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Vounckx M, Tijtgat J, Stevens L, Dirven I, Ilsen B, Vandenbroucke F, Raeymaeckers S, Vekens K, Forsyth R, Geeraerts X, Van Riet I, Schwarze JK, Tuyaerts S, Decoster L, De Ridder M, Dufait I, Neyns B. A randomized phase II clinical trial of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and systemic pembrolizumab with or without intratumoral avelumab/ipilimumab plus CD1c (BDCA-1) +/CD141 (BDCA-3) + myeloid dendritic cells in solid tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:167. [PMID: 38954010 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03751-0] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). CD1c(BDCA-1)+/CD141(BDCA-3)+ myeloid dendritic cells (myDC) in the tumor microenvironment are indispensable at initiating effector T-cell responses and response to ICB. METHODS In this phase II clinical trial, anti-PD-1 ICB pretreated oligometastatic patients (tumor agnostic) underwent a leukapheresis followed by isolation of CD1c(BDCA-1)+/CD141(BDCA-3)+ myDC. Following hypofractionated stereotactic body RT (3 × 8 Gy), patients were randomized (3:1). Respectively, in arm A (immediate treatment), intratumoral (IT) ipilimumab (10 mg) and avelumab (40 mg) combined with intravenous (IV) pembrolizumab (200 mg) were administered followed by IT injection of myDC; subsequently, IV pembrolizumab and IT ipilimumab/avelumab were continued (q3W). In arm B (contemporary control arm), patients received IV pembrolizumab, with possibility to cross-over at progression. Primary endpoint was 1-year progression-free survival rate (PFS). Secondary endpoints were safety, feasibility, objective response rate, PFS, and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Thirteen patients (10 in arm A, eight non-small cell lung cancer, and five melanoma) were enrolled. Two patients crossed over. One-year PFS rate was 10% in arm A and 0% in arm B. Two patients in arm A obtained a partial response, and one patient obtained a stable disease as best response. In arm B, one patient obtained a SD. Median PFS and OS were 21.8 weeks (arm A) versus 24.9 (arm B), and 62.7 versus 57.9 weeks, respectively. An iatrogenic pneumothorax was the only grade 3 treatment-related adverse event. CONCLUSION SBRT and pembrolizumab with or without IT avelumab/ipilimumab and IT myDC in oligometastatic patients are safe and feasible with a clinically meaningful tumor response rate. However, the study failed to reach its primary endpoint. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04571632 (09 AUG 2020). EUDRACT 2019-003668-32. Date of registration: 17 DEC 2019, amendment 1: 6 MAR 2021, amendment 2: 4 FEB 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Vounckx
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jens Tijtgat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Latoya Stevens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Iris Dirven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Ilsen
- Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frederik Vandenbroucke
- Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Raeymaeckers
- Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien Vekens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ramses Forsyth
- Department of Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xenia Geeraerts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ivan Van Riet
- Department of Hematology, Stem Cell Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julia Katharina Schwarze
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Tuyaerts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lore Decoster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ines Dufait
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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Sheikh K, Li H, Wright JL, Yanagihara TK, Halthore A. The Peaks and Valleys of Photon Versus Proton Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy. Semin Radiat Oncol 2024; 34:292-301. [PMID: 38880538 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Spatially-fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) delivers high doses to small areas of tumor while sparing adjacent tissue, including intervening disease. In this review, we explore the evolution of SFRT technological advances, contrasting approaches with photon and proton beam radiotherapy. We discuss unique dosimetric considerations and physical properties of SFRT, as well as review the preclinical literature that provides an emerging understanding of biological mechanisms. We emphasize crucial areas of future study and highlight clinical trials that are underway to assess SFRT's safety and efficacy, with a focus on immunotherapeutic synergies. The review concludes with practical considerations for SFRT's clinical application, advocating for strategies that leverage its unique dosimetric and biological properties for improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Sheikh
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Proton Center, Washington, DC.
