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Yang F, Fan J, Yang R, Cun Y. Integrative analysis of blood transcriptome profiles in small-cell lung cancer patients for identification of novel chemotherapy resistance-related biomarkers. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1338162. [PMID: 38957470 PMCID: PMC11217175 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1338162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chemoresistance constitutes a prevalent factor that significantly impacts thesurvival of patients undergoing treatment for smal-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Chemotherapy resistance in SCLC patients is generally classified as primary or acquired resistance, each governedby distinct mechanisms that remain inadequately researched. Methods In this study, we performed transcriptome screening of peripheral blood plasma obtainedfrom 17 patients before and after receiving combined etoposide and platinum treatment. We firs testimated pseudo-single-cell analysis using xCell and ESTIMATE and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), then performed network analysis to discover key hub genes involved in chemotherapy resistance. Results Our analysis showed a significant increase in class-switched memory B cell scores acrossboth chemotherapy resistance patterns, indicating their potential crucial role in mediatingresistance. Moreover, network analysis identifed PRICKLE3, TNFSFI0, ACSLl and EP300 as potential contributors to primary resistance, with SNWl, SENP2 and SMNDCl emerging assignificant factors in acquired resistance, providing valuable insights into chemotherapy resistancein SCLC. Discussion These findings offer valuable insights for understanding chemotherapy resistance and related gene signatures in SCLC, which could help further biological validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Department of the Second Medical Oncology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jinhua Fan
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Runxiang Yang
- Department of the Second Medical Oncology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yupeng Cun
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Finlay JB, Ireland AS, Hawgood SB, Reyes T, Ko T, Olsen RR, Abi Hachem R, Jang DW, Bell D, Chan JM, Goldstein BJ, Oliver TG. Olfactory neuroblastoma mimics molecular heterogeneity and lineage trajectories of small-cell lung cancer. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:1086-1105.e13. [PMID: 38788720 PMCID: PMC11186085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The olfactory epithelium undergoes neuronal regeneration from basal stem cells and is susceptible to olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), a rare tumor of unclear origins. Employing alterations in Rb1/Trp53/Myc (RPM), we establish a genetically engineered mouse model of high-grade metastatic ONB exhibiting a NEUROD1+ immature neuronal phenotype. We demonstrate that globose basal cells (GBCs) are a permissive cell of origin for ONB and that ONBs exhibit cell fate heterogeneity that mimics normal GBC developmental trajectories. ASCL1 loss in RPM ONB leads to emergence of non-neuronal histopathologies, including a POU2F3+ microvillar-like state. Similar to small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), mouse and human ONBs exhibit mutually exclusive NEUROD1 and POU2F3-like states, an immune-cold tumor microenvironment, intratumoral cell fate heterogeneity comprising neuronal and non-neuronal lineages, and cell fate plasticity-evidenced by barcode-based lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics. Collectively, our findings highlight conserved similarities between ONB and neuroendocrine tumors with significant implications for ONB classification and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Finlay
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Abbie S Ireland
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Sarah B Hawgood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Tony Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, UT, USA
| | - Tiffany Ko
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Rachelle R Olsen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, UT, USA
| | - Ralph Abi Hachem
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA
| | - David W Jang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Diana Bell
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte 91010, CA, USA
| | - Joseph M Chan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City 10065, NY, USA
| | - Bradley J Goldstein
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA.
| | - Trudy G Oliver
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, UT, USA.
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Gu Y, Benavente CA. Landscape and Treatment Options of Shapeshifting Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3120. [PMID: 38892831 PMCID: PMC11173155 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a deadly neuroendocrine malignancy, notorious for its rapid tumor growth, early metastasis, and relatively "cold" immune environment. Only standard chemotherapies and a few immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for SCLC treatment, revealing an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Moreover, SCLC has been recently recognized as a malignancy with high intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, which explains the modest response rate in some patients and the early relapse. Molecular subtypes defined by the expression of lineage-specific transcription factors (ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and, in some studies, YAP1) or immune-related genes display different degrees of neuroendocrine differentiation, immune cell infiltration, and response to treatment. Despite the complexity of this malignancy, a few biomarkers and targets have been identified and many promising drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we integrate the current progress on the genomic landscape of this shapeshifting malignancy, the characteristics and treatment vulnerabilities of each subtype, and promising drugs in clinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Gu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Claudia A. Benavente
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Cui Y, Chen Y, Zhao P, Li S, Cheng Y, Ren X. Peripheral NK cells identified as the predictor of response in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients treated with first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03479-4. [PMID: 38662170 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although immunotherapy improves outcomes in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), the search for biomarkers predicting treatment success is crucial. Natural killer (NK) cells are potential indicators in various cancers, however, their precise role in ES-SCLC prognosis remains unclear. METHODS In this retrospective study, 33 patients with ES-SCLC treated with first-line immuno-chemotherapy were enrolled. The peripheral NK cell percentage and its longitudinal dynamics were analyzed using flow cytometry. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated as hazard ratio (HR) and compared statistically. RESULTS The median PFS was better in the group with normal baseline NK cell levels than the low group (7.0 vs. 4.6 months; HR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.07-0.41; P < 0.0001), but there was no association with OS (14.9 vs. 10.3 months; HR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.23-1.31; P = 0.171). Furthermore, the NK cell% for 95.0% of patients increased after immunochemotherapy in the clinical response group (P = 0.0047), which led to a better median PFS (6.3 vs. 2.1 months; HR = 0.23; 95% CI 0.05-0.98; P < 0.0001) and OS (14.9 vs. 5.9 months; HR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.04-1.02; P < 0.0001). Similar trends were observed with NK cell% changes up to disease progression, improving PFS (6.5 vs. 4.3; HR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.12-0.92; P = 0.0049) and OS (17.4 vs. 9.7; HR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.17-1.02; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In patients with ES-SCLC, the percentage and changes in peripheral NK cells can predict the response to combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Cui
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yanping Chen
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Peiyan Zhao
- Translational Oncology Research Lab, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Big Data Center of Clinical, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China.
