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Franzese O, Ancona P, Bianchi N, Aguiari G. Apoptosis, a Metabolic "Head-to-Head" between Tumor and T Cells: Implications for Immunotherapy. Cells 2024; 13:924. [PMID: 38891056 PMCID: PMC11171541 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Induction of apoptosis represents a promising therapeutic approach to drive tumor cells to death. However, this poses challenges due to the intricate nature of cancer biology and the mechanisms employed by cancer cells to survive and escape immune surveillance. Furthermore, molecules released from apoptotic cells and phagocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can facilitate cancer progression and immune evasion. Apoptosis is also a pivotal mechanism in modulating the strength and duration of anti-tumor T-cell responses. Combined strategies including molecular targeting of apoptosis, promoting immunogenic cell death, modulating immunosuppressive cells, and affecting energy pathways can potentially overcome resistance and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Thus, an effective approach for targeting apoptosis within the TME should delicately balance the selective induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, while safeguarding survival, metabolic changes, and functionality of T cells targeting crucial molecular pathways involved in T-cell apoptosis regulation. Enhancing the persistence and effectiveness of T cells may bolster a more resilient and enduring anti-tumor immune response, ultimately advancing therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment. This review delves into the pivotal topics of this multifaceted issue and suggests drugs and druggable targets for possible combined therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via F. Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Hsiehchen D, Beg MS, Kainthla R, Lohrey J, Kazmi SM, Khosama L, Maxwell MC, Kline H, Katz C, Hassan A, Kubota N, Siglinsky E, Pillai AK, Youssoufian H, Mockbee C, Culm K, Uhlik M, Benjamin L, Brekken RA, Ahn C, Singal AG, Zhu H, Hoshida Y, Yopp AC. The phosphatidylserine targeting antibody bavituximab plus pembrolizumab in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase 2 trial. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2178. [PMID: 38467639 PMCID: PMC10928173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46542-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/L1 have modest efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma as single agents. Targeting membranous phosphatidylserine may induce pro-inflammatory and -immune stimulating effects that enhance immunotherapy activity. This hypothesis was tested in a single-arm phase 2 trial evaluating frontline bavituximab, a phosphatidylserine targeting antibody, plus pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (NCT03519997). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed objective response rate among evaluable patients, and secondary end points included progression-free survival, incidence of adverse events, overall survival, and duration of response. Among 28 evaluable patients, the confirmed response rate was 32.1%, which met the pre-specified endpoint, and the median progression-free survival was 6.3 months (95% CI, 1.3-11.3 months). Treatment related-adverse events of any grade occurred in 45.7% of patients, with grade 3 or greater adverse events in 14.3% of patients. Adverse events of any cause were observed in 33 patients (94.3%), with grade 3 or greater adverse events in 11 patients (31.4%). Prespecified exploratory analyses of baseline tumor specimens showed that a depletion of B cells, and the presence of fibrotic tissue and expression of immune checkpoints in stroma was associated with tumor response. These results suggest that targeting phosphatidylserine may lead to synergistic effects with PD-1 blockade without increasing toxicity rates, and future studies on this therapeutic strategy may be guided by biomarkers characterizing the pre-treatment tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hsiehchen
- Divison of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Muhammad S Beg
- Divison of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Radhika Kainthla
- Divison of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jay Lohrey
- Divison of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Syed M Kazmi
- Divison of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Leticia Khosama
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mary Claire Maxwell
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Heather Kline
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Courtney Katz
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Asim Hassan
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Naoto Kubota
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ellen Siglinsky
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anil K Pillai
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rolf A Brekken
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chul Ahn
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hao Zhu
- Divison of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Adam C Yopp
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Divison of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Becht R, Kiełbowski K, Wasilewicz MP. New Opportunities in the Systemic Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Today and Tomorrow. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1456. [PMID: 38338736 PMCID: PMC10855889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease represent major risk factors of HCC. Multiple different treatment options are available, depending on the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm. Systemic treatment is reserved for certain patients in stages B and C, who will not benefit from regional treatment methods. In the last fifteen years, the arsenal of available therapeutics has largely expanded, which improved treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, not all patients respond to these agents and novel combinations and drugs are needed. In this review, we aim to summarize the pathway of trials investigating the safety and efficacy of targeted therapeutics and immunotherapies since the introduction of sorafenib. Furthermore, we discuss the current evidence regarding resistance mechanisms and potential novel targets in the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Becht