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Proton Center, Washington, DC
| | - Jean L Wright
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Proton Center, Washington, DC
| | - Theodore K Yanagihara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Aditya Halthore
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Proton Center, Washington, DC
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3
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Tam A, Ladbury C, Kassardjian A, Modi B, McGee H, Melstrom L, Margolin K, Xing Y, Amini A. Combined Regional Approach of Talimogene laherparepvec and Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1951. [PMID: 38893072 PMCID: PMC11171111 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111951] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) is a genetically modified oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) that is used for the intralesional treatment of advanced or metastatic melanoma. Given that TVEC produces the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), recent reports have suggested that radiation treatment (RT) given in conjunction with TVEC may provide synergistic immune activation at the site, and possibly systemically. However, studies on combining RT with TVEC remain limited. We conducted a retrospective review of melanoma patients from a single cancer center who received TVEC and RT in the same region of the body and compared them to patients who received TVEC with RT at another site (other than the site of TVEC injection). Between January 2015 and September 2022, we identified twenty patients who were treated with TVEC and RT; fourteen patients received TVEC and RT in the same region, and six had treatments in separate regions. Regions were determined at the time of analysis and were based on anatomic sites (such as arm, leg, torso, etc.). Kaplan-Meier analysis of progression-free survival (PFS), analyses of time to distant metastasis (DM), overall survival (OS), and locoregional control (LRC), and the corresponding log-rank test were performed. With a median follow-up of 10.5 months [mos] (range 1.0-58.7 mos), we found an improvement in PFS with TVEC and RT in the same region compared to different regions, which were 6.4 mos (95% CI, 2.4-NR mos) and 2.8 mos (95% CI, 0.7-4.4 mos), respectively; p = 0.005. There was also a significant improvement in DM when TVEC and RT were used in the same region compared to different regions: 13.8 mos (95% CI, 4.6-NR mos) and 2.8 mos (95% CI, 0.7-4.4 mos), respectively (p = 0.001). However, we found no difference in overall survival (OS) between patients who had TVEC and RT in the same region (19.0 mos, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-not reached [NR] mos) and those who received treatments in different regions (18.5 mos, 95% CI, 1.0-NR mos); p = 0.366. There was no statistically significant improvement in locoregional control (LRC) in patients who had TVEC and RT in the same region was 26.0 mos (95% CI, 6.4-26.0 mos) compared to patients who received TVEC and RT in different regions (4.4 mos) (95% CI, 0.7-NR mos) (p = 0.115). No grade 3 or higher toxicities were documented in either group. Overall, there were improvements in PFS and DM when TVEC and RT were delivered to the same region of the body compared to when they were used in different regions. However, we did not find a significant difference in locoregional recurrence or OS. Future studies are needed to assess the sequence and timing of combining RT and TVEC to potentially enhance the immune response both locally and distantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Colton Ladbury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Ari Kassardjian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Badri Modi
- Department of Dermatology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Heather McGee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Laleh Melstrom
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kim Margolin
- St. John’s Cancer Institute, 2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Yan Xing
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arya Amini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
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Chen Y, Chen C, Peng H, Lin S, Pan J, Zheng H, Zong J, Lin C. Risk-adapted locoregional radiotherapy strategies based on a prognostic nomogram for de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3950. [PMID: 38366057 PMCID: PMC10873310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54230-6] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
To develop a prognostic nomogram for individualized strategies on locoregional radiation therapy (LRRT) in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (dmNPC) treated with chemoimmunotherapy. Ninety patients with dmNPC treated with chemoimmunotherapy and diagnosed between 2019 and 2022 were included in our study. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) to establish a nomogram. With a median follow-up of 17.5 months, the median PFS and OS were 24.9 months and 29.4 months, respectively. Sixty-nine patients and twenty-one patients were included in the LRRT group and without LRRT group, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, lower EBV DNA copy number before treatment, a single metastatic site, more cycles of chemotherapy and immunotherapy were significantly associated with better OS. A prognostic nomogram was constructed incorporating the above 5 independent factors, with a C-index of 0.894. Patients were divided into low- and high-risk cohorts based on nomogram scores. A significant improvement in OS was revealed in the LRRT group compared with the without-LRRT group for patients in the high-risk cohort (HR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.01-6.00, P = 0.049), while the OS was comparable between the two groups in the low-risk cohort. Our study indicates that LRRT may be associated with better prognosis in high-risk patients with dmNPC in the era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebing Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chuying Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hewei Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shaojun Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jianji Pan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Xiamen Humanity Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Huiping Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jingfeng Zong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Cheng Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
