1
|
Wu H, Zhang G, Liu Z, Liu W, Wang X, Zhao Y. Enhanced anti-tumor activity mediated by combination chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting GD2 and GPC2 in high-risk neuroblastoma. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:1308-1319. [PMID: 38904586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.05.023] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells targeting single antigens show limited activity against solid tumors due to poor T cell persistence, low efficiency infiltration, and exhaustion together with heterogeneous tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expression. This is also true in high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB), a lethal pediatric extracranial malignancy. To overcome these obstacles, a combinational strategy using GD2-specific and GPC2-specific CAR-T cells was developed to improve immunotherapeutic efficacy. METHODS We individually developed GD2-specific and GPC2-specific CARs containing a selective domain (sCAR) which was a peptide of 10 amino acids derived from human nuclear autoantigen La/SS-B. These constructs allowed us to generate two different HRNB antigen-specific CAR-T cells with enhanced biological activity through stimulating sCAR-engrafted T cells via a selective domain-specific monoclonal antibody (SmAb). Binding affinity and stimulation of GD2- and GPC2-specific sCARs by SmAb were measured, and transient and persistent anti-tumor cytotoxicity of GD2sCAR-T and GPC2sCAR-T cells were quantified in neuroblastoma cell lines expressing different TAA levels. The anti-tumor pharmaceutical effects and cellular mechanisms mediated by single or combinational sCAR-T cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS GD2- and GPC2-specific sCARs had antigen-specific binding affinity similar to their parental counterparts and were recognized by SmAb. SmAb-mediated stimulation selectively activated sCAR-T proliferation and increased central memory T cells in the final products. SmAb-stimulated sCAR-T cells had enhanced transient cytolytic activity, and combination therapy extended long-term anti-tumor activity in vitro through TNF-α and IL-15 release. Stimulated sCAR-T cells overcame heterogeneous antigen expression in HRNB, and the multi-TAA-targeting strategy was especially efficacious in vivo, inducing apoptosis through the caspase-3/PARP pathway and inhibiting the release of several tumor-promoting cytokines. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that combined targeting of multiple TAAs is a promising strategy to overcome heterogenous antigen expression in solid tumors and extend CAR-T cell persistence for HRNB immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huantong Wu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Guangji Zhang
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongfeng Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kostense Z, de Ruiter J. Anaesthesia for children with cancer. BJA Educ 2024; 24:231-237. [PMID: 38899313 PMCID: PMC11184477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjae.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Kostense
- University Medical Centre, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J. de Ruiter
- University Medical Centre, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pathania AS. Immune Microenvironment in Childhood Cancers: Characteristics and Therapeutic Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2201. [PMID: 38927907 PMCID: PMC11201451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122201] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment is pivotal in cancer initiation, advancement, and regulation. Its molecular and cellular composition is critical throughout the disease, as it can influence the balance between suppressive and cytotoxic immune responses within the tumor's vicinity. Studies on the tumor immune microenvironment have enriched our understanding of the intricate interplay between tumors and their immunological surroundings in various human cancers. These studies illuminate the role of significant components of the immune microenvironment, which have not been extensively explored in pediatric tumors before and may influence the responsiveness or resistance to therapeutic agents. Our deepening understanding of the pediatric tumor immune microenvironment is helping to overcome challenges related to the effectiveness of existing therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapies. Although in the early stages, targeted therapies that modulate the tumor immune microenvironment of pediatric solid tumors hold promise for improved outcomes. Focusing on various aspects of tumor immune biology in pediatric patients presents a therapeutic opportunity that could improve treatment outcomes. This review offers a comprehensive examination of recent literature concerning profiling the immune microenvironment in various pediatric tumors. It seeks to condense research findings on characterizing the immune microenvironment in pediatric tumors and its impact on tumor development, metastasis, and response to therapeutic modalities. It covers the immune microenvironment's role in tumor development, interactions with tumor cells, and its impact on the tumor's response to immunotherapy. The review also discusses challenges targeting the immune microenvironment for pediatric cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anup Singh Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Du S, Zhao Y, Hu Z, Liu S, Roy A, Shen J, Zhu L, Hamuro L. Pediatric model-based dose optimization using a pooled exposure-response safety analysis for nivolumab and nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination in melanoma. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2024; 13:168-179. [PMID: 37873561 PMCID: PMC10787196 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
