to the first BTC-specific immunotherapy approval, establishing the combination of durvalumab with gemcitabine and cisplatin as the preferred first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic disease. Recently, the KEYNOTE-966 trial showed positive results for the combination of pembrolizumab with gemcitabine and cisplatin in the same setting, adding further evidence for the addition of immune checkpoint inhibition to the standard chemotherapy backbone. Meanwhile, advances in the molecular profiling of BTCs has contributed to the recent proliferation of molecularly targeted therapeutics for the subset of BTCs harboring alterations in IDH1, FGFR2, MAP kinase signaling, HER2, and beyond, and there has been great interest in investigating combinations of these agents with immunotherapy. Emerging immunotherapy strategies beyond immune checkpoint inhibition are also being studied in BTCs, and these include immunostimulatory receptor agonists, Wnt signaling modulators, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. A large number of trials are underway to explore promising new combinations and immune-targeted strategies, offering opportunities to expand the role of immunotherapy in BTC management in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thatcher R. Heumann
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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19
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Kwok HH, Yang J, Lam DCL. Breaking the Invisible Barriers: Unleashing the Full Potential of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Oncogene-Driven Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2749. [PMID: 37345086 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102749] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of targeted therapy paved the way toward personalized medicine for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) harboring actionable genetic alternations including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (ALK) and c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) incurred lesser treatment toxicity but better therapeutic responses compared with systemic chemotherapy. Angiogenesis inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have also shown an increase in overall survival (OS) for NSCLC patients. However, acquired resistance to these targeted therapies remains a major obstacle to long-term maintenance treatment for lung ADC patients. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has changed the treatment paradigm for NSCLC tumors without actionable genetic alternations. Clinical studies have suggested, however, that there are no survival benefits with the combination of targeted therapy and ICIs. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the tumor immune microenvironment and the dynamics of immune phenotypes, which could be crucial in extending the applicability of ICIs for this subpopulation of lung ADC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Hin Kwok
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiashuang Yang
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Chi-Leung Lam
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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20
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Halder S, Basu S, Lal S, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Seshacharyulu P. Targeting the EGFR signaling pathway in cancer therapy: What's new in 2023? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:305-324. [PMID: 37243489 PMCID: PMC10330690 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2218613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently amplified, overexpressed, and mutated in multiple cancers. In normal cell physiology, EGFR signaling controls cellular differentiation, proliferation, growth, and survival. During tumorigenesis, mutations in EGFR lead to increased kinase activity supporting survival, uncontrolled proliferation, and migratory functions of cancer cells. Molecular agents targeting the EGFR pathway have been discovered, and their efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials. To date, 14 EGFR-targeted agents have been approved for cancer treatments. AREAS COVERED This review describes the newly identified pathways in EGFR signaling, the evolution of novel EGFR-acquired and innate resistance mechanisms, mutations, and adverse side effects of EGFR signaling inhibitors. Subsequently, the latest EGFR/panEGFR inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies have been summarized. Finally, the consequences of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors and EGFR inhibitors have also been discussed. EXPERT OPINION As new mutations are threatened against EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), we suggest the development of new compounds targeting specific mutations without inducing new mutations. We discuss potential future research on developing EGFR-TKIs specific for exact allosteric sites to overcome acquired resistance and reduce adverse events. The rising trend of EGFR inhibitors in the pharma market and their economic impact on real-world clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushanta Halder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Soumi Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Shobhit Lal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Apar K. Ganti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
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21
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Shi ZD, Pang K, Wu ZX, Dong Y, Hao L, Qin JX, Wang W, Chen ZS, Han CH. Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance: mechanisms and new strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 36906600 PMCID: PMC10008648 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment, therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a complete cure. Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity. Several reversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, regulation of transcription factors, activation or suppression of key signaling pathways, as well as modification of the tumor environment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity. Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employ combination treatments. In this review, we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasion from targeted therapy. We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types of tumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies such as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented. We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that are ongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes. These advances provide a direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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22
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Chen S, Tang J, Liu F, Li W, Yan T, Shangguan D, Yang N, Liao D. Changes of tumor microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer after TKI treatments. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094764. [PMID: 36949948 PMCID: PMC10025329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer diagnosis, among which epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations are the common genetic drivers. Their relative tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown a better response for oncogene-driven NSCLC than chemotherapy. However, the development of resistance is inevitable following the treatments, which need a new strategy urgently. Although immunotherapy, a hot topic for cancer therapy, has shown an excellent response for other cancers, few responses for oncogene-driven NSCLC have been presented from the existing evidence, including clinical studies. Recently, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is increasingly thought to be a key parameter for the efficacy of cancer treatment such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, while evidence has also shown that the TME could be affected by multi-factors, such as TKIs. Here, we discuss changes in the TME in NSCLC after TKI treatments, especially for EGFR-TKIs, to offer information for a new therapy of oncogene-driven NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyi Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dangang Shangguan
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nong Yang
- Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dehua Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Hunan Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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23
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At the crossroads of immunotherapy for oncogene-addicted subsets of NSCLC. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:143-159. [PMID: 36639452 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00718-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become a paradigm of precision medicine, with the discovery of numerous disease subtypes defined by specific oncogenic driver mutations leading to the development of a range of molecularly targeted therapies. Over the past decade, rapid progress has also been made in the development of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially antagonistic antibodies targeting the PD-L1-PD-1 axis, for the treatment of NSCLC. Although many of the major oncogenic drivers of NSCLC are associated with intrinsic resistance to ICIs, patients with certain oncogene-driven subtypes of the disease that are highly responsive to specific targeted therapies might also derive benefit from immunotherapy. However, the development of effective immunotherapy approaches for oncogene-addicted NSCLC has been challenged by a lack of predictive biomarkers for patient selection and limited knowledge of how ICIs and oncogene-directed targeted therapies should be combined. Therefore, whether ICIs alone or with chemotherapy or even in combination with molecularly targeted agents would offer comparable benefit in the context of selected oncogenic driver alterations to that observed in the general unselected NSCLC population remains an open question. In this Review, we discuss the effects of oncogenic driver mutations on the efficacy of ICIs and the immune tumour microenvironment as well as the potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited to overcome the challenges of immunotherapy for oncogene-addicted NSCLC.
