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Michaud É, Mansure JJ, Kassouf W. Integrating novel immunotherapeutic approaches in organ-preserving therapies for bladder cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38092703 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality. Over the years, the landscape of bladder cancer treatment has witnessed notable advancements, particularly in the realm of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising adjunct to organ-preserving approaches, harnessing the immune system's potential to target and eliminate cancer cells. Organ preservation strategies offer viable alternatives to radical cystectomy to avoid the morbidities associated with radical surgery, as well as to respond to the needs of patients unfit for or who have refused surgery. However, the challenge lies in achieving durable disease control while minimizing treatment-related toxicities. This review highlights the significance of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies, in the treatment of localized bladder cancer. The clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, as both neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies in combination with radiation or chemotherapy, is discussed. Moreover, the potential of immunotherapies beyond immune checkpoint inhibition, including combinations with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillations and/or investigational gene therapies, is explored. Furthermore, the predictive value of the tumour immune microenvironment for the success of these strategies is examined. Understanding the complex interplay between tumour immunity and therapeutic interventions can aid in identifying predictive biomarkers and tailoring personalized treatment strategies. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to optimize the use of immunotherapy in conjunction with organ-preserving therapies, potentially leading to enhanced patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Michaud
- Urologic Oncology Research Division, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - José Joao Mansure
- Urologic Oncology Research Division, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wassim Kassouf
- Urologic Oncology Research Division, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Kodera A, Mohammed M, Lim P, Abdalla O, Elhadi M. The Management of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Failure in High-Risk Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Review Article. Cureus 2023; 15:e40962. [PMID: 37503461 PMCID: PMC10369196 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common urological malignancy, and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy is the gold standard treatment in intermediate and high-risk groups. However, BCG failure occurs in a significant proportion of patients, emphasizing the need for effective alternative treatment modalities to address this burden. These treatments include immunotherapy, enhanced drug delivery, targeted therapy, device-assisted chemotherapy, vaccine therapy, and gene therapy, which show varying degrees of safety and efficacy. The objective of this review is to summarize the current evidence and ongoing research on these emerging therapies, offering insight into their potential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Although radical cystectomy remains the standard of care for high-risk NMIBC patients unresponsive to BCG, novel treatment modalities hold promise for the future management of this challenging patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Kodera
- Urology, Worcestershire Acute Hopsitals NHS Trust, Worcester, GBR
| | - Mahmoud Mohammed
- Urology, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester, GBR
- Surgical Oncology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut, EGY
| | - Paul Lim
- Urology, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcestershire, GBR
| | - Omer Abdalla
- Urology, Wirral University Hospital, Liverpool, GBR
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3
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Creswell ML, Sholklapper TN, Markel MJ, Mason JB, Pianka MA, Dall CP, Ulu C, Stamatakis L. Economic Outcomes of Hexaminolevulinate Blue-Light Cystoscopy in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A 5-Year, Medicare-Based Model. Bladder Cancer 2023; 9:87-96. [PMID: 38994485 PMCID: PMC11181828 DOI: 10.3233/blc-220027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat on a per-patient basis. Blue light cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate (BLC) has demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy compared with white light cystoscopy (WLC) in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). With higher upfront costs, questions remain about long-term BLC cost outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to investigate the 5-year cost comparison of BLC and WLC from the Medicare payer perspective. METHODS A representative 5-year NMIBC management model was constructed and Medicare reimbursement values were overlaid. The primary outcome was mean year-over-year cumulative cost discounted to present value at a 3% annual percentage rate. The secondary outcome was the rate of clinical events. RESULTS Patients in the BLC cohort experienced fewer recurrences. On a cumulative present value cost basis, BLC was more expensive per patient in years 1, 2, and 3 than WLC, however, in years 4 and 5, BLC was economically favorable. Year 5 BLC mean cumulative cost savings was $1,172 per patient. Overall, 31.6% of all patients in the BLC group generated cumulative cost savings compared to WLC at year 1 compared with 50.9% at the end of year 5. CONCLUSIONS Despite a higher initial annual cost, a slight cumulative economic advantage of BLC is realized after surveillance year 3. Additionally, a greater proportion of patients who received BLC achieved cost savings at the end of year 5. As novel technology emerges, economic models can help health care systems predict associated costs and quality improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Creswell
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
- Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - James B Mason
- Department of Urology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mark A Pianka
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Christopher P Dall
- Department of Urology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Canan Ulu
- Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lambros Stamatakis