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China.
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Park S, Hong TH, Hwang S, Heeke S, Gay CM, Kim J, Jung HA, Sun JM, Ahn JS, Ahn MJ, Cho JH, Choi YS, Kim J, Shim YM, Kim HK, Byers LA, Heymach JV, Choi YL, Lee SH, Park K. Comprehensive analysis of transcription factor-based molecular subtypes and their correlation to clinical outcomes in small-cell lung cancer. EBioMedicine 2024; 102:105062. [PMID: 38492534 PMCID: PMC10959651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105062] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have reported the predictive and prognostic value of novel transcriptional factor-based molecular subtypes in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). We conducted an in-depth analysis pairing multi-omics data with immunohistochemistry (IHC) to elucidate the underlying characteristics associated with differences in clinical outcomes between subtypes. METHODS IHC (n = 252), target exome sequencing (n = 422), and whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS, n = 189) data generated from 427 patients (86.4% males, 13.6% females) with SCLC were comprehensively analysed. The differences in the mutation profile, gene expression profile, and inflammed signatures were analysed according to the IHC-based molecular subtype. FINDINGS IHC-based molecular subtyping, comprised of 90 limited-disease (35.7%) and 162 extensive-disease (64.3%), revealed a high incidence of ASCL1 subtype (IHC-A, 56.3%) followed by ASCL1/NEUROD1 co-expressed (IHC-AN, 17.9%), NEUROD1 (IHC-N, 12.3%), POU2F3 (IHC-P, 9.1%), triple-negative (IHC-TN, 4.4%) subtypes. IHC-based subtype showing high concordance with WTS-based subtyping and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clusterization method. IHC-AN subtype resembled IHC-A (rather than IHC-N) in terms of both gene expression profiles and clinical outcomes. Favourable median overall survival was observed in IHC-A (15.2 months) compared to IHC-N (8.0 months, adjusted HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.9, p = 0.002) and IHC-P (8.3 months, adjusted HR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9-3.2, p = 0.076). Inflamed tumours made up 25% of cases (including 53% of IHC-P, 26% of IHC-A, 17% of IHC-AN, but only 11% of IHC-N). Consistent with recent findings, inflamed tumours were more likely to benefit from first-line immunotherapy treatment than non-inflamed phenotype (p = 0.002). INTERPRETATION This study provides fundamental data, including the incidence and basic demographics of molecular subtypes of SCLC using both IHC and WTS from a comparably large, real-world Asian/non-Western patient cohort, showing high concordance with the previous NMF-based SCLC model. In addition, we revealed underlying biological pathway activities, immunogenicity, and treatment outcomes based on molecular subtype, possibly related to the difference in clinical outcomes, including immunotherapy response. FUNDING This work was supported by AstraZeneca, Future Medicine 2030 Project of the Samsung Medical Center [grant number SMX1240011], the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT) [grant number 2020R1C1C1010626] and the 7th AstraZeneca-KHIDI (Korea Health Industry Development Institute) oncology research program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehhoon Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hee Hong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Hwang
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Simon Heeke
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carl M Gay
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiyeon Kim
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ae Jung
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Mu Sun
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Ho Cho
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Choi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jhingook Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Mog Shim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Kwan Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Lauren Averett Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John V Heymach
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yoon-La Choi
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Science & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keunchil Park
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Chen C, Chen M, Bai Y, Li Y, Peng J, Yao B, Feng J, Zhou JG, Ma H. A Single-Arm Multi-Center Phase II Clinical Trial of Cadonilimab (anti-PD-1/CTLA-4) in Combination with or without Conventional Second-Line Treatment for Patients with Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241249690. [PMID: 38706247 PMCID: PMC11072065 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241249690] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadonilimab (AK104) is a bispecific IgG-single-chain Fv fragment (ScFv) antibody that binds to PD-1 and CTLA-4. Cadonilimab has shown encouraging anti-tumour activity and a favourable safety profile in several tumour types. In second-line treatment, there is no defined standard of care for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Cadonilimab is expected to show substantial clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE To assess the antitumor activity and safety of cadonilimab monotherapy or combination with conventional therapy in ES-SCLC patients who failed first-line treatment. METHODS In this multicenter, open-label, phase II study, ES-SCLC patients who had failed first-line treatment, also aged 18 years to 70 years with histologically or cytologically confirmed ES-SCLC, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) of 0-2 were eligible. Patients will receive cadonilimab 10 mg/kg every three weeks (Q3 W) among 24 months until progressive disease (PD) or adverse events (AE) discovery. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS). TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05901584.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Minjun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuju Bai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yajun Li
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou, China
| | - Biao Yao
- Department of Oncology, Tongren People's Hospital, Tongren, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiangping Feng
- Department of Oncology, Xingyi People's Hospital, Xingyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hu Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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Wei Y, Zheng L, Yang X, Luo Y, Yi C, Gou H. Identification of Immune Subtypes and Candidate mRNA Vaccine Antigens in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Oncologist 2023; 28:e1052-e1064. [PMID: 37399175 PMCID: PMC10628581 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated promising outcomes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), but not all patients benefit from it. Thus, developing precise treatments for SCLC is a particularly urgent need. In our study, we constructed a novel phenotype for SCLC based on immune signatures. METHODS We clustered patients with SCLC hierarchically in 3 publicly available datasets according to the immune signatures. ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithm were used to evaluate the components of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we identified potential mRNA vaccine antigens for patients with SCLC, and qRT-PCR were performed to detect the gene expression. RESULTS We identified 2 SCLC subtypes and named Immunity High (Immunity_H) and Immunity Low (Immunity_L). Meanwhile, we obtained generally consistent results by analyzing different datasets, suggesting that this classification was reliable. Immunity_H contained the higher number of immune cells and a better prognosis compared to Immunity_L. Gene-set enrichment analysis revealed that several immune-related pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, programmed cell death-Ligand 1 expression and programmed cell death-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer were hyperactivated in the Immunity_H. However, most of the pathways enriched in the Immunity_L were not associated with immunity. Furthermore, we identified 5 potential mRNA vaccine antigens of SCLC (NEK2, NOL4, RALYL, SH3GL2, and ZIC2), and they were expressed higher in Immunity_L, it indicated that Immunity_L maybe more suitable for tumor vaccine development. CONCLUSIONS SCLC can be divided into Immunity_H and Immunity_L subtypes. Immunity_H may be more suitable for treatment with ICIs. NEK2, NOL4, RALYL, SH3GL2, and ZIC2 may be act as potential antigens for SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfeng Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingnan Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Yi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongfeng Gou