An exposure-response (E-R) safety analysis was conducted across adult and pediatric (<18 years) studies to evaluate the potential impact of higher nivolumab and/or ipilimumab exposures in adolescents (≥12 to <18 years) versus adults with melanoma using the approved adult dosing regimens for nivolumab alone or in combination with ipilimumab. Data from 3507 patients across 15 studies were used to examine the relationship between nivolumab-ipilimumab daily average exposure and time to grade 2+ immune-mediated adverse events (gr2+ IMAEs). Results from the E-R safety model showed ipilimumab, but not nivolumab, exposure to be a statistically significant predictor of gr2+ IMAEs. Significant covariates included sex (41% higher risk for women than men), line of therapy (19% higher for first-line than later-line), and treatment setting (26% lower for adjuvant than advanced melanoma). Younger age and lower body weight (BW) were each associated with a lower risk of gr2+ IMAEs (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.830 for 15-year-olds versus 60-year-olds and 0.84 for BW 52 kg versus 75 kg). For adolescents with melanoma treated with nivolumab in the advanced or adjuvant settings, these results are supportive of nivolumab flat dosing regimens for adolescents greater than or equal to 40 kg and BW-based dosing for adolescents less than 40 kg. These results also support adult weight-based dosing regimens for nivolumab plus ipilimumab in adolescents with advanced melanoma. This analysis suggests that although higher exposures are predicted in adolescents with lower weight compared with adults, there is no predicted immune-mediated safety risk when treated with the approved adult dosing of nivolumab with/without ipilimumab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yue Zhao
- Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Zheyi Hu
- Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Sihang Liu
- Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Amit Roy
- Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jun Shen
- Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Li Zhu
- Bristol Myers SquibbPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li C, Feng C, Xu R, Jiang B, Li L, He Y, Tu C, Li Z. The emerging applications and advancements of Raman spectroscopy in pediatric cancers. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1044177. [PMID: 36814817 PMCID: PMC9939836 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1044177] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the survival rate of pediatric cancer has significantly improved, it is still an important cause of death among children. New technologies have been developed to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pediatric cancers. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a non-destructive analytical technique that uses different frequencies of scattering light to characterize biological specimens. It can provide information on biological components, activities, and molecular structures. This review summarizes studies on the potential of RS in pediatric cancers. Currently, studies on the application of RS in pediatric cancers mainly focus on early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and treatment improvement. The results of these studies showed high accuracy and specificity. In addition, the combination of RS and deep learning is discussed as a future application of RS in pediatric cancer. Studies applying RS in pediatric cancer illustrated good prospects. This review collected and analyzed the potential clinical applications of RS in pediatric cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenbei Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chengyao Feng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruiling Xu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Buchan Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Tu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Witt S, Quitmann J, Höglund AT, Russ S, Kaman A, Escherich G, Frygner-Holm S. Effects of a Pretend Play Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Cancer: A Swedish-German Study. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2023; 40:158-169. [PMID: 36734043 DOI: 10.1177/27527530221121726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Cancer diagnosis can lead to massive physical, emotional, and social burdens on children and their families. Although children have the right to be informed and participate in their care, research shows that children's views are often not considered in care situations. Thus, it is essential to strengthen children's communication and self-efficacy (SE) to convey desires and needs. The present study explores whether a play intervention is associated with improved health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and SE for communication in care situations. We hypothesize that HrQoL and SE for communication will increase from the beginning to after the pretend play intervention. Methods: Children with cancer from Germany and Sweden were enrolled. The pretend play intervention consisted of six to 10 play sessions. A heterogenic selection of questionnaires was used to measure children's HrQoL and SE before the first pretend play session and after the last play intervention. Results: Nineteen families were included in the presented analyses, including 14 self-reports of children and 19 proxy reports of parents. We found improvements in child-reported communication, and emotional and psychosocial well-being using generic and cancer-specific HrQoL measurements. Further, children's SE in care situations improved during the play intervention. Parents also reported minor improvements in the physical dimensions in both generic and chronic-generic HrQoL, along with improvements in independence. Discussion: Overall, the cancer-specific pretend play intervention offers young children with cancer a secure environment and can contribute to their well-being, and communication skills, during or after cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Witt