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Ding J, Ding X, Leng Z. Immunotherapy-based therapy as a promising treatment for EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients after EGFR-TKI resistance. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:187-198. [PMID: 36655635 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2170879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traditionally, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been regarded as a cold tumor based on the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). However, recent studies have found that EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment could shift host immunity from immunosuppressive to immunosupportive TIME, which has renewed hopes of immunotherapy. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight five main immunotherapy-based therapies for patients after EGFR-TKI failure, including safety and efficacy data from prospective and retrospective clinical studies. EXPERT OPINION The efficacy of immunotherapy alone is extremely limited. Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy show an ORR of 29.5%-59.3% and an mPFS of about 7 months. There is still scarce evidence for immunotherapy plus antiangiogenesis therapy. A combination of immunotherapy with EGFR-TKIs exhibits higher treatment-related adverse events and lower clinical outcomes compared to EGFR-TKI alone. Importantly, immunotherapy plus antiangiogenesis and chemotherapy achieves an mPFS of 6.9-10.2 months. In general, the strategy of combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy and/or an antiangiogenic drug is a novel and promising method for treating advanced NSCLC after EGFR-TKI failure. Therefore, the dominant population of EGFR-TKI resistant patients were characterized by EGFR uncommon mutation, EGFR L858R mutation, PD-L1 ≥ 50%, prior antiangiogenic drugs, and negative T790 M mutation for immunotherapy-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghua Ding
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Jiujiang University Affiliated Hospital, No. 57#, Lufeng East Str., Xunyang District, 332000, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinjing Ding
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated of Nanchang University, No. 17#, Yongwai Zheng Str., Donghu District, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhaohui Leng
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Jiujiang University Affiliated Hospital, No. 57#, Lufeng East Str., Xunyang District, 332000, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
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25
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Lin G, Wang X, Ye H, Cao W. Radiomic Models Predict Tumor Microenvironment Using Artificial Intelligence-the Novel Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Immune Microenvironment. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231218227. [PMID: 38111330 PMCID: PMC10734346 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231218227] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and some subtypes are associated with a poor prognosis with a lack of efficacious therapy. Moreover, immunotherapy and the use of other novel antibody‒drug conjugates have been rapidly incorporated into the standard management of advanced breast cancer. To extract more benefit from these therapies, clarifying and monitoring the tumor microenvironment (TME) status is critical, but this is difficult to accomplish based on conventional approaches. Radiomics is a method wherein radiological image features are comprehensively collected and assessed to build connections with disease diagnosis, prognosis, therapy efficacy, the TME, etc In recent years, studies focused on predicting the TME using radiomics have increasingly emerged, most of which demonstrate meaningful results and show better capability than conventional methods in some aspects. Beyond predicting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, immunophenotypes, cytokines, infiltrating inflammatory factors, and other stromal components, radiomic models have the potential to provide a completely new approach to deciphering the TME and facilitating tumor management by physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Lin
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaojia Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hunan Ye
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenming Cao
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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26
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Kalra A, Rashdan S. The toxicity associated with combining immune check point inhibitors with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1158417. [PMID: 37124513 PMCID: PMC10140561 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1158417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Latest advances in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapies have revolutionized the treatment regimens utilized for NSCLCs with or without a driver mutation. Molecular targeted treatments such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are utilized to prevent tumor progression and improve survival. Despite the great benefit of immunotherapy in NSCLC tumors with no driver mutation, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in NSCLC tumors harboring a driver mutation has been under debate. Furthermore, several trials have been conducted investigating the use of these therapies with TKIs. A few trials were halted due to growing concerns of increased toxicity with the combination of TKI and immunotherapy. The adverse events ranged from low grade dermatologic complaints to fatal interstitial lung diseases. These toxicities occur with both concurrent and sequential administration of treatment. Thus, recommendations for the safest method of combination treatment have not yet been described. This review paper discusses recent views on combination treatment, previous clinical trials reporting grade 3-4 toxicities, and guidelines for a safe timeline of administration of treatment based on past evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Kalra
- Harold C Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Sawsan Rashdan
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Sawsan Rashdan,
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27
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Vokes NI, Pan K, Le X. Efficacy of immunotherapy in oncogene-driven non-small-cell lung cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231161409. [PMID: 36950275 PMCID: PMC10026098 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231161409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
For advanced metastatic non-small-lung cancer, the landscape of actionable driver alterations is rapidly growing, with nine targetable oncogenes and seven approvals within the last 5 years. This accelerated drug development has expanded the reach of targeted therapies, and it may soon be that a majority of patients with lung adenocarcinoma will be eligible for a targeted therapy during their treatment course. With these emerging therapeutic options, it is important to understand the existing data on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), along with their efficacy and safety for each oncogene-driven lung cancer, to best guide the selection and sequencing of various therapeutic options. This article reviews the clinical data on ICIs for each of the driver oncogene defined lung cancer subtypes, including efficacy, both for ICI as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation; toxicities from ICI/targeted therapy in combination or in sequence; and potential strategies to enhance ICI efficacy in oncogene-driven non-small-cell lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie I. Vokes
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical
Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelsey Pan
- Department of Cancer Medicine, MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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28