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (R.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (R.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Michał P. Wasilewicz
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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Ly KI, Richardson LG, Liu M, Muzikansky A, Cardona J, Lou K, Beers AL, Chang K, Brown JM, Ma X, Reardon DA, Arrillaga-Romany IC, Forst DA, Jordan JT, Lee EQ, Dietrich J, Nayak L, Wen PY, Chukwueke U, Giobbie-Hurder A, Choi BD, Batchelor TT, Kalpathy-Cramer J, Curry WT, Gerstner ER. Bavituximab Decreases Immunosuppressive Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3017-3025. [PMID: 37327319 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated the efficacy of bavituximab-a mAb with anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties-in newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma (GBM) who also received radiotherapy and temozolomide. Perfusion MRI and myeloid-related gene transcription and inflammatory infiltrates in pre-and post-treatment tumor specimens were studied to evaluate on-target effects (NCT03139916). PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-three adults with IDH--wild-type GBM received 6 weeks of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by 6 cycles of temozolomide (C1-C6). Bavituximab was given weekly, starting week 1 of chemoradiotherapy, for at least 18 weeks. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients alive at 12 months (OS-12). The null hypothesis would be rejected if OS-12 was ≥72%. Relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and vascular permeability (Ktrans) were calculated from perfusion MRIs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor tissue were analyzed pre-treatment and at disease progression using RNA transcriptomics and multispectral immunofluorescence for myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and macrophages. RESULTS The study met its primary endpoint with an OS-12 of 73% (95% confidence interval, 59%-90%). Decreased pre-C1 rCBF (HR, 4.63; P = 0.029) and increased pre-C1 Ktrans were associated with improved overall survival (HR, 0.09; P = 0.005). Pre-treatment overexpression of myeloid-related genes in tumor tissue was associated with longer survival. Post-treatment tumor specimens contained fewer immunosuppressive MDSCs (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Bavituximab has activity in newly diagnosed GBM and resulted in on-target depletion of intratumoral immunosuppressive MDSCs. Elevated pre-treatment expression of myeloid-related transcripts in GBM may predict response to bavituximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ina Ly
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leland G Richardson
- Department of Neurosurgery Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mofei Liu
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alona Muzikansky
- Department of Biostatistics Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan Cardona
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin Lou
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew L Beers
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ken Chang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - James M Brown
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaoyue Ma
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Reardon
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Isabel C Arrillaga-Romany
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah A Forst
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin T Jordan
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eudocia Q Lee
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jorg Dietrich
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lakshmi Nayak
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patrick Y Wen
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ugonma Chukwueke
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anita Giobbie-Hurder
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bryan D Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tracy T Batchelor
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William T Curry
- Department of Neurosurgery Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth R Gerstner
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Feng XC, Liu FC, Chen WY, Du J, Liu H. Lipid metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma impacts targeted therapy and immunotherapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:617-631. [PMID: 37123054 PMCID: PMC10134209 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i4.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor that affecting many people's lives globally. The common risk factors for HCC include being overweight and obese. The liver is the center of lipid metabolism, synthesizing most cholesterol and fatty acids. Abnormal lipid metabolism is a significant feature of metabolic reprogramming in HCC and affects the prognosis of HCC patients by regulating inflammatory responses and changing the immune microenvironment. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are being explored as the primary treatment strategies for HCC patients with unresectable tumors. Here, we detail the specific changes of lipid metabolism in HCC and its impact on both these therapies for HCC. HCC treatment strategies aimed at targeting lipid metabolism and how to integrate them with targeted therapy or immunotherapy rationally are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Feng