- Gastric Cancer Center, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Chen Y, Li H, Fan Y. Shaping the tumor immune microenvironment of SCLC: Mechanisms, and opportunities for immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102606. [PMID: 37579532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102606] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a very aggressive neuroendocrine tumor with a poor prognosis. Whereas immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating SCLC, its unique tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) might limit patient responses. To fully characterize the TIME and understand the mechanism of its formation with respect to SCLC is crucial. The recent rapid development of multi-omics technologies has rapidly advanced knowledge of TIME features and the regulatory mechanisms associated with SCLC. This review summarizes the TIME features of SCLC as well as shaping the TIME according to the genomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics of tumors. Future opportunities and challenges for immunotherapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Chen
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China; Postgraduate Training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China; Postgraduate Training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Yun Fan
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China; Postgraduate Training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
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Zhao J, He Y, Yang X, Tian P, Zeng L, Huang K, Zhao J, Zhou J, Zhu Y, Wang Q, Chen M, Li W, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Xia Y. Assessing treatment outcomes of chemoimmunotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: an integrated clinical and radiomics approach. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007492. [PMID: 37730276 PMCID: PMC10514620 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant cancer characterized by metastasis and an extremely poor prognosis. Although combined chemoimmunotherapy improves the prognosis of extensive-stage (ES)-SCLC, the survival benefits remain limited. Furthermore, no reliable biomarker is available so far to predict the treatment outcomes for chemoimmunotherapy. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with ES-SCLC treated with first-line combined atezolizumab or durvalumab with standard chemotherapy between Janauray 1, 2019 and October 1, 2022 at five medical centers in China as the chemoimmunotherapy group. The patients were divided into one training cohort and two independent external validation cohorts. Additionally, we created a control group of ES-SCLC who was treated with first-line standard chemotherapy alone. The Radiomics Score was derived using machine learning algorithms based on the radiomics features extracted in the regions of interest delineated on the chest CT obtained before treatment. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify clinical features associated with therapeutic efficacy. The log-rank test, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, and Concordance Index (C-index) were used to assess the effectiveness of the models. RESULTS A total of 341 patients (mean age, 62±8.7 years) were included in our study. After a median follow-up time of 12.1 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 7.1 (95% CI 6.6 to 7.7) months, whereas the median overall survival (mOS) was not reached. The TNM stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and Lung Immune Prognostic Index showed significant correlations with PFS. We proposed a predictive model based on eight radiomics features to determine the risk of chemoimmunotherapy resistance among patients with SCLC (validation set 1: mPFS, 12.0 m vs 5.0 m, C-index=0.634; validation set 2: mPFS, 10.8 m vs 6.1 m, C-index=0.617). By incorporating the clinical features associated with PFS into the radiomics model, the predictive efficacy was substantially improved. Consequently, the low-progression-risk group exhibited a significantly longer mPFS than the high-progression-risk group in both validation set 1 (mPFS, 12.8 m vs 4.5 m, HR=0.40, p=0.028) and validation set 2 (mPFS, 9.2 m vs 4.6 m, HR=0.30, p=0.012). External validation set 1 and set 2 yielded the highest 6-month area under the curve and C-index of 0.852 and 0.820, respectively. Importantly, the integrated prediction model also exhibited considerable differentiation power for survival outcomes. The HR for OS derived from the low-progression-risk and high-progression-risk groups was 0.28 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.48) in all patients and 0.20 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.54) in validation set. By contrast, no significant differences were observed in PFS and OS, between high-progression-risk patients receiving chemoimmunotherapy and the chemotherapy cohort (mPFS, 5.5 m vs 5.9 m, HR=0.90, p=0.547; mOS, 14.5 m vs 13.7 m, HR=0.97, p=0.910). CONCLUSIONS The integrated clinical and radiomics model can predict the treatment outcomes in patients with ES-SCLC receiving chemoimmunotherapy, rendering a convenient and low-cost prognostic model for decision-making regarding patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Panwen Tian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Unit, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Hunan Cancer Hospital, University of South China Hengyang Medical School, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiyuan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mailin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Radiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Li
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Gao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongchang Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Unit, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Hunan Cancer Hospital, University of South China Hengyang Medical School, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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10
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Chen G, Ren D, Wang Y, Wang H, Zhang J, Yang S. YTHDF2 negatively correlates with tumor immune infiltration in small cell lung cancer. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:365-377. [PMID: 37357252 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10129-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent times, RNA modifications have garnered increased attention due to their involvement in the onset and progression of tumors, with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification being the most prevalent form. YTHDF2 is an m6A reading protein that can modulate RNA stability, transcription, and translation. This study aimed to explore the role of YTHDF2 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by collecting 20 SCLC patients from our hospital (cohort 1) and 48 Chinese SCLC patients from the GEO database (cohort 2). We evaluated the prognostic value of YTHDF2 using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis. Additionally, we employed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to screen different signaling pathways. We also investigated the correlation between the expression of m6A-related genes and SCLC molecular subtype and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Furthermore, we utilized multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining to validate the immune infiltration of SCLC patient tissue sections. Our study revealed that YTHDF2 is an independent prognostic factor, which high expression is associated with low overall survival rate in SCLC. Low expression of YTHDF2 in SCLC tumors may enhance the molecular subtype transition from neuroendocrine (NE) to non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) subtype. Low YTHDF2 expression was closely associated with high immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, and other immune-related molecular features. Additionally, mIF detection showed a correlation between the low expression of YTHDF2 and CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells. Taken together, YTHDF2 could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker negatively correlated with tumor immune infiltration in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Esophageal Mediastinal and Lymphatic Oncology (Chemoradiotherapy), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Ren
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, P.R. China
| | - Junhong Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P.R. China.