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Barnestein R, Galland L, Kalfeist L, Ghiringhelli F, Ladoire S, Limagne E. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment modulation by chemotherapies and targeted therapies to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2120676. [PMID: 36117524 PMCID: PMC9481153 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2120676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the standard of care in cancer management has evolved rapidly. However, immunotherapy is not currently beneficial for all patients. In addition to intrinsic tumor factors, other etiologies of resistance to ICIs arise from the complex interplay between cancer and its microenvironment. Recognition of the essential role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression has led to a shift from a tumor-cell-centered view of cancer development, to the concept of a complex tumor ecosystem that supports tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The expansion of immunosuppressive cells represents a cardinal strategy deployed by tumor cells to escape detection and elimination by the immune system. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and type-2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAM2) are major components of these inhibitory cellular networks, with the ability to suppress innate and adaptive anticancer immunity. They therefore represent major impediments to anticancer therapies, particularly immune-based interventions. Recent work has provided evidence that, beyond their direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, several conventional chemotherapeutic (CT) drugs and agents used in targeted therapies (TT) can promote the elimination or inactivation of suppressive immune cells, resulting in enhanced antitumor immunity. In this review, we will analyze findings pertaining to this concept, discuss the possible molecular bases underlying the selective targeting of these immunosuppressive cells by antineoplastic agents (CT and/or TT), and consider current challenges and future prospects related to the integration of these molecules into more efficient anticancer strategies, in the era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robby Barnestein
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
| | - Loïck Galland
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
| | - Laura Kalfeist
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Sylvain Ladoire
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Emeric Limagne
- University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Center, Dijon, France
- Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
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Chen M, Xu Y, Zhao J, Liu X, Liu X, Zhang D, Shi Y, Zhang L, Zhong W, Wang M. Comparison of Chemotherapy Plus Pembrolizumab vs. Chemotherapy Alone in EGFR-Mutant Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Clin Lung Cancer 2022; 24:278-286. [PMID: 36635116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Platinum doublet chemotherapy is the standard of care in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation who had disease progression after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). We aimed to assess immune checkpoint inhibitors efficacy in EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the data of sensitive EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients who progressed after EGFR-TKIs and received platinum doublet chemotherapy plus immunotherapy between 2015 and 2021. Efficacy outcomes, including overall response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival, were assessed and compared with those of patients who had received platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. RESULTS Of the total 869 patients, 82 treated with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy and 82 with only chemotherapy were selected. The median progression-free survival in patients administered pembrolizumab was significantly longer than those not administered pembrolizumab (6.7 months; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0-8.5 vs. 4.2 months; 95% CI 3.3-5.0, hazard ratio [HR] 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.89, P = .0076). Improved median overall survival was also observed in patients receiving pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (26.7 [95% CI 22.6-30.8] vs. 13.4 months [95% CI 10.4-16.4], HR, 0.49 [95% CI 0.31-0.75], P = .0052). In addition, the overall response rate was higher in patients treated with than patients treated without pembrolizumab (34.1% and 20.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION The combination of pembrolizumab with chemotherapy is associated with improved efficacy and survival in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC after TKI resistance, but these findings need to be confirmed in further prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjiang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangning Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Dongming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yuequan Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China..
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
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30
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Qiao M, Zhou F, Liu X, Jiang T, Wang H, Jia Y, Li X, Zhao C, Cheng L, Chen X, Ren S, Liu H, Zhou C. Interleukin-10 induces expression of CD39 on CD8+T cells to potentiate anti-PD1 efficacy in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005436. [PMID: 36543373 PMCID: PMC9772697 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-PD-1(L1) therapies are less efficacious in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. METHODS The characteristics of T cells in EGFR-mutated and wild-type tumors were analyzed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and clinical samples. Plasma levels of 8 T-cell-related cytokines were evaluated and its association with immunotherapy efficacy were explored. Association between EGFR signaling pathway and IL-10 was examined through tumor cell lines and clinical tumor samples. In vitro restimulation model of human CD8+T cells isolated from peripheral blood was used to analyze the impact of IL-10 on T cells. Doxycycline-inducible transgenic EGFRL858R mouse models were used to investigate the efficacy of combining recombinant mouse IL-10 protein and PD-1 blockade and its underlying mechanism in vivo. RESULTS EGFR-mutated tumors showed a lack of CD8+T cell infiltration and impaired CD8+T cell cytotoxic function. The incompetent CD8+T cells in EGFR-mutated tumors were characterized as absence of CD39 expression, which defined hallmarks of cytotoxic and exhausted features and could not be reinvigorated by anti-PD-1(L1) treatment. Instead, CD39 expression defined functional states of CD8+T cells and was associated with the therapeutic response of anti-PD-1(L1) therapies. Mechanically, IL-10 upregulated CD39 expression and was limited in EGFR-mutated tumors. IL-10 induced hallmarks of CD8+T cells immunity in CD39-dependent manner. Using autochthonous EGFR L858R-driven lung cancer mouse models, combining recombinant mouse IL-10 protein and PD-1 blockade optimized antitumor effects in EGFR-mutated lung tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that owing to low level of IL-10 to induce the expression of CD39 on CD8+T cells, fewer phenotypically cytotoxic and exhausted CD39+CD8+T cells in EGFR-mutated tumors could be potentially reinvigorated by anti-PD-1(L1) treatment. Hence, IL-10 could potentially serve as a cytokine-based strategy to enhance efficacy of anti-PD-1(L1) treatment in EGFR-mutated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Qiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China,Department of Medical Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haowei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefei Li
- Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengxiang Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongcheng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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31
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Characteristics of tumor microenvironment and novel immunotherapeutic strategies for non-small cell lung cancer. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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32
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[Application of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in EGFR Mutant
Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2022; 25:671-677. [PMID: 36172732 PMCID: PMC9549429 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2022.102.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have greatly improved the survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients without driver mutation. Compared with wild-type tumors, tumors with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations have greater heterogeneity in immune microenvironment characteristics such as programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Whether ICIs is suitable for NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation has been controversial. Clinical studies have shown that immunomonotherapy has no significant effect on patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC. ICIs combined with chemotherapy and antiangiogenic drugs show good survival benefits. This paper overviews the clinical research and related mechanism of ICIs single drug or combination therapy inadvanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation.
