Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Vaccine Antibodies Enhance the Efficacy of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Delay the Emergence of Resistance in EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer Cells

Molecular basis, potential biomarkers, and future prospects of OSCC and PD-1/PD-L1 related immunotherapy methods

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) affects a large number of individuals worldwide. Despite advancements in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, satisfactory outcomes have not been achieved. In recent years, the success of drugs targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has led to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, but systematic summaries on their effectiveness against OSCC are lacking. This article reviews the latest research on the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and the potential of combination therapy based on this pathway in OSCC. Further, it explores the mechanisms involved in the interaction of this pathway with exosomes and protein-protein interactions, and concludes with potential future OSCC therapeutic strategies.

Vaccine antibodies against a synthetic epidermal growth factor variant enhance the antitumor effects of inhibitors targeting the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways

BACKGROUND

The EGFR pathway is involved in intrinsic and acquired resistance to a wide variety of targeted therapies in cancer. Vaccination represents an alternative to the administration of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab or panitumumab. Here, we tested if anti-EGF antibodies generated by vaccination (anti-EGF VacAbs) could potentiate the activity of drugs targeting the ERK/MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways.

METHODS

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC) and melanoma cell lines harboring KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations were used. Anti-EGF VacAbs were obtained by immunizing rabbits with a fusion protein containing a synthetic, highly mutated variant of human EGF. Cell viability was determined by MTT, total and phosphorylated proteins by Western blotting, cell cycle distribution and cell death by flow cytometry and emergence of resistance by microscopic examination in low density cultures.

RESULTS

Anti-EGF VacAbs potentiated the antiproliferative effects of MEK, KRAS G12C, BRAF, PI3K and Akt inhibitors in KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutant cells and delayed the appearance of resistant clones in vitro. The effects of anti-EGF VacAbs were comparable or superior to those of panitumumab and cetuximab. The combination of anti-EGF VacAbs with the targeted inhibitors effectively suppressed EGFR downstream pathways and sera from patients immunized with an anti-EGF vaccine also blocked activation of EGFR effectors.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-EGF VacAbs enhance the antiproliferative effects of drugs targeting the ERK/MAPK and PIK3CA/Akt pathways. Our data provide a rationale for clinical trials testing anti-EGF vaccination combined with inhibitors selected according to the patient's genetic profile.

NEP010, a novel compound with minor structural modification from afatinib, exhibited significantly improved antitumor activity

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is classified into many subclasses according to the specific kinase mutations. The most common mutation is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) somatic mutation, which has promoted the development of several novel drugs (Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, TKIs). Although various TKIs are recommended as targeted therapy for NSCLC with EGFR mutations in NCCN guidelines, not all patients respond equally to the recommended TKIs, which lead to series of novel compound under development to satisfy actual clinical needs. Based on the structure of afatinib, a marketed drug recommended as the first-line therapy for patients with EGFR mutation, NEP010 was synthesized with structural modification. The antitumor efficacy of NEP010 on mouse tumor xenograft models with different EGFR mutations was determined. Results showed that with minor structural modifications on afatinib, the inhibitory effect of NEP010 on EGFR mutant tumors was significantly improved. Pharmacokinetics test was adopted, and compared with afatinib, the increased tissue exposure of NEP010 may be the potential factor responsible for the increased efficacy. Furthermore, tissue distribution test showed a high concentration of NEP010 in the lung which happens to be the target organ of NEP010 in clinical practice. In conclusion, data obtained suggested that NEP010 has an increased anti-tumor effect via improving pharmacokinetics, and may provide a potent therapeutic option for the patients with EGFR mutation of NSCLC in the future.