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11
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Liu Z, Ding M, Qiu P, Pan K, Guo Q. Natural killer cell-related prognostic risk model predicts prognosis and treatment outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200282. [PMID: 37520534 PMCID: PMC10373504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial to the emergence, identification, and prognosis of cancers. The roles of NK cell-related genes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapy treatment are unclear. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a reliable risk model related to NK cells and provide a novel system for predicting the prognosis of TNBC. Methods NK cell-related genes were collected from previous studies. Based on TCGA and GEO database, univariate and LASSO cox regression analysis were used to establish the NK cell-related gene signature. The patients with TNBC were separated to high-risk and low-risk groups. After that, survival analysis was conducted and the responses to immunotherapies were evaluated on the basis of the signature. Moreover, the drug sensitivity of some traditional chemotherapeutic drugs was assessed by using the "oncoPredict" R package. In addition, the expression levels of the genes involved in the signature were validated by using qRT-PCR in TNBC cell lines. Results The patients with TNBC were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the median risk score of the 5-NK cell-related gene signature. The low-risk group was associated with a better clinical outcome. Besides, the differentially expressed genes between the different risk groups were enriched in the biological activities associated with immunity. The tumor immune cells were found to be highly infiltrated in the low-risk groups. In accordance with the TIDE score and immune checkpoint-related gene expression analysis, TNBC patients in the low-risk groups were suggested to have better responses to immunotherapies. Eventually, some classical anti-tumor drugs were shown to be less effective in high-risk groups than in low-risk groups. Conclusion The 5-NK cell-related gene signature exhibit outstanding predictive performance and provide fresh viewpoints for evaluating the success of immunotherapy. It will provide new insights to achieve precision and integrated treatment for TNBC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zundong Liu
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Mingji Ding
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Pengjun Qiu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Kelun Pan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiaonan Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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12
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Moliner L, Zhang B, Lamberti G, Ardizzoni A, Byers LA, Califano R. Novel therapeutic strategies for recurrent SCLC. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 186:104017. [PMID: 37150311 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104017] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options for patients with relapsed SCLC are limited, and the prognosis in this setting remains poor. While clinical outcomes for frontline treatment have modestly improved with the introduction of immunotherapy, treatment in the second-line setting persists almost unchanged. In this review, current treatment options and recent advances in molecular biology are described. Emerging therapeutic options in this setting and potential strategies to improve clinical outcomes of these patients are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moliner
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Bingnan Zhang
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lamberti
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Lauren A Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Raffaele Califano
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK.