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33
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Mansouri S, Heylmann D, Stiewe T, Kracht M, Savai R. Cancer genome and tumor microenvironment: Reciprocal crosstalk shapes lung cancer plasticity. eLife 2022; 11:79895. [PMID: 36074553 PMCID: PMC9457687 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer classification and treatment has been revolutionized by improving our understanding of driver mutations and the introduction of tumor microenvironment (TME)-associated immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the significant improvement of lung cancer patient survival in response to either oncogene-targeted therapy or anticancer immunotherapy, many patients show initial or acquired resistance to these new therapies. Recent advances in genome sequencing reveal that specific driver mutations favor the development of an immunosuppressive TME phenotype, which may result in unfavorable outcomes in lung cancer patients receiving immunotherapies. Clinical studies with follow-up after immunotherapy, assessing oncogenic driver mutations and the TME immune profile, not only reveal the underlying potential molecular mechanisms in the resistant lung cancer patients but also hold the key to better treatment choices and the future of personalized medicine. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between cancer cell genomic features and the TME to reveal the impact of genetic alterations on the TME phenotype. We also provide insights into the regulatory role of cellular TME components in defining the genetic landscape of cancer cells during tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Mansouri
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniel Heylmann
- Rudolf Buchheim Institute of Pharmacology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Oncology, Marburg, Germany.,Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany.,Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Kracht
- Rudolf Buchheim Institute of Pharmacology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany.,Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Giessen, Germany.,Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany.,Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Giessen, Germany.,Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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34
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Zhang T, Zhang C, Fu Z, Gao Q. Immune Modulatory Effects of Molecularly Targeted Therapy and Its Repurposed Usage in Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091768. [PMID: 36145516 PMCID: PMC9505720 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The fast evolution of anti-tumor agents embodies a deeper understanding of cancer pathogenesis. To date, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are three pillars of the paradigm for cancer treatment. The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) implies that reinstatement of immunity can efficiently control tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. However, only a fraction of patients benefit from ICI therapy, which turns the spotlight on developing safe therapeutic strategies to overcome the problem of an unsatisfactory response. Molecular-targeted agents were designed to eliminate cancer cells with oncogenic mutations or transcriptional targets. Intriguingly, accumulating shreds of evidence demonstrate the immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive capacity of targeted agents. By virtue of the high attrition rate and cost of new immunotherapy exploration, drug repurposing may be a promising approach to discovering combination strategies to improve response to immunotherapy. Indeed, many clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of the combination of targeted agents and immunotherapy have been completed. Here, we review and discuss the effects of targeted anticancer agents on the tumor immune microenvironment and explore their potential repurposed usage in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chenhao Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zile Fu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-21-6403-7181
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35
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[Advances in ICIs Therapy after TKIs Resistance in Patients with EGFR Mutant NSCLC: A Review]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2022; 25:601-608. [PMID: 36002197 PMCID: PMC9411951 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2022.101.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The follow-up treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation after drug resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become a hotspot and difficulty at present. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy is a new and important choice for these patients, but many studies have shown unsatisfactory efficacy. However, some domestic and foreign studies have shown that ICIs combination therapy is still effective in some patients with positive driver genes and drug resistance after targeted therapy. So, in the era of immunotherapy, what are the differences in the efficacy of different combination immunotherapy strategies for different patients? What are the factors that affect efficacy? What are the interrelationships between these factors and other immunotherapy efficacy prediction biomarkers? All these problems have broad and important research value.
