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Margul D, Yu C, AlHilli MM. Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Gynecologic Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3849. [PMID: 37568665 PMCID: PMC10417375 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153849] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers have varying response rates to immunotherapy due to the heterogeneity of each cancer's molecular biology and features of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). This article reviews key features of the TIME and its role in the pathophysiology and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer. Knowledge of the role of the TIME in gynecologic cancers has been rapidly developing with a large body of preclinical studies demonstrating an intricate yet dichotomous role that the immune system plays in either supporting the growth of cancer or opposing it and facilitating effective treatment. Many targets and therapeutics have been identified including cytokines, antibodies, small molecules, vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and bacterial-based therapies but most efforts in gynecologic cancers to utilize them have not been effective. However, with the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, we have started to see the rapid and successful employment of therapeutics in cervical and endometrial cancer. There remain many challenges in utilizing the TIME, particularly in ovarian cancer, and further studies are needed to identify and validate efficacious therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariam M. AlHilli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.M.); (C.Y.)
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Yang Y, Yang Y, Yang J, Zhao X, Wei X. Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer: Function and Therapeutic Strategy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:758. [PMID: 32850861 PMCID: PMC7431690 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death in patients with gynecological malignancy. Despite optimal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, ovarian cancer disseminates and relapses frequently, with poor prognosis. Hence, it is urgent to find new targeted therapies for ovarian cancer. Recently, the tumor microenvironment has been reported to play a vital role in the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer, especially with discoveries from genome-, transcriptome- and proteome-wide studies; thus tumor microenvironment may present potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Here, we review the interactions between the tumor microenvironment and ovarian cancer and various therapies targeting the tumor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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3
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Bugide S, Janostiak R, Wajapeyee N. Epigenetic Mechanisms Dictating Eradication of Cancer by Natural Killer Cells. Trends Cancer 2018; 4:553-566. [PMID: 30064663 PMCID: PMC6085095 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system are the first line of defense against infectious agents and cancer cells. However, only a few mechanisms that regulate eradication of tumors by NK cells have been identified. In this review, we present an account of epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the ability of NK cells to eradicate cancer cells. To date, several drugs that target epigenetic modifiers have shown clinical efficacy in cancer. Therefore, once a given epigenetic modifier is validated as a regulator of NK cell function, it can be targeted for NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Bugide
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Radoslav Janostiak
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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4
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Bobbs AS, Cole JM, Cowden Dahl KD. Emerging and Evolving Ovarian Cancer Animal Models. CANCER GROWTH AND METASTASIS 2015; 8:29-36. [PMID: 26380555 PMCID: PMC4558890 DOI: 10.4137/cgm.s21221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from a gynecological malignancy in the United States. By the time a woman is diagnosed with OC, the tumor has usually metastasized. Mouse models that are used to recapitulate different aspects of human OC have been evolving for nearly 40 years. Xenograft studies in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice have enhanced our knowledge of metastasis and immune cell involvement in cancer. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) can accurately reflect metastasis, response to therapy, and diverse genetics found in patients. Additionally, multiple genetically engineered mouse models have increased our understanding of possible tissues of origin for OC and what role individual mutations play in establishing ovarian tumors. Many of these models are used to test novel therapeutics. As no single model perfectly copies the human disease, we can use a variety of OC animal models in hypothesis testing that will lead to novel treatment options. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the utility of different mouse models in the study of OC and their suitability for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Bobbs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Jennifer M Cole
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Karen D Cowden Dahl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA. ; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES We have previously demonstrated activity of Apo2L/TRAIL against patient pancreatic tumor xenografts. Here, we have examined the influence of the tumor implantation site on therapeutic response of orthotopic tumors and their metastases to Apo2L/TRAIL. METHODS Sensitivity of 6 patient pancreatic tumor xenografts to Apo2L/TRAIL was determined in a subcutaneous model. To compare the response of orthotopic tumors, cells from subcutaneous xenografts were injected into the pancreas. Tumor growth was confirmed by histological examination of selected mice, and then treatment was started. When all control mice developed externally palpable tumors, the experiment was terminated, and pancreatic weights compared between control and treated groups. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantitate the response of orthotopic and metastatic tumors. RESULTS The sensitivity to Apo2L/TRAIL observed in subcutaneous tumors was maintained in orthotopic tumors. Metastatic spread was observed with orthotopic tumor implantation. In an orthotopic model of a sensitive tumor, primary and metastatic tumor burden was significantly reduced, and median survival significantly extended by Apo2L/TRAIL therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide evidence that the site of tumor engraftment does not alter the inherent sensitivity of patient xenografts to Apo2L/TRAIL, and these results highlight the potential of Apo2L/TRAIL therapy against primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer.
