The new progress in cancer immunotherapy

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for the Detection and Management of Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Currently, eight million people in the United States suffer from cancer and it is a major global health concern. Early detection and interventions are urgently needed for all cancers, including colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Based on the diagnostic efforts to general awareness and lifestyle choices, it is understandable why colorectal cancer is so prevalent today. There is a notable lack of awareness concerning the impact of this cancer and its connection to lifestyle elements, as well as people sometimes mistaking symptoms for a different gastrointestinal condition. Artificial intelligence (AI) may assist in the early detection of all cancers, including colorectal cancer. The usage of AI has exponentially grown in healthcare through extensive research, and since clinical implementation, it has succeeded in improving patient lifestyles, modernizing diagnostic processes, and innovating current treatment strategies. Numerous challenges arise for patients with colorectal cancer and oncologists alike during treatment. For initial screening phases, conventional methods often result in misdiagnosis. Moreover, after detection, determining the course of which colorectal cancer can sometimes contribute to treatment delays. This article touches on recent advancements in AI and its clinical application while shedding light on why this disease is so common today.

Baseline sLAG-3 levels in Caucasian and African-American breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Worse survival persists for African-Americans (AA) with breast cancer compared to other race/ethnic groups despite recent improvements for all. Unstudied in outcomes disparities to date is soluble LAG-3 (sLAG-3), cleaved from the LAG-3 immune checkpoint receptor which is a proposed target for deactivation in emerging immunotherapies due to its prominent immunosuppressive function in the tumoral microenvironment. A prior study has found that lower sLAG-3 baseline level was associated with poor outcomes.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 95 patients with primary breast cancer (n = 58 Caucasian, n = 37 AA), we measured sLAG-3 (ELISA pg/ml) in pre-treatment blood samples using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney u-Test for independent samples, and, calculated Pearson r correlation coefficients of sLAG-3 with circulating cytokines by race.

RESULTS

Mean sLAG-3 level was lower in AA compared to Caucasian patients (1377.6 vs 3690.3, P = .002), and in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to those with non-TNBC malignancies (P = .02). When patients with TNBC tumors were excluded from analyses, the difference in sLAG-3 level between AA (n = 21) and Caucasian patients (n = 40) substantially remained (1937.4 vs 4182.4, P = .06). Among Caucasian patients, sLAG-3 was correlated with IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 (r = .69, P < .001; r = .70, P < .001; and, r = .46, P = .01; respectively). For AA patients, sLAG-3 was correlated only with IL-6 (r = .37, P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

We present the first report that African-American breast cancer patients might have comparatively low pre-treatment sLAG-3 levels, independent of TNBC status, along with reduced co-expression with circulating cytokines. The mechanistic and prognostic role of cleaved LAG-3, particularly in disparate outcomes, remains to be elucidated.

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived Apamin and Melittin conjugates in cancer treatment: A systematic review

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived peptides, particularly apamin and melittin, in cancer treatment has garnered significant attention as a promising avenue for advancing oncology. This systematic review examines preclinical studies highlighting the emerging role of these peptides in enhancing cancer therapies. Melittin and apamin, when conjugated with other therapeutic agents or formulated into novel delivery systems, have demonstrated improved efficacy in targeting tumor cells. Key findings indicate that melittin-based conjugates, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated versions, show potential in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing toxicity across various cancer models. Similarly, apamin-conjugated formulations have improved the efficacy of established anti-cancer drugs, contributing to enhanced targeting and reduced systemic toxicity. These developments underscore a growing interest in leveraging bee venom-derived peptides as adjuncts in cancer therapy. The integration of these peptides into treatment regimens offers a promising strategy to address current limitations in cancer treatment, such as drug resistance and off-target effects. However, comprehensive validation through clinical trials is essential to confirm their safety and effectiveness in human patients. This review highlights the global emergence of bee venom-derived peptides in cancer treatment, advocating for continued research and development to fully realize their therapeutic potential.

Colorectal cancer: Recent advances in management and treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. In 2020, the estimated number of deaths due to CRC was approximately 930000, accounting for 10% of all cancer deaths worldwide. Accordingly, there is a vast amount of ongoing research aiming to find new and improved treatment modalities for CRC that can potentially increase survival and decrease overall morbidity and mortality. Current management strategies for CRC include surgical procedures for resectable cases, and radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, in addition to their combination, for non-resectable tumors. Despite these options, CRC remains incurable in 50% of cases. Nonetheless, significant improvements in research techniques have allowed for treatment approaches for CRC to be frequently updated, leading to the availability of new drugs and therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the most recent therapeutic approaches for CRC, with special emphasis on new strategies that are currently being studied and have great potential to improve the prognosis and lifespan of patients with CRC.

