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Peng H, Moore C, Zhang Y, Saha D, Jiang S, Timmerman R. An AI-based approach for modeling the synergy between radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8250. [PMID: 38589494 PMCID: PMC11001871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58684-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Personalized, ultra-fractionated stereotactic adaptive radiotherapy (PULSAR) is designed to administer tumoricidal doses in a pulsed mode with extended intervals, spanning weeks or months. This approach leverages longer intervals to adapt the treatment plan based on tumor changes and enhance immune-modulated effects. In this investigation, we seek to elucidate the potential synergy between combined PULSAR and PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy using experimental data from a Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) syngeneic murine cancer model. Employing a long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network (RNN) model, we simulated the treatment response by treating irradiation and anti-PD-L1 as external stimuli occurring in a temporal sequence. Our findings demonstrate that: (1) The model can simulate tumor growth by integrating various parameters such as timing and dose, and (2) The model provides mechanistic interpretations of a "causal relationship" in combined treatment, offering a completely novel perspective. The model can be utilized for in-silico modeling, facilitating exploration of innovative treatment combinations to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Advanced modeling techniques, coupled with additional efforts in biomarker identification, may deepen our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the combined treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation Laboratory, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Casey Moore
- Departments of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Debabrata Saha
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Steve Jiang
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation Laboratory, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert Timmerman
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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2
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Peng H, Deng J, Jiang S, Timmerman R. Rethinking the potential role of dose painting in personalized ultra-fractionated stereotactic adaptive radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1357790. [PMID: 38571510 PMCID: PMC10987838 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1357790] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Fractionated radiotherapy was established in the 1920s based upon two principles: (1) delivering daily treatments of equal quantity, unless the clinical situation requires adjustment, and (2) defining a specific treatment period to deliver a total dosage. Modern fractionated radiotherapy continues to adhere to these century-old principles, despite significant advancements in our understanding of radiobiology. At UT Southwestern, we are exploring a novel treatment approach called PULSAR (Personalized Ultra-Fractionated Stereotactic Adaptive Radiotherapy). This method involves administering tumoricidal doses in a pulse mode with extended intervals, typically spanning weeks or even a month. Extended intervals permit substantial recovery of normal tissues and afford the tumor and tumor microenvironment ample time to undergo significant changes, enabling more meaningful adaptation in response to the evolving characteristics of the tumor. The notion of dose painting in the realm of radiation therapy has long been a subject of contention. The debate primarily revolves around its clinical effectiveness and optimal methods of implementation. In this perspective, we discuss two facets concerning the potential integration of dose painting with PULSAR, along with several practical considerations. If successful, the combination of the two may not only provide another level of personal adaptation ("adaptive dose painting"), but also contribute to the establishment of a timely feedback loop throughout the treatment process. To substantiate our perspective, we conducted a fundamental modeling study focusing on PET-guided dose painting, incorporating tumor heterogeneity and tumor control probability (TCP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation Laboratory, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jie Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation Laboratory, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Steve Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation Laboratory, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Robert Timmerman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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3
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Burgaleta AM, Burguete AB, Gutiérrez LR, Nuín EB, Felipe GA, de la Vega FA. Local treatment in oligometastasis from breast cancer: an overview. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:2861-2867. [PMID: 37106239 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligometastasic breast cancer (OMBC) consists of breast cancer patient with a limited number of systemic metastases (≤ 5), all of them candidates for local ablative treatment with the intention of achieving long-term control of the metastasis and, eventually, an increase in survival The first consensus for the management of patients with oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) was published in 2007, establishing that a more aggressive multidisciplinary strategy is recommended in order to increase the survival while maintaining a good quality of life. The current scientific evidence is based on observational studies, mainly retrospective, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and only a randomized nonexclusive study of oligometastatic (OM) published. All trials with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in OM cancer have shown excellent tolerance and good local control, although first trials on Lung SBRT did not prove so excellent tolerance and had some deaths due to bronchus irradiation and secondary hemoptysis. There are multiple ongoing studies researching the benefit of SBRT in oligometastatic breast cancer. Despite the lack of impact on survival seen in the NRG BR-002 Trial, SBRT probably allows the delay of the systemic treatment until progression, and so, improves the quality of life of patients. We have to wait for the results of the ongoing and future studies for clarification of the role of local treatment in OMBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Manterola Burgaleta
- Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Unit, Radiation Oncology Service, University Hospital of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
- Service of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - Erkuden Burillo Nuín
- Service of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gemma Asín Felipe
- Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Unit, Radiation Oncology Service, University Hospital of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
- Service of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Arias de la Vega
- Service of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain.