- Department of Urology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Urology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Nunez-Nateras R, Castle EP, Protheroe CA, Stanton ML, Ocal TI, Ferrigni EN, Ochkur SI, Jacobsen EA, Hou YX, Andrews PE, Colby TV, Lee NA, Lee JJ. Predicting response to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in patients with carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Urol Oncol 2013; 32:45.e23-30. [PMID: 24055426 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2013.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Currently, there is no reliable tool to predict response to intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Based on the fact that BCG is a Th1-polarizing immunotherapy, we attempt to correlate the pretreatment immunologic tumor microenvironment (Th1 or Th2) with response to therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bladder cancer patients with initial diagnosis of carcinoma in situ (Tis) were stratified based on their response to BCG treatment. A total of 38 patients met inclusion criteria (20 patients who responded and 18 patients who did not respond). Immunohistochemical (IHC) methods known to assess the type of immunologic microenvironment (Th1 vs. Th2) were performed on tumor tissue obtained at initial biopsy/resection: the level of tumor eosinophil infiltration and degranulation (Th2 response); the number of tumor-infiltrating GATA-3(+) (Th2-polarized) lymphocytes; and the number of tumor-infiltrating T-bet(+) (Th1-polarized) lymphocytes. Results obtained from these metrics were correlated with response to treatment with BCG immunotherapy. RESULTS The IHC metrics of the tumor immune microenvironment prior to BCG treatment were each statistically significant predictors of responders (R) vs. nonresponders (NR). Eosinophil infiltration and degranulation was higher for R vs. NR: 1.02 ± 0.17 vs. 0.5 ± 0.12 (P = 0.01) and 1.1 ± 0.15 vs. 0.56 ± 0.15 (P = 0.04), respectively. Ratio of GATA-3(+) (Th2-polarized) lymphocytes to T-bet(+) (Th1-polarized) lymphocytes was higher for R vs. NR: 4.85 ± 0.94 vs. 0.98 ± 0.19 (P<0.001). The 3 markers were combined to create a Th2 signature biomarker, which was a statistically significant (P<0.0001) predictor of R vs. NR. All IHC markers demonstrated that a preexisting Th1 immunologic environment within the tumor was predictive of BCG failure. CONCLUSION The Th1 vs. Th2 polarization of bladder tumor immune microenvironment prior to treatment with BCG represents a prognostic metric of response to therapy. If a patient has a preexisting Th1 immunologic response within the tumor, there is no value in using a therapy intended to create a Th1 immunologic response. An algorithm integrating 3 IHC methods provided a sensitive and specific technique that may become a useful tool for pathologists and urologists to predict response to BCG in patients with carcinoma in situ of the bladder.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/therapeutic use
- Administration, Intravesical
- Aged
- BCG Vaccine/administration & dosage
- BCG Vaccine/immunology
- BCG Vaccine/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma in Situ/immunology
- Carcinoma in Situ/metabolism
- Carcinoma in Situ/therapy
- Cell Degranulation/immunology
- Eosinophils/drug effects
- Eosinophils/immunology
- Eosinophils/physiology
- Female
- GATA3 Transcription Factor/immunology
- GATA3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunity, Active/drug effects
- Immunity, Active/immunology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Lymphocytes/immunology
- Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Male
- Prognosis
- T-Box Domain Proteins/immunology
- T-Box Domain Proteins/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/immunology
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/metabolism
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/therapy
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik P Castle
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Cheryl A Protheroe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Melissa L Stanton
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Tolgay I Ocal
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | | | - Sergei I Ochkur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Elizabeth A Jacobsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Yue-Xian Hou
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
| | | | - Thomas V Colby
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - Nancy A Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - James J Lee
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
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Burke JM, Lamm DL, Meng MV, Nemunaitis JJ, Stephenson JJ, Arseneau JC, Aimi J, Lerner S, Yeung AW, Kazarian T, Maslyar DJ, McKiernan JM. A first in human phase 1 study of CG0070, a GM-CSF expressing oncolytic adenovirus, for the treatment of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. J Urol 2012; 188:2391-7. [PMID: 23088985 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2012.07.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics and anticancer activity of intravesical CG0070, a cancer selective, replication competent adenovirus, for the treatment of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 35 patients received single or multiple (every 28 days × 3 or weekly × 6) intravesical infusions of CG0070 at 1 of 4 dose levels (1 × 10(12), 3 × 10(12), 1 × 10(13) or 3 × 10(13) viral particles). Response to treatment was based on cystoscopic assessment and biopsy or urine cytology. Urine and plasma CG0070, and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor were measured in all patients. A subset of 18 patients was assessed for retinoblastoma phosphorylation status. RESULTS Grade 1-2 bladder toxicities were the most common adverse events observed. A maximum tolerated dose was not reached. High levels of granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor were detected in urine after administration in all patients. Virus replication was suggested based on an increase in urine CG0070 genomes between days 2 and 5 in 58.3% of tested patients (7 of 12). The complete response rate and median duration of the complete response across cohorts was 48.6% and 10.4 months, respectively. In the multidose cohorts the complete response rate for the combined groups (every 28 days and weekly × 6) was 63.6% (14 of 22 patients). In an exploratory, retrospective assessment patients with borderline or high retinoblastoma phosphorylation who received the multidose schedules had an 81.8% complete response rate (9 of 11). CONCLUSIONS Intravesical CG0070 was associated with a tolerable safety profile and antibladder cancer activity. Granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor transgene expression and CG0070 replication were also suggested.
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