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Fu-Chen Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Wu-Yu Chen
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Jin Du
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
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6
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Salani F, Genovesi V, Vivaldi C, Massa V, Cesario S, Bernardini L, Caccese M, Graziani J, Berra D, Fornaro L, Masi G. Primary Resistance to Immunotherapy-Based Regimens in First Line Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Perspectives on Jumping the Hurdle. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194896. [PMID: 36230819 PMCID: PMC9563015 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194896] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) had been explored extensively in patients affected by unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. These agents were expected to be the keystones of the disease’s first-line treatment because they were theoretically able to revert the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment of the cancerous liver, and because of their manageable safety profile. However, when used as monotherapies, they showed important activity and efficacy limitations. In this mini-review, we summarize the characteristics of the different ICIs-based regimens which constitute the present gold standard of first-line treatment, then, moving from their shortcomings, we discuss the rationale supporting the strategies currently under investigation: systemic triplets and new paradigms of immune-therapeutic agents such as CAR-T and vaccines. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a key component of different stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, particularly in the first line of treatment. A lesson on the primary resistance which hampers their efficacy and activity was learned from the failure of the trials which tested them as first-line mono-therapies. Despite the combination of anti-PD(L)1 agents with anti-VEGF, anti CTLA4, or TKIs demonstrating relevant improvements in efficacy, the “doublets strategy” still shows room for improvement, due to a limited overall survival benefit and a high rate of progressive disease as best response. In this review, we discuss the results from the currently tested doublet strategies (i.e., atezolizumab+bevacizumab, durvalumab+tremelimumab with a mention to the newly presented ICIs/TKIs combinations), which highlight the need for therapeutic improvement. Furthermore, we examine the rationale and provide an overview of the ongoing trials testing the treatment intensification strategy with triplet drugs: anti-PD1+anti-CTLA4+anti-VEGF/TKIs and anti-PD1+anti-VEGF+alternative immunity targets. Lastly, we report on the alternative strategy to integrate ICIs into the new paradigm of immune therapeutics constituted by CAR-T and anti-cancer vaccines. This review provides up-to-date knowledge of ongoing clinical trials of the aforementioned strategies and critical insight into their mechanistic premises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Salani
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research “Health Science”, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Virginia Genovesi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Vivaldi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Cesario
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Bernardini
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Miriam Caccese
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jessica Graziani
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Berra
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fornaro
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Masi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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7
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Zhang G, Wang Y, Fuchs BC, Guo W, Drum DL, Erstad DJ, Shi B, DeLeo AB, Zheng H, Cai L, Zhang L, Tanabe KK, Wang X. Improving the Therapeutic Efficacy of Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Repurposing Disulfiram. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913736. [PMID: 35912209 PMCID: PMC9329590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSorafenib, a kinase inhibitor, is a standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but provides only a limited survival benefit. Disulfiram (DSF), a drug for treating alcoholism and a chelator of copper (Cu), forms a complex with Cu (DSF/Cu). DSF/Cu is a potent inducer of autophagic apoptosis of cancer stem cells, which can demonstrate drug resistance. Thus, we hypothesized that DSF/Cu could increase the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib by targeting hepatic cancer stem cells.MethodsThe synergistic effect of DSF/Cu and sorafenib on human HCC cell lines was assessed by cell viability MTT assay. Changes in stemness gene expression in HCC cells were investigated by assessing the presence of hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs) (defined as ALDH+ cells) using flow cytometry, sphere formation ability as an index of in vitro tumorigenicity, and expression of stemness gene-encoded proteins by western blot. Autophagic apoptosis and the ERK signaling pathway were also assessed by western blot. Most importantly, the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of DSF/Cu and sorafenib was tested using orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice.ResultsCompared with sorafenib alone, DSF/Cu + sorafenib synergistically inhibited proliferation of all HCC cell lines, decreased the stemness of HCC cells, and increased the autophagy and apoptosis of HCC cells. The mechanism by which DSF/Cu mediated these phenomena with sorafenib was sustained activation of the ERK pathway. The combination of DSF/Cu (formed with endogenous Cu2+) and sorafenib was significantly more effective than sorafenib alone in inhibiting the growth of orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice. This in vivo anti-tumor efficacy was associated with decreased stemness in treated HCC tumors.ConclusionsDSF/Cu and sorafenib can synergistically and effectively treat HCC by targeting HCSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide a foundation for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wei Guo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David L. Drum