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Schwarzlmueller P, Corradini S, Seidensticker M, Zimmermann P, Schreiner J, Maier T, Triebig A, Knösel T, Pazos M, Pfluger T, Weigand I, Belka C, Ricke J, Reincke M, Schmidmaier R, Kroiss M. High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Combined with PD-1 Blockade as a Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma - A Single Center Case Series. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:30-37. [PMID: 37748508 DOI: 10.1055/a-2150-3944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The response rate of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to standard chemotherapy with mitotane and etoposide/doxorubicin/cisplatin (EDP-M) is unsatisfactory, and benefit is frequently short lived. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have been examined in patient's refractory to EDP-M, but objective response rates are only approximately 15%. High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is a catheter-based internal radiotherapy and expected to favorably combine with immunotherapies. Here we describe three cases of patients with advanced ACC who were treated with HDR-BT and the CPI pembrolizumab. None of the tumors were positive for established response markers to CPI. All patients were female, had progressed on EDP-M and received external beam radiation therapy for metastatic ACC. Pembrolizumab was initiated 7 or 23 months after brachytherapy in two cases and prior to brachytherapy in one case. Best response of lesions treated with brachytherapy was complete (n=2) or partial response (n=1) that was ongoing at last follow up after 23, 45 and 4 months, respectively. Considering all sites of tumor, response was complete and partial remission in the two patients with brachytherapy prior to pembrolizumab. The third patient developed progressive disease with severe Cushing's syndrome and died due to COVID-19. Immune-related adverse events of colitis (grade 3), gastroduodenitis (grade 3), pneumonitis (grade 2) and thyroiditis (grade 1) occurred in the two patients with systemic response. HDR-BT controlled metastases locally. Sequential combination with CPI therapy may enhance an abscopal antitumoral effect in non-irradiated metastases in ACC. Systematic studies are required to confirm this preliminary experience and to understand underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanie Corradini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Max Seidensticker
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Zimmermann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Schreiner
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Maier
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Triebig
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Knösel
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Montserrat Pazos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Pfluger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Weigand
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Schmidmaier
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Chi A, Nguyen NP. Mechanistic rationales for combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125905. [PMID: 37377970 PMCID: PMC10291094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy consisted mainly of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to significantly improved antitumor response. However, such response has been observed only in tumors possessing an overall responsive tumor immune micro-environment (TIME), in which the presence of functional tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is critical. Various mechanisms of immune escape from immunosurveillance exist, leading to different TIME phenotypes in correlation with primary or acquired resistance to ICIs. Radiotherapy has been shown to induce antitumor immunity not only in the irradiated primary tumor, but also at unirradiated distant sites of metastases. Such antitumor immunity is mainly elicited by radiation's stimulatory effects on antigenicity and adjuvanticity. Furthermore, it may be significantly augmented when irradiation is combined with immunotherapy, such as ICIs. Therefore, radiotherapy represents one potential therapeutic strategy to restore anti-tumor immunity in tumors presenting with an unresponsive TIME. In this review, the generation of anti-tumor immunity, its impairment, radiation's immunogenic properties, and the antitumor effects of combining radiation with immunotherapy will be comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nam Phong Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