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13
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Fernandez-Cuesta L, Sexton-Oates A, Bayat L, Foll M, Lau SCM, Leal T. Spotlight on Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Other Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e390794. [PMID: 37229617 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_390794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) encompass a spectrum of neoplasms that are subdivided into the well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors comprising the low- and intermediate-grade typical and atypical carcinoids, respectively, and the poorly differentiated, high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas including large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Here, we review the current morphological and molecular classifications of the NENs on the basis of the updated WHO Classification of Thoracic Tumors and discuss the emerging subclassifications on the basis of molecular profiling and the potential therapeutic implications. We focus on the efforts in subtyping SCLC, a particularly aggressive tumor with few treatment options, and the recent advances in therapy with the adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the frontline setting for patients with extensive-stage SCLC. We further highlight the promising immunotherapy strategies in SCLC that are currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette Fernandez-Cuesta
- Rare Cancers Genomics Team, Genomic Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC-WHO, Lyons, France
| | - Alexandra Sexton-Oates
- Rare Cancers Genomics Team, Genomic Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC-WHO, Lyons, France
| | - Leyla Bayat
- Department of Medical Oncology, NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Matthieu Foll
- Rare Cancers Genomics Team, Genomic Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC-WHO, Lyons, France
| | - Sally C M Lau
- Department of Medical Oncology, NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Ticiana Leal
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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14
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Hojjatipour T, Maali A, Azad M. Natural killer cell epigenetic reprogramming in tumors and potential for cancer immunotherapy. Epigenomics 2023; 15:249-266. [PMID: 37125432 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate lymphoid cell population and have a pivotal role in cancer eradication. NK cell maturation, development and function are tightly regulated by epigenetic modifications, which can also be recruited for cancer propagation and immune escape. NK cells have the potential to be activated against tumors through several epigenetic regulators. Given that epigenetic changes are inducible and reversible, focusing on aberrant epigenetic regulations recruited by tumor cells provides a tremendous opportunity for cancer treatment. This review presents a comprehensive picture of NK cell normal epigenetic regulation and cancer-driven epigenetic modifications. From our perspective, a better understanding of epigenetic regulators that can edit and revise NK cells' activity is a promising avenue for NK cell-based therapy in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology & Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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15
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Yu Y. The Function of NK Cells in Tumor Metastasis and NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082323. [PMID: 37190251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors cause the most deaths in cancer patients. Treating metastasis remains the primary goal of current cancer research. Although the immune system prevents and kills the tumor cells, the function of the immune system in metastatic cancer has been unappreciated for decades because tumors are able to develop complex signaling pathways to suppress immune responses, leading them to escape detection and elimination. Studies showed NK cell-based therapies have many advantages and promise for fighting metastatic cancers. We here review the function of the immune system in tumor progression, specifically focusing on the ability of NK cells in antimetastasis, how metastatic tumors escape the NK cell attack, as well as the recent development of effective antimetastatic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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16
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Hwang S, Hong TH, Kim HK, Choi YS, Zo JI, Shim YM, Han J, Ahn YC, Pyo H, Noh JM, Lee HY, Kim HJ, Park S, Ahn MJ, Park K, Lee SH, Choi YL, Kim J. Whole-Section Landscape Analysis of Molecular Subtypes in Curatively Resected Small Cell Lung Cancer: Clinicopathologic Features and Prognostic Significance. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100184. [PMID: 37054974 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recognition of various molecular subtypes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), most information has been derived from tissue microarrays or biopsy samples. Using whole-sections of curatively resected SCLCs, we aimed to elucidate the clinicopathologic relevance and prognostic significance of the molecular subtypes. Whole-section immunohistochemistry was conducted for 73 resected SCLC samples using antibodies representative of molecular subtypes: ASCL1 (SCLC-A), NEUROD1 (SCLC-N), POU2F3 (SCLC-P), and YAP1. Further, multiplexed immunofluorescence was performed to evaluate the spatial relationship of YAP1 expression with other markers. The molecular subtype was correlated with clinical and histomorphologic features, and its prognostic role was explored in this cohort and validated in a previously published surgical cohort. Overall, the molecular subtypes were SCLC-A (54.8%), SCLC-N (31.5%), SCLC-P (6.8%), and SCLC-TN (triple-negative, 6.8%). We found significant enrichment of SCLC-N (48.0%, p = 0.004) among combined SCLCs. Although a distinct subtype with high YAP1 expression was not found, YAP1 expression was reciprocal with ASCL1/NEUROD1 at the cellular level within tumors and was increased in areas with non-small cell-like morphology. Furthermore, the YAP1-positive SCLCs showed significantly increased recurrence at mediastinal lymph nodes (p = 0.047) and are an independent poor prognostic factor after surgery (adjusted hazard ratio 2.87; 95% confidence interval 1.20-6.86; p = 0.017). The poor prognostic impact of YAP1 was also validated in the external surgical cohort. Our whole-section analysis in resected SCLCs reveals the highly heterogeneous nature of the molecular subtype and its clinicopathologic relevance. Although YAP1 is not a subtype delineator, YAP1 relates to the phenotypic plasticity of SCLC and may serve as a poor prognostic factor in resected SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Hwang
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Hee Hong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea; Department of Digital Health, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Kwan Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Soo Choi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Ill Zo
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Mog Shim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joungho Han
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Chan Ahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hongryull Pyo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Myoung Noh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Yun Lee
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Joong Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sehhoon Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keunchil Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Yoon-La Choi
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jhingook Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