Anti-EGF nanobodies enhance the antitumoral effect of osimertinib and overcome resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cellular models

Osimertinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is effective against the EGFR T790M mutation in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, acquired resistance appears invariably due to several mechanisms. The strategy of using EGF-targeted nanobodies (Nbs) to block the initial step of the EGFR pathway constitutes a new research area. Nbs offer several advantages compared to traditional mAbs, such as their reduced size, increased stability, and tissue penetration, which provide key advantages for targeting soluble tumoral growth factors. In this study we investigated the efficacy of anti-EGF Nbs to reduce Osimertinib resistance. Two anti-EGF Nbs, generated in our laboratory, were shown to inhibit cell viability and colony formation in PC9 and PC9-derived osimertinib-resistant cell lines. The combination of these Nbs with osimertinib improved the antitumor efficacy of this EGFR-TKI in cell viability and colony formation experiments. In a mechanistic study of the EGFR pathway, the combination treatment dampened the activation of downstream proteins such as Akt and Erk1/2 MAP kinases. In addition, it increased cellular apoptosis and decreased the expression of Hes1, a cancer stem cell marker involved in metastasis and osimertinib resistance. We conclude that the addition of anti-EGF nanobodies enhances the antitumor properties of osimertinib, thus representing a potentially effective strategy for NSCLC patients.

Structural basis for the selectivity of 3rd generation EGFR inhibitors: a molecular dynamics study

Activating mutations in the EGFR kinase domain are known to be a common cause of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and are thus targeted for treatment. First generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) were used to treat NSCLC patients with the known activating mutations L858R and exon 19 deletion but were resisted by a second mutation T790M in the active site of the kinase domain. Second generation members of TKIs have an electrophilic moiety that can form a covalent bond with Cys797 and are effective against T790M EGFR but are toxic because they inhibit WT EGFR as well. Third generation TKIs, like Osimertinib, can bind to and irreversibly inhibit T790M mutants selectively, while sparing the wild-type enzyme. Thus, they possess a better safety profile and a wider therapeutic window. However, the reason behind their selectivity is still not well understood. In this study, computational MD simulations were carried out on Osimertinib in complex with both WT and L858R/T790M Double Mutant (DM) EGFR to provide an insight into the selectivity of Osimertinib and its molecular interactions within the active site. A high-resolution trajectory analysis showed that the key selectivity residues are Val726, met793, and Cys797. Interaction of Osimertinib with these residues is improved due to the T790M mutation which optimizes the ligand orientation for binding, as evident from the RMSD and the distances monitored. These results can provide guidance for the development of more selective 3rd generation EGFR TKIs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Deglycosylation of pathological specimens alters performance of diagnostic PDL1 antibodies

Immunohistochemical (IHC) predictive quantitation of PDL1 expression is obligatory in many cancer entities with improved response to immune checkpoint inhibition in PDL1-positive subgroups. With recent demonstration of increased positivity rates after enzymatic deglycosylation in breast cancer specimens, a comparative analysis with two different antibodies and extended controls was performed in a cohort of head and neck squamous cell cancer samples (HNSCC).Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from HNSCC specimens was used for initial on-slide method optimization based on the PNGase F assay. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting with the PDL1 antibody 28-8 was performed to evaluate deglycosylation efficiency. A tissue micro array of n = 527 tissue cores of 181 patients with HNSCC was used to determine the effects of deglycosylation on staining pattern and intensity with PDL1 antibodies 28-8 and E1L3N.Successful on-slide deglycosylation with PNGase F was confirmed by immunoblot but varied across replicates. Using E1L3N (intracellular binding domain, most probably not glycosylated), mean signal intensity as well as the fraction of PDL1 positive cells was increased by deglycosylation. Opposite effects were observed with 28-8 (extracellular binding domain, glycosylated).Deglycosylation reduces diagnostic performance of the PDL1 antibody 28-8. In contrast, effects for E1L3N are complex and probably involve reduction of off-target binding leading to specifically improved signal intensity. However, enzymatic deglycosylation adds further variance to IHC.

