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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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Li J, Zhao Q, Zhang N, Wu L, Wang Q, Li J, Pan Q, Pu Y, Luo K, Gu Z, He B. Triune Nanomodulator Enables Exhausted Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Rejuvenation for Cancer Epigenetic Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13226-13240. [PMID: 38712706 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene activation and epigenome dysregulation drive tumor initiation and progression, contributing to tumor immune evasion and compromising the clinical response to immunotherapy. Epigenetic immunotherapy represents a promising paradigm in conquering cancer immunosuppression, whereas few relevant drug combination and delivery strategies emerge in the clinic. This study presents a well-designed triune nanomodulator, termed ROCA, which demonstrates robust capabilities in tumor epigenetic modulation and immune microenvironment reprogramming for cancer epigenetic immunotherapy. The nanomodulator is engineered from a nanoscale framework with epigenetic modulation and cascaded catalytic activity, which self-assembles into a nanoaggregate with tumor targeting polypeptide decoration that enables loading of the immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing agent. The nanomodulator releases active factors specifically triggered in the tumor microenvironment, represses oncogene expression, and initiates the type 1 T helper (TH1) cell chemokine axis by reversing DNA hypermethylation. This process, together with ICD induction, fundamentally reprograms the tumor microenvironment and significantly enhances the rejuvenation of exhausted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs, CD8+ T cells), which synergizes with the anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade and results in a boosted antitumor immune response. Furthermore, this strategy establishes long-term immune memory and effectively prevents orthotopic colon cancer relapse. Therefore, the nanomodulator holds promise as a standalone epigenetic immunotherapy agent or as part of a combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models, broadening the array of combinatorial strategies in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Quan Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Lihuang Wu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Qiusheng Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jing Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qingqing Pan
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yuji Pu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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Borghesani M, Gervaso L, Cella CA, Benini L, Ciardiello D, Algeri L, Ferrero A, Valenza C, Guidi L, Zampino MG, Spada F, Fazio N. Promising targetable biomarkers in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:387-398. [PMID: 37743651 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2248239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the treatment scenario of PanNETs-targeted therapies are desired but limited, as rarity and heterogeneity on PanNETs pose limitations to their development. AREAS COVERED We performed a literature review searching for promising druggable biomarkers and potential treatments to be implemented in the next future. We focused on treatments which have already reached clinical experimentation, although in early phases. Six targets were identified, namely Hsp90, HIFa, HDACs, CDKs, uPAR, and DDR. Even though biological rational is strong, so far reported efficacy outcomes are quite disappointing. The reason of that should be searched in the patients' heterogeneity, lack of biomarker selection, poor knowledge of interfering mechanisms as well as difficulties in patients accrual. Moreover, different ways to assess treatment efficacy should be considered, other than response rate, in light of the more indolent nature of NETs. EXPERT OPINION Development of targeted treatments in PanNETs is still an uncovered area, far behind other more frequent cancers. Rarity of NETs led to accrual of unselected populations, possibly jeopardizing the drug efficacy. Better patients' selection, both in terms of topography, grading and biomarkers is crucial and will help understanding which role targeted therapies can really play in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Borghesani
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Gervaso
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Pavia, Pavia, Lombardia, IT, Italy
| | - C A Cella
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Benini
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - D Ciardiello
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Algeri
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - A Ferrero
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - C Valenza
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Guidi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - M G Zampino
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - F Spada
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - N Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
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Xiao C, Fan T, Zheng Y, Tian H, Deng Z, Liu J, Li C, He J. H3K4 trimethylation regulates cancer immunity: a promising therapeutic target in combination with immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e005693. [PMID: 37553181 PMCID: PMC10414074 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005693] [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] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advances in cancer immunity regulation and immunotherapy, the effects of histone modifications on establishing antitumor immunological ability are constantly being uncovered. Developing combination therapies involving epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs) and immune checkpoint blockades or chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapies are promising to improve the benefits of immunotherapy. Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is a pivotal epigenetic modification in cancer immunity regulation, deeply involved in modulating tumor immunogenicity, reshaping tumor immune microenvironment, and regulating immune cell functions. However, how to integrate these theoretical foundations to create novel H3K4 trimethylation-based therapeutic strategies and optimize available therapies remains uncertain. In this review, we delineate the mechanisms by which H3K4me3 and its modifiers regulate antitumor immunity, and explore the therapeutic potential of the H3K4me3-related agents combined with immunotherapies. Understanding the role of H3K4me3 in cancer immunity will be instrumental in developing novel epigenetic therapies and advancing immunotherapy-based combination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqin Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Stanley R, Flanagan S, Reilly DO, Kearney E, Naidoo J, Dowling CM. Immunotherapy through the Lens of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112996. [PMID: 37296957 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionised anti-cancer treatment in solid organ malignancies. Specifically, the discovery of CTLA-4 followed by PD-1 in the early 2000s led to the practice-changing clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Patients with lung cancer, including both small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), benefit from the most commonly used form of immunotherapy in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), resulting in increased survival and quality of life. In NSCLC, the benefit of ICIs has now extended from advanced NSCLC to earlier stages of disease, resulting in durable benefits and the even the emergence of the word 'cure' in long term responders. However, not all patients respond to immunotherapy, and few patients achieve long-term survival. Patients may also develop immune-related toxicity, a small percentage of which is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. This review article highlights the various types of immunotherapeutic strategies, their modes of action, and the practice-changing clinical trials that have led to the widespread use of immunotherapy, with a focus on ICIs in NSCLC and the current challenges associated with advancing the field of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Stanley
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Saoirse Flanagan
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Ella Kearney
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jarushka Naidoo
- Beaumont Hospital, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Catríona M Dowling
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
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Hunter E, Salter M, Powell R, Dring A, Naithani T, Chatziioannou ME, Gebregzabhar A, Issa M, Green J, Ng S, Lim CR, Keat CS, Suan AT, Raman R, Fatt HK, Luen FLW, Alshaker H, Pchejetski D, Blum D, Guiel T, Heaton R, Levine J, Akoulitchev A. Development and Validation of Blood-Based Predictive Biomarkers for Response to PD-1/PD-L1 Checkpoint Inhibitors: Evidence of a Universal Systemic Core of 3D Immunogenetic Profiling across Multiple Oncological Indications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2696. [PMID: 37345033 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unprecedented advantages in cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remain limited to only a subset of patients. Systemic analyses of the regulatory 3D genome architecture linked to individual epigenetic and immunogenetic controls associated with tumour immune evasion mechanisms and immune checkpoint pathways reveal a highly prevalent molecular profile predictive of response to PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs. A clinical blood test based on a set of eight (8) 3D genomic biomarkers has been developed and validated on the basis of an observational trial to predict response to ICI therapy. METHODS The predictive eight biomarker set is derived from prospective observational clinical trials, representing 280 treatments with Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab, Durvalumab, Nivolumab, and Avelumab in a broad range of indications: melanoma, lung, hepatocellular, renal, breast, bladder, colon, head and neck, bone, brain, lymphoma, prostate, vulvar, and cervical cancers. RESULTS The 3D genomic eight biomarker panel for response to immune checkpoint therapy achieved a high accuracy of 85%, sensitivity of 93%, and specificity of 82%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a 3D genomic approach can be used to develop a predictive clinical assay for response to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ann Dring
- Oxford BioDynamics Plc., Oxford OX4 2WB, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mutaz Issa
- Oxford BioDynamics Plc., Oxford OX4 2WB, UK
| | | | - Serene Ng