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Quitmann
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna T Höglund
- Center for Research Ethics and Bioethics, 8097Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sandra Russ
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anne Kaman
- Research Section "Child Public Health", Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Escherich
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, University Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sara Frygner-Holm
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Physiotherapy, 8097Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Niessen VJA, Wenker STM, Lam MGEH, van Noesel MM, Poot AJ. Biologicals as theranostic vehicles in paediatric oncology. Nucl Med Biol 2022; 114-115:58-64. [PMID: 36126433 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2022.09.001] [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: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Biologicals, such as antibodies or antibody-fragments e.g. nanobodies, have changed the landscape of cancer therapy and can be used in combination with traditional cancer treatments. They have been demonstrated to be excellent vehicles for molecular imaging. Several biologicals for nuclear imaging of adult cancer may be used in combination with (nuclear) therapy. Though it's great potential, molecular imaging using biologicals is rarely applied in paediatric oncology. This paper describes the current status of biologicals as radiopharmaceuticals for childhood cancer. Furthermore, the importance and potential for developing additional biological theranostics as opportunity to image and treat childhood cancer is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veerle J A Niessen
- Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Sylvia T M Wenker
- Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Marnix G E H Lam
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Max M van Noesel
- Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Alex J Poot
- Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McLoone JK, Chen W, Wakefield CE, Johnston K, Bell R, Thornton-Benko E, Cohn RJ, Signorelli C. Childhood cancer survivorship care: A qualitative study of healthcare providers’ professional preferences. Front Oncol 2022; 12:945911. [PMID: 36267959 PMCID: PMC9577072 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.945911] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Childhood cancer survivorship care is a complex specialty, though it is increasingly being integrated into the general practitioner’s (GP) remit. Establishing the essential components of tertiary- and primary-led care, to maximize the benefits and overcome the challenges inherent to each, is essential to inform the development of survivor-centered, sustainable care models. Methods We used the qualitative principles of semi-structured interviewing, verbatim transcription, coding (supported by NVivo12) and thematic analysis, to collect and evaluate the views and preferences of pediatric oncologists, survivorship nurse coordinators, and GPs currently caring for childhood cancer survivors. Results Seventy healthcare providers (19 oncology staff and 51 GPs) from 11 tertiary hospitals and 51 primary practices across Australia and New Zealand participated. Participants reported specialist expertise and holistic family-centered care as the key benefits of tertiary and primary care respectively. Participants reported that tertiary-led survivorship care was significantly challenged by a lack of dedicated funding and costs/travel burden incurred by the survivor, whereas primary-led survivorship care was challenged by insufficient GP training and GPs’ reliance on oncologist-developed action plans to deliver guideline-based care. GPs also reported a need for ongoing access to survivorship expertise/consultants to support care decisions at critical times. The discharge of survivors into primary care limited late-effects data collection and the rapid implementation of novel research findings. Conclusions Healthcare professionals report that while a risk-stratified, collaborative model of survivor-centered care is optimal, to be implemented successfully, greater provisions for the ongoing engagement of GPs and further access to GP education/training are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordana K. McLoone
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Jordana K. McLoone,
| | - Weihan Chen
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Johnston
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael Bell
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elysia Thornton-Benko
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard J. Cohn
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina Signorelli