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Derek J. Erstad
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert B. DeLeo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hui Zheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lei Cai
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Xinhui Wang,
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8
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DU R, ZHU J, ZHOU H, MA L, Amare GETU M, CHEN C, WANG T. Experience of lung cancer patients with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions: A qualitative study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2022; 9:100115. [PMID: 36118625 PMCID: PMC9479359 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2022.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the experience of non-small-cell lung cancer patients with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions. Methods This is a descriptive quantitative study conducted in a comprehensive hospital in Henan, China. Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions. In total, 23 patients were approached when the data were saturated. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by an independent researcher using a semi-structured interview guide. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed by qualitative inductive content analysis. Results Based on the analysis, four main categories were identified according to patients’ descriptions of their experience: a lack of self-management ability, psychological and emotional problems, a barrier to social participation, and a need for social support. Suffering from persistent symptoms, insufficient knowledge, skills and strategies for skin adverse drug reaction management, psychological problems, social avoidance/withdrawal, and reduced willingness to work were core experiences that would affect patients' compliance with treatment, prognosis, and the overall quality of life. Conclusions This study revealed the real experience of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and with targeted therapy-related skin adverse drug reactions which contributed to the development of targeted interventions to manage skin adverse reactions.
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Brown ZJ, Hewitt DB, Pawlik TM. Experimental drug treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical trial failures 2015 to 2021. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:693-706. [PMID: 35580650 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2079491] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide with limited systemic therapy options. Since the approval of sorafenib in 2008, no systemic therapy has provided a sustained/robust/survival benefit for patients with advanced HCC until recently. Many initially promising therapies have been trialed, but survival outcomes remained stagnant. As such, knowledge concerning previous treatment failures may help guide further areas of study, as well inform future therapeutic approaches. AREA COVERED This article reviews recent advances in the treatment of HCC. Despite some recent success, many systemic and locoregional therapies have failed to produce significant improvements in outcome. These treatment failures are examined and insight into pathways for future success are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Combination atezolizumab and bevacizumab has changed the landscape of systemic treatment for patients with HCC when it became the first therapy after demonstrating improve outcomes over sorafenib. Clinical trials in patients with advanced HCC have inherent difficulty with challenges to determine if a patient's declining liver function is secondary to disease progression, worsening cirrhosis, or drug toxicity, which may skew results. As we gain more knowledge of underlying genetic alterations behind the pathophysiology of the development of HCC, molecular markers may be identified to assist in predicting which patients would respond to a specific therapy.
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Tsai CH, Chiu TY, Chen CT, Hsu CY, Tsai YR, Yeh TK, Huang KH, Tsou LK. Click Chemistry and Multicomponent Reaction for Linker Diversification of Zinc Dipicolylamine-Based Drug Conjugates. Front Chem 2022; 9:822587. [PMID: 35242746 PMCID: PMC8886374 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.822587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient Ugi multicomponent reaction with strain promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition protocol has been utilized in concert or independently to prepare a small family of bioactive zinc(II) dipicolylamine (ZnDPA)-based SN-38 conjugates. With sequential click chemistry coupling between the cytotoxic payload and phosphatidylserine-targeting ZnDPA ligand derived from structurally diverse carboxylic acids, aldehyde or ketones, and isocyanides, we demonstrated that this convergent synthetic strategy could furnish conjugates harnessing diversified linkers that exhibited different pharmacokinetic profiles in systemic circulation in vivo. Among the eight new conjugates, comparative studies on in vitro cytotoxicities, plasma stabilities, in vivo pharmacokinetic properties, and maximum tolerated doses were then carried out to identify a potent ZnDPA-based SN-38 conjugate that resulted in pancreatic cancer growth regression with an 80% reduction of cytotoxic payload used when compared to that of the marketed irinotecan. Our work provided the roadmap to construct a variety of theranostic agents in a similar manner for cancer treatment.