- Oxford BioDynamics (M) Sdn Bhd, Penang 10470, Malaysia
| | - Chun Ren Lim
- Oxford BioDynamics (M) Sdn Bhd, Penang 10470, Malaysia
| | - Cheah Soon Keat
- Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital (MMCH), Penang 11200, Malaysia
- Island Hospital, Penang 10450, Malaysia
| | - Ang Tick Suan
- Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital (MMCH), Penang 11200, Malaysia
| | - Rakesh Raman
- Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital (MMCH), Penang 11200, Malaysia
| | - Ho Kean Fatt
- Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital (MMCH), Penang 11200, Malaysia
| | | | - Heba Alshaker
- School of Medicine, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | | | - Dave Blum
- Oxford BioDynamics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Thomas Guiel
- Oxford BioDynamics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Robert Heaton
- Oxford BioDynamics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Jedd Levine
- Oxford BioDynamics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
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Zhong F, Lin Y, Zhao L, Yang C, Ye Y, Shen Z. Reshaping the tumour immune microenvironment in solid tumours via tumour cell and immune cell DNA methylation: from mechanisms to therapeutics. Br J Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41416-023-02292-0. [PMID: 37117649 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02292-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the tumour microenvironment (TME) of solid tumours has attracted more and more attention from researchers, especially those non-tumour components such as immune cells. Infiltration of various immune cells causes tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) heterogeneity, and results in different therapeutic effects. Accumulating evidence showed that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in remodelling TIME and is associated with the response towards immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). During carcinogenesis, DNA methylation profoundly changes, specifically, there is a global loss of DNA methylation and increased DNA methylation at the promoters of suppressor genes. Immune cell differentiation is disturbed, and exclusion of immune cells from the TME occurs at least in part due to DNA methylation reprogramming. Therefore, pharmaceutical interventions targeting DNA methylation are promising. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) enhance antitumor immunity by inducing transcription of transposable elements and consequent viral mimicry. DNMTis upregulate the expression of tumour antigens, mediate immune cells recruitment and reactivate exhausted immune cells. In preclinical studies, DNMTis have shown synergistic effect when combined with immunotherapies, suggesting new strategies to treat refractory solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Changjiang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China.
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, 100044, Beijing, P. R. China.
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Tang Q, Wu D, Huang H, Fang H, Wu Y, Liu F, Li N. Adverse events of PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus anti-VEGF(R) agents compared with PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone for cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1093194. [PMID: 37180706 PMCID: PMC10166877 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1093194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Anti-PD-(L)1 antibody monotherapy or in combination with VEGF(R) blockade has been applied widely for cancer treatment. Whether combination therapy increases irAEs still remains controversial. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PD-(L)1 and VEGF(R) blockade combination therapy with PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone was performed. Phase II or III randomized clinical trials reporting irAEs or trAEs were included. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021287603. Results: Overall, 77 articles were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 31 studies involving 8,638 participants were pooled and an incidence for PD-(L)1 inhibitor monotherapy with any grade and grade ≥3 irAEs of 0.25 (0.20, 0.32) and 0.06 (0.05, 0.07), respectively, were reported. Two studies with 863 participants pooled for PD-(L)1 and VEGF(R) blockade showed that an incidence of any grade and grade ≥3 irAEs were 0.47 (0.30, 0.65) and 0.11 (0.08, 0.16), respectively. Regarding pairwise comparisons for irAEs, only one study was included, indicating no significant difference between the two regimens in terms of colitis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism for any grade and grade ≥3, while there was a trend of higher incidence for any grade hyperthyroidism under the combination therapy. The incidence of reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP) was as high as 0.80 under camrelizumab monotherapy. Conclusion: Total incidences of any grade and grade ≥3 irAEs were higher in the combination treatment group. Direct comparisons indicated no significant difference between the two regimens for any grade and grade ≥3 specific irAEs. RCCEP and thyroid disorders need to be paid attention to clinically. Moreover, trials with direct comparisons are needed and the safety profiles of the two regimens should be further explored. Exploration of the mechanism of action and regulatory management of adverse events should be enhanced. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=287603, identifier CRD42021287603.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Tang
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Wu
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyao Huang
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Fang
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Phase I Clinical Trails Center, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Funan Liu
- Phase I Clinical Trails Center, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Li
- Clinical Trials Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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9
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Feld J, Tremblay D, Navada SC, Silverman LR. Ascertaining QUAZARs: slow-motion and light-speed development of oral azacitidine and decitabine. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:525-539. [PMID: 36370098 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2142051] [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: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are devastating diseases that frequently rely on the use of parenteral hypomethylating agents (HMAs), either as monotherapy or in combination, as first-line treatment for many patients. Two new oral HMAs, decitabine/cedazuridine (DC) for use in place of azacitidine or decitabine in MDS, and azacitidine (CC-486) for use as maintenance treatment in AML, were recently approved by the FDA. We will discuss the development of these oral HMAs, including the advantages/disadvantages in transitioning to oral HMAs and an in depth look at the pivotal phase III trials that led to their FDA approval - ASCERTAIN for DC and QUAZAR-AML-001 for CC-486. We also review how these agents have been and are being studied in other malignancies, and examine the future role that these exciting novel agents will play in both MDS and AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Feld
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas Tremblay
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shyamala C Navada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lewis R Silverman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Zhang Y, Yao Q, Pan Y, Fang X, Xu H, Zhao T, Zhu G, Jiang T, Li S, Cao H. Efficacy and Safety of PD-1/PD-L1 Checkpoint Inhibitors versus Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Combined with Other Therapies for Tumors: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030682. [PMID: 36765640 PMCID: PMC9913120 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, the anti-programmed cell death protein-1 and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) or combination therapies have been recommended as an alternative emerging choice of treatment for oncology patients. However, the efficacy and adverse events of different combination strategies for the treatment of tumors remain controversial. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the European Society of Medicine Oncology (ESMO) were searched from database inception until 16 February 2022. The endpoints of objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed from different treatment schemes and tumor types. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022328927). RESULTS This meta-analysis included forty-eight eligible studies. Combination therapy has improved ORR (RR = 1.40, p < 0.001), DCR (RR = 1.22, p < 0.001), and PFS (the median survival ratio (MSR) was estimated to be 1.475 p < 0.001) compared to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 but had no significant benefit on OS (MSR was estimated to be 1.086 p = 0.117). Besides, combination treatment strategies are more toxic in any grade AEs (RR = 1.13, p < 0.001) and grade 3-5 AEs (RR = 1.81, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in combination with other antitumor therapies improve patients' ORR, DCR, and PFS compared to anti-PD-1/PD-L1. However, it is regrettable that there is no benefit to OS and an increased risk of AEs in combinatorial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhoushan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 739 Dingshen Rd., Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Qigu Yao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yong Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhoushan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 739 Dingshen Rd., Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Xinru Fang
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Haoying Xu
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Tingxiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhoushan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 739 Dingshen Rd., Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Guangqi Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhoushan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 739 Dingshen Rd., Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Tianan Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shibo Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhoushan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 739 Dingshen Rd., Zhoushan 316021, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (H.C.); Tel.: +86-571-87236451 (H.C.); Fax: +86-571-87236459 (H.C.)
| | - Hongcui Cao
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Aging and Physic-Chemical Injury Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (H.C.); Tel.: +86-571-87236451 (H.C.); Fax: +86-571-87236459 (H.C.)