- "Clinical Research Group in Radiation Oncology", Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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4
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Zayed S, Louie AV, Breadner DA, Palma DA, Correa RJM. Radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: a practical review of rationale, recent data, and research questions. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231183668. [PMID: 37435562 PMCID: PMC10331344 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231183668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The combined use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is an emerging treatment paradigm for oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent phase I and II trial data suggest that SABR to multiple metastases in addition to ICI use is safe and effective with promising progression-free survival and overall survival signals. There is great interest in capitalizing on combined immunomodulation from these two modalities for the treatment of oligometastatic NSCLC. Ongoing trials seek to validate the safety, efficacy, and preferred sequencing of SABR and ICI. This narrative review of the role of SABR when combined with ICI in oligometastatic NSCLC discusses the rationale for this bimodality treatment, summarizes recent clinical trial evidence, and proposes key principles of management based on the available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sondos Zayed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander V. Louie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Hospital Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Breadner
- Department of Medical Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - David A. Palma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
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5
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Hindi N, Laack N, Hong K, Hohenberger P. Local Therapies for Metastatic Sarcoma: Why, When, and How? Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e390554. [PMID: 37384855 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_390554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Management of patients with advanced sarcoma has been evolving in recent decades, from a one-fit-all perspective to a more refined, personalized, and multidisciplinary approach. In parallel, the evolution of local therapies (radiotherapy, surgical and interventional radiology techniques) has contributed to the improvement of survival of patients with advanced sarcoma. In this article, we review the evidence regarding local treatments in advanced sarcoma, as well as its integration with systemic therapies, to provide the reader a wider and deeper perspective on the management of patients with metastatic sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Hindi
- Medical Oncology Department, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital and Hospital General de Villalba, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadia Laack
- Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kelvin Hong
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Peter Hohenberger
- Mannheim University Medical Center, University of Heidelberg Germany, Mannheim, Germany
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6
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Yuan H, Gui R, Wang Z, Fang F, Zhao H. Gut microbiota: A novel and potential target for radioimmunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1128774. [PMID: 36798129 PMCID: PMC9927011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1128774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with a high mortality rate, and is a major burden on human health worldwide. Gut microbiota regulate human immunity and metabolism through producing numerous metabolites, which act as signaling molecules and substrates for metabolic reactions in various biological processes. The importance of host-gut microbiota interactions in immunometabolic mechanisms in CRC is increasingly recognized, and interest in modulating the microbiota to improve patient's response to therapy has been raising. However, the specific mechanisms by which gut microbiota interact with immunotherapy and radiotherapy remain incongruent. Here we review recent advances and discuss the feasibility of gut microbiota as a regulatory target to enhance the immunogenicity of CRC, improve the radiosensitivity of colorectal tumor cells and ameliorate complications such as radiotoxicity. Currently, great breakthroughs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and others have been achieved by radioimmunotherapy, but radioimmunotherapy alone has not been effective in CRC patients. By summarizing the recent preclinical and clinical evidence and considering regulatory roles played by microflora in the gut, such as anti-tumor immunity, we discuss the potential of targeting gut microbiota to enhance the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy in CRC and expect this review can provide references and fresh ideas for the clinical application of this novel strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanghang Yuan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruirui Gui
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fang Fang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Fang Fang, ; Hongguang Zhao,
| | - Hongguang Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Fang Fang, ; Hongguang Zhao,
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7
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Sung W, Cho B. Modeling of radiation effects to immune system: a review. THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY 2022; 81:1013-1019. [PMID: 35966936 PMCID: PMC9358382 DOI: 10.1007/s40042-022-00574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the major cause of cancer mortality and accounts for about 90% of cancer death. Although radiation therapy has been considered to reduce the localized cancer burden, emerging evidence that radiation can potentially turn tumors into an in situ vaccine has raised significant interest in combining radiation with immunotherapy. However, the combination approach might be limited by the radiation-induced immunosuppression. Assessment of radiation effects on the immune system at the patient level is critical to maximize the systemic antitumor response of radiation. In this review, we summarize the developed solutions in three different categories for systemic radiation therapy: blood dose, radiation-induced lymphopenia, and tumor control. Furthermore, we address how they could be combined to optimize radiotherapy regimens and maximize their synergy with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonmo Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byungchul Cho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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8
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Combining Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Current Status and Future Directions. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040821. [PMID: 35453571 PMCID: PMC9024725 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of radiotherapy and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is of emerging interest in many solid tumours, including breast cancer. There is increasing evidence that the host’s immune system plays an important role in influencing the response to treatment and prognosis in breast cancer. Several pre-clinical studies and clinical trials have reported on the ‘abscopal effect—regression of distant untreated tumour sites, mediated by an immunological response following ionizing radiation to a targeted tumour site. Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) is a non-invasive technique used to augment various immune responses with an ablative tumoricidal dose when compared to conventional radiotherapy. SABR is characterized by typically 1–5 precision radiotherapy treatments that simultaneously deliver a high dose, whilst sparing normal tissues. Following SABR, there is evidence of systemic immune activation in patients with increased PD1 expression on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Studies continue to focus on metastatic triple-negative disease, a highly immunogenic subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis. In this review, we discuss the immunological effect of SABR, alone and in combination with immunotherapy, and the importance of dose and fractionation. We also propose future strategies for treating oligometastatic disease, where this approach may be most useful for producing durable responses.