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Zhao H, Yuen KY. Broad-spectrum Respiratory Virus Entry Inhibitors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1366:137-153. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8702-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Zhang J, Dai Z, Yan C, Wang D, Tang D. Blocking antibody-mediated phosphatidylserine enhances cancer immunotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:3639-3651. [PMID: 34499223 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a major breakthrough in tumor therapy and has been used in monotherapy or combination therapy. However, it has been associated with poor immune tolerance in some patients or immune-related adverse events. Therefore, ideal and reliable tumor elimination strategies are urgently needed to overcome these shortcomings. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a negatively charged phospholipid, usually present in the inner lobules of eukaryotic cell membranes. Under certain physiological or pathological conditions, PS may be exposed on the outer leaflets of apoptotic cells serving as recognition signals by phagocytes and modulating the immune response. On the contrary, increased exposure of PS in the tumor microenvironment can significantly antagonize the body's anti-tumor immunity, thereby promoting tumor growth and metastasis. During radiotherapy and chemotherapy, PS-mediated immunosuppression increases the PS levels in necrotic tissue in the tumor microenvironment, further suppressing tumor immunity. PS-targeted therapy is a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. It inhibits tumor growth and improves the anti-tumor activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of PS-targeted therapy opens up a new perspective for future cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhujiang Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cheng Yan
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.
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Chang W, Xiao D, Fang X, Wang J. Phospholipids in small extracellular vesicles: emerging regulators of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Cytotherapy 2021; 24:93-100. [PMID: 34742629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are generated by almost all cell types. They have a bilayer membrane structure that is similar to cell membranes. Thus, the phospholipids contained in sEVs are the main components of cell membranes and function as structural support elements. However, as in-depth research on sEV membrane components is conducted, some phospholipids have been found to participate in cellular biological processes and function as targets for cell-cell communication. Currently, sEVs are being developed as part of drug delivery systems and diagnostic factors for various diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. An understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of sEV phospholipids in cellular processes is essential for their future medical application. In this review, the authors discuss phospholipid components in sEVs of different origins and summarize the roles of phospholipids in sEV biogenesis. The authors further collect the current knowledge on the functional roles of sEV phospholipids in cell-cell communication and bioactivities as signals regulating neurodegenerative diseases and cancer and the possibility of using sEV phospholipids as biomarkers or in drug delivery systems for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge of sEV phospholipids is important to help us identify directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Chang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Dandan Xiao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Hewitt DB, Rahnemai-Azar AA, Pawlik TM. Potential experimental immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of cancer of the liver. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:827-835. [PMID: 34102935 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1940948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Traditional systemic therapies offer limited benefit for advanced cancers of the liver. Immune checkpoints are inhibitory regulators of the immune system and the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of other cancers has led to clinical trials investigating the use of ICIs alone or in combination with other therapies for liver cancers.Area covered: Clinical trials involving ICIs for the treatment of liver cancer were broadly reviewed. Hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were examined. Phase I/II trials were prioritized, and relevant phase III trials were discussed. MEDLINE, PubMed, ASCO meeting library, and Web of Science databases were searched with the keywords 'immune checkpoint inhibitor' or 'targeted therapy' in combination with 'hepatocellular carcinoma,' or 'intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma'. Major outcomes were safety and efficacy defined by response rate, progression-free survival, or overall survival.Expert opinion: ICIs can improve progression-free and overall survival among patients with advanced disease with an acceptable safety profile. Given the heterogeneity of liver disease, ideal strategies will likely include a combination of ICIs with additional therapies to achieve the most robust and durable response. Additional biomarkers will be needed to guide combination therapy to personalize treatment regimen for patients with primary liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Brock Hewitt