EGFR signaling pathway as therapeutic target in human cancers

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) enacts major roles in the maintenance of epithelial tissues. However, when EGFR signaling is altered, it becomes the grand orchestrator of epithelial transformation, and hence one of the most world-wide studied tyrosine kinase receptors involved in neoplasia, in several tissues. In the last decades, EGFR-targeted therapies shaped the new era of precision-oncology. Despite major advances, the dream of converting solid tumors into a chronic disease is still unfulfilled, and long-term remission eludes us. Studies investigating the function of this protein in solid malignancies have revealed numerous ways how tumor cells dysregulate EGFR function. Starting from preclinical models (cell lines, organoids, murine models) and validating in clinical specimens, EGFR-related oncogenic pathways, mechanisms of resistance, and novel avenues to inhibit tumor growth and metastatic spread enriching the therapeutic portfolios, were identified. Focusing on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where EGFR mutations are major players in the adenocarcinoma subtype, we will go over the most relevant discoveries that led us to understand EGFR and beyond, and highlight how they revolutionized cancer treatment by expanding the therapeutic arsenal at our disposal.

The EPICAL trial, a phase Ib study combining first line afatinib with anti-EGF vaccination in EGFR-mutant metastatic NSCLC

INTRODUCTION

Combination of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies or immune checkpoint inhibitors with TKIs has shown minimal benefit in EGFR mutant (EGFR-mut) NSCLC patients. Consequently, new combination approaches are needed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The EPICAL was a single arm, phase 1b study to evaluate safety, tolerability and anti-tumor activity of first line afatinib combined with anti-EGF vaccination in advanced EGFR-mut patients. EGFR status and mutations in liquid biopsies were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; serum biomarkers by ELISA and Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

The assay enrolled 23 patients, 21 completed the anti-EGF immunization phase. Treatment was well tolerated and no serious adverse events (SAEs) related to the anti-EGF vaccine were reported. Objective response and disease control rates were 78.3% (95%CI = 53.6-92.5) and 95.7% (95%CI = 78.1-99.9), respectively. After a median follow-up of 24.2 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 14.8 months (95% CI = 9.5-20.1) and median overall survival (OS) 26.9 months (95% CI = 23.0-30.8). Among the 21 patients completing the immunization phase, PFS was 17.5 months (95% CI = 12.0-23.0) and OS 26.9 months (95% CI = 24.6-NR). At the end of the immunization phase, all 21 patients showed high serum titers of anti-EGF antibodies, while EGF levels had decreased significantly. Finally, treatment with fully immunized patient's sera inhibited the EGFR pathway in tumor cells growing in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination treatment with an anti-EGF vaccine is well tolerated; induces a sustained immunogenic effect and might enhance the clinical efficacy of EGFR TKIs.

An intelligent hypoxia-relieving chitosan-based nanoplatform for enhanced targeted chemo-sonodynamic combination therapy on lung cancer

The clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs)-based targeted molecular therapies (TMT) is inevitably hampered by the development of acquired drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Sonodymanic therapy (SDT) is a promising new cancer treatment approach, but its effects are restricted by tumor hypoxia. Herein, a nanoplatform fabricated by erlotinib-modified chitosan loading sonosensitizer hematoporphyrin (HP) and oxygen-storing agent perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB), namely CEPH, was developed to deliver HP to erlotinib-sensitive cells. CEPH with ultrasound could alleviate hypoxia inside the three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids, suppress NSCLC cell growth under normoxic or hypoxic condition, and enhance TMT/SDT synergistic effects through elevated production of reactive oxygen species, decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, and down-regulation of the expression of the proteins EGFR, p-EGFR, and HIF-1α. Hence, CEPH could be a potential nanoplatform to improve the efficacy of oxygen-dependent SDT and overcome hypoxia-induced TMT resistance for enhanced synergistic TMT/SDT.