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Iliadi C, Verset L, Bouchart C, Martinive P, Van Gestel D, Krayem M. The current understanding of the immune landscape relative to radiotherapy across tumor types. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148692. [PMID: 37006319 PMCID: PMC10060828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is part of the standard of care treatment for a great majority of cancer patients. As a result of radiation, both tumor cells and the environment around them are affected directly by radiation, which mainly primes but also might limit the immune response. Multiple immune factors play a role in cancer progression and response to radiotherapy, including the immune tumor microenvironment and systemic immunity referred to as the immune landscape. A heterogeneous tumor microenvironment and the varying patient characteristics complicate the dynamic relationship between radiotherapy and this immune landscape. In this review, we will present the current overview of the immunological landscape in relation to radiotherapy in order to provide insight and encourage research to further improve cancer treatment. An investigation into the impact of radiation therapy on the immune landscape showed in several cancers a common pattern of immunological responses after radiation. Radiation leads to an upsurge in infiltrating T lymphocytes and the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) which can hint at a benefit for the patient when combined with immunotherapy. In spite of this, lymphopenia in the tumor microenvironment of 'cold' tumors or caused by radiation is considered to be an important obstacle to the patient's survival. In several cancers, a rise in the immunosuppressive populations is seen after radiation, mainly pro-tumoral M2 macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). As a final point, we will highlight how the radiation parameters themselves can influence the immune system and, therefore, be exploited to the advantage of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Iliadi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurine Verset
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christelle Bouchart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Martinive
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van Gestel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mohammad Krayem
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Brussels, Belgium
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Zhang Y, Li Z, Chen Y, Yang P, Hu Y, Zeng Z, Du S. Higher serum sPD-L1 levels after radiotherapy indicate poor outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Transl Oncol 2022; 26:101537. [PMID: 36115075 PMCID: PMC9483785 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101537] [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] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our preclinical research reveals that radiotherapy (RT) promoted PD-L1 upregulation in tumor tissues and that higher PD-L1 after RT worsened the prognosis through immunosuppression. We sought to validate our experimental results in clinical cohorts and promote clinical application. PATIENTS AND METHODS In cohort 1, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were obtained from 46 HCC patients, 23 of whom received preoperative RT and the other 23 received direct surgery. A prospectively collected database contained 122 HCC patients treated with liver RT were enrolled in cohort 2. Blood samples were taken a day before and two weeks after RT. Patients in cohort 2 were further divided into two groups, exploration (73 patients) and validation (49 patients) groups. RESULTS In cohort 1, RT increased the expression of PD-L1 in tumor tissues (p = 0.001), and PD-L1 levels were associated with decreased cytotoxic T-cell infiltration and a trend toward poor prognosis (p = 0.14). Moreover, PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue positively correlated with soluble (s) PD-L1 in serum (R = 0.421, p = 0.046). Then, in cohort 2, we revealed RT increased sPD-L1 in serum (p < 0.001), which was associated with the number of circulating CD8+ T cells (R = -0.24, p = 0.036), indicating poor survival. Furthermore, patients with higher rate of sPD-L1 increase after RT have better treatment response (p < 0.001), PFS (p = 0.032) and OS (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION Higher post-RT serum sPD-L1, which may potentiate immune suppression effects, indicates a poor prognosis for HCC patients treated with RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zongjuan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yixing Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhaochong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Shisuo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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9
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Han D, Zhang J, Bao Y, Liu L, Wang P, Qian D. Anlotinib enhances the antitumor immunity of radiotherapy by activating cGAS/STING in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:468. [DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRadiation resistance and unsatisfactory efficacy of radioimmunotherapy are important barriers to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. The impacts of anlotinib on radiation and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in NSCLC remain to be resolved. Here, we find anlotinib enhances radiosensitivity, and further increases radiotherapy-stimulated CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation via triggering cGAS/STING pathway. Moreover, anlotinib shows significant effects on radioimmunotherapy (radiotherapy plus anti-PD-L1). The addition of anlotinib alleviates CD8+ T cell exhaustion, promotes the cytotoxicity and proliferation of CD8+ T cells, and boosts immune memory activation. Our work reveals the crucial role of anlotinib in antitumor immunity, and provides preclinical evidence for the application of anlotinib combined with radioimmunotherapy in NSCLC treatment.