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Kowash RR, Akbay EA. Tumor intrinsic and extrinsic functions of CD73 and the adenosine pathway in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130358. [PMID: 37033953 PMCID: PMC10079876 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130358] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The adenosine pathway is an exciting new target in the field of cancer immunotherapy. CD73 is the main producer of extracellular adenosine. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has one of the highest CD73 expression signatures among all cancer types and the presence of common oncogenic drivers of NSCLC, such as mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and KRAS, correlate with increased CD73 expression. Current immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies only benefit a subset of patients, and it has proved challenging to understand which patients might respond even with the current understanding of predictive biomarkers. The adenosine pathway is well known to disrupt cytotoxic function of T cells, which is currently the main target of most clinical agents. Data thus far suggests that combining ICB therapies already in the clinic with adenosine pathway inhibitors provides promise for the treatment of lung cancer. However, antigen loss or lack of good antigens limits efficacy of ICB; simultaneous activation of other cytotoxic immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells can be explored in these tumors. Clinical trials harnessing both T and NK cell activating treatments are still in their early stages with results expected in the coming years. In this review we provide an overview of new literature on the adenosine pathway and specifically CD73. CD73 is thought of mainly for its role as an immune modulator, however recent studies have demonstrated the tumor cell intrinsic properties of CD73 are potentially as important as its role in immune suppression. We also highlight the current understanding of this pathway in lung cancer, outline ongoing studies examining therapies in combination with adenosine pathway targeting, and discuss future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R. Kowash
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Esra A. Akbay
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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18
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Fousek K, Horn LA, Qin H, Dahut M, Iida M, Yacubovich D, Hamilton DH, Thomas A, Schlom J, Palena C. An Interleukin-15 Superagonist Enables Antitumor Efficacy of Natural Killer Cells Against All Molecular Variants of SCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2023; 18:350-368. [PMID: 36410696 PMCID: PMC9974560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SCLC is a highly aggressive tumor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 6%. A heterogeneous disease, SCLC is classified into four subtypes that include tumors with neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine features. Immune checkpoint blockade has been recently added for the frontline treatment of SCLC; however, this therapy has only led to modest clinical improvements. The lack of clinical benefit in a cancer type known to have a high tumor mutational burden has been attributed to poor T-cell infiltration and low expression of MHC-class I in most SCLC tumors. In an attempt to devise a more effective immunotherapeutic regimen, this study investigated an alternate approach on the basis of the use of the clinical-stage interleukin-15 superagonist, N-803. METHODS Preclinical models of SCLC spanning all molecular subtypes were used to evaluate the susceptibility of SCLC to natural killer (NK)-mediated lysis in vitro, including NK cells activated by N-803. Antitumor activity of N-803 was evaluated in vivo with a xenograft model of SCLC. RESULTS In vitro and in vivo data revealed differences in susceptibility of SCLC subtypes to lysis by NK cells and that NK cells activated by N-803 effectively lyse SCLC tumor cells across all variant subtypes, regardless of their expression of MHC-class I. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the potential of a novel immune-based intervention using a cytokine-based therapeutic option for the treatment of SCLC. We hypothesize that N-803 may provide benefit to most patients with SCLC, including those with immunologically cold tumors lacking MHC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Fousek
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lucas A. Horn
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Madeline Dahut
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Masafumi Iida
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dan Yacubovich
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Duane H. Hamilton
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Claudia Palena
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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19
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Cui Y, Zhao P, Cheng Y, Ren X. Potential value of efficacy prediction and treatment of natural killer cells in extensive stage small cell lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:864-872. [PMID: 36861174 PMCID: PMC10067358 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14837] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the emergence of immunotherapy has broken the deadlock of extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), the study of markers for predicting efficacy is the key to the breakthrough of immunotherapy, and exploring more innovative, efficient and safe treatment models is also an important research direction of ES-SCLC. As an important part of inherent immunity, natural killer (NK) cells have become a hot spot because activated NK cells can directly kill tumor cells and may also influence tumor microenvironment immunomodulation. To date, emerging experimental research on NK cells in tumor therapy and immunoregulation has been published, but specific reviews of its role in ES-SCLC are limited. Hence, in this review, we briefly summarize the current status of immunotherapy and the exploration of biomarker in ES-SCLCs, with focus on the potential value of efficacy prediction and treatment of NK cells, and finally discuss the limitations and development prospects of NK cells in ES-SCLC immunotherapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Cui
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Peiyan Zhao
- Translational Oncology Research Lab, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
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20
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Wong JKM, Dolcetti R, Rhee H, Simpson F, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. Weaponizing natural killer cells for solid cancer immunotherapy. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:111-121. [PMID: 36379852 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing natural killer (NK) cell-based innate immunity has become a promising strategy for immunotherapy against hard-to-cure solid cancers. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been used to activate NK-cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) towards solid cancers. Cancer cells, however, can subvert immunosurveillance using multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms, which may hamper NK cell ADCC. Mechanisms to safely enhance ADCC by NK cells, such as utilizing temporary inhibition of receptor endocytosis to increase antibody presentation from target to effector cells can now be used to enhance NK-cell-mediated ADCC against solid tumors. This review summarizes and discusses the recent advances in the field and highlights current and potential future use of immunotherapies to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of innate anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua K M Wong
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Handoo Rhee
- Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Jubilee II Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; The School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Fiona Simpson
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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21
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Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung and gastrointestinal system: convergent biology and a path to better therapies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:16-32. [PMID: 36307533 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) can develop in almost any organ and span a spectrum from well-differentiated and indolent neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) to poorly differentiated and highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). These neoplasms are thought to primarily derive from neuroendocrine precursor cells located throughout the body and can also arise through neuroendocrine transdifferentiation of organ-specific epithelial cell types. Hence, NENs constitute a group of tumour types that share key genomic and phenotypic characteristics irrespective of their site of origin, albeit with some organ-specific differences. The establishment of representative preclinical models for several of these disease entities together with analyses of human tumour specimens has provided important insights into crucial aspects of their biology with therapeutic implications. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of NENs of the gastrointestinal system and lung from clinical and biological perspectives. Research on NENs has typically been siloed by the tumour site of origin, and a cross-cutting view might enable advances in one area to accelerate research in others. Therefore, we aim to emphasize that a better understanding of the commonalities and differences of NENs arising in different organs might more effectively inform clinical research to define therapeutic targets and ultimately optimize patient care.