Targeting AXL in NSCLC

State-of-the-art cancer precision medicine approaches involve targeted inactivation of chemically and immunologically addressable vulnerabilities that often yield impressive initial anti-tumor responses in patients. Nonetheless, these responses are overshadowed by therapy resistance that follows. AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase with bona fide oncogenic capacity, has been associated with the emergence of resistance in an array of cancers with varying pathophysiology and cellular origins, including in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Here in this review, we summarize AXL biology during normal homeostasis, oncogenic development and therapy resistance with a focus on NSCLC. In the context of NSCLC therapy resistance, we delineate AXL's role in mediating resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) deployed against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as well as other notable oncogenes and to chemotherapeutics. We also discuss the current understanding of AXL's role in mediating cell-biological variables that function as important modifiers of therapy resistance such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the tumor microenvironment and tumor heterogeneity. We also catalog and discuss a set of effective pharmacologic tools that are emerging to strategically perturb AXL mediated resistance programs in NSCLC. Finally, we enumerate ongoing and future exciting precision medicine approaches targeting AXL as well as challenges in this regard. We highlight that a holistic understanding of AXL biology in NSCLC may allow us to predict and improve targeted therapeutic strategies, such as through polytherapy approaches, potentially against a broad spectrum of NSCLC sub-types to forestall tumor evolution and drug resistance.

The Position of EGF Deprivation in the Management of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has faced a therapeutic revolution with the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) approved for first and subsequent therapies. CIMAvax-EGF is a chemical conjugate between human-recombinant EGF and P64, a recombinant protein from Neisseria meningitides, which induces neutralizing antibodies against EGF. In the last 15 years, it has been extensively evaluated in advanced NSCLC patients. CIMAvax-EGF is safe, even after extended use, and able to keep EGF serum concentration below detectable levels. In a randomized phase III study, CIMAvax-EGF increased median overall survival of advanced NSCLC patients with at least stable disease after front-line chemotherapy. Patients bearing squamous-cell or adenocarcinomas and serum EGF concentration above 870 pg/ml had better survival compared to control patients treated with best supportive care as maintenance, confirming tumors’ sensitivity to the EGF depletion. This manuscript reviews the state-of-the-art NSCLC therapy and proposes the most promising scenarios for evaluating CIMAvax-EGF, particularly in combination with TKIs or ICIs. We hypothesize that the optimal combination of CIMAvax-EGF with established therapies can further contribute to transform advanced cancer into a manageable chronic disease, compatible with years of good quality of life.

Anti-epidermal growth factor vaccine antibodies increase the antitumor activity of kinase inhibitors in ALK and RET rearranged lung cancer cells

Advanced NSCLC patients harboring EML4-ALK and CCDC6-RET rearrangements derive benefit from treatment with ALK and RET TKIs but not immune checkpoint inhibitors. New immunotherapeutic approaches, such as immunization against growth factors, can be of particular interest for combination treatment in these patients. Here, we investigated the effects of anti-EGF antibodies generated by vaccination (anti-EGF VacAbs), TKIs and combinations in EML4-ALK and CCDC6-RET NSCLC cell lines. We found that EGF and tumor growth factor alpha (TGFα) significantly decreased the antiproliferative activity of the RET inhibitor BLU-667 in CCDC6-RET cells and brigatinib, alectinib and crizotinib in EML4-ALK translocated cells. The addition of anti-EGF VacAbs reversed the effects of EGF and TGFα, potentiated the antitumor effects of the kinase inhibitors and delayed the appearance in vitro of resistant clones. Western blotting demonstrated that the combination of anti-EGF VacAbs with ALK or RET TKIs effectively suppressed EGFR downstream pathways in EML4-ALK translocated and CCDC6-RET cells, respectively. In conclusion, anti-EGF VacAbs significantly increased the antitumor activity of TKIs in ALK and RET-positive cell lines. Clinical trials of an EGF vaccine in combination with ALK and RET TKIs are warranted.