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10
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Comparison of intratumor and local immune response between MV X-ray FLASH and conventional radiotherapies. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 38:138-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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11
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Van de Gucht M, Dufait I, Kerkhove L, Corbet C, de Mey S, Jiang H, Law KL, Gevaert T, Feron O, De Ridder M. Inhibition of Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase Radiosensitizes Human Colorectal Cancer Cells under Hypoxic Conditions. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205060. [PMID: 36291844 PMCID: PMC9599856 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205060] [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] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. Treatment options for these patients consist of surgery combined with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. However, a subset of tumors will not respond to therapy or acquire resistance during the course of the treatment, leading to patient relapse. The interplay between reprogramming cancer metabolism and radiotherapy has become an appealing strategy to improve a patient’s outcome. Due to the overexpression of certain enzymes in a variety of cancer types, including colorectal cancer, the serine synthesis pathway has recently become an attractive metabolic target. We demonstrated that by inhibiting the first enzyme of this pathway, namely phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), tumor cells that are deprived of oxygen (as is generally the case in solid tumors) respond better to radiation, leading to increased tumor cell killing in an experimental model of human colorectal cancer. Abstract Augmented de novo serine synthesis activity is increasingly apparent in distinct types of cancers and has mainly sparked interest by investigation of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH). Overexpression of PHGDH has been associated with higher tumor grade, shorter relapse time and decreased overall survival. It is well known that therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients can be improved by reprogramming metabolic pathways in combination with standard treatment options, for example, radiotherapy. In this study, possible metabolic changes related to radioresponse were explored upon PHGDH inhibition. Additionally, we evaluated whether PHGDH inhibition could improve radioresponse in human colorectal cancer cell lines in both aerobic and radiobiological relevant hypoxic conditions. Dysregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and dysfunction in mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxygen consumption rate were indicative of potential radiomodulatory effects. We demonstrated that PHGDH inhibition radiosensitized hypoxic human colorectal cancer cells while leaving intrinsic radiosensitivity unaffected. In a xenograft model, the first hints of additive effects between PHGDH inhibition and radiotherapy were demonstrated. In conclusion, this study is the first to show that modulation of de novo serine biosynthesis enhances radioresponse in hypoxic colorectal cancer cells, mainly mediated by increased levels of intracellular ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Van de Gucht
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inès Dufait
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisa Kerkhove
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Mounier 53, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven de Mey
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heng Jiang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ka Lun Law
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Gevaert
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Feron
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Avenue Mounier 53, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-4776144
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12
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De Ridder K, Locy H, Piccioni E, Zuazo MI, Awad RM, Verhulst S, Van Bulck M, De Vlaeminck Y, Lecocq Q, Reijmen E, De Mey W, De Beck L, Ertveldt T, Pintelon I, Timmermans JP, Escors D, Keyaerts M, Breckpot K, Goyvaerts C. TNF-α-Secreting Lung Tumor-Infiltrated Monocytes Play a Pivotal Role During Anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811867. [PMID: 35493461 PMCID: PMC9046849 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) of the PD-1 pathway revolutionized the survival forecast for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, the majority of PD-L1+ NSCLC patients are refractory to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Recent observations indicate a pivotal role for the PD-L1+ tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells in therapy failure. As the latter comprise a heterogenous population in the lung tumor microenvironment, we applied an orthotopic Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) model to evaluate 11 different tumor-residing myeloid subsets in response to anti-PD-L1 therapy. While we observed significantly reduced fractions of tumor-infiltrating MHC-IIlow macrophages and monocytes, serological levels of TNF-α restored in lung tumor-bearing mice. Notably, we demonstrated in vivo and in vitro that anti-PD-L1 therapy mediated a monocyte-specific production of, and response to TNF-α, further accompanied by their significant upregulation of CD80, VISTA, LAG-3, SIRP-α and TIM-3. Nevertheless, co-blockade of PD-L1 and TNF-α did not reduce LLC tumor growth. A phenomenon that was partly explained by the observation that monocytes and TNF-α play a Janus-faced role in anti-PD-L1 therapy-mediated CTL stimulation. This was endorsed by the observation that monocytes appeared crucial to effectively boost T cell-mediated LLC killing in vitro upon combined PD-L1 with LAG-3 or SIRP-α blockade. Hence, this study enlightens the biomarker potential of lung tumor-infiltrated monocytes to define more effective ICB combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hanne Locy