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Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths and accounts for 4% of women's cancer diagnoses and 5% of all cancer mortalities. Despite the ability of current chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery to put patients in remission, most patients with advanced cancer will eventually relapse. Many advances in the treatment of ovarian cancer have been reported in the past several years and a historical background is provided. Attention will then turn to analogs of current chemotherapeutic agents, new cytotoxic drugs, targeted molecular therapy, intraperitoneal therapy and immunotherapy. This review will give a perspective on current drugs, potential agents and upcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Muggia
- New York University Clinical Cancer Center, NY 10016-9196, USA.
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Scott CL, Becker MA, Haluska P, Samimi G. Patient-derived xenograft models to improve targeted therapy in epithelial ovarian cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2013; 3:295. [PMID: 24363999 PMCID: PMC3849703 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing evidence that precision therapy targeted to the molecular drivers of a cancer has the potential to improve clinical outcomes, high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) patients are currently treated without consideration of molecular phenotype, and predictive biomarkers that could better inform treatment remain unknown. Delivery of precision therapy requires improved integration of laboratory-based models and cutting-edge clinical research, with pre-clinical models predicting patient subsets that will benefit from a particular targeted therapeutic. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are renewable tumor models engrafted in mice, generated from fresh human tumors without prior in vitro exposure. PDX models allow an invaluable assessment of tumor evolution and adaptive response to therapy. PDX models have been applied to pre-clinical drug testing and biomarker identification in a number of cancers including ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers. These models have been shown to be biologically stable and accurately reflect the patient tumor with regards to histopathology, gene expression, genetic mutations, and therapeutic response. However, pre-clinical analyses of molecularly annotated PDX models derived from high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC) remain limited. In vivo response to conventional and/or targeted therapeutics has only been described for very small numbers of individual HG-SOC PDX in conjunction with sparse molecular annotation and patient outcome data. Recently, two consecutive panels of epithelial OC PDX correlate in vivo platinum response with molecular aberrations and source patient clinical outcomes. These studies underpin the value of PDX models to better direct chemotherapy and predict response to targeted therapy. Tumor heterogeneity, before and following treatment, as well as the importance of multiple molecular aberrations per individual tumor underscore some of the important issues addressed in PDX models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Scott
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital and The Royal Women's Hospital , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Marc A Becker
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, MN , USA
| | - Paul Haluska
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, MN , USA
| | - Goli Samimi
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent's Clinical School, Garvan Institute of Medical Research , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Whitworth JM, Alvarez RD. Evaluating the role of IL-12 based therapies in ovarian cancer: a review of the literature. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:751-62. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.566854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Anwer K, Barnes MN, Fewell J, Lewis DH, Alvarez RD. Phase-I clinical trial of IL-12 plasmid/lipopolymer complexes for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. Gene Ther 2009; 17:360-9. [PMID: 20033066 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2009.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A phase-I trial to assess the safety and tolerability of human interleukin-12 (IL-12) plasmid (phIL-12) formulated with a synthetic lipopolymer, polyethyleneglycol-polyethyleneimine-cholesterol (PPC), was conducted on women with chemotherapy-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. A total of 13 patients were enrolled in four dose-escalating cohorts and treated with 0.6, 3, 12 or 24 mg m(-2) of the formulated plasmid once every week for 4 weeks. Administration of phIL-12/PPC was generally safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects included low-grade fever and abdominal pain. Stable disease and reduction in serum CA-125 levels were clinically observed in some patients. Measurable levels of IL-12 plasmid were detectable in PF samples collected throughout the course of phIL-12/PPC treatment. In comparison, serum samples either did not contain detectable amounts of plasmid DNA or contained <1% of the amount found in the corresponding PF samples. Treatment-related increases in IFN-gamma levels were observed in PF but not in serum. These data demonstrate that IL-12 gene delivery with a synthetic delivery system is feasible for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Anwer
- EGEN Inc, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
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10
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Lung cancer xenografting alters microRNA profile but not immunophenotype. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 386:305-10. [PMID: 19523437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Lung tumor xenografts grown in immunocompromised mice provide a renewable source of tumor tissue for research and a means to study individualized response to chemotherapy. Critical to this utility is verification that the xenograft cells retain core phenotypic characteristics of the original tumor. We compared eight non-small cell lung carcinomas with their corresponding xenografts grown in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency by way of histology, immunohistochemistry, and microRNA expression profiling. Six of the eight xenografts closely resembled their original tumor by light microscopy. The xenografts also largely retained key immunophenotypic features. With expression profiling of human microRNAs, however, xenografts clustered separately from the original tumors. While this may be partly due to contamination by non-neoplastic human and mouse stroma, the results suggest that miRNA expression may be altered in xenografts and that this possibility should be further evaluated.