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Signaling Pathways, Metabolism, and PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies

Treatment of advanced (metastatic) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently mainly based on immunotherapy with antibodies against PD-1 or PD-L1, alone, or in combination with chemotherapy. In locally advanced NSCLC and in early resected stages, immunotherapy is also employed. Tumor PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry is considered the standard practice. Response rate is low, with median progression free survival very short in the vast majority of studies reported. Herein, numerous biological facets of NSCLC are described involving driver genetic lesions, mutations ad fusions, PD-L1 glycosylation, ferroptosis and metabolic rewiring in NSCLC and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Novel concepts, such as immune-transmitters and the effect of neurotransmitters in immune evasion and tumor growth, the nascent relevance of necroptosis and pyroptosis, possible new biomarkers, such as gasdermin D and gasdermin E, the conundrum of K-Ras mutations in LUADs, with the growing recognition of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and metabolic pathways, including others, are also commented. The review serves to charter diverse treatment solutions, depending on the main altered signaling pathways, in order to have effectual immunotherapy. Tumor PDCD1 gene (encoding PD-1) has been recently described, in equilibrium with tumor PD-L1 (encoded by PDCD1LG1). Such description explains tumor hyper-progression, which has been reported in several studies, and poises the fundamental criterion that IHC PD-L1 expression as a biomarker should be revisited.

Association between polymorphisms of epidermal growth factor 61 and susceptibility of lung cancer: A meta-analysis

To explore the association between epidermal growth factor (EGF) 61A/G polymorphism and lung cancer.All eligible case-control studies published up to August, 2019 were identified by searching PubMed, The excerpta medica database, China Academic Journals Full-text Database, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang databases. Two researchers independently identified the literature, extracted data, and evaluated quality according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed by Stata 15.0.A total of 6 studies is included, including 1487 cases and 2044 control subjects. Compared with allele A, allele G was considered to have no association with the risk of lung cancer, odds ratio = 1.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.98-1.15). GG recessive genotype, GG + GA dominant genotype, GG homozygote genotype and GA heterozygote genotype were found out that all of them are not associated with the risk of lung cancer. No association between EGF 61A/G polymorphism and lung cancer was found out by ethnical subgroup analysis. However, in view of the limitations of this study, such as the results of quantitative and sensitivity analysis may be lack of accuracy, so the conclusions of allele model and recessive gene model should be made carefully.It suggested that there was no association between polymorphism of EGF 61A/G and susceptibility of lung cancer.

'Characterization of monoclonal antibodies generated to the 287-302 amino acid loop of the human epidermal growth factor receptor'

BACKGROUND

The dysregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been implicated in the oncogenesis of various malignancies including glioblastoma and some epithelial cancers. Oncogenesis occurs from the overexpression of EGFR, often linked to gene amplification or receptor mutagenesis. The 287-302 loop in the extracellular domain is exposed completely on EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII), partially exposed on some cancers but cryptic on normal cells. We report on the generation of antibodies to this loop.

METHODS

The 286-303 peptide was coupled chemically to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. After immunizations, sera were assayed for reactivity to the peptide. Mice with high titers were used for hybridoma production. Purified antibodies were isolated from hybridoma supernatants, while V regions were cloned and sequenced. Receptor binding was characterized using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. A recombinant immunotoxin was generated from the 40H3 antibody and its cytotoxic activity characterized on relevant cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

Seven monoclonal antibodies were generated to the 287-302 loop and characterized further. Each one reacted with EGFRvIII but not wild-type EGFR. Based on reactivity with the immunizing peptide, antibodies were mapped to one of three subgroups. One antibody, 40H3, also exhibited binding to MDA-MB-468 and A431 cells but not to non-cancerous WI-38 cells. Because of its unusual binding characteristics, a recombinant immunotoxin was generated from 40H3, which proved to be cytotoxic to MDA-MB-468, A431 and F98npEGFRvIII expressing cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunization with a peptide corresponding to a cryptic epitope from EGFR can produce tumor cell-binding antibodies. The 40H3 antibody was engineered as a cytotoxic recombinant immunotoxin and could be further developed as a therapeutic agent.