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Shi C, Wang Y, Xue J, Zhou X. Immunotherapy for EGFR-mutant advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Current status, possible mechanisms and application prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940288. [PMID: 35935943 PMCID: PMC9353115 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective against advanced and even perioperative non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and result in durable clinical benefit, regardless of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression status in cancer. Existing clinical evidence shows that the effect of immunotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC after the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance is not satisfactory. However, compared with monotherapy, ICIs combined with chemotherapy can improve the efficacy. Encouragingly, compared with that of patients with sensitive mutations, the progression-free survival of patients with rare mutations who were treated with ICIs was increased. Adequately maximizing the efficacy of ICIs in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients is worth exploring. In this review, we described preclinical and clinical studies of ICIs or combined therapy for EGFR-mutant NSCLC. We further focused on EGFR mutations and the cancer immune response, with particular attention given to the role of EGFR activation in the cancer-immunity cycle. The mechanisms for the natural resistance to ICIs were explored to identify corresponding countermeasures that made more EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients benefit from ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Shi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Department of Oncology, Jiujiang No.1 People’s Hospital, Jiujiang, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaojuan Zhou,
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Resistance to TKIs in EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: From Mechanisms to New Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143337. [PMID: 35884398 PMCID: PMC9320011 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in advanced mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes a therapeutic challenge. Resistance may occur as a result of EGFR-dependent and independent molecular pathways. The first commonly includes T790M, C797S, L792X and L718X mutations, while the latter pertains to HER2 and MET amplifications, gene rearrangements, disruption in PIK3CA, MAPK signaling and SCLC and epithelial–mesenchymal cells transformation. Liquid biopsies detecting mutant cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have a major potential in the detection of mutant clones before they become clinically apparent. Newer-generation TKIs, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates or combinations of TKIs with other TKIs or chemotherapy, immunotherapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) are currently in use or under investigation in EGFR mutant NSCLC. In EGFR mutant NSCLC metastatic to the brain, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) decreases the ability of TKIs to reach the central nervous system (CNS), acting as an additional resistance factor, which can presently be addressed with osimertinib. The potential of rechallenging EFGR TKIs after chemotherapy and combining it with anti-PD-1 immunotherapeutics remains ambivalent. Harnessing nanocarriers to improve drug delivery in EGFR TKIs-resistant NSCLC has been promising in preclinical settings, but it is yet to be determined in a clinical context. Abstract Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in advanced mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) constitutes a therapeutic challenge. This review intends to summarize the existing knowledge about the mechanisms of resistance to TKIs in the context of EGFR mutant NSCLC and discuss its clinical and therapeutic implications. EGFR-dependent and independent molecular pathways have the potential to overcome or circumvent the activity of EGFR-targeted agents including the third-generation TKI, osimertinib, negatively impacting clinical outcomes. CNS metastases occur frequently in patients on EGFR-TKIs, due to the inability of first and second-generation agents to overcome both the BBB and the acquired resistance of cancer cells in the CNS. Newer-generation TKIs, TKIs targeting EGFR-independent resistance mechanisms, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates or combinations of TKIs with other TKIs or chemotherapy, immunotherapy and Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (anti-VEGFs) are currently in use or under investigation in EGFR mutant NSCLC. Liquid biopsies detecting mutant cell-free DNA (cfDNA) provide a window of opportunity to attack mutant clones before they become clinically apparent. Overall, EGFR TKIs-resistant NSCLC constitutes a multifaceted therapeutic challenge. Mapping its underlying mutational landscape, accelerating the detection of resistance mechanisms and diversifying treatment strategies are essential for the management of the disease.
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EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Resistance to Immunotherapy: Role of the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126489. [PMID: 35742933 PMCID: PMC9224267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. About 10–30% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harbor mutations of the EGFR gene. The Tumor Microenvironment (TME) of patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations displays peculiar characteristics and may modulate the antitumor immune response. EGFR activation increases PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, inducing T cell apoptosis and immune escape. EGFR-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) strengthen MHC class I and II antigen presentation in response to IFN-γ, boost CD8+ T-cells levels and DCs, eliminate FOXP3+ Tregs, inhibit macrophage polarization into the M2 phenotype, and decrease PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. Thus, targeted therapy blocks specific signaling pathways, whereas immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to attack tumor cells evading immune surveillance. A combination of TKIs and immunotherapy may have suboptimal synergistic effects. However, data are controversial because activated EGFR signaling allows NSCLC cells to use multiple strategies to create an immunosuppressive TME, including recruitment of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Tregs and the production of inhibitory cytokines and metabolites. Therefore, these mechanisms should be characterized and targeted by a combined pharmacological approach that also concerns disease stage, cancer-related inflammation with related systemic symptoms, and the general status of the patients to overcome the single-drug resistance development.
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Liao D, Yu L, Shangguan D, Zhang Y, Xiao B, Liu N, Yang N. Recent Advancements of Monotherapy, Combination, and Sequential Treatment of EGFR/ALK-TKIs and ICIs in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:905947. [PMID: 35734411 PMCID: PMC9207473 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.905947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths with high morbidity and mortality. Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 85% of all cases. Fortunately, the development of molecular oncology provides a promising and effective therapeutic strategy for lung cancers, including specific gene mutations/translocations and immune checkpoints, with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) common mutations first and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocations later as the targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as immunotherapy. This review summarized the recent therapy advancements of TKIs and ICIs in NSCLC and focused on the clinical effect of combination or sequential treatment so as to provide the effective advice for the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lun Yu
- Department of PET-CT Center, Chenzhou NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Dangang Shangguan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongchang Zhang
- Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bowen Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ni Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nong Yang
- Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Nong Yang,
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Ye J, Ma Y, Ou Q, Yan J, Ye B, Li Y. Long-Term Clinical Benefit in EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma With Local Squamous Cell Carcinoma Transformation After EGFR TKI Resistance: A Case Report. Front Oncol 2022; 12:883367. [PMID: 35692748 PMCID: PMC9178119 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.883367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The histological transformation from adenocarcinoma (ADC) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare but recurrently occurs post TKI treatment in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients with a very limited number of clinical cases published. The outcome of patients after SCC onset is poor as no established treatment guidelines were available. Here we report a case who was initially diagnosed with lung ADC with EGFR L858R driver mutation and demonstrated a partial response (PR) to gefitinib for 27 months before disease progression. The rapidly progressive lung metastatic lesions were determined as an SCC histology with positive PD-L1 expression. Besides EGFR L858R, the metastatic SCC harbored the amplification of CD274 and PDCD1LG2 detected by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), which encode PD-L1 and PD-L2, respectively. The disease remained stable on the combination therapy of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for eight months until the primary ADC lesion progressed. After the failure of progressed primary ADC lesion with radiotherapy and immunotherapy, systemic ADC metastases were developed in multiple locations including kidney, liver, and chest wall with EGFR L858R mutation but negative PD-L1 expression. The patient then received the combination therapy of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy and the disease remained stable for five months. Since August 2021, afatinib has been administrated which led to a PR and the disease has remained stable up till present. This study demonstrated a primary lung ADC who developed systemic ADC metastases and local SCC transformation with distinct molecular features. The patient has achieved long-term clinical benefit upon multiple lines of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which provided valuable insight into the treatment of advanced SCC-transformed lung ADC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junru Ye