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11
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Zhang H, Zhao Q, Zuo LF, Wang XL, Wang YJ, Jia JH, Kang S. Establishment of intraperitoneal transplantation model of cisplatin-resistant ovarian carcinoma cell in scid mice. Chin J Cancer Res 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s11670-006-0127-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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12
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Hylander BL, Pitoniak R, Penetrante RB, Gibbs JF, Oktay D, Cheng J, Repasky EA. The anti-tumor effect of Apo2L/TRAIL on patient pancreatic adenocarcinomas grown as xenografts in SCID mice. J Transl Med 2005; 3:22. [PMID: 15943879 PMCID: PMC1156958 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-3-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/19/2005] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Apo2L/TRAIL has considerable promise for cancer therapy based on the fact that this member of the tumor necrosis factor family induces apoptosis in the majority of malignant cells, while normal cells are more resistant. Furthermore, in many cells, when Apo2L/TRAIL is combined with chemotherapy, the effect is synergistic. The majority of this work has been carried out using cell lines. Therefore, investigation of how patient tumors respond to Apo2L/TRAIL can validate and/or complement information obtained from cell lines and prove valuable in the design of future clinical trials. Methods We have investigated the Apo2L/TRAIL sensitivity of patient derived pancreatic tumors using a patient tumor xenograft/ SCID mouse model. Mice bearing engrafted tumors were treated with Apo2L/TRAIL, gemcitabine or a combination of both therapies. Results Patient tumors grown as xenografts exhibited a spectrum of sensitivity to Apo2L/TRAIL. Both Apo2L/TRAIL sensitive and resistant pancreatic tumors were found, as well as tumors that showed heterogeneity of response. Changes in apoptotic signaling molecules in a sensitive tumor were analyzed by Western blot following Apo2L/TRAIL treatment; loss of procaspase 8, Bid and procaspase 3 was observed and correlated with inhibition of tumor growth. However, in a tumor that was highly resistant to killing by Apo2L/TRAIL, although there was a partial loss of procaspase 8 and Bid in response to Apo2L/TRAIL treatment, loss of procaspase 3 was negligible. This resistant tumor also expressed a high level of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-XL that, in comparison, was not detected in a sensitive tumor. Importantly, in the majority of these tumors, addition of gemcitabine to Apo2L/TRAIL resulted in a greater anti-tumor effect than either therapy used alone. Conclusion These data suggest that in a clinical setting we will see heterogeneity in the response of patients' tumors to Apo2L/TRAIL, including tumors that are highly sensitive as well as those that are resistant. While much more work is needed to understand the molecular basis for this heterogeneity, it is very encouraging, that Apo2L/TRAIL in combination with gemcitabine increased therapeutic efficacy in almost every case and therefore may be a highly effective strategy for controlling human pancreatic cancer validating and expanding upon what has been reported for cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie L Hylander
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Rose Pitoniak
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | | | - John F Gibbs
- Department of Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Dilek Oktay
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Jinrong Cheng
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
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Knutson KL, Curiel TJ, Salazar L, Disis ML. Immunologic principles and immunotherapeutic approaches in ovarian cancer. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2003; 17:1051-73. [PMID: 12959191 DOI: 10.1016/s0889-8588(03)00064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is an immunogenic tumor, and numerous antigens have been identified in recent years. Several of these antigens are important in regulating tumor growth and may be ideal targets for the development of immune-based strategies. In the absence of immunologic intervention, tumors evade the immune system by several mechanisms, most notably tolerance and immunosuppression. As understanding of the immune response improves, strategies are being designed to circumvent T-cell tolerance to self-antigens through modulation of APC function. In addition, techniques are being developed to identify reverse ovarian cancer-induced immune evasion tactics. The type of the immune-based therapy to apply varies with disease burden. It is hoped that discoveries at the bench along with lessons learned in prior clinical trials soon will allow clinicians to develop rationally based immunologic strategies to treat and prevent ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith L Knutson
- Tumor Vaccine Group, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Box 356527, HSB BB1321, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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14