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, Discipline of Paediatrics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Delgouffe E, Braye A, Goossens E. Testicular Tissue Banking for Fertility Preservation in Young Boys: Which Patients Should Be Included? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:854186. [PMID: 35360062 PMCID: PMC8960265 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.854186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the growing number of young patients at risk of germ cell loss, there is a need to preserve spermatogonial stem cells for patients who are not able to bank spermatozoa. Worldwide, more and more clinics are implementing testicular tissue (TT) banking programs, making it a novel, yet indispensable, discipline in the field of fertility preservation. Previously, TT cryopreservation was predominantly offered to young cancer patients before starting gonadotoxic chemo- or radiotherapy. Nowadays, most centers also bank TT from patients with non-malignant conditions who need gonadotoxic conditioning therapy prior to hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Additionally, some centers include patients who suffer from genetic or developmental disorders associated with prepubertal germ cell loss or patients who already had a previous round of chemo- or radiotherapy. It is important to note that the surgical removal of TT is an invasive procedure. Moreover, TT cryopreservation is still considered experimental as restoration methods are not yet clinically available. For this reason, TT banking should preferably only be offered to patients who are at significant risk of becoming infertile. In our view, TT cryopreservation is recommended for young cancer patients in need of high-risk chemo- and/or radiotherapy, regardless of previous low-risk treatment. Likewise, TT banking is advised for patients with non-malignant disorders such as sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and bone marrow failure, who need high-risk conditioning therapy before HSCT/BMT. TT retrieval during orchidopexy is also proposed for patients with bilateral cryptorchidism. Since patients with a medium- to low-risk treatment generally maintain their fertility, TT banking is not advised for this group. Also for Klinefelter patients, TT banking is not recommended as it does not give better outcomes than a testicular sperm extraction later in life.
Collapse
|
10
|
Thakur S, Jain M, Zhang C, Major C, Bielamowicz KJ, Lacayo NJ, Vaske O, Lewis V, Murguia-Favela L, Narendran A. Identification and in vitro validation of neoantigens for immune activation against high-risk pediatric leukemia cells. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5558-5562. [PMID: 34844524 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2001243] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is experimental and clinical data to indicate the contribution of immune-escape mechanisms in relapsed/refractory pediatric leukemia. Studies have shown the accumulation of mutations that translate to peptides containing tumor-specific epitopes (neoantigens). The effectiveness of neoantigen-based vaccines has been shown in several clinical trials in adults. Though the initial results are encouraging, this knowledge must be developed to account for the uniqueness of pediatric cancer biology. We have completed the initial proof-of-concept analysis on a high-risk pediatric leukemia specimen and identified usable neoantigen sequences. We describe this approach, including the bioinformatics method and experimental model to verify their function that can be further broadened for personalized neoantigen prediction and testing for the generation of anticancer vaccines against high-risk pediatric leukemias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satbir Thakur
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohit Jain
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chunfen Zhang
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Candice Major
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin J Bielamowicz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Norman J Lacayo
- Department of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Olena Vaske
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Victor Lewis
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luis Murguia-Favela
- Section of Hematology and Immunology, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aru Narendran
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors against Tumor Microenvironment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113135. [PMID: 34831357 PMCID: PMC8619966 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the hedgehog (HH) pathway to treat aggressive cancers of the brain, breast, pancreas, and prostate has been ongoing for decades. Gli gene amplifications have been long discovered within malignant glioma patients, and since then, inhibitors against HH pathway-associated molecules have successfully reached the clinical stage where several of them have been approved by the FDA. Albeit this success rate implies suitable progress, clinically used HH pathway inhibitors fail to treat patients with metastatic or recurrent disease. This is mainly due to heterogeneous tumor cells that have acquired resistance to the inhibitors along with the obstacle of effectively targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Severe side effects such as hyponatremia, diarrhea, fatigue, amenorrhea, nausea, hair loss, abnormal taste, and weight loss have also been reported. Furthermore, HH signaling is known to be involved in the regulation of immune cell maturation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and polarization of macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. It is critical to determine key mechanisms that can be targeted at different levels of tumor development and progression to address various clinical issues. Hence current research focus encompasses understanding how HH controls TME to develop TME altering and combinatorial targeting strategies. In this review, we aim to discuss the pros and cons of targeting HH signaling molecules, understand the mechanism involved in treatment resistance, reveal the role of the HH pathway in anti-tumor immune response, and explore the development of potential combination treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors with HH pathway inhibitors to target HH-driven cancers.