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yutong Ma
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuxiang Ou
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Junrong Yan
- Medical Department, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Ye
- Medical Department, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Yuping Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Chan DWK, Choi HCW, Lee VHF. Treatment-Related Adverse Events of Combination EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor in EGFR-Mutant Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092157. [PMID: 35565285 PMCID: PMC9102470 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The use of combination epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in EGFR-mutant, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has raised concerns over the risk of overlapping toxicities. Although a higher proportion of interstitial lung diseases was reported with the combination of osimertinib and durvalumab, the current evidence on the treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) of EGFR-TKI and ICI remains limited to pneumonitis and the use of osimertinib. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates whether combination EGFR-TKI and ICI increases the incidence of overall and organ-specific trAEs compared to TKI monotherapy. A higher proportion of high-grade organ-specific trAEs was observed in combination TKI and ICI including skin, gastrointestinal adverse events, and interstitial lung diseases. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine the optimal drug of choice of ICI and the best timing of initiation of ICI after failure to prior EGFR-TKI. Abstract (1) Background: We performed a meta-analysis to examine whether combined epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) increases treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). (2) Methods: Articles from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched. Proportions and odds ratios (ORs) of the pooled incidence of overall and organ-specific trAEs in combination EGFR-TKI and ICI were compared to TKI monotherapy. (3) Results: Eight studies fulfilled our selection criteria. Any-grade organ-specific trAEs were more common in combination EGFR-TKI and ICI than TKI monotherapy (skin: OR = 1.19, p = 0.012; gastrointestinal tract: OR = 1.04, p = 0.790; ILD: OR = 1.28, p = 0.001). Grade ≥ 3 trAEs were also more frequent in combination treatment (skin: OR = 1.13, p = 0.082; gastrointestinal tract: OR = 1.13, p = 0.076; ILD: OR = 1.16, p = 0.003). (4) Conclusions: A higher proportion of grade ≥3 skin and gastrointestinal trAEs and ILDs was observed in combination TKI and ICI compared to TKI alone. Caution has to be taken when interpreting the results owing to the small number of studies included in this meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Wai-Ka Chan
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Horace Cheuk-Wai Choi
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Victor Ho-Fun Lee
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2255-4352; Fax: +852-2872-6426
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EGFR signaling pathway as therapeutic target in human cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:253-275. [PMID: 35427766 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) enacts major roles in the maintenance of epithelial tissues. However, when EGFR signaling is altered, it becomes the grand orchestrator of epithelial transformation, and hence one of the most world-wide studied tyrosine kinase receptors involved in neoplasia, in several tissues. In the last decades, EGFR-targeted therapies shaped the new era of precision-oncology. Despite major advances, the dream of converting solid tumors into a chronic disease is still unfulfilled, and long-term remission eludes us. Studies investigating the function of this protein in solid malignancies have revealed numerous ways how tumor cells dysregulate EGFR function. Starting from preclinical models (cell lines, organoids, murine models) and validating in clinical specimens, EGFR-related oncogenic pathways, mechanisms of resistance, and novel avenues to inhibit tumor growth and metastatic spread enriching the therapeutic portfolios, were identified. Focusing on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where EGFR mutations are major players in the adenocarcinoma subtype, we will go over the most relevant discoveries that led us to understand EGFR and beyond, and highlight how they revolutionized cancer treatment by expanding the therapeutic arsenal at our disposal.
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Li M, Hou X, Sai K, Wu L, Chen J, Zhang B, Wang N, Wu L, Zheng H, Zhang J, Mou Y, Chen L. Immune suppressive microenvironment in brain metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: comprehensive immune microenvironment profiling of brain metastases versus paired primary lung tumors (GASTO 1060). Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2059874. [PMID: 35402080 PMCID: PMC8986255 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2059874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of brain metastases and is always associated with poor prognosis. We investigated the immunophenotypes of primary lung tumors and paired brain metastases, as well as immunophenotypes in the synchronous group (patients with brain metastases upon initial diagnosis) and metachronous group (patients developed brain metastases during the course of their disease). RNA sequencing of eighty-six samples from primary lung tumors and paired brain metastases of 43 patients was conducted to analyze the tumor immune microenvironment. Our data revealed that matched brain metastases compared with primary lung tumors exhibited reduced tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), a higher fraction of neutrophils infiltration, decreased scores of immune-related signatures, and a lower proportion of tumor microenvironment immune type I (high PD-L1/high CD8A) tumors. Additionally, we found a poor correlation of PD-L1 expression between paired brain metastases and primary lung tumors. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that some gene sets associated with the immune response were enriched in the metachronous group, while other gene sets associated with differentiation and metastasis were enriched in the synchronous group in the primary lung tumors. Moreover, the tumor immune microenvironment between paired brain metastases and primary lung tumors displayed more differences in the metachronous group than in the synchronous group. Our work illustrates that brain metastatic tumors are more immunosuppressed than primary lung tumors, which may help guide immunotherapeutic strategies for NSCLC brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xue Hou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ke Sai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lihong Wu
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, P.R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Baishen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lijia Wu
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, P.R. China
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, P.R. China
| | - Yonggao Mou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Likun Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Immunological effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the tumor immune environment in non‑small cell lung cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:165. [PMID: 35414830 PMCID: PMC8988264 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) limits the duration of antitumor effects and impairs the survival of patients with oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, little is known about the immunomodulatory ability of TKIs during the entire treatment period, including the drug-sensitive and drug-resistant periods. The present review aimed to comprehensively explore the dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) during TKI treatment in NSCLC. Previous clinical and preclinical studies from medical and health databases related to NSCLC are reviewed. During the response period, cytotoxic immune cells accumulate in the TME and contribute to the formation of an inflammatory microenvironment. During the resistance period, the number of immunosuppressive cells increases, as does the expression of immune checkpoint proteins, which are critical mechanisms for tumor progression. The combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has been explored in multiple studies, and preliminary data showed controversial results. Extensive studies are needed to confirm the criteria of the selected patient subgroups and the toxicity profiles of EGFR TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). At present, the reagents targeting other immune cells, cytokines and related pathways remain underexplored compared with the revolutionary effect of ICIs in lung cancer. In the future, the precisely selected regimens for combination treatment should be further investigated in carefully designed xenograft models and clinical trials.