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11
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Jie C, Li R, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xie C. Prospects and feasibility of synergistic therapy with radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122352. [PMID: 36875059 PMCID: PMC9981667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer are increasing, seriously threatening human health and life. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an insidious onset and is not easy to be diagnosed in its early stage. Distant metastasis often occurs and the prognosis is poor. Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become the focus of research in NSCLC. The efficacy of immunoradiotherapy (iRT) is promising, but further optimization is necessary. DNA methylation has been involved in immune escape and radioresistance, and becomes a game changer in iRT. In this review, we focused on the regulation of DNA methylation on ICIs treatment resistance and radioresistance in NSCLC and elucidated the potential synergistic effects of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors (DNMTis) with iRT. Taken together, we outlined evidence suggesting that a combination of DNMTis, RT, and immunotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy to improve NSCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Cheng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Inoue T, Narukawa M. Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies in Combination With Other Anticancer Drugs in Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221140694. [PMID: 36748438 PMCID: PMC9679352 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221140694] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has been proven; however, it is also known that their efficacy as monotherapy is limited, with a response rate of 20% or less in solid tumors. The combination of CPIs and anticancer agents has been actively attempted in solid tumors area. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to find favorable combination therapies of programmed death 1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in terms of anti-tumor efficacy in clinical settings. METHODS An electronic database search was performed using ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and ASCO/ESMO annual meeting libraries. We included randomized or non-randomized trials designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapies of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and other anticancer drug-containing therapies. All clinical studies selected were solid tumors with objective response rate (ORR) data. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis used random effects models to pool results. RESULTS Sixteen studies involving 3793 patients were included in the primary analysis. These studies have a monotherapy group with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors as the control group or the in-study arm/cohort (1863 patients in the combination group with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and 1930 patients in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor monotherapy). The pooled results showed that the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and other anticancer drugs significantly improved the ORR (relative risk [RR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46, 2.20). In the subgroup analysis, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus DNA-synthesis or microtubule inhibitor led to a statistically significant improvement in the ORR compared to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor alone. CONCLUSIONS It was suggested that combinations of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and potential immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers improve the clinical anti-tumor efficacy, although updated meta-analyses based on the results of ongoing clinical trials are further needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Inoue
- Department of Clinical Medicine (Pharmaceutical Medicine), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan,Development, Astellas Pharma Inc, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan,Takashi Inoue, Department of Clinical Medicine (Pharmaceutical Medicine), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shirokane 5-9-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan.
| | - Mamoru Narukawa
- Department of Clinical Medicine (Pharmaceutical Medicine), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Johnson AL, Laterra J, Lopez-Bertoni H. Exploring glioblastoma stem cell heterogeneity: Immune microenvironment modulation and therapeutic opportunities. Front Oncol 2022; 12:995498. [PMID: 36212415 PMCID: PMC9532940 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.995498] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its growing use in cancer treatment, immunotherapy has been virtually ineffective in clinical trials for gliomas. The inherently cold tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in gliomas, characterized by a high ratio of pro-tumor to anti-tumor immune cell infiltrates, acts as a seemingly insurmountable barrier to immunotherapy. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) within these tumors are key contributors to this cold TIME, often functioning indirectly through activation and recruitment of pro-tumor immune cell types. Furthermore, drivers of GSC plasticity and heterogeneity (e.g., reprogramming transcription factors, epigenetic modifications) are associated with induction of immunosuppressive cell states. Recent studies have identified GSC-intrinsic mechanisms, including functional mimicry of immune suppressive cell types, as key determinants of anti-tumor immune escape. In this review, we cover recent advancements in our understanding of GSC-intrinsic mechanisms that modulate GSC-TIME interactions and discuss cutting-edge techniques and bioinformatics platforms available to study immune modulation at high cellular resolution with exploration of both malignant (i.e., GSC) and non-malignant (i.e., immune) cell fractions. Finally, we provide insight into the therapeutic opportunities for targeting immunomodulatory GSC-intrinsic mechanisms to potentiate immunotherapy response in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Johnson
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John Laterra
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: John Laterra, ; Hernando Lopez-Bertoni,
| | - Hernando Lopez-Bertoni
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: John Laterra, ; Hernando Lopez-Bertoni,
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14
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Shin DS, Park K, Garon E, Dubinett S. Targeting EZH2 to overcome the resistance to immunotherapy in lung cancer. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:S0093-7754(22)00045-8. [PMID: 35851153 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Unleashing the immune system to fight cancer has been a major breakthrough in cancer therapeutics since 2014 when anti-PD-1 antibodies (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) were approved for patients with metastatic melanoma. Therapeutic indications have rapidly expanded for many types of advanced cancer, including lung cancer. A variety of antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint are contributing to this paradigm shift. The field now confronts two salient challenges: first, to improve the therapeutic outcome given the low response rate across the histologies; second, to identify biomarkers for improved patient selection. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are underway to evaluate combinatorial treatments to improve the therapeutic outcome paired with correlative studies to identify the factors associated with response and resistance. One of the emerging strategies is to combine epigenetic modifiers with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) based on the evidence that targeting epigenetic elements can enhance anti-tumor immunity by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). We will briefly review pleotropic biological functions of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the enzymatic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), clinical developments of oral EZH2 inhibitors, and potentially promising approaches to combine EZH2 inhibitors and PD-1 blockade for patients with advanced solid tumors, focusing on lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Division of Hematology/Oncology, CA, USA; Member of Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA.