Collapse
|
12
|
Shen CJ, Terezakis SA. The Evolving Role of Radiotherapy for Pediatric Cancers With Advancements in Molecular Tumor Characterization and Targeted Therapies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:679701. [PMID: 34604027 PMCID: PMC8481883 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.679701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ongoing rapid advances in molecular diagnostics, precision imaging, and development of targeted therapies have resulted in a constantly evolving landscape for treatment of pediatric cancers. Radiotherapy remains a critical element of the therapeutic toolbox, and its role in the era of precision medicine continues to adapt and undergo re-evaluation. Here, we review emerging strategies for combining radiotherapy with novel targeted systemic therapies (for example, for pediatric gliomas or soft tissue sarcomas), modifying use or intensity of radiotherapy when appropriate via molecular diagnostics that allow better characterization and individualization of each patient’s treatments (for example, de-intensification of radiotherapy in WNT subgroup medulloblastoma), as well as exploring more effective targeted systemic therapies that may allow omission or delay of radiotherapy. Many of these strategies are still under investigation but highlight the importance of continued pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating the role of radiotherapy in this era of precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colette J Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stephanie A Terezakis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Langenberg KPS, Looze EJ, Molenaar JJ. The Landscape of Pediatric Precision Oncology: Program Design, Actionable Alterations, and Clinical Trial Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4324. [PMID: 34503139 PMCID: PMC8431194 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last years, various precision medicine programs have been developed for pediatric patients with high-risk, relapsed, or refractory malignancies, selecting patients for targeted treatment through comprehensive molecular profiling. In this review, we describe characteristics of these initiatives, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of molecular-driven precision medicine. Actionable events are identified in a significant subset of patients, although comparing results is complicated due to the lack of a standardized definition of actionable alterations and the different molecular profiling strategies used. The first biomarker-driven trials for childhood cancer have been initiated, but until now the effect of precision medicine on clinical outcome has only been reported for a small number of patients, demonstrating clinical benefit in some. Future perspectives include the incorporation of novel approaches such as liquid biopsies and immune monitoring as well as innovative collaborative trial design including combination strategies, and the development of agents specifically targeting aberrations in childhood malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin P. S. Langenberg
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.J.L.); (J.J.M.)
| | - Eleonora J. Looze
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.J.L.); (J.J.M.)