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Zhang X, Ye T, Li M, Yan H, Lin H, Lu H, Qi Z, Sheng H, He C. Association of Polymorphisms in Inflammation Genes With the Prognosis of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:836117. [PMID: 35372081 PMCID: PMC8971721 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.836117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundInflammation is not only involved in the development and progression of cancer but also affects the response to therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammation genes with the prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).MethodsForty-seven SNPs were genotyped in 318 advanced NSCLC patients receiving EGFR-TKIs. Of 318 patients, 182 (57.2%) patients died during follow-up period. We assessed the association of SNPs with the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) as well as calculated the weighted genetic risk score (GRS). We also explored the expression levels and prognostic values of inflammation genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and using UCSC Xena, respectively. The relationship between the expression levels of IL15, IL17RA, AGER, MIF, and TNFRSF1A and EGFR mutation status was analyzed using UCSC Xena.ResultsIn single variant analyses, 3 SNPs (rs10519613, rs4819554, and rs4149570) were significantly associated with worse PFS. Five SNPs (rs10519613, rs4819554, rs2070600, rs755622, and rs4149570) were significantly with worse OS. In addition, high and intermediate GRSs (based on rs10519613, rs4819554, and rs4149570) were associated with worse PFS than those with low GRS. For OS, patients with high GRSs (based on rs10519613, rs4819554, rs2070600, rs755622, and rs4149570) had shorter survival time than those with low GRS. Furthermore, IL15, IL17RA, AGER, MIF, and TNFRSF1A were dysregulated in LUAD. There was difference in the expression level of TNFRSF1A between EGFR wildtype and EGFR-mutant LUAD. Both low AGER expression and high TNFRSF1A expression were significantly associated with worse PFS in LUAD. In addition, low IL17RA and AGER expression, high MIF and TNFRSF1A expression were significantly associated with worse OS in LUAD.ConclusionSNPs in inflammation genes could serve as prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC patients treated with EGFR-TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Tengfei Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People’s Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Mingdong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Hongwang Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Hongsheng Lu
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou Central Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Zecheng Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Haihui Sheng
- Outdo Clinic, Shanghai Engineering Center for Molecular Medicine, National Engineering Center for Biochip at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Haihui Sheng, ; Chunya He,
| | - Chunya He
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Central Hospital, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Haihui Sheng, ; Chunya He,
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Targeting oncogene and non-oncogene addiction to inflame the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:440-462. [PMID: 35292771 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the clinical management of multiple tumours. However, only a few patients respond to ICIs, which has generated considerable interest in the identification of resistance mechanisms. One such mechanism reflects the ability of various oncogenic pathways, as well as stress response pathways required for the survival of transformed cells (a situation commonly referred to as 'non-oncogene addiction'), to support tumour progression not only by providing malignant cells with survival and/or proliferation advantages, but also by establishing immunologically 'cold' tumour microenvironments (TMEs). Thus, both oncogene and non-oncogene addiction stand out as promising targets to robustly inflame the TME and potentially enable superior responses to ICIs.