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22
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McDonald JA, Scott L, Van Zuylekom J, Holloway S, Blyth BJ, Sutherland KD. On Target: An Intrapulmonary Transplantation Method for Modelling Lung Tumor Development in its Native Microenvironment. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2691:31-41. [PMID: 37355535 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3331-1_3] [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] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The development of in vivo lung cancer models that faithfully mimic the human disease is a crucial research tool for understanding the molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis. Subcutaneous transplantation assays are commonly employed, likely due to their amenability to easily monitor tumor growth and the simplistic nature of the technique to deliver tumor cells. Importantly however, subcutaneous tumors grow in a microenvironment that differs from that resident within the lung. To circumvent this limitation, here we describe the development of an intrapulmonary (iPUL) orthotopic transplantation method that enables the delivery of lung cancer cells, with precision, to the left lung lobe of recipient mice. Critically, this allows for the growth of lung cancer cells within their native microenvironment. The coupling of iPUL transplantation with position emission tomography (PET) imaging permits the serial detection of tumors in vivo and serves as a powerful tool to trace lung tumor growth and dissemination over time in mouse disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson A McDonald
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Leanne Scott
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Van Zuylekom
- Models of Cancer Translational Research Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Holloway
- Bioservices Department, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Blyth
- Models of Cancer Translational Research Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kate D Sutherland
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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23
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Challenges in the treatment of small cell lung cancer in the era of immunotherapy and molecular classification. Lung Cancer 2023; 175:88-100. [PMID: 36493578 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For many years the standard of care for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has remained unchanged. Despite decades of active research, current treatment options are limited and the prognosis of patients with extended disease (ED) SCLC remains poor. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represents an exception and the only recent approval for ED-SCLC. However, the magnitude of benefit obtained with immunotherapy in SCLC is much more modest than that observed in other malignancies. Different pro-immunogenic or immunosuppressive features within the tumor microenvironment of SCLC may either modulate the sensitivity to immunotherapy or conversely dampen the efficacy of ICIs. Beside immunotherapy, a deeper understanding of the molecular biology of SCLC has led to the identification of new therapeutic targets for this lethal malignancy. Recent epigenetic and gene expression studies have resulted into a new molecular classification of four distinct subtypes of SCLC, defined by the relative expression of key transcription regulators and each characterized by specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. This review discusses the rationale for immunotherapy in SCLC and summarizes the main ICIs-trials in this tumor. We provide also an overview of new potential therapeutic opportunities and their integration with the new molecular classification of SCLC.
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24
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Kirk NA, Kim KB, Park KS. Effect of chromatin modifiers on the plasticity and immunogenicity of small-cell lung cancer. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:2118-2127. [PMID: 36509828 PMCID: PMC9794818 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00905-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are often involved in maintaining homeostasis. Loss of tumor suppressor functions causes cellular plasticity that drives numerous types of cancer, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive type of lung cancer. SCLC is largely driven by numerous loss-of-function mutations in TSGs, often in those encoding chromatin modifiers. These mutations present a therapeutic challenge because they are not directly actionable. Alternatively, understanding the resulting molecular changes may provide insight into tumor intervention strategies. We hypothesize that despite the heterogeneous genomic landscape in SCLC, the impacts of mutations in patient tumors are related to a few important pathways causing malignancy. Specifically, alterations in chromatin modifiers result in transcriptional dysregulation, driving mutant cells toward a highly plastic state that renders them immune evasive and highly metastatic. This review will highlight studies in which imbalance of chromatin modifiers with opposing functions led to loss of immune recognition markers, effectively masking tumor cells from the immune system. This review also discusses the role of chromatin modifiers in maintaining neuroendocrine characteristics and the role of aberrant transcriptional control in promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during tumor development and progression. While these pathways are thought to be disparate, we highlight that the pathways often share molecular drivers and mediators. Understanding the relationships among frequently altered chromatin modifiers will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of SCLC development and progression and therefore may reveal preventive and therapeutic vulnerabilities of SCLC and other cancers with similar mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Kirk
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Kee-Beom Kim
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566 Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Sik Park
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
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25
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Khan P, Fatima M, Khan MA, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Emerging role of chemokines in small cell lung cancer: Road signs for metastasis, heterogeneity, and immune response. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:117-126. [PMID: 36371025 PMCID: PMC10199458 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recalcitrant, relatively immune-cold, and deadly subtype of lung cancer. SCLC has been viewed as a single or homogenous disease that includes deletion or inactivation of the two major tumor suppressor genes (TP53 and RB1) as a key hallmark. However, recent sightings suggest the complexity of SCLC tumors that comprises highly dynamic multiple subtypes contributing to high intratumor heterogeneity. Furthermore, the absence of targeted therapies, the understudied tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and subtype plasticity are also responsible for therapy resistance. Secretory chemokines play a crucial role in immunomodulation by trafficking immune cells to the tumors. Chemokines and cytokines modulate the anti-tumor immune response and wield a pro-/anti-tumorigenic effect on SCLC cells after binding to cognate receptors. In this review, we summarize and highlight recent findings that establish the role of chemokines in SCLC growth and metastasis, and sophisticated intratumor heterogeneity. We also discuss the chemokine networks that are putative targets or modulators for augmenting the anti-tumor immune responses in targeted or chemo-/immuno-therapeutic strategies, and how these combinations may be utilized to conquer SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mahek Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Md Arafat Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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26
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Guo W, Qiao T, Li T. The role of stem cells in small-cell lung cancer: evidence from chemoresistance to immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:160-169. [PMID: 36371027 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive subtype of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 15% among all lung cancers. Despite the ability of chemotherapy, the first-line treatment for SCLC, to rapidly shrink tumors, nearly all patients experience recurrence and metastasis within a few months. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumor cells responsible for tumorigenesis, metastasis, and recurrence after treatment, which play a crucial role in chemoresistance by promoting DNA repair and expression of drug resistance-associated proteins. Thus, targeting CSCs has been successful in certain malignancies. Tumor therapy has entered the era of immunotherapy and numerous preclinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic approaches targeting CSCs, such as tumor vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell, and the feasibility of combining them with chemotherapy. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the interaction between CSCs and immune system is essential to facilitate the advances of new immunotherapies approaches targeting CSCs as well as combination with standard drugs such as chemotherapy. This narrative review summarizes the mechanisms of chemoresistance of CSCs in SCLC and the latest advances in targeted therapies. Thereafter, we discuss the effects of CSCs on tumor immune microenvironment in SCLC and corresponding immunotherapeutic approaches. Eventually, we propose that the combination of immunotherapy targeting CSCs with standard drugs is a promising direction for SCLC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Guo
- Department of Pathology, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Tianyun Qiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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27
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Ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in the tumor microenvironment: Perspectives for immunotherapy of SCLC. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:273-285. [PMID: 35288298 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer characterized by dismal prognosis. Although SCLC may initially respond well to platinum-based chemotherapy, it ultimately relapses and is almost universally resistant to this treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved as the first- and third-line therapeutic regimens for extensive-stage or relapsed SCLC, respectively. Despite this, only a minority of patients with SCLC respond to ICIs partly due to a lack of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Transforming the immune "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors that are more likely to respond to ICIs is the main challenge for SCLC therapy. Ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis represent the newly discovered immunogenic cell death (ICD) forms. Promoting ICD may alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the influx of TILs, and combination of their inducers and ICIs plays a synergistical role in enhancing antitumor effects. Nevertheless, the combination of the above two modalities has not been systematically discussed in SCLC therapy. In the present review, we summarize the roles of distinct ICD mechanisms on antitumor immunity and recent advances of ferroptosis-, necroptosis- and pyroptosis-inducing agents, and present perspectives on these cell death mechanisms in immunotherapy of SCLC.