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elisa Piccioni
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miren Ibarra Zuazo
- Immunomodulation Group, Navarrabiomed, Navarrabiomed-UPNA-IdISNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathias Van Bulck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Medical Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eva Reijmen
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout De Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lien De Beck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology & Histology, Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David Escors
- Immunomodulation Group, Navarrabiomed, Navarrabiomed-UPNA-IdISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Rayne Institute, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Cleo Goyvaerts,
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13
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Particle radiotherapy and molecular therapies: mechanisms and strategies towards clinical applications. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e8. [PMID: 35101155 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are now commonly used in clinical trials in combination with radiotherapy for several cancers. While results are promising and encouraging, the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between the drugs and radiation remain largely unknown. This is especially important when switching from conventional photon therapy to particle therapy using protons or heavier ions. Different dose deposition patterns and molecular radiobiology can in fact modify the interaction with drugs and their effectiveness. We will show here that whilst the main molecular players are the same after low and high linear energy transfer radiation exposure, significant differences are observed in post-exposure signalling pathways that may lead to different effects of the drugs. We will also emphasise that the problem of the timing between drug administration and radiation and the fractionation regime are critical issues that need to be addressed urgently to achieve optimal results in combined treatments with particle therapy.
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14
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Du SS, Chen GW, Yang P, Chen YX, Hu Y, Zhao QQ, Zhang Y, Liu R, Zheng DX, Zhou J, Fan J, Zeng ZC. Radiation Therapy Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immune Cloaking via PD-L1 Upregulation Induced by cGAS-STING Activation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 112:1243-1255. [PMID: 34986380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.12.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the main treatments for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging evidence indicates that the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway is crucial in RT-induced antitumor immune responses. Here, we discovered that activation of the cancer cell-intrinsic cGAS-STING pathway mediated immune cloaking after RT-induced DNA damage. METHODS AND MATERIALS Key regulatory proteins in the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in human and murine HCC cell lines were knocked out or down using CRISPR and CRISPR-associated protein 9 or small interfering RNA. The underlying mechanism of immune cloaking and clinical significance of cGAS-STING-induced programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression were studied with both ex vivo analyses and in vitro experiments. RESULTS RT upregulated PD-L1 in patients with HCC, which correlated with poor survival. RT activated cGAS-STING, increasing immune-checkpoint PD-L1 expression in human and mouse liver cancer cells. Ionizing radiation activated the STING-TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) innate immune pathway, leading to PD-L1 upregulation in HCC cells and inhibiting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity and protecting tumor cells from immune-mediated eradication. Knockdown of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3 reversed the antitumor effect of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity after ionizing radiation in vitro or in vivo. RT potentiated the antitumor effect of programmed cell death protein 1 and PD-L1 axis blockade and augmented cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) infiltration in HCC tumors in immunocompetent mice. CD8 depletion compromised the synergetic antitumor effect of combined RT and anti-PD-L1 blockade, demonstrating that CD8+ CTLs are required for antitumor immunity induced by combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our results identified an immune-cloaking mechanism for RT-activated, innate immune cGAS-STING and suggested that RT enhances HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Suo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gen-Wen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Xing Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Interventional Department, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan-Xue Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- and Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- and Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Huppert LA, Green MD, Kim L, Chow