| | - Kevin Park
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edward Garon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA
| | - Steven Dubinett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Departments of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Division of Hematology/Oncology, CA, USA; Member of Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, CA, USA; Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, CA, USA
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15
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Xu Y, Li P, Liu Y, Xin D, Lei W, Liang A, Han W, Qian W. Epi-immunotherapy for cancers: rationales of epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:493-516. [PMID: 35642676 PMCID: PMC9198339 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, several epi-drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies have received clinical approval for use in certain types of cancer. However, monotherapy with epi-drugs or ICIs has shown limited efficacy in most cancer patients. Epigenetic agents have been shown to regulate the crosstalk between the tumor and host immunity to alleviate immune evasion, suggesting that epi-drugs can potentially synergize with immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the rationales of incorporating epigenetic therapy into immunotherapy, called epi-immunotherapy, and focus on an update of current clinical trials in both hematological and solid malignancies. Furthermore, we outline the future challenges and strategies in the field of cancer epi-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Dijia Xin
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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16
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Zhao H, Luo F, Xue J, Li S, Xu RH. Emerging immunological strategies: recent advances and future directions. Front Med 2021; 15:805-828. [PMID: 34874513 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy plays a compelling role in cancer treatment and has already made remarkable progress. However, many patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors fail to achieve clinical benefits, and the response rates vary among tumor types. New approaches that promote anti-tumor immunity have recently been developed, such as small molecules, bispecific antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cell products, and cancer vaccines. Small molecule drugs include agonists and inhibitors that can reach the intracellular or extracellular targets of immune cells participating in innate or adaptive immune pathways. Bispecific antibodies, which bind two different antigens or one antigen with two different epitopes, are of great interest. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell products and cancer vaccines have also been investigated. This review explores the recent progress and challenges of different forms of immunotherapy agents and provides an insight into future immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Fan Luo
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jinhui Xue
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Su Li
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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17
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Cheng Y, Zhang T, Xu Q. Therapeutic advances in non-small cell lung cancer: Focus on clinical development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:692-729. [PMID: 34977873 PMCID: PMC8706764 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer still contributes to nearly one-quarter cancer-related deaths in the past decades, despite the rapid development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The development and availability of comprehensive genomic profiling make the classification of NSCLC more precise and personalized. Most treatment decisions of advanced-stage NSCLC have been made based on the genetic features and PD-L1 expression of patients. For the past 2 years, more than 10 therapeutic strategies have been approved as first-line treatment for certain subgroups of NSCLC. However, some major challenges remain, including drug resistance and low rate of overall survival. Therefore, we discuss and review the therapeutic strategies of NSCLC, and focus on the development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in advanced-stage NSCLC. Based on the latest guidelines, we provide an updated summary on the standard treatment for NSCLC. At last, we discussed several potential therapies for NSCLC. The development of new drugs and combination therapies both provide promising therapeutic effects on NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cheng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of OncologyShanghai Tenth People's HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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18
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Garcia-Manero G, Döhner H, Wei AH, La Torre I, Skikne B, Beach CL, Santini V. Oral Azacitidine (CC-486) for the Treatment of Myeloid Malignancies. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2021; 22:236-250. [PMID: 34758945 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation leads to aberrant DNA hypermethylation and is common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A large number of clinical trials in AML, MDS, and other hematologic malignancies have assessed hypomethylating agents (HMAs), used alone or in combination with other drugs, in the frontline, maintenance, relapsed/refractory, and peritransplant settings. Effective maintenance therapy has long been a goal for patients with AML in remission. Previous large, randomized clinical trials of maintenance with HMAs or other agents had not shown meaningful improvement in overall survival. Oral azacitidine (Oral-AZA [CC-486]) is approved in the United States, Canada, and European Union for treatment of adult patients with AML in first complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) following intensive induction chemotherapy who are ineligible for hematopoietic cell transplant. Regulatory approvals of Oral-AZA were based on outcomes from the randomized, phase III QUAZAR AML-001 trial, which showed a median overall survival advantage of 9.9 months with Oral-AZA versus placebo. Oral-AZA allows convenient extended AZA dosing for 14 days per 28-day treatment cycle, which is not feasible with injectable AZA. Focusing on AML and MDS, this report reviews the rationale for the use of orally bioavailable AZA and its potential use in all-oral combination therapy regimens; the unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of Oral-AZA compared with injectable AZA; the clinical safety and efficacy of Oral-AZA maintenance therapy in patients with AML in first remission and for treatment of patients with active MDS; and ongoing Oral-AZA clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Monash University, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Barry Skikne
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ; Department of Hematology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - C L Beach
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ
| | - Valeria Santini
- MDS Unit, Hematology, AOU Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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19
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Gkountakos A, Delfino P, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Corbo V, Bria E. Harnessing the epigenome to boost immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211006947. [PMID: 34104224 PMCID: PMC8161860 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211006947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapy for non-oncogene addicted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has significantly transformed the treatment landscape of the disease. Inhibitors of the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint axis, which were initially considered as a late-line treatment option, gradually became the standard of care as first-line treatment for subgroups of NSCLC patients. However, a significant fraction of patients either fails to respond or progresses after a partial response to ICI treatment. Thus, the identification of mechanisms responsible for innate and acquired resistance to immunotherapy within a rapidly evolving tumor microenvironment (TME) is urgently required, as is the identification of reliable predictive biomarkers beyond PD-L1 expression. The deregulation of the epigenome is a key driver of cancer initiation and progression, and it has also been shown to drive therapeutic resistance. Tumor education of infiltrating myeloid cells towards an immuno-suppressive phenotype as well as induction of T-cell dysfunction in the TME is also driven by epigenome reprogramming. As it stands and, given their dynamic nature, epigenetic changes in cancer and non-cancer cells represent an attractive target to increase immunotherapy activity in NSCLC. Accordingly, clinical trials of combinatorial immuno-epigenetic drug regimens have been associated with tumor response in previously immunotherapy-resistant NSCLC patients irrespective of their PD-L1 status. Moreover, epigenetic signatures might represent valuable theragnostic biomarkers as they can be assayed easily in liquid biopsy and provide multiple layers of information. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms contributing to immunotherapy resistance in NSCLC. Although the clinical data are still maturing, we highlight the attractive perspective that the synergistic model of immuno-epigenetic strategies might overcome the current limitations of immunotherapy alone and will be translated into durable clinical benefit for a broader NSCLC population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Gkountakos
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Pietro Delfino
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita T. Lawlor
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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20
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Epigenetic dysregulation of immune-related pathways in cancer: bioinformatics tools and visualization. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:761-771. [PMID: 33963293 PMCID: PMC8178403 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00612-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion is one of the hallmarks of carcinogenesis. Cancer cells employ multiple mechanisms to avoid immune recognition and suppress antitumor immune responses. Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that immune-related pathways are epigenetically dysregulated in cancer. Most importantly, the epigenetic footprint of immune-related pathways is associated with the patient outcome, underscoring the crucial need to understand this process. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for epigenetic regulation of immune-related pathways in cancer and describe bioinformatics tools, informative visualization techniques, and resources to help decipher the cancer epigenome. Abnormal patterns of genomic chemical modification help tumors elude immunological destruction, but sophisticated computational tools could help identify and overcome these survival mechanisms. Immunotherapy can be a potent weapon against cancer, but many tumors evolve the ability to protect themselves by subduing the immune response. Sungjune Kim and colleagues at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA, have reviewed efforts to study how chemical alterations to DNA that affect gene expression contribute to this process. Considerable evidence indicates a role for a modification called methylation in this immune evasion, and researchers now have access to vast repositories of tumor-specific gene methylation profiles. The authors describe these data resources, and highlight some of the software tools that are helping oncologists to identify patterns in the data that might lead to better therapies.