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9
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Li Y, Ni K, Chan C, Guo N, Luo T, Han W, Culbert A, Weichselbaum RR, Lin W. Dimethylaminomicheliolide Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy for Synergistic Combination with Immune Checkpoint Blockade. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022; 5:2100160. [PMID: 35812344 PMCID: PMC9269983 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100160] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) has demonstrated synergy with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in preclinical models. However, its potential as an immunoadjuvant is limited by low immunogenicity at low radiation doses and immunosuppression at high radiation doses. It is hypothesized that radiosensitizers can enhance both the anticancer and immunogenic effects of low-dose radiation. Herein the authors report the antitumor immunity of combined RT and immunotherapy with dimethylaminomicheliolide (DMAMCL), a prodrug of the anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactone micheliolide (MCL). DMAMCL sensitized cancer cells to a single fraction of RT in vitro by inducing apoptosis and DNA double-strand breaks. DMAMCL with 5 fractions of 2 Gy focal X-ray irradiation led to significant anticancer efficacy in subcutaneous and spontaneous models of murine cancer. DMAMCL-sensitized RT upregulated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in the tumors. Combination of DMAMCL-sensitized RT with anti-PD-L1 ICB significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy by increasing tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and establishing immune memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Li
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA,Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and The Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Ni
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Christina Chan
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Nining Guo
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA,Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and The Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Taokun Luo
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wenbo Han
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - August Culbert
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ralph R. Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and The Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wenbin Lin
- Department of Chemistry University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA,Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and The Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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10
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Moradi LA, Clark CA, Schneider CS, Deshane AS, Dobelbower MC. Durable Metastatic Melanoma Remission Following Pembrolizumab and Radiotherapy: A Case Report of Prophylactic Immunosuppression in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis and Immune-Mediated Colitis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:788499. [PMID: 34956219 PMCID: PMC8692289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.788499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and radiotherapy (RT) combinations for various metastatic cancers are increasingly utilized, yet the augmentation of anti-cancer immunity including distant tumor responses by RT remains ill-characterized. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and defective anti-tumor immune activation including immune-related adverse events (irAEs) likely limit dramatic immuno-radiotherapy combinations, though it remains unclear which immune characteristics mediate dramatic systemic tumor regression in only a small subset of patients. Moreover, the efficacy of ICI treatment in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies for autoimmune conditions or irAEs is convoluted, yet clinically valuable. Here, we report a case of a 75-year-old man with myasthenia gravis and metastatic melanoma who experienced complete and durable systemic regression after receiving pembrolizumab and single-lesion RT while on prednisone for myasthenia gravis prophylaxis and vedolizumab for immune-mediated colitis after previously experiencing mixed response on pembrolizumab monotherapy. We discuss the potential paradoxical effects and clinical considerations of immunosuppressive regimens in patients with underlying autoimmune disease or adverse immune reactions while receiving immuno-radiotherapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Moradi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Curtis A Clark
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Craig S Schneider
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Alok S Deshane
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michael C Dobelbower
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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11
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Pointer KB, Pitroda SP, Weichselbaum RR. Radiotherapy and immunotherapy: open questions and future strategies. Trends Cancer 2021; 8:9-20. [PMID: 34740553 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) improves outcomes for some patients with advanced or metastatic cancers. Despite demonstrable progress, many patients do not respond to ICB. Recently, clinical trials have focused on combinations of ICB with radiation therapy. Although two recent Phase III randomized trials demonstrated improved survival with adjuvant ICB following chemoradiation, other Phase I/II/III trials are either negative or inconclusive, but do yield suggestive results and promising insights into future therapeutic strategies. We provide a selective review of a subset of these trials and attempt to integrate with basic laboratory findings where relevant to define issues pertaining to the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli B Pointer
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean P Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Ralph R Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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12