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Yang Y, Zhang X, Gao Y, Dong Y, Wang D, Huang Y, Qu T, Fan B, Li Q, Zhang C, Cui X, Zhang B. Research progress in immunotherapy of NSCLC with EGFR sensitive mutations. Oncol Res 2022; 29:63-74. [PMID: 35236543 PMCID: PMC9110674 DOI: 10.3727/096504022x16462176651719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality across the world. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for lung cancer has improved the prognosis of some lung cancer patients to a greater extent and provided a new direction for the clinical treatment of lung cancer. Immunotherapy still has limitations in terms of its appropriate population and adverse reactions. Particularly for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, there has been no major breakthrough in current immunotherapy. Whether immunotherapy can bring new benefits after drug resistance is induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitor-targeted therapy and whether the combination of immunotherapy with other treatments can improve the prognosis remain to be studied in depth. In this article, we provide a detailed review of the relevant characteristics of the tumor microenvironment of NSCLC with EGFR mutation and the current research on immunotherapy for NSCLC with EGFR mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudie Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Dalian Fifth Peoples Hospital, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Yajie Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Yanping Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Tianhao Qu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Buqun Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Qizheng Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Chunxia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Xiaonan Cui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
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48
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Chen Y, Chen Z, Chen R, Fang C, Zhang C, Ji M, Yang X. Immunotherapy-based combination strategies for treatment of EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC. Future Oncol 2022; 18:1757-1775. [PMID: 35232247 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of molecular targeted therapy brings hope to patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, drug resistance inevitably occurs during treatment with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI, shows a favorable prognosis in T790M-positive NSCLC. Unfortunately, acquired resistance is still a challenge for both patients and clinicians. There is still no consensus on the optimal treatment. PD-1 and its ligand receptor 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have yielded great progress, especially in patients with no actionable mutations. In this review, the authors take stock of the relationship between EGFR mutations and PD-L1 expression and summarize the important clinical studies on immunotherapy-inhibitor-based treatment in patients with EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, no 185 Juqian Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Zijun Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, no 185 Juqian Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, no 185 Juqian Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, no 185 Juqian Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Chu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, no 185 Juqian Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, no 185 Juqian Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, no 185 Juqian Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, 213003, China
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Moiseyenko FV, Kuligina ES, Zhabina AS, Belukhin SA, Laidus TA, Martianov AS, Zagorodnev KA, Sokolova TN, Chuinyshena SA, Kholmatov MM, Artemieva EV, Stepanova EO, Shuginova TN, Volkov NM, Yanus GA, Imyanitov EN. Changes in the concentration of EGFR-mutated plasma DNA in the first hours of targeted therapy allow the prediction of tumor response in patients with EGFR-driven lung cancer. Int J Clin Oncol 2022; 27:850-862. [PMID: 35171360 PMCID: PMC8853017 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-022-02128-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze changes in the plasma concentration of EGFR-mutated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) occurring immediately after the start of therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). METHODS Serial plasma samples were collected from 30 patients with EGFR-driven non-small cell lung cancer before intake of the first tablet and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after the start of the therapy. The content of EGFR alleles (exon 19 deletions or L858R) in ctDNA was measured by ddPCR. RESULTS ctDNA was detected at base-line in 25/30 (83%) subjects. Twelve (50%) out of 24 informative patients showed > 25% reduction of the ctDNA content at 48 h time point; all these patients demonstrated disease control after 4 and 8-12 weeks of therapy. The remaining 12 individuals showed either stable content of EGFR-mutated ctDNA (n = 5) or the elevation of ctDNA concentration (n = 7). 10 of 12 patients with elevated or stable ctDNA level achieved an objective response at 4 weeks, but only 5 of 10 evaluable patients still demonstrated disease control at 8-12 weeks (p = 0.032, when compared to the group with ctDNA decrease). The decline of the amount of circulating EGFR mutant copies at 48 h also correlated with longer progression-free survival (14.7 months vs. 8.5 months, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION Comparison of concentration of EGFR-mutated ctDNA at base-line and at 48 h after the start of therapy is predictive for the duration of TKI efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedor V. Moiseyenko
- City Cancer Center, 68A Leningradskaya street, Pesochny, Saint Petersburg, 197758 Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Ekaterina S. Kuligina
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
- St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 2 Litovskaya street, Saint Petersburg, 194100 Russia
| | - Albina S. Zhabina
- City Cancer Center, 68A Leningradskaya street, Pesochny, Saint Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Sergey A. Belukhin
- City Cancer Center, 68A Leningradskaya street, Pesochny, Saint Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Tatiana A. Laidus
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
- St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 2 Litovskaya street, Saint Petersburg, 194100 Russia
| | - Aleksandr S. Martianov
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
- St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 2 Litovskaya street, Saint Petersburg, 194100 Russia
| | - Kirill A. Zagorodnev
- St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 2 Litovskaya street, Saint Petersburg, 194100 Russia
| | - Tatyana N. Sokolova
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Svetlana A. Chuinyshena
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
- St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 2 Litovskaya street, Saint Petersburg, 194100 Russia
| | - Maxim M. Kholmatov
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Elizaveta V. Artemieva
- City Cancer Center, 68A Leningradskaya street, Pesochny, Saint Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Ekaterina O. Stepanova
- City Cancer Center, 68A Leningradskaya street, Pesochny, Saint Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Tatiana N. Shuginova
- City Cancer Center, 68A Leningradskaya street, Pesochny, Saint Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Nikita M. Volkov
- City Cancer Center, 68A Leningradskaya street, Pesochny, Saint Petersburg, 197758 Russia
| | - Grigoriy A. Yanus
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
- St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 2 Litovskaya street, Saint Petersburg, 194100 Russia
| | - Evgeny N. Imyanitov
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 68 Leningradskaya street, Pesochny-2, St.-Petersburg, 197758 Russia
- St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 2 Litovskaya street, Saint Petersburg, 194100 Russia
- I.I. Mechnikov North-Western Medical University, 41 Kirochnaya street, Saint Petersburg, 191015 Russia
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50
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Cheng JN, Yuan YX, Zhu B, Jia Q. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: A Multifaceted Accomplice in Tumor Progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:740827. [PMID: 35004667 PMCID: PMC8733653 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.740827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) is a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells, has a pivotal role in negatively regulating immune response, promoting tumor progression, creating pre-metastases niche, and weakening immunotherapy efficacy. The underlying mechanisms are complex and diverse, including immunosuppressive functions (such as inhibition of cytotoxic T cells and recruitment of regulatory T cells) and non-immunological functions (mediating stemness and promoting angiogenesis). Moreover, MDSC may predict therapeutic response as a poor prognosis biomarker among multiple tumors. Accumulating evidence indicates targeting MDSC can reverse immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and improve therapeutic response either single or combination with immunotherapy. This review summarizes the phenotype and definite mechanisms of MDSCs in tumor progression, and provide new insights of targeting strategies regarding to their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Nan Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingzhu Jia
- Department of Oncology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, China
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