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21
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Fu J, Li WZ, McGrath NA, Lai CW, Brar G, Xiang YQ, Xie C. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Hepatotoxicity in Primary Liver Cancer Versus Other Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:650292. [PMID: 33968750 PMCID: PMC8097087 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overall risks of hepatotoxicity with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have yet to be compared in primary liver cancers to other solid tumors. METHODS We reviewed data from the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, and assessed the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with ICIs. RESULTS A total of 117 trials were eligible for the meta-analysis, including 7 trials with primary liver cancers. The most common hepatotoxicity was ALT elevation (incidence of all grade 5.29%, 95% CI 4.52-6.20) and AST elevation (incidence of all grade 5.88%, 95% CI 4.96-6.97). The incidence of all grade ALT and AST elevation was 6.01% and 6.84% for anti-PD-1 (95% CI 5.04-7.18/5.69-8.25) and 3.60% and 3.72% for anti-PD-L1 (95% CI 2.72-4.76/2.82-4.94; p< 0.001/p<0.001). The incidence of ≥ grade 3 ALT and AST elevation was 1.54% and 1.48% for anti-PD-1 (95% CI 1.19-1.58/1.07-2.04) and 1.03% and 1.08% for anti-PD-L1 (95% CI 0.71-1.51/0.80-1.45; p= 0.002/p<0.001). The incidence of all grade ALT and AST elevation was 13.3% and 14.2% in primary liver cancers (95% CI 11.1-16.0 and 9.93-20.36) vs. 4.92% and 5.38% in other solid tumors (95% CI 4.21-5.76 and 4.52-5.76 in other solid tumors; p <0.001/p<0.001). CONCLUSION Our study indicates that anti-PD-1 is associated with a higher risk of all- and high-grade hepatotoxicity compared to anti-PD-L1, and primary liver cancers are associated with a higher risk of all- and high-grade hepatotoxicity compared to other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyang Fu
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Wang-Zhong Li
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nicole A. McGrath
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chunwei Walter Lai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gagandeep Brar
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yan-Qun Xiang
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changqing Xie
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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22
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Yang Y, Wang Y. Role of Epigenetic Regulation in Plasticity of Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:640369. [PMID: 33868269 PMCID: PMC8051582 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.640369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), an immunosuppressive niche, plays a pivotal role in contributing to the development, progression, and immune escape of various types of cancer. Compelling evidence highlights the feasibility of cancer therapy targeting the plasticity of TIME as a strategy to retrain the immunosuppressive immune cells, including innate immune cells and T cells. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation, regulate the expression of many human genes and have been reported to be accurate in the reprogramming of TIME according to vast majority of published results. Recently, mounting evidence has shown that the gut microbiome can also influence the colorectal cancer and even extraintestinal tumors via metabolites or microbiota-derived molecules. A tumor is a kind of heterogeneous disease with specificity in time and space, which is not only dependent on genetic regulation, but also regulated by epigenetics. This review summarizes the reprogramming of immune cells by epigenetic modifications in TIME and surveys the recent progress in epigenetic-based cancer clinical therapeutic approaches. We also discuss the ongoing studies and future areas of research that benefits to cancer eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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23
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Cheng H, Zou Y, Shah CD, Fan N, Bhagat TD, Gucalp R, Kim M, Verma A, Piperdi B, Spivack SD, Halmos B, Perez-Soler R. First-in-human study of inhaled Azacitidine in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2021; 154:99-104. [PMID: 33636454 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aerosolized Azacitidine has been shown to inhibit orthotopic lung cancer growth and induce re-expression of methylated tumor suppressor genes in murine models. We hypothesized that inhaled Azacitidine is safe and effective in reversing epigenetic changes in the bronchial epithelium secondary to chronic smoking. PATIENTS AND METHODS We report the first in human study of inhaled Azacitidine. Azacitidine in aqueous solution was used to generate an aerosol suspension of 0.25-5 μm particle size. Main inclusion criteria: Stage IV or recurrent NSCLC with predominantly lung involvement, ≥1 prior systemic therapy, ECOG PS 0-1, and adequate pulmonary function. Patients received inhaled Azacitidine daily on days 1-5 and 15-19 of 28-day cycles, at 3 escalating doses (15, 30 and 45 mg/m2 daily). The primary objective was to determine the feasibility and tolerability of this new therapeutic modality. The key secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, methylation profiles and efficacy. RESULTS From 3/2015 to 2/2018, eight patients received a median number of 2 (IQR = 1) cycles of inhaled Azacitidine. No clinically significant adverse events were observed, except one patient treated at the highest dose developed an asymptomatic grade 2 decreased DLCO which resolved spontaneously. One patient receiving 12 cycles of therapy had an objective and durable partial response, and two patients had stable disease. Plasma Azacitidine was only briefly detectable in patients treated at the higher doses. Moreover, in 2 of 3 participants who agreed and underwent pre- and post-treatment bronchoscopy, the global DNA methylation in the bronchial epithelium decreased by 24 % and 79 % post-therapy, respectively. The interval between last inhaled treatment and bronchoscopy was 3 days. CONCLUSIONS Inhaled Azacitidine resulted in negligible plasma levels compared to the previously reported subcutaneous administration and was well-tolerated. The results justify the continued development of inhaled Azacitidine at non-cytotoxic doses for patients with lung-confined malignant and/or premalignant lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA.
| | - Yiyu Zou
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Chirag D Shah
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Ni Fan
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Tushar D Bhagat
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Rasim Gucalp
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Mimi Kim
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Amit Verma
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | | | - Simon D Spivack
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Balazs Halmos
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA
| | - Roman Perez-Soler
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461, USA.
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24
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Safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib versus pembrolizumab and lenvatinib monotherapies in cancers: A systematic review. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 91:107281. [PMID: 33338862 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both pembrolizumab and lenvatinib demonstrate antitumor activity and safety in cancers. However, whether their combination is safer and more effective than monotherapies remains unknown. A systematic review was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib versus their respective monotherapies in solid cancers. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. Forty-two clinical trials with 8155 patients were included. RESULTS The total ≥grade 3 adverse events (AEs) and objective response rates (ORRs) among pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib and pembrolizumab or lenvatinib monotherapies in solid cancers were 68.0% vs 17.7% vs 68.5% and 40.6% vs 20.8% vs 43.3%, respectively. The most common AEs of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib were hypertension (20-61.1%), fatigue (12-59.1%), diarrhea (9-51.9%), hypothyroidism (25-47%), and proteinuria (8-17%). Good ORRs for combination therapy were observed in renal cell carcinoma (70%), gastric cancer (69%), melanoma (48%), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (46%), and endometrial cancer (38-53%), while these rates were reported as 27%, 11.6-22%, 26-37%, 14.6-23%, and 11-14.3% for monotherapies, respectively. Longer median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) were observed for hepatocellular carcinoma (mPFS 9.3 months, mOS 22.0 months), renal cell carcinoma (mPFS 19.8 months), gastric cancer (mPFS 7.1 months, mOS not reached), and endometrial cancer (mPFS 7.4 months, mOS 16.7 months). CONCLUSIONS Compared with their monotherapies, pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib showed more promising antitumor activity and resulted in higher ORRs and significant survival benefits in the above cancers. Toxicities were manageable, with no unexpected safety issues.