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Hellevik T, Berzaghi R, Lode K, Islam A, Martinez-Zubiaurre I. Immunobiology of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the context of radiotherapy. J Transl Med 2021; 19:437. [PMID: 34663337 PMCID: PMC8524905 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) still represents a mainstay of treatment in clinical oncology. Traditionally, the effectiveness of radiotherapy has been attributed to the killing potential of ionizing radiation (IR) over malignant cells, however, it has become clear that therapeutic efficacy of RT also involves activation of innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Therapeutic irradiation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) provokes profound cellular and biological reconfigurations which ultimately may influence immune recognition. As one of the major constituents of the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play central roles in cancer development at all stages and are recognized contributors of tumor immune evasion. While some studies argue that RT affects CAFs negatively through growth arrest and impaired motility, others claim that exposure of fibroblasts to RT promotes their conversion into a more activated phenotype. Nevertheless, despite the well-described immunoregulatory functions assigned to CAFs, little is known about the interplay between CAFs and immune cells in the context of RT. In this review, we go over current literature on the effects of radiation on CAFs and the influence that CAFs have on radiotherapy outcomes, and we summarize present knowledge on the transformed cellular crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells after radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristin Lode
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ashraful Islam
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inigo Martinez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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13
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Moore C, Hsu CC, Chen WM, Chen BPC, Han C, Story M, Aguilera T, Pop LM, Hannan R, Fu YX, Saha D, Timmerman R. Personalized Ultrafractionated Stereotactic Adaptive Radiotherapy (PULSAR) in Preclinical Models Enhances Single-Agent Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 110:1306-1316. [PMID: 33794306 PMCID: PMC8286324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Harnessing the immune-stimulatory effects of radiation by combining it with immunotherapy is a promising new treatment strategy. However, more studies characterizing immunotherapy and radiation dose scheduling for the optimal therapeutic effect is essential for designing clinical trials. METHODS AND MATERIALS A new ablative radiation dosing scheme, personalized ultrafractionated stereotactic adaptive radiation therapy (PULSAR), was tested in combination with α-PD-L1 therapy in immune-activated and resistant syngeneic immunocompetent mouse models of cancer. Specifically, tumor growth curves comparing immunotherapy and radiation therapy dose sequencing were evaluated in immunologically cold and hot tumor models. The response relative to cytotoxic killer T cells was evaluated using an α-CD8 depleting antibody, and immunologic memory was tested by tumor rechallenge of cured mice. RESULTS We report that both radiation and immunotherapy sequencing, as well as radiation therapy fraction spacing, affect the combination treatment response. Better tumor control was achieved by giving α-PD-L1 therapy during or after radiation, and spacing fractions 10 days apart (PULSAR) achieved better tumor control than traditional daily fractions. We showed that CD8+ depleting antibody abrogated tumor control in the PULSAR combination treatment, and certain treatment schedules induced immunologic memory. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate that radiation therapy dosing and scheduling affect tumor control, in combination with checkpoint blockade therapies. PULSAR-style radiation dosing is more complementary in combination with single-agent immunotherapy than traditional daily fractions in this preclinical model. Preclinical investigation could prove helpful in designing clinical trials investigating combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wei-Min Chen
- Radiation Oncology; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer
| | | | | | - Michael Story
- Radiation Oncology; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer
| | - Todd Aguilera
- Radiation Oncology; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer
| | | | | | | | - Debabrata Saha
- Radiation Oncology; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer
| | - Robert Timmerman
- Radiation Oncology; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer; Department of Neurosurgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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14
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Grassberger C, Shinnick D, Yeap BY, Tracy M, G Ellsworth S, Hess CB, Weyman EA, Gallotto SL, Lawell MP, Bajaj B, Ebb DH, Ioakeim-Ioannidou M, Loeffler JS, MacDonald SM, Tarbell NJ, Yock TI. Circulating Lymphocyte Counts Early During Radiation Therapy Are Associated With Recurrence in Pediatric Medulloblastoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 110:1044-1052. [PMID: 33556478 PMCID: PMC8238781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Decreased peripheral lymphocyte counts are associated with survival after radiation therapy (RT) in several solid tumors, although they appear late during or after the radiation course and often correlate with other clinical factors. Here we investigate if absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) are independently associated with recurrence in pediatric medulloblastoma early during RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS We assessed 202 patients with medulloblastoma treated between 2000 and 2016 and analyzed ALC throughout therapy, focusing on both early markers (ALC during week 1 - ALCwk1; grade 3+ Lymphopenia during week 2 - Lymphopeniawk2) and late markers (ALC nadir). Uni- and multivariable regressions were used to assess association of clinical and treatment variables with ALC and of ALC with recurrence. RESULTS Thirty-six recurrences were observed, with a median time to recurrence of 1.6 years (range, 0.2-10.3) and 7.1 years median follow-up. ALC during RT was associated with induction chemotherapy (P < .001), concurrent carboplatin (P = .009), age (P = .01), and high-risk status (P = .05). On univariable analysis, high-risk disease (hazard ratio = 2.0 [1.06-3.9]; P = .03) and