C, Leyfman Y, Daud AI, Lee JC. Tissue-specific Tregs in cancer metastasis: opportunities for precision immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:33-45. [PMID: 34417572 PMCID: PMC8752797 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00742-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of advancements in immuno-oncology have enabled the development of current immunotherapies, which provide long-term treatment responses in certain metastatic cancer patients. However, cures remain infrequent, and most patients ultimately succumb to treatment-refractory metastatic disease. Recent insights suggest that tumors at certain organ sites exhibit distinctive response patterns to immunotherapy and can even reduce antitumor immunity within anatomically distant tumors, suggesting the activation of tissue-specific immune tolerogenic mechanisms in some cases of therapy resistance. Specialized immune cells known as regulatory T cells (Tregs) are present within all tissues in the body and coordinate the suppression of excessive immune activation to curb autoimmunity and maintain immune homeostasis. Despite the high volume of research on Tregs, the findings have failed to reconcile tissue-specific Treg functions in organs, such as tolerance, tissue repair, and regeneration, with their suppression of local and systemic tumor immunity in the context of immunotherapy resistance. To improve the understanding of how the tissue-specific functions of Tregs impact cancer immunotherapy, we review the specialized role of Tregs in clinically common and challenging organ sites of cancer metastasis, highlight research that describes Treg impacts on tissue-specific and systemic immune regulation in the context of immunotherapy, and summarize ongoing work reporting clinically feasible strategies that combine the specific targeting of Tregs with systemic cancer immunotherapy. Improved knowledge of Tregs in the framework of their tissue-specific biology and clinical sites of organ metastasis will enable more precise targeting of immunotherapy and have profound implications for treating patients with metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Huppert
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luke Kim
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine Chow
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yan Leyfman
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Adil I Daud
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James C Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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16
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Reijmen E, De Mey S, Van Damme H, De Ridder K, Gevaert T, De Blay E, Bouwens L, Collen C, Decoster L, De Couck M, Laoui D, De Grève J, De Ridder M, Gidron Y, Goyvaerts C. Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation Alone or in Combination With Radiotherapy Stimulates Lung Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes But Fails to Suppress Tumor Growth. Front Immunol 2021; 12:772555. [PMID: 34925341 PMCID: PMC8671299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.772555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of radiotherapy (RT) with immunotherapy represents a promising treatment modality for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. As only a minority of patients shows a persistent response today, a spacious optimization window remains to be explored. Previously we showed that fractionated RT can induce a local immunosuppressive profile. Based on the evolving concept of an immunomodulatory role for vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), we tested its therapeutic and immunological effects alone and in combination with fractionated RT in a preclinical-translational study. Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing C57Bl/6 mice were treated with VNS, fractionated RT or the combination while a patient cohort with locally advanced NSCLC receiving concurrent radiochemotherapy (ccRTCT) was enrolled in a clinical trial to receive either sham or effective VNS daily during their 6 weeks of ccRTCT treatment. Preclinically, VNS alone or with RT showed no therapeutic effect yet VNS alone significantly enhanced the activation profile of intratumoral CD8+ T cells by upregulating their IFN-γ and CD137 expression. In the periphery, VNS reduced the RT-mediated rise of splenic, but not blood-derived, regulatory T cells (Treg) and monocytes. In accordance, the serological levels of protumoral CXCL5 next to two Treg-attracting chemokines CCL1 and CCL22 were reduced upon VNS monotherapy. In line with our preclinical findings on the lack of immunological changes in blood circulating immune cells upon VNS, immune monitoring of the peripheral blood of VNS treated NSCLC patients (n=7) did not show any significant changes compared to ccRTCT alone. As our preclinical data do suggest that VNS intensifies the stimulatory profile of the tumor infiltrated CD8+ T cells, this favors further research into non-invasive VNS to optimize current response rates to RT-immunotherapy in lung cancer patients.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/pathology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/radiotherapy
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/therapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/radiotherapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/radiotherapy
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Middle Aged
- Tumor Burden
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Reijmen
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven De Mey
- Department of Radiotherapy, Oncology Centre University Hospital Brussels (Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ) Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Helena Van Damme