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25
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Khan P, Siddiqui JA, Maurya SK, Lakshmanan I, Jain M, Ganti AK, Salgia R, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic landscape of small cell lung cancer: small image of a giant recalcitrant disease. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:57-76. [PMID: 33220460 PMCID: PMC8218609 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a particular subtype of lung cancer with high mortality. Recent advances in understanding SCLC genomics and breakthroughs of immunotherapy have substantially expanded existing knowledge and treatment modalities. However, challenges associated with SCLC remain enigmatic and elusive. Most of the conventional drug discovery approaches targeting altered signaling pathways in SCLC end up in the 'grave-yard of drug discovery', which mandates exploring novel approaches beyond inhibiting cell signaling pathways. Epigenetic modifications have long been documented as the key contributors to the tumorigenesis of almost all types of cancer, including SCLC. The last decade witnessed an exponential increase in our understanding of epigenetic modifications for SCLC. The present review highlights the central role of epigenetic regulations in acquiring neoplastic phenotype, metastasis, aggressiveness, resistance to chemotherapy, and immunotherapeutic approaches of SCLC. Different types of epigenetic modifications (DNA/histone methylation or acetylation) that can serve as predictive biomarkers for prognostication, treatment stratification, neuroendocrine lineage determination, and development of potential SCLC therapies are also discussed. We also review the utility of epigenetic targets/epidrugs in combination with first-line chemotherapy and immunotherapy that are currently under investigation in preclinical and clinical studies. Altogether, the information presents the inclusive landscape of SCLC epigenetics and epidrugs that will help to improve SCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte 91010, CA, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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26
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Yan X, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Yang Q, Dong L, Wu Z, Nie J, Chen D, Bai M, Ti D, Feng K, Han W. Case Report: Low-Dose Decitabine Plus Anti-PD-1 Inhibitor Camrelizumab for Previously Treated Advanced Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:558572. [PMID: 33194624 PMCID: PMC7649792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.558572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have markedly changed the strategies of cancer treatment, most patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) do not respond to PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Epigenetic drugs have been hypothesized to possess the potential to sensitize PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Case Presentation: Three patients with advanced metastatic NSCLC failed to respond to first-line systemic therapy and had a low tumor mutation burden, low tumor neoantigen burden, low microsatellite instability, and HLA loss of heterozygosity according to their target lesion biopsies, all of which were considered unfavorable factors for PD-1/PD-L1 blockage. However, all three patients responded to low-dose decitabine, an epigenetic drug, in combination with camrelizumab (anti-PD-1 antibody), with only controllable adverse events, indicating that low-dose decitabine can sensitize PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Summary: We report a novel therapy with low-dose decitabine plus camrelizumab for advanced NSCLC on the basis of successful treatment of three patients, emphasizing the potential of epigenetic drugs to regulate PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yang Liu
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qingming Yang
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Nie
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Deyun Chen
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Miaomiao Bai
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongdong Ti
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kaichao Feng
- Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weidong Han
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Bio-Therapeutic, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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27
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Lee DY. Cancer Epigenomics and Beyond: Advancing the Precision Oncology Paradigm. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2020; 3:147-156. [PMID: 35665374 PMCID: PMC9165444 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-20-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
How cancers are characterized and treated has evolved over the past few decades. Major advances in genomics tools and techniques have revealed interlinked regulatory pathways of cancers with unprecedented detail. Early discoveries led to success with rationally targeted small molecules and more recently with immunomodulatory agents, setting the stage for precision oncology. However, drug resistance to every agent has thus far proven intractable, sending us back to fill the gaps in our rudimentary knowledge of tumor biology. Epigenetics is emerging as a fundamental process in every hallmark of cancer. Large-scale interrogation of the cancer epigenome continues to reveal new mechanisms of astounding complexity. In this review, I present selected experimental and clinical examples that have shaped our understanding of cancer at the molecular level. Translation of our collective erudition into revolutionary diagnostic and treatment strategies will advance the precision oncology paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Y. Lee
- InSilico Genomics, Inc., Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Radiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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28
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Lamberti G, Sisi M, Andrini E, Palladini A, Giunchi F, Lollini PL, Ardizzoni A, Gelsomino F. The Mechanisms of PD-L1 Regulation in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Which Are the Involved Players? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3129. [PMID: 33114576 PMCID: PMC7692442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with inhibition of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1) improves survival in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, only a subset of patients benefit from treatment and biomarkers of response to immunotherapy are lacking. Expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells is the primary clinically-available predictive factor of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and its relevance in cancer immunotherapy has fostered several studies to better characterize the mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression. However, the factors associated with PD-L1 expression are still not well understood. Genomic alterations that activate KRAS, EGFR, and ALK, as well as the loss of PTEN, have been associated with increased PD-L1 expression. In addition, PD-L1 expression is reported to be increased by amplification of CD274, and decreased by STK11 deficiency. Furthermore, PD-L1 expression can be modulated by either tumor extrinsic or intrinsic factors. Among extrinsic factors, the most prominent one is interferon-γ release by immune cells, while there are several tumor intrinsic factors such as activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Myc pathways that can increase PD-L1 expression. A deeper understanding of PD-L1 expression regulation is crucial for improving strategies that exploit inhibition of this immune checkpoint in the clinic, especially in NSCLC where it is central in the therapeutic algorithm. We reviewed current preclinical and clinical data about PD-L1 expression regulation in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lamberti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.L.); (M.S.); (E.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Monia Sisi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.L.); (M.S.); (E.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Elisa Andrini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.L.); (M.S.); (E.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Arianna Palladini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, viale Filopanti 22, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.P.); (P.-L.L.)
| | - Francesca Giunchi
- Laboratory of Oncologic Molecular Pathology, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, viale Filopanti 22, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.P.); (P.-L.L.)
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.L.); (M.S.); (E.A.); (A.A.)
- Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni—15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Gelsomino
- Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni—15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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29
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Understanding genetic determinants of resistance to immune checkpoint blockers. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 65:123-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Berglund A, Mills M, Putney RM, Hamaidi I, Mulé J, Kim S. Methylation of immune synapse genes modulates tumor immunogenicity. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:974-980. [PMID: 31714899 DOI: 10.1172/jci131234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion is achieved through multiple layers of immune tolerance mechanisms including immune editing, recruitment of tolerogenic immune cells, and secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Recent success with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy suggests a dysfunctional immune synapse as a pivotal tolerogenic mechanism. Tumor cells express immune synapse proteins to suppress the immune system, which is often modulated by epigenetic mechanisms. When the methylation status of key immune synapse genes was interrogated, we observed disproportionately hypermethylated costimulatory genes and hypomethylation of immune checkpoint genes, which were negatively associated with functional T cell recruitment to the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the methylation status of immune synapse genes reflects tumor immunogenicity and correlates with survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - James Mulé
- Department of Radiation Oncology.,Department of Immunology, and.,Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sungjune Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology.,Department of Immunology, and
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DNA Methylation as a Therapeutic Target for Bladder Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081850. [PMID: 32784599 PMCID: PMC7463638 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the tenth most frequent cancer worldwide and is associated with high mortality when diagnosed in its most aggressive form, which is not reverted by the current treatment options. Thus, the development of new therapeutic strategies, either alternative or complementary to the current ones, is of major importance. The disruption of normal epigenetic mechanisms, namely, DNA methylation, is a known early event in cancer development. Consequently, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors constitute a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of BC. Although these inhibitors, mainly nucleoside analogues such as 5-azacytidine (5-aza) and decitabine (DAC), cause re-expression of tumor suppressor genes, inhibition of tumor cell growth, and increased apoptosis in BC experimental models and clinical trials, they also show important drawbacks that prevent their use as a valuable option for the treatment of BC. However, their combination with chemotherapy and/or immune-checkpoint inhibitors could aid in their implementation in the clinical practice. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the studies exploring the effects of DNA methylation inhibition using DNMTs inhibitors in BC, from in vitro and in vivo studies to clinical trials.
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Zhao B, Zhao H, Zhao J. Efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy in clinical trials. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920937612. [PMID: 32728392 PMCID: PMC7366397 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920937612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inhibitors targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed
death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have unprecedented effects in cancer treatment.
However, the objective response rates (ORRs), progression-free survival
(PFS), and overall survival (OS) of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy have not
been systematically evaluated. Methods: We searched Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane database from inception to July 2019
for prospective clinical trials on single-agent PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies
(avelumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, cemiplimab, pembrolizumab, and
nivolumab) with information regarding ORR, PFS, and OS. Results: Totally, 28,304 patients from 160 perspective trials were included. Overall,
4747 responses occurred in 22,165 patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1
monotherapy [ORR, 20.21%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 18.34–22.15%].