Advancements in Immunology and Microbiology Research: A Comprehensive Exploration of Key Areas

Immunology and microbiology research has witnessed remarkable growth and innovation globally, playing a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of immune mechanisms, disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic interventions. This manuscript presents a comprehensive exploration of the key areas in immunology research, spanning from the utilisation of bacterial proteins as antibody reagents to the intricate realms of clinical immunology and disease management. The utilisation of bacterial immunoglobulin-binding proteins (IBPs), including protein A (SpA), protein G (SpG), and protein L (SpL), has revolutionised serological diagnostics, showing promise in early disease detection and precision medicine. Microbiological studies have shed light on antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), guiding antimicrobial stewardship programmes and informing therapeutic strategies. Clinical immunology research has elucidated the molecular pathways underlying immune-mediated disorders, resulting in tailored management strategies for conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), etc. Additionally, significant efforts in vaccine development against tuberculosis and HIV are highlighted, underscoring the ongoing global pursuit of effective preventive measures against these infectious diseases. In summary, immunology and microbiology research have provided significant contributions to global healthcare, fostering collaboration, innovation, and improved patient outcomes.

Phagocytosis Checkpoints in Glioblastoma: CD47 and Beyond

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest human cancers with very limited treatment options available. The malignant behavior of GBM is manifested in a tumor which is highly invasive, resistant to standard cytotoxic chemotherapy, and strongly immunosuppressive. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently been introduced in the clinic and have yielded promising results in certain cancers. GBM, however, is largely refractory to these treatments. The immune checkpoint CD47 has recently gained attention as a potential target for intervention as it conveys a "don't eat me" signal to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) via the inhibitory SIRP alpha protein. In preclinical models, the administration of anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies has shown impressive results with GBM and other tumor models. Several well-characterized oncogenic pathways have recently been shown to regulate CD47 expression in GBM cells and glioma stem cells (GSCs) including Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) beta catenin. Other macrophage pathways involved in regulating phagocytosis including TREM2 and glycan binding proteins are discussed as well. Finally, chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-Ms) could be leveraged for greatly enhancing the phagocytosis of GBM and repolarization of the microenvironment in general. Here, we comprehensively review the mechanisms that regulate the macrophage phagocytosis of GBM cells.

Spatial proteomic profiling of tumor and stromal compartments in non-small-cell lung cancer identifies signatures associated with overall survival

Objectives

Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most prevalent and lethal form of lung cancer. The need for biomarker-informed stratification of targeted therapies has underpinned the need to uncover the underlying properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) through high-plex quantitative assays.

Methods

In this study, we profiled resected NSCLC tissues from 102 patients by targeted spatial proteomics of 78 proteins across tumor, immune activation, immune cell typing, immune-oncology, drug targets, cell death and PI3K/AKT modules to identify the tumor and stromal signatures associated with overall survival (OS).

Results

Survival analysis revealed that stromal CD56 (HR = 0.384, P = 0.06) and tumoral TIM3 (HR = 0.703, P = 0.05) were associated with better survival in univariate Cox models. In contrast, after adjusting for stage, BCLXL (HR = 2.093, P = 0.02) and cleaved caspase 9 (HR = 1.575, P = 0.1) negatively influenced survival. Delta testing indicated the protective effect of TIM-3 (HR = 0.614, P = 0.04) on OS. In multivariate analysis, CD56 (HR = 0.172, P = 0.001) was associated with better survival in the stroma, while B7.H3 (HR = 1.72, P = 0.008) was linked to poorer survival in the tumor.

Conclusions

Deciphering the TME using high-plex spatially resolved methods is giving us new insights into compartmentalised tumor and stromal protein signatures associated with clinical endpoints in NSCLC.

Indole Compounds in Oncology: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanistic Insights

Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, with current treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy often hindered by low efficacy and adverse side effects. The indole scaffold, a prominent heterocyclic structure, has emerged as a promising candidate in the fight against cancer. This review consolidates recent advancements in developing natural and synthetic indolyl analogs, highlighting their antiproliferative activities against various cancer types over the past five years. These analogs are categorized based on their efficacy against common cancer types, supported by biochemical assays demonstrating their antiproliferative properties. In this review, emphasis is placed on elucidating the mechanisms of action of these compounds. Given the limitations of conventional cancer therapies, developing targeted therapeutics with enhanced selectivity and reduced side effects remains a critical focus in oncological research.