| | - Jan J. Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.J.L.); (J.J.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Journal Enters a New Era. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:384-388. [PMID: 34207154 PMCID: PMC8929143 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
15
|
Arra A, Pech M, Fu H, Lingel H, Braun F, Beyer C, Spiliopoulou M, Bröker BM, Lampe K, Arens C, Vogel K, Pierau M, Brunner-Weinzierl MC. Immune-checkpoint blockade of CTLA-4 (CD152) in antigen-specific human T-cell responses differs profoundly between neonates, children, and adults. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1938475. [PMID: 34178430 PMCID: PMC8204976 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1938475] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4, Ipilimumab, is a first-in-class immune-checkpoint inhibitor approved for treatment of advanced melanoma in adults but not extensively studied in children. In light of the fact that the immune response early in life differs from that of adults, we have applied a human in vitro model stimulating CD4+ T-cells from neonates, children (1–5 years), and adults antigen-specifically with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) for assessment of CTLA-4 blockade early in life. We show that T-cell proliferation as well as frequencies of antigen-specific T-cells (CD40L+CD4+) were enhanced in neonatal T-cells upon CTLA-4 blockade showing a larger variance within the group (F-test p < .0001). Using machine learning algorithm Random Forest, adult and neonatal T-cell responses can be unambiguously categorized (F1 score-0.75) on the basis of their cytokine (co-)expression. Blockade of CTLA-4 enhanced frequencies of IL-8, IFNγ, and IL-10 producers among CD40L+ T-cells. Of note, antigen-specific T-cells from neonates displayed higher cytokine coproduction at baseline, while T-cells from children caught up to neonates, and adults to baseline of children upon CTLA-4 blockade. These findings reveal that in neonatal T-cells blockade of CTLA-4 mainly unleashes the antigen-specific capacity by increasing the numbers of responding T-cells, whereas in children and adults it promotes the coexpression of cytokines by individual T-cells. Thus, CTLA-4 blockade boosts antitumor immunity through different mechanisms depending on the patients’ age. These data implicate a strong impact of the developmental stage of the T-cell compartment on the effects of immune-checkpoint therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Arra
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Pech
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hang Fu
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Holger Lingel
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Braun
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Beyer
- Department of Informatics, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Myra Spiliopoulou
- Department of Informatics, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Barbara M Bröker
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Karen Lampe
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Arens
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Vogel
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mandy Pierau
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Monika C Brunner-Weinzierl
- Department of Experimental Pediatrics and Neonatology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Munari E, Mariotti FR, Quatrini L, Bertoglio P, Tumino N, Vacca P, Eccher A, Ciompi F, Brunelli M, Martignoni G, Bogina G, Moretta L. PD-1/PD-L1 in Cancer: Pathophysiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5123. [PMID: 34066087 PMCID: PMC8151504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion is a key strategy adopted by tumor cells to escape the immune system while promoting their survival and metastatic spreading. Indeed, several mechanisms have been developed by tumors to inhibit immune responses. PD-1 is a cell surface inhibitory receptor, which plays a major physiological role in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. In pathological conditions, activation of the PD-1/PD-Ls signaling pathway may block immune cell activation, a mechanism exploited by tumor cells to evade the antitumor immune control. Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis has represented a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. Indeed, the success of PD-1 blockade immunotherapies represents an unprecedented success in the treatment of different cancer types. To improve the therapeutic efficacy, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms regulating PD-1 expression and signaling in the tumor context is required. We provide an overview of the current knowledge of PD-1 expression on both tumor-infiltrating T and NK cells, summarizing the recent evidence on the stimuli regulating its expression. We also highlight perspectives and limitations of the role of PD-L1 expression as a predictive marker, discuss well-established and novel potential approaches to improve patient selection and clinical outcome and summarize current indications for anti-PD1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Francesca R. Mariotti
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (L.Q.); (N.T.); (P.V.)
| | - Linda Quatrini
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (L.Q.); (N.T.); (P.V.)
| | - Pietro Bertoglio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Maggiore Teaching Hospital and Sant’Orsola University Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (L.Q.); (N.T.); (P.V.)
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (L.Q.); (N.T.); (P.V.)
| | - Albino Eccher
- Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Francesco Ciompi
- Computational Pathology Group, Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6543 SH Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Guido Martignoni
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (G.M.)