Compared with conventional therapy, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy was
associated with more tumor responses (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.52–2.57)
and better OS [hazard ratio (HR), 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67–0.83]. The ORRs varied
significantly across cancer types and PD-L1 expression status. Line of
treatment, clinical phase and drug target also impacted the response rates
in some tumors. A total of 2313 of 9494 PD-L1 positive patients (ORR,
24.39%; 95% CI, 22.29–26.54%) and 456 of 4215 PD-L1 negative patients (ORR,
10.34%; 95% CI, 8.67–12.14%) achieved responses. For PD-L1 negative
patients, the ORR (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70–1.20) and PFS (HR, 1.15;
95% CI, 0.87–1.51) associated with immunotherapy and conventional treatment
were similar. However, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy decreased the risk of
death in both PD-L1 positive (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.60–0.72) and PD-L1
negative (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74–0.99) patients compared with conventional
therapy. Conclusion: The efficacies associated with PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy vary significantly
across cancer types and PD-L1 expression. This comprehensive summary of
clinical benefit from immunotherapy in cancer patients provides an important
guide for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Rd, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- The Cancer Center of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Song P, Zhang D, Cui X, Zhang L. Meta-analysis of immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in cancer patients. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:2406-2430. [PMID: 32643323 PMCID: PMC7471041 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of up to 50% has prevented their widespread use. With the increase in the use of ICIs alone or as combination therapy, clinicians are required to have a better understanding of irAEs and be able to manage them systematically. In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence of irAEs associated with ICIs. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science databases, and also included relevant literature references to widen our search. The relevant data with inclusion criteria were performed using RevMan 3.6.0 for meta-analysis. We undertook a systematic literature search which included published data up to December 2019. RESULTS Overall, 147 articles and 23 761 cancer patients with 11 different ICI treatment-related (grade 1-5 and 3-5) irAEs were included in the study. There were 46 articles on pembrolizumab (6598 patients), 27 on nivolumab (3576 patients), 13 on atezolizumab (2787 patients), 12 on avelumab (3213 patients), 10 on durvalumab (1780 patients), 22 on ipilimumab (4067 patients), eight on tremelimumab (1158 patients), three on JS001 (223 patients), four on camrelizumab (SHR-1210) (178 patients), one on sintilimab (96 patients), and one on cemiplimab (85 patients). Grade 1-5 irAEs were: cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) (82.87%), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) (71.89%), and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) (58.95%). Subgroup analysis was: Avelumab (44.53%), durvalumab (66.63%), pembrolizumab (67.25%), atezolizumab (68.77%), nivolumab (76.25%), Ipilimumab (82.18%), and tremelimumab (86.78%). Grade 3-5 irAEs were: CTLA-4 (27.22%), PD-1(17.29%), and PD-L1(17.29%). Subgroup analysis was: Avelumab (5.86%), durvalumab (13.43%), atezolizumab (14.45%), nivolumab (15.72%), pembrolizumab (16.58%), tremelimumab (22.04%), and ipilimumab (28.27%). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis confirmed that anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 inhibitors had a lower incidence of irAEs compared with anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dingding Zhang
- Central Research Laboratory,Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Cui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Villanueva L, Álvarez-Errico D, Esteller M. The Contribution of Epigenetics to Cancer Immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:676-691. [PMID: 32622854 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Effective anticancer immunotherapy treatments constitute a qualitative leap in cancer management. Nonetheless, not all patients benefit from such therapies because they fail to achieve complete responses, suffer frequent relapses, or develop potentially life-threatening toxicities. Epigenomic signatures in immune and cancer cells appear to be accurate and promising predictors of patient outcomes with immunotherapy. In addition, combined treatments with epigenetic drugs can exploit the dynamic nature of epigenetic changes to potentially modulate responses to immunotherapy. Candidate epigenetic biomarkers may provide a rationale for patient stratification and precision medicine, thus maximizing the chances of treatment success while minimizing unwanted effects. We present a comprehensive up-to-date view of potential epigenetic biomarkers in immunotherapy and discuss their advantages over other indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorea Villanueva
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Cossío FP, Esteller M, Berdasco M. Towards a more precise therapy in cancer: Exploring epigenetic complexity. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:41-49. [PMID: 32480315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A plethora of preclinical evidences suggests that pharmacological targeting of epigenetic dysregulation is a potent strategy to combat human diseases. Nevertheless, the implementation of epidrugs in clinical practice is very scarce and mainly limited to haematological malignancies. In this review, we discuss cutting-edge strategies to foster the chemical design, the biological rationale and the clinical trial development of epidrugs. Specifically, we focus on the development of dual hybrids to exploit multitargeting of key epigenetic molecules deregulated in cancer; the study of epigenetic-synthetic lethality interactions as a mechanism to address loss-of-function mutations, and the combination of epidrugs with other therapies such as immunotherapy to avoid acquired chemoresistance and increase therapy sensitivity. By exploring these challenges, among others, the field of epigenetic chemical biology will increase its potential for clinical benefit, and more effective strategies targeting the aberrant epigenome in cancer are likely to be developed both in haematological and solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando P Cossío
- Kimika Fakultatea, Kimika Organikoa I Saila, Universidad del País Vasco - Euskal Herriko Unibertsitaea, and Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), San Sebastián-Donostia, Spain; Centro de Innovación en Química Avanzada (ORFEO-CINQA), Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Cancer and Leukemia Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBCL), Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - María Berdasco
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Epigenetic Therapies Group, Experimental and Clinical Hematology Program (PHEC), Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Kommalapati A, Tanvetyanon T. Epigenetic modulation of immunotherapy cofactors to enhance tumor response in lung cancer. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 17:51-54. [PMID: 32460615 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1764273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with a checkpoint inhibitor has revolutionized the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Replacing cytotoxic chemotherapy in some settings, immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors enables many patients to live longer with much fewer side effects. Nonetheless, immunotherapy alone only works for about one-fifth of unselected patients and despite the durability of response, treatment will eventually fail. There are several important cofactors within the tumor microenvironment which can contribute to the efficacy of immunotherapy. These include T-cells, chemokines, and antigen presentations. Preliminary research has shown that these cofactors can be altered by epigenetic modulation. Specifically, hypomethylating agents or histone deacetylase inhibitors can lead to changes in the compositions and characteristics within the tumor microenvironment in a way that enhances the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor. In recent clinical trials of combined immuno-epigenetic therapy, tumor responses were observed among patients who were previously resistant or refractory to immunotherapy. Furthermore, biological correlative studies also confirmed the mechanism of action of these agents, especially among patients who derived benefit. Nonetheless, at present, the efficacy in terms of tumor response seems modest and side effects, though mostly not serious, can result in treatment interruption or interfere with the quality of life.