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Gevaert
- Department of Radiotherapy, Oncology Centre University Hospital Brussels (Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ) Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emmy De Blay
- Cell Differentiation Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Bouwens
- Cell Differentiation Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Collen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Oncology Centre University Hospital Brussels (Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ) Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lore Decoster
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ) Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marijke De Couck
- Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Care, University College Odisee, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Damya Laoui
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ) Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, Oncology Centre University Hospital Brussels (Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ) Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yori Gidron
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Ghaderi N, Jung JH, Odde DJ, Peacock J. Clinically validated model predicts the effect of intratumoral heterogeneity on overall survival for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 212:106455. [PMID: 34736167 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Radiation therapy is used in nearly 50% of cancer treatments in the developed world. Currently, radiation treatments are homogenous and fail to take into consideration intratumoral heterogeneity. We demonstrate the importance of considering intratumoral heterogeneity and the development of resistance during fractionated radiotherapy when the same dose of radiation is delivered for all fractions (Fractional Equivalent Dosing FED). METHODS A mathematical model was developed with the following parameters: a starting population of 1011 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor cells, 48 h doubling time, and cell death per the linear-quadratic (LQ) model with α and β values derived from RSIα/β, in a previously described gene expression based model that estimates α and β. To incorporate both inter- and intratumor radiation sensitivity, RSIα/β output for each patient sample is assumed to represent an average value in a gamma distribution with the bounds set to -50% and +50% of RSIα/b. Therefore, we assume that within a given tumor there are subpopulations that have varying radiation sensitivity parameters that are distinct from other tumor samples with a different mean RSIα/β. A simulation cohort (SC) comprised of 100 lung cancer patients with available RSIα/β (patient specific α and β values) was used to investigate 60 Gy in 30 fractions with fractionally equivalent dosing (FED). A separate validation cohort (VC) of 57 lung cancer patients treated with radiation with available local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and tumor gene expression was used to clinically validate the model. Cox regression was used to test for significance to predict clinical outcomes as a continuous variable in multivariate analysis (MVA). Finally, the VC was used to compare FED schedules with various altered fractionation schema utilizing a Kruskal-Wallis test. This was examined using the end points of end of treatment log cell count (LCC) and by a parameter described as mean log kill efficiency (LKE) defined as: LCC = log10(tumorcellcount) [Formula: see text] RESULTS: Cox regression analysis on LCC for the VC demonstrates that, after incorporation of intratumoral heterogeneity, LCC has a linear correlation with local control (p = 0.002) and overall survival (p = < 0.001). Other suggested treatment schedules labeled as High Intensity Treatment (HIT) with a total 60 Gy delivered over 6 weeks have a lower mean LCC and an increased LKE compared to standard of care 60 Gy delivered in FED in the VC. CONCLUSION We find that LCC is a clinically relevant metric that is correlated with local control and overall survival in NSCLC. We conclude that 60 Gy delivered over 6 weeks with altered HIT fractionation leads to an enhancement in tumor control compared to FED when intratumoral heterogeneity is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ghaderi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph H Jung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Peacock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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The Abscopal Effect: A Review of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011061. [PMID: 34681719 PMCID: PMC8537037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy has been used for more than a hundred years to cure or locally control tumors. Regression of tumors outside of the irradiated field was occasionally observed and is known as the abscopal effect. However, the occurrence of systemic anti-tumor effects was deemed too rare and unpredictable to be a therapeutic goal. Recent studies suggest that immunotherapy and radiation in combination may enhance the abscopal response. Increasing numbers of cases are being reported since the routine implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitors, showing that combined radiotherapy with immunotherapy has a synergistic effect on both local and distant (i.e., unirradiated) tumors. In this review, we summarize pre-clinical and clinical reports, with a specific focus on the mechanisms behind the immunostimulatory effects of radiation and how this is enhanced by immunotherapy.
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