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Scott KA, Holdsworth H, Balkwill FR, Dias S. Exploiting changes in the tumour microenvironment with sequential cytokine and matrix metalloprotease inhibitor treatment in a murine breast cancer model. Br J Cancer 2000; 83:1538-43. [PMID: 11076665 PMCID: PMC2363423 DOI: 10.1054/bjoc.2000.1487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of treatment-induced changes in the tumour microenvironment might lead to effective combinations of biological therapy. IL-12 induced tumour regression and cure of an experimental murine breast cancer, HTH-K, but only after long-term treatment that was associated with chronic toxicity. During IL-12 therapy, tumour levels of the matrix metalloprotease MMP-9 declined and its inhibitor TIMP-1 was strongly induced. We therefore administered alternate cycles of IL-12 and the MMP inhibitor Batimastat (BB94) to mice. Therapeutic efficacy was increased compared with short-term IL-12 therapy but without the chronic toxicity associated with long-term IL-12 treatment. Image analysis of treated tumours revealed that BB94 prevented regeneration of tumour and stromal compartments that normally occurred after short-term IL-12 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Scott
- Biological Therapies Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK
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Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is critical to ascites development and metastasis in ovarian cancer. Many growth factors important to ovarian cancer invasion are also prominent in its associated angiogenesis. Deregulation of normal angiogenic processes occurs with the cancer's acquisition of the ability to secrete pro-angiogenic factors. The local imbalance of endogenous angio-stimulators and angio-inhibitors promotes vascularization and vascular leak. Assessment of these pro-angiogenic growth factors and enumeration of tumour-associated microvessels have been shown to be prognosticators of ovarian cancer outcome, and may also be surrogates of ovarian cancer tumour burden and/or ascites formation. The process of angiogenesis has been targeted for therapeutics development. Ovarian cancer is a primary cancer against which these new agents are being tested. Thus, further understanding of the molecular and cell biology of angiogenesis in the context of ovarian cancer offers important directions for estimation of patient outcome and for patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Brown
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Mariani E, Meneghetti A, Tarozzi A, Cattini L, Facchini A. Interleukin-12 induces efficient lysis of natural killer-sensitive and natural killer-resistant human osteosarcoma cells: the synergistic effect of interleukin-2. Scand J Immunol 2000; 51:618-25. [PMID: 10849374 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2000.00737.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Previously we demonstrated that some osteosarcoma cell lines varied greatly in their susceptibility to natural killer (NK) cell lysis in vitro. The expression of CD54 and CD58 adhesion molecules on their surface appeared to influence their vulnerability, and the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced positive modulation of CD54 increased osteosarcoma susceptibility in vitro. This study investigated whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal healthy donors could be activated by interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-2, separately or in combination, to lyse osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro, as evaluated by using a microcytotoxicity test. In addition, we analysed (by flow cytometry) whether this function correlated with modifications of the CD2, CD11a, CD11b and CD18 molecules, which are involved in the adhesion of effector cells to the counter-receptors (CD54 and CD58) on osteosarcomas. This study demonstrates that incubation with IL-12 and/or IL-2 triggered NK cell cytolytic activity against osteosarcoma targets and that cytolytic activity was enhanced to a greater extent when lymphocytes were incubated simultaneously with a combination of IL-12 and IL-2. The density of CD18 and CD2 molecules involved in NK adhesion was also up-modulated following cytokine incubation. These changes in the density of adhesion molecules can be involved in the increased lytic activity of effector lymphocytes and in the modification of their binding capacity to osteosarcoma target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mariani
- Laboratorio di Immunologia e Genetica, Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla Putti - IOR, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Silver DF, Hempling RE, Piver MS, Repasky EA. Flt-3 ligand inhibits growth of human ovarian tumors engrafted in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Gynecol Oncol 2000; 77:377-82. [PMID: 10831345 DOI: 10.1006/gyno.2000.5782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study evaluated the effects of Flt-3 ligand (FL) on the growth of human malignant ovarian tumors engrafted in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with particular attention directed at FL's effect on the host natural killer (NK) cell response against ovarian cancer xenografts. METHODS Equal portions of surgical specimen-derived human ovarian carcinomas were engrafted subcutaneously (SC) into SCID mice. Mice were placed into one of two treatment groups 7 days after the day of implantation. Group 1 received placebo injections SC from Day 1 to Day 20 and group 2 received FL at 10 microg/day SC from Day 1 to Day 20. NK cell depletion was performed on three additional mice from group 2 starting on Day 0 using anti-asialo GM1. Serial tumor volumes were measured. On Day 21, mice from each group were sacrificed, and tumors