- Pathology Unit, Pederzoli Hospital, 37019 Peschiera del Garda, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bogina
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (L.Q.); (N.T.); (P.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Setordzi P, Chang X, Liu Z, Wu Y, Zuo D. The recent advances of PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint signaling inhibition for breast cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173867. [PMID: 33460617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been sustained research activity on programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors for breast cancer (BC) immunotherapy. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the anti-tumor efficacy of monotherapy drugs targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint signaling in BC. Besides, the combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents with other inhibitors, including poly-adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, vaccines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors are being investigated to improve drug efficacy. These trials have performed well and have shown better and more sustainable therapeutic responses. As follows, the purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advances in BC immunotherapy targeting the inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint signaling, when recommended as a monotherapy or in conjunction with other treatments. We look forward to providing new insights into the current state of BC research and the future direction of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patience Setordzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xing Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Daiying Zuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wyns C, Kanbar M, Giudice MG, Poels J. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: lessons learned from the past and update on remaining challenges towards clinical translation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:433-459. [PMID: 33326572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer incidence and survivorship are both on the rise. However, many lifesaving treatments threaten the prepubertal testis. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT), containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as a fertility preservation (FP) option for this population is increasingly proposed worldwide. Recent achievements notably the birth of non-human primate (NHP) progeny using sperm developed in frozen-thawed ITT autografts has given proof of principle of the reproductive potential of banked ITT. Outlining the current state of the art on FP for prepubertal boys is crucial as some of the boys who have cryopreserved ITT since the early 2000s are now in their reproductive age and are already seeking answers with regards to their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In the light of past decade achievements and observations, this review aims to provide insight into relevant questions for clinicians involved in FP programmes. Have the indications for FP for prepubertal boys changed over time? What is key for patient counselling and ITT sampling based on the latest achievements in animals and research performed with human ITT? How far are we from clinical application of methods to restore reproductive capacity with cryostored ITT? SEARCH METHODS An extensive search for articles published in English or French since January 2010 to June 2020 using keywords relevant to the topic of FP for prepubertal boys was made in the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Original articles on fertility preservation with emphasis on those involving prepubertal testicular tissue, as well as comprehensive and systematic reviews were included. Papers with redundancy of information or with an absence of a relevant link for future clinical application were excluded. Papers on alternative sources of stem cells besides SSCs were excluded. OUTCOMES Preliminary follow-up data indicate that around 27% of boys who have undergone testicular sampling as an FP measure have proved azoospermic and must therefore solely rely on their cryostored ITT to ensure biologic parenthood. Auto-transplantation of ITT appears to be the first technique that could enter pilot clinical trials but should be restricted to tissue free of malignant cells. While in vitro spermatogenesis circumvents the risk linked to cancer cell contamination and has led to offspring in mice, complete spermatogenesis has not been achieved with human ITT. However, generation of haploid germ cells paves the way to further studies aimed at completing the final maturation of germ cells and increasing the efficiency of the processes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite all the research done to date, FP for prepubertal boys remains a relatively young field and is often challenging to healthcare providers, patients and parents. As cryopreservation of ITT is now likely to expand further, it is important not only to acknowledge some of the research questions raised on the topic, e.g. the epigenetic and genetic integrity of gametes derived from strategies to restore fertility with banked ITT but also to provide healthcare professionals worldwide with updated knowledge to launch proper multicollaborative care pathways in the field and address clinical issues that will come-up when aiming for the child's best interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wyns
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Melaiu O, Lucarini V, Giovannoni R, Fruci D, Gemignani F. News on immune checkpoint inhibitors as immunotherapy strategies in adult and pediatric solid tumors. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 79:18-43. [PMID: 32659257 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown unprecedented benefits in various adult cancers, and this success has prompted the exploration of ICI therapy even in childhood malignances. Although the use of ICIs as individual agents has achieved disappointing response rates, combinational therapies are likely to promise better results. However, only a subset of patients experienced prolonged clinical effects, thus suggesting the need to identify robust bio-markers that predict individual clinical response or resistance to ICI therapy as the main challenge. In this review, we focus on how the use of ICIs in adult cancers can be translated into pediatric malignances. We discuss the physiological mechanism of action of each IC, including PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 and the new emerging ones, LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, B7-H3, BTLA and IDO-1, and evaluate their prognostic value in both adult and childhood tumors. Furthermore, we offer an overview of preclinical models and clinical trials currently under investigation to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies in these patients. Finally, we outline the main predictive factors that influence the efficacy of ICIs, in order to lay the basis for the development of a pan-cancer immunogenomic model, able to direct young patients towards more specific immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Melaiu
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|