The Importance of HHLA2 in Solid Tumors-A Review of the Literature

Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly developing field of medicine that aims to use the host's immune mechanisms to inhibit and eliminate cancer cells. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and its ligand PD-L1 are used in various cancer therapies. However, the most thoroughly researched pathway targeting PD-1/PD-L1 has many limitations, and multiple malignancies resist its effects. Human endogenous retrovirus-H Long repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2, known as B7H5/B7H7/B7y) is the youngest known molecule from the B7 family. HHLA2/TMIGD2/KIRD3DL3 is one of the critical pathways in modulating the immune response. Recent studies have demonstrated that HHLA2 has a double effect in modulating the immune system. The connection of HHLA2 with TMIGD2 induces T cell growth and cytokine production via an AKT-dependent signaling cascade. On the other hand, the binding of HHLA2 and KIR3DL3 leads to the inhibition of T cells and mediates tumor resistance against NK cells. This review aimed to summarize novel information about HHLA2, focusing on immunological mechanisms and clinical features of the HHLA2/KIR3DL3/TMIGD2 pathway in the context of potential strategies for malignancy treatment.

Transforming growth factors β and their signaling pathway in renal cell carcinoma and peritumoral space-transcriptome analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to verify hypotheses: Are transforming growth factors TGFβ1-3, their receptors TGFβI-III, and intracellular messenger proteins Smad1-7 involved in the pathogenesis of kidney cancer? What is the expression of genes of the TGFβ/Smads pathway in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues, peritumoral tissues (TME; tumor microenvironment), and in normal kidney (NK) tissue?.

METHODS

Twenty patients with RCC who underwent total nephrectomy were included into the molecular analysis. The mRNA expression of the genes was quantified by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

The study showed that the expression of the genes of TGFβ/Smads pathway is dysregulated in both RCC and the TME: TGFβ1, TGFβ3 expression is increased in the TME in comparison to the NK tissues; TGFβ2, TGFβ3, TGFβRI, TGFβRIII, Smad1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad6 are underexpressed in RCC comparing to the TME tissues; TGFβRI, TGFβRIII, and Smad2 are underexpressed in RCC in comparison to the NK tissues.

CONCLUSION

On the one hand, the underexpression of the TGFβ signaling pathway genes within the malignant tumor may result in the loss of the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of this cytokine. On the other hand, the overexpression of the TGFβ/Smads pathway genes in the TME than in tumor or NK tissues most probably results in an immunosuppressive effect in the space surrounding the tumor and may have an antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect on non-neoplastic cells present in the TME. The functional and morphological consistency of this area may determine the aggressiveness of the tumor and the time in which the neoplastic process will spread.

Arginine-linked HPV-associated E7 displaying bacteria-derived outer membrane vesicles as a potent antigen-specific cancer vaccine

BACKGROUND

Bacteria-based cancer therapy have demonstrated innovative strategies to combat tumors. Recent studies have focused on gram-negative bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as a novel cancer immunotherapy strategy due to its intrinsic properties as a versatile carrier.

METHOD

Here, we developed an Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated E7 antigen displaying Salmonella-derived OMV vaccine, utilizing a Poly(L-arginine) cell penetrating peptide (CPP) to enhance HPV16 E7 (aa49-67) H-2 Db and OMV affinity, termed SOMV-9RE7.

RESULTS

Due to OMV's intrinsic immunogenic properties, SOMV-9RE7 effectively activates adaptive immunity through antigen-presenting cell uptake and antigen cross-presentation. Vaccination of engineered OMVs shows immediate tumor suppression and recruitment of infiltrating tumor-reactive immune cells.

CONCLUSION

The simplicity of the arginine coating strategy boasts the versatility of immuno-stimulating OMVs that can be broadly implemented to personalized bacterial immunotherapeutic applications.

A Review of Current and Pipeline Drugs for Treatment of Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Combining these modalities often yields better responses. Surgery is suitable for localized cases, sometimes involving lymph node dissection and biopsy, to assess the spread of the disease. Radiation therapy may be sometimes used as a standalone treatment or following surgical excision. Systemic chemotherapy, while having low response rates, is utilized as part of combination treatments or when other methods fail. The development of resistance to systemic chemotherapies and associated side effects have prompted further research and clinical trials for novel approaches. In the case of advanced-stage melanoma, a comprehensive approach may be necessary, incorporating targeted therapies and immunotherapies that demonstrate significant antitumor activity. Targeted therapies, including inhibitors targeting BRAF, MEK, c-KIT, and NRAS, are designed to block the specific molecules responsible for tumor growth. These therapies show promise, particularly in patients with corresponding mutations. Combination therapy, including BRAF and MEK inhibitors, has been evidenced to improve progression-free survival; however, concerns about resistance and cutaneous toxicities highlight the need for close monitoring. Immunotherapies, leveraging tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and CAR T cells, enhance immune responses. Lifileucel, an FDA-approved tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, has demonstrated improved response rates in advanced-stage melanoma. Ongoing trials continue to explore the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy for advanced melanoma. Checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 have enhanced outcomes. Emerging IL-2 therapies boost dendritic cells, enhancing anticancer immunity. Oncolytic virus therapy, approved for advanced melanoma, augments treatment efficacy in combination approaches. While immunotherapy has significantly advanced melanoma treatment, its success varies, prompting research into new drugs and factors influencing outcomes. This review provides insights into current melanoma treatments and recent therapeutic advances.