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Ciesielski O, Biesiekierska M, Panthu B, Vialichka V, Pirola L, Balcerczyk A. The Epigenetic Profile of Tumor Endothelial Cells. Effects of Combined Therapy with Antiangiogenic and Epigenetic Drugs on Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072606. [PMID: 32283668 PMCID: PMC7177242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors require a constant supply of nutrients to grow which are provided through tumor blood vessels. To metastasize, tumors need a route to enter circulation, that route is also provided by tumor blood vessels. Thus, angiogenesis is necessary for both tumor progression and metastasis. Angiogenesis is tightly regulated by a balance of angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Angiogenic factors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family lead to the activation of endothelial cells, proliferation, and neovascularization. Significant VEGF-A upregulation is commonly observed in cancer cells, also due to hypoxic conditions, and activates endothelial cells (ECs) by paracrine signaling stimulating cell migration and proliferation, resulting in tumor-dependent angiogenesis. Conversely, antiangiogenic factors inhibit angiogenesis by suppressing ECs activation. One of the best-known anti-angiogenic factors is thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). In pathological angiogenesis, the balance shifts towards the proangiogenic factors and an angiogenic switch that promotes tumor angiogenesis. Here, we review the current literature supporting the notion of the existence of two different endothelial lineages: normal endothelial cells (NECs), representing the physiological form of vascular endothelium, and tumor endothelial cells (TECs), which are strongly promoted by the tumor microenvironment and are biologically different from NECs. The angiogenic switch would be also important for the explanation of the differences between NECs and TECs, as angiogenic factors, cytokines and growth factors secreted into the tumor microenvironment may cause genetic instability. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic differences between the two endothelial lineages, which provide a possible window for pharmacological targeting of TECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Ciesielski
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (O.C.); (M.B.); (V.V.)
- The Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School of the University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Biesiekierska
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (O.C.); (M.B.); (V.V.)
| | - Baptiste Panthu
- INSERM Unit 1060, CarMeN Laboratory, Lyon 1 University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet—BP12, F-69495 Pierre Bénite CEDEX, France; (B.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Varvara Vialichka
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (O.C.); (M.B.); (V.V.)
| | - Luciano Pirola
- INSERM Unit 1060, CarMeN Laboratory, Lyon 1 University, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet—BP12, F-69495 Pierre Bénite CEDEX, France; (B.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Aneta Balcerczyk
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (O.C.); (M.B.); (V.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-635-45-10
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Oral 5-azacytidine and romidepsin exhibit marked activity in patients with PTCL: a multicenter phase 1 study. Blood 2020; 134:1395-1405. [PMID: 31471376 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019001285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are uniquely sensitive to epigenetic modifiers. Based on the synergism between histone deacetylase inhibitors and hypomethylating agents that we established in preclinical PTCL models, we conducted a phase 1 study of oral 5-azacytidine (AZA) and romidepsin (ROMI) in patients with advanced lymphoid malignancies, with emphasis on PTCL. According to a 3 + 3 design, patients were assigned to 1 of 7 cohorts with AZA doses ranging from 100 mg daily on days 1 to 14 to 300 mg daily on days 1 to 21, ROMI doses ranging from 10 mg/m2 on days 8 and 15 to 14 mg/m2 on days 8, 15, and 22, with cycles of 21 to 35 days. Coprimary end points included maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). We treated a total of 31 patients. The MTD was AZA 300 mg on days 1 to 14 and ROMI 14 mg/m2 on days 8, 15, and 22 on a 35-day cycle. DLTs included grade 4 thrombocytopenia, prolonged grade 3 thrombocytopenia, grade 4 neutropenia, and pleural effusion. There were no treatment-related deaths. The combination was substantially more active in patients with PTCL than in those with non-T-cell lymphoma. The overall response rate in all, non-T-cell, and T-cell lymphoma patients was 32%, 10%, and 73%, respectively, and the complete response rates were 23%, 5%, and 55%, respectively. We did not find an association between response and level of demethylation or tumor mutational profile. This study establishes that combined epigenetic modifiers are potently active in PTCL patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01998035.
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Dan H, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Guan Q. DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors: Catalysts For Antitumour Immune Responses. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:10903-10916. [PMID: 31849494 PMCID: PMC6913319 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s217767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a kind of heritable change that involves the unaltered DNA sequence and can have effects on gene expression. The regulatory mechanism mainly includes DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA regulation. DNA methylation is currently the most studied aspect of epigenetics. It is widely present in eukaryotic cells and is the most important epigenetic mark in the regulation of gene expression in the cell. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) have been increasingly recognized in the field of cancer immunotherapy, have been approved for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and are widely being used in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapies. DNMTi promote the reactivation of tumour suppressor genes, enhance tumour immunogenicity, and stimulate a variety of immune cells to secrete cytokines that exert cytotoxic effects, promote tumour cell death, including macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, and upregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression levels. Here, we mainly summarize the epigenetics related to DNMTi and their regulation of the antitumour immune response and DNMTi combined with immuno-therapeutics or histone deacetylase inhibitors to demonstrate the great development potential and clinical application value of DNMTi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Dan
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanlin Guan
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
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Morel D, Jeffery D, Aspeslagh S, Almouzni G, Postel-Vinay S. Combining epigenetic drugs with other therapies for solid tumours - past lessons and future promise. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 17:91-107. [PMID: 31570827 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation has long been recognized as a key factor contributing to tumorigenesis and tumour maintenance that can influence all of the recognized hallmarks of cancer. Despite regulatory approvals for the treatment of certain haematological malignancies, the efficacy of the first generation of epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs) in patients with solid tumours has been disappointing; however, successes have now been achieved in selected solid tumour subtypes, thanks to the development of novel compounds and a better understanding of cancer biology that have enabled precision medicine approaches. Several lines of evidence support that, beyond their potential as monotherapies, epigenetic drugs could have important roles in synergy with other anticancer therapies or in reversing acquired therapy resistance. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which epi-drugs can modulate the sensitivity of cancer cells to other forms of anticancer therapy, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, molecularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy. We provide a critical appraisal of the preclinical rationale, completed clinical studies and ongoing clinical trials relating to combination therapies incorporating epi-drugs. Finally, we propose and discuss rational clinical trial designs and drug development strategies, considering key factors including patient selection, tumour biomarker evaluation, drug scheduling and response assessment and study end points, with the aim of optimizing the development of such combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Morel
- ATIP-Avenir Group, UMR981, INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Daniel Jeffery
- Nuclear Dynamics Unit - UMR3664, National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Geneviève Almouzni
- Nuclear Dynamics Unit - UMR3664, National Centre for Scientific Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France.
| | - Sophie Postel-Vinay
- ATIP-Avenir Group, UMR981, INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France. .,Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France.
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The emerging role of epigenetic therapeutics in immuno-oncology. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 17:75-90. [PMID: 31548600 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has seen the emergence of immunotherapy as a prime approach to cancer treatment, revolutionizing the management of many types of cancer. Despite the promise of immunotherapy, most patients do not have a response or become resistant to treatment. Thus, identifying combinations that potentiate current immunotherapeutic approaches will be crucial. The combination of immune-checkpoint inhibition with epigenetic therapy is one such strategy that is being tested in clinical trials, encompassing a variety of cancer types. Studies have revealed key roles of epigenetic processes in regulating immune cell function and mediating antitumour immunity. These interactions make combined epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy an attractive approach to circumvent the limitations of immunotherapy alone. In this Review, we highlight the basic dynamic mechanisms underlying the synergy between immunotherapy and epigenetic therapies and detail current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefit for patients.
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Georgiou A, Minchom A, O'Brien M. Comment on 'Randomised phase 2 study of pembrolizumab plus CC-486 versus pembrolizumab plus placebo in patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer'-No support for de-escalation of immunotherapy. Eur J Cancer 2019; 115:24-26. [PMID: 31082689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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