Characterising acquired resistance to erlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Introduction: The therapy of patients with lung adenocarcinoma has significantly changed after the discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. EGFR mutations occur in 10-15% of Caucasian lung cancer patients and are associated with favorable outcome to orally administered EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), like erlotinib. However, as soon as the tumor cells are under the pressure of the specific inhibitor, compensatory signaling pathways are activated and resistance emerges. Areas covered: In this review we will focus on the mechanisms of resistance to the first-generation EGFR TKI, erlotinib, and will mainly summarize the findings throughout the last 10 years in the field of EGFR-mutant lung cancer. Expert opinion: Widespread research has been performed and several mechanisms of resistance to EGFR TKIs, especially first- and second-generation, have been identified. Still, no adequate combinatory therapies have received regulatory approval for the treatment of EGFR-mutant patients at the time of resistance. The third-generation EGFR TKI, osimertinib has been approved for patients whose tumor has become resistant through the secondary T790M resistant EGFR mutation. The identification of the mechanisms of resistance and the application of the adequate therapy to each patient is still an unmet need.

[Role of STAT3 in Resistance of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

近年来，肿瘤炎症微环境对非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）耐药影响的机制研究刚刚起步，信号传导及转录激活因子3（signal transducers and activators of transcription 3, STAT3）作为连接炎症和肿瘤的关键信号通路分子，其活化可引起肿瘤细胞中诸多基因沉默、表达异常及基因的不稳定等，诱导化疗、靶向药物治疗耐药，有望成为潜在的逆转耐药的新靶点。本综述阐述了STAT3在NSCLC获得性耐药中的研究进展，以探讨其作为逆转耐药新靶点的可能性，为NSCLC获得性耐药的临床治疗新策略提供理论依据。

Combining immunotherapies to treat non-small cell lung cancer

Introduction: In recent years, immunotherapy has become an integral part of the treatment of many cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Precious therapeutic weapons impacting survival are monoclonal antibodies directed against the programmed death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint. Areas covered: Unfortunately, not all patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors have durable clinical responses. However, a better understanding of the complexity of interactions between the immune system and cancer, the latter capable of adopting evasion mechanisms, indicates different opportunities to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Expert opinion: In this paper, we review multiple strategies of combining immunotherapies that exploit not only additional immune checkpoint receptors and ligands but also other synergistic approaches such as vaccines or indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors with the potential to extend the number of NSCLC patients achieving successful outcomes.

Recent Progress in the Theranostics Application of Nanomedicine in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) causes around 80% to 90% of deaths. The lack of an early diagnosis and inefficiency in conventional therapies causes poor prognosis and overall survival of lung cancer patients. Recent progress in nanomedicine has encouraged the development of an alternative theranostics strategy using nanotechnology. The interesting physico-chemical properties in the nanoscale have generated immense advantages for nanoparticulate systems for the early detection and active delivery of drugs for a better theranostics strategy for lung cancer. This present review provides a detailed overview of the recent progress in the theranostics application of nanoparticles including liposomes, polymeric, metal and bio-nanoparticles. Further, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each approach considering the improvement for the lung cancer theranostics.

Biological therapies in lung cancer treatment: using our immune system as an ally to defeat the malignancy

INTRODUCTION

Biological therapies, with immunotherapy leading the field, have arisen as one of the quickest expanding areas of research for cancer treatment in the last few years. The clear benefits for patients are undeniable, satisfying the long-awaited necessity of a target-specific therapy. However, its full potential remains still unexploited due to a lack of response in a majority of patients and pending reliable biomarkers.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a summarizing view of the current biological therapies for lung cancer, focusing on immunotherapy - including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy and vaccines available in clinical/pre-clinical settings or currently in development. A thorough analysis of the technical and functional differences among all therapies is provided, along with a critical discussion of prospective treatments and potential biomarkers.

EXPERT OPINION

The use of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer has provided clear benefits for patients. Still, exploitation of the full potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination, or adoptive cell therapies is hampered by, amongst other reasons, the lack of reliable biomarkers and possible adverse immune effects. We postulate that the development of liquid biopsy-based diagnostics will help to overcome these limitations in the near future.