Gut microbiota: A double-edged sword in immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy against tumors

Tumor cells can evade immune surveillance by expressing immune checkpoint molecule ligands, resulting in effective immune cell inactivation. Immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have dramatically improved survival of patients with multiple types of cancers. However, responses to ICB immunotherapy are heterogeneous with lower patient response rates. The advances have established that the gut microbiota can be as a promising target to overcome resistance to ICB immunotherapy. Furthermore, some bacterial species have shown to promote improved responses to ICBs. However, gut microbiota is critical in maintaining gut and systemic immune homeostasis. It not only promotes differentiation and function of immunosuppressive immune cells but also inhibits inflammatory cells via gut microbiota derived products such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan (Trp) and bile acid (BA) metabolites, which play an important role in tumor immunity. Since the gut microbiota can either inhibit or enhance immune against tumor, it should be a double-edged sword in ICBs against tumor. In this review, we discuss the effects of gut microbiota on immune cells and also tumor cells, especially enhances of gut microbiota on ICB immunotherapy. These discussions can hopefully promote the development of ICB immunotherapy.

Co-inhibition of adenosine 2b receptor and programmed death-ligand 1 promotes the recruitment and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Adenosine promotes anti-tumor immune responses by modulating the functions of T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells in the tumor microenvironment; however, the role of adenosine receptors in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effects on immune checkpoint therapy remain unclear. In this study, we obtained the tumor tissues from 80 OSCC patients admitted at the Shandong University Qilu Hospital between February 2014 and December 2016. Thereafter, we detected the expression of adenosine 2b receptor (A2BR) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) using immunohistochemical staining and analyzed the association between their expression in different regions of the tumor tissues, such as tumor nest, border, and paracancer stroma. To determine the role of A2BR in PD-L1 expression, CAL-27 (an OSCC cell line) was treated with BAY60-6583 (an A2BR agonist), and PD-L1 expression was determined using western blot and flow cytometry. Furthermore, CAL-27 was treated with a nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κ B) inhibitor, PDTC, to determine whether A2BR regulates PD-L1 expression via the NF-κ B signaling pathway. Additionally, a transwell assay was performed to verify the effect of A2BR and PD-L1 on NK cell recruitment. The results of our study demonstrated that A2BR and PD-L1 are co-expressed in OSCC. Moreover, treatment with BAY60-6583 induced PD-L1 expression in the CAL-27 cells, which was partially reduced in cells pretreated with PDTC, suggesting that A2BR agonists induce PD-L1 expression via the induction of the NF-κ B signaling pathway. Furthermore, high A2BR expression in OSCC was associated with lower infiltration of NK cells. Additionally, our results demonstrated that treatment with MRS-1706 (an A2BR inverse agonist) and/or CD274 (a PD-L1-neutralizing antibody) promoted NK cell recruitment and cytotoxicity against OSCC cells. Altogether, our findings highlight the synergistic effect of co-inhibition of A2BR and PD-L1 in the treatment of OSCC via the modulation of NK cell recruitment and cytotoxicity.

A Local Strategy Toward Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Based on Fibrin Gel for Postsurgical Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE

Postoperative cancer recurrence and metastasis have always been huge challenges in cancer therapy. The concurrent cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemoradiotherapy regimen is a standard therapeutic strategy in some cancer treatments after surgical resection. However, severe side effects and unsatisfactory local tumor concentrations of CDDP have hampered the application of this concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, a superior option that can enhance CDDP-based chemoradiotherapy efficacy with milder concurrent therapy-related toxicity is highly desirable.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We developed a platform based on fibrin gel (Fgel) loaded with CDDP to be implanted into the tumor bed after surgery combined with concurrent radiation therapy for the prevention of postoperative local cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The postoperative subcutaneous tumor mouse models established by incomplete resection of primary tumors were used to evaluate the therapeutic advantages of this chemoradiotherapy regimen for postsurgical treatment.

RESULTS

The local and sustained release of CDDP from Fgel could enhance the antitumor efficacy of radiation therapy in the residual tumor with lower systemic toxicity. The therapeutic benefits of this approach are demonstrated in breast cancer, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, and osteosarcoma mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work offers a general platform for concurrent chemoradiotherapy to prevent postoperative cancer recurrence and metastasis.