and spleens were evaluated. Data analysis included chi(2) tests, Student t tests, and analyses of variance when appropriate. RESULTS FL resulted in tumor growth delay compared with control (P = 0.036). When NK cell activity was depleted prior to FL administration, no tumor growth delay was observed. Spleens from FL-treated mice were larger (P < 0.01) with expanded white pulp compared with controls. Histologic examination of tumor sections from FL-treated mice revealed regions of solid tumor growth with glandular architecture similar to that seen in control tumors; however, there was an obvious increase in regions composed largely of dense fibrosis in the FL-treated tumors. NK cells and other infiltrating cells could be detected in clusters among tumors from mice treated with FL whereas these cells were only occasionally detected in sections of control tumors. CONCLUSION FL treatment resulted in an antitumor response against human ovarian cancer engrafted in SCID mice and this inhibition appears to be largely host NK cell mediated. The tumor inhibition seen in this model is similar to that previously seen using syngeneic tumors grown in an immunocompetent animal model. Results from this model can potentially be extrapolated to treatment of human ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Silver
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York 14263, USA
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19
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Knutson KL, Schiffman K, Rinn K, Disis ML. Immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of breast cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 1999; 4:353-65. [PMID: 10705919 DOI: 10.1023/a:1018714300217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of immunotherapeutic principles to the treatment and prevention of breast cancer is a relatively new undertaking. Although cytokine infusions, cancer vaccines, and T cell therapy have been extensively studied in solid tumors such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, the therapeutic efficacy of these approaches is not well explored in breast cancer. The recent definition of tumor-specific immunity in breast cancer patients and the identification of several breast cancer antigens has generated enthusiasm for the application of immune-based therapies to the treatment of breast malignancies. In general, immunotherapies can be considered either non-specific, such as a general immunomodulator (e.g., a cytokine), or tumor-specific (e.g., a vaccine that targets breast cancer tumor antigens). This review describes three major immunotherapeutic strategies that have the potential to enhance or generate an anti-breast cancer T cell immune response: (i) cytokine therapy; (ii) cancer vaccines; and (iii) T cell therapy, and explores how each strategy has been applied to the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Knutson
- Division of Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-6527, USA
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20
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Braun SE, Chen K, Blazar BR, Orchard PJ, Sledge G, Robertson MJ, Broxmeyer HE, Cornetta K. Flt3 ligand antitumor activity in a murine breast cancer model: a comparison with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and a potential mechanism of action. Hum Gene Ther 1999; 10:2141-51. [PMID: 10498246 DOI: 10.1089/10430349950017130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown that Flk2/Flt3 ligand (Flt3L)-transduced tumor vaccine induces transferable T cell protection against a murine breast cancer cell line, but a direct comparison with the potent effector GM-CSF, the activity against preestablished tumors, and the mechanism of antitumor response in this breast cancer model are not known. We compared vaccination with C3L5 cells expressing Flt3L (C3Lt-Flt3L) and GM-CSF (C3L5-GMCSF) by injecting 1 x 10(4) cells subcutaneously into the chest wall and then, after 4 weeks, challenging the contralateral chest of tumor-free mice with parental C3L5 cells. C3L5-Flt3L and C3L5-GMCSF had reduced in vivo growth rates (25% tumor formation each) compared with 100% tumor formation of C3L5 cells expressing only neomycin phosphotransferase (C3L5-G1N). However, when tumor-free animals were challenged with parental C3L5 cells, C3L5-Flt3L vaccination was significantly better at preventing tumor growth (p < 0.05) than C3L5-GMCSF vaccination (33% of C3L5-Flt3L-vaccinated animals developed tumor compared with 77% of C3L5-GMCSF-vaccinated animals). Adoptive transfer of immunity for both vaccines was demonstrated; splenic T cells from tumor-free mice protected naive mice from parental tumor challenge. To simulate minimal disease, parental C3L5 cells at two concentrations (high, 5 x 10(3) cells; or low, 1 x 10(3) cells) were injected into the contralateral chest wall 4 days prior to treatment with C3L5-G1N or C3L5-Flt3L. C3L5-Flt3L treatment decreased contralateral parental tumor formation (high, 67% tumor free; low, 90% tumor free) compared with C3L5-G1N treatment (high and low, 0% tumor free). Immunodepletion of activated natural killer cells with anti-asialo-GM1 blocked C3L5-Flt3L- and C3L5 plus soluble Flt3L-mediated antitumor activity. Thus, Flt3L-transduced tumor cells manifest potent antitumor activity, apparently mediated, at least partially, by natural killer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Braun
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, USA
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