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, the James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amir A Rahnemai-Azar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Cancer Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, the James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Marin-Acevedo JA, Kimbrough EO, Lou Y. Next generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors and beyond. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:45. [PMID: 33741032 PMCID: PMC7977302 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01056-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is the core defense against cancer development and progression. Failure of the immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer. Tumor cells evade immune recognition, in part, due to the immunosuppressive features of the tumor microenvironment. Immunotherapy augments the host immune system to generate an antitumor effect. Immune checkpoints are pathways with inhibitory or stimulatory features that maintain self-tolerance and assist with immune response. The most well-described checkpoints are inhibitory in nature and include the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Molecules that block these pathways to enhance the host immunologic activity against tumors have been developed and become standard of care in the treatment of many malignancies. Only a small percentage of patients have meaningful responses to these treatments, however. New pathways and molecules are being explored in an attempt to improve responses and application of immune checkpoint inhibition therapy. In this review, we aim to elucidate these novel immune inhibitory pathways, potential therapeutic molecules that are under development, and outline particular advantages and challenges with the use of each one of them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - ErinMarie O Kimbrough
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yanyan Lou
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Tak KY, Nam HC, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Kim CW, Kim HY, Lee SW, Lee HL, Chang UI, Song DS, Yang JM, Kwon JH, Yoo SH, Sung PS, Choi SW, Song MJ, Kim SH, Jang JW. Effectiveness of sorafenib dose modifications on treatment outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis in real‐life settings. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:1970-1978. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kwon Yong Tak
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Hee Chul Nam
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Hae Lim Lee
- Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - U Im Chang
- St. Vincent's Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | | | - Jin Mo Yang
- Incheon St. Mary's Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | | | | | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
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Buechler C, Aslanidis C. Role of lipids in pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158658. [PMID: 32058031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and widespread cancer. Patients with liver cirrhosis of different aetiologies are at a risk to develop HCC. It is important to know that in approximately 20% of cases primary liver tumors arise in a non-cirrhotic liver. Lipid metabolism is variable in patients with chronic liver diseases, and lipid metabolites involved therein do play a role in the development of HCC. Of note, lipid composition of carcinogenic tissues differs from non-affected liver tissues. High cholesterol and low ceramide levels in the tumors protect the cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis, and do also promote cell proliferation. So far, detailed characterization of the mechanisms by which lipids enable the development of HCC has received little attention. Evaluation of the complex roles of lipids in HCC is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of HCC, the later being of paramount importance for the development of urgently needed therapeutic interventions. Disturbed hepatic lipid homeostasis has systemic consequences and lipid species may emerge as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC. The challenge is to distinguish lipids specifically related to HCC from changes simply related to the underlying liver disease. This review article discusses aberrant lipid metabolism in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Charalampos Aslanidis
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
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Zhang CH, Li M, Lin YP, Gao Q. Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Hopes. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 20:84-99. [PMID: 32600231 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220666200628014530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The majority of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed at an advanced stage that can only benefit from systemic treatments. Although HCC is highly treatmentresistant, significant achievements have been made in the molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy of HCC. In addition to regorafenib, cabozantinib and ramucirumab were approved for the second- line targeted treatment by the FDA after disease progression on sorafenib. Nivolumab failed to demonstrate remarkable benefit in overall survival (OS) as first-line therapy, while pembrolizumab did not achieve pre-specified statistical significance in both OS and progression-free survival (PFS) as second-line treatment. Combinations of targeted agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors and other interventions showed favorable results. In this review, we summarized the progress of systemic therapy in HCC and discussed the future directions of the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hao Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - You-Pei Lin
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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