M stage≥1 (hazard ratio = 2.2 [1.1-4.4]) were associated with recurrence risk, as was lower ALC early during RT (ALCwk1, hazard ratio = 0.28 [0.12-0.65]; P = .003; Lymphopeniawk2, hazard ratio = 2.27 [1.1-4.6]; P = .02). Neither baseline ALC nor nadir correlated with outcome. These associations persisted when excluding carboplatin and pre-RT chemotherapy patients, and in the multivariable analysis accounting for confounders lymphocyte counts remained significant (ALCwk1, hazard-ratio = 0.23 [0.09-0.57]; P = .002; Lymphopeniawk2, hazard-ratio = 2.3 [1.1-4.8]; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS ALC during weeks 1 and 2 of RT was associated with recurrence, and low ALC is an independent prognostic factor in medulloblastoma. Strategies to mitigate the risk of radiation-induced lymphopenia should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Grassberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Daniel Shinnick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beow Y Yeap
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Tracy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susannah G Ellsworth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Clayton B Hess
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Weyman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara L Gallotto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Miranda P Lawell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin Bajaj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David H Ebb
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Myrsini Ioakeim-Ioannidou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jay S Loeffler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shannon M MacDonald
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nancy J Tarbell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Torunn I Yock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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15
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Storozynsky Q, Hitt MM. The Impact of Radiation-Induced DNA Damage on cGAS-STING-Mediated Immune Responses to Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8877. [PMID: 33238631 PMCID: PMC7700321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a major modality used to combat a wide range of cancers. Classical radiobiology principles categorize ionizing radiation (IR) as a direct cytocidal therapeutic agent against cancer; however, there is an emerging appreciation for additional antitumor immune responses generated by this modality. A more nuanced understanding of the immunological pathways induced by radiation could inform optimal therapeutic combinations to harness radiation-induced antitumor immunity and improve treatment outcomes of cancers refractory to current radiotherapy regimens. Here, we summarize how radiation-induced DNA damage leads to the activation of a cytosolic DNA sensing pathway mediated by cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING). The activation of cGAS-STING initiates innate immune signaling that facilitates adaptive immune responses to destroy cancer. In this way, cGAS-STING signaling bridges the DNA damaging capacity of IR with the activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cell-mediated destruction of cancer-highlighting a molecular pathway radiotherapy can exploit to induce antitumor immune responses. In the context of radiotherapy, we further report on factors that enhance or inhibit cGAS-STING signaling, deleterious effects associated with cGAS-STING activation, and promising therapeutic candidates being investigated in combination with IR to bolster immune activation through engaging STING-signaling. A clearer understanding of how IR activates cGAS-STING signaling will inform immune-based treatment strategies to maximize the antitumor efficacy of radiotherapy, improving therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary M. Hitt
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada;
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16
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Benavente S, Sánchez-García A, Naches S, LLeonart ME, Lorente J. Therapy-Induced Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment: New Opportunities for Cancer Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:582884. [PMID: 33194719 PMCID: PMC7645077 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.582884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in immunotherapy have achieved remarkable clinical outcomes in tumors with low curability, but their effects are limited, and increasing evidence has implicated tumoral and non-tumoral components of the tumor microenvironment as critical mediators of cancer progression. At the same time, the clinical successes achieved with minimally invasive and optically-guided surgery and image-guided and ablative radiation strategies have been successfully implemented in clinical care. More effective, localized and safer treatments have fueled strong research interest in radioimmunotherapy, which has shown the potential immunomodulatory effects of ionizing radiation. However, increasingly more observations suggest that immunosuppressive changes, metabolic remodeling, and angiogenic responses in the local tumor microenvironment play a central role in tumor recurrence. In this review, we address challenges to identify responders vs. non-responders to the immune checkpoint blockade, discuss recent developments in combinations of immunotherapy and radiotherapy for clinical evaluation, and consider the clinical impact of immunosuppressive changes in the tumor microenvironment in the context of surgery and radiation. Since the therapy-induced modulation of the tumor microenvironment presents a multiplicity of forms, we propose that overcoming microenvironment related resistance can become clinically relevant and represents a novel strategy to optimize treatment immunogenicity and improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Benavente
- Radiation Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Almudena Sánchez-García
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Naches
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde Esther LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Centre in Oncology, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Lorente
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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