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28
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Zhang C, Wang H. Accurate treatment of small cell lung cancer: Current progress, new challenges and expectations. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188798. [PMID: 36096336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a deadly disease with poor prognosis. Fast growing speed, inclination to metastasis, enrichment in cancer stem cells altogether constitute its aggressive nature. In stark contrast to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that strides vigorously on the road to precision oncology, SCLC has been on the embryonic path to achieve effective personalized treatments. The survival of patients with SCLC have not been improved greatly, which could be possibly due to our inadequate understanding of genetic alterations of SCLC. Recently, encouraging effects have been observed in patients with SCLC undergoing immunotherapy. However, exciting results have only been observed in a small fraction of patients with SCLC, warranting biomarkers predictive of responses as well as novel therapeutic strategies. In addition, SCLC has previously been viewed to be homogeneous. However, perspectives have been changed thanks to the advances in sequencing techniques and platforms, which unfolds the complex heterogeneity of SCLC both genetically and non-genetically, rendering the treatment of SCLC a further step forward into the precision era. To outline the road of SCLC towards precision oncology, we summarize the progresses and achievements made in precision treatment in SCLC in genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic and metabolic dimensions. Moreover, we conclude relevant therapeutic vulnerabilities in SCLC. Clinically tested drugs and clinical trials have also been demonstrated. Ultimately, we look into the opportunities and challenges ahead to advance the individualized treatment in pursuit of improved survival for patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.
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29
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Pan Y, Hao Y, Han H, Chen T, Ding H, Labbe KE, Shum E, Guidry K, Hu H, Sherman F, Geng K, Stephens J, Chafitz A, Tang S, Huang HY, Peng C, Almonte C, Lopes JE, Losey HC, Winquist RJ, Velcheti V, Zhang H, Wong KK. Nemvaleukin alfa, a novel engineered IL-2 fusion protein, drives antitumor immunity and inhibits tumor growth in small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004913. [PMID: 36472839 PMCID: PMC9462379 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a deadly disease with a 5-year survival of less than 7%. The addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy was recently approved as first-line treatment; however, the improved clinical benefit is modest, highlighting an urgent need for new treatment strategies. Nemvaleukin alfa, a novel engineered interleukin-2 fusion protein currently in phase I-III studies, is designed to selectively expand cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. Here, using a novel SCLC murine model, we investigated the effects of a mouse version of nemvaleukin (mNemvaleukin) on tumor growth and antitumor immunity. METHODS A novel Rb1 -/- p53 -/- p130 -/- SCLC model that mimics human disease was generated. After confirming tumor burden by MRI, mice were randomized into four treatment groups: vehicle, mNemvaleukin alone, chemotherapy (cisplatin+etoposide) alone, or the combination of mNemvaleukin and chemotherapy. Tumor growth was measured by MRI and survival was recorded. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and peripheral blood immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine and chemokine secretion were quantified and transcriptomic analysis was performed to characterize the immune gene signatures. RESULTS mNemvaleukin significantly inhibited SCLC tumor growth, which was further enhanced by the addition of chemotherapy. Combining mNemvaleukin with chemotherapy provided the most significant survival benefit. Profiling of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed mNemvaleukin expanded the total number of tumor-infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, mNemvaleukin increased the frequencies of activated and proliferating NK and CD8+ T cells in tumors. Similar immune alterations were observed in the peripheral blood of mNemvaleukin-treated mice. Of note, combining mNemvaleukin with chemotherapy had the strongest effects in activating effector and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. mNemvaleukin alone, and in combination with chemotherapy, promoted proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, which was further confirmed by transcriptomic analysis. CONCLUSIONS mNemvaleukin, a novel cytokine-based immunotherapy, significantly inhibited murine SCLC tumor growth and prolonged survival, which was further enhanced by the addition of chemotherapy. mNemvaleukin alone, and in combination with chemotherapy, drove a strong antitumor immune program elicited by cytotoxic immune cells. Our findings support the evaluation of nemvaleukin alone or in combination with chemotherapy in clinical trials for the treatment of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwang Pan
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yuan Hao
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Han Han
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ting Chen
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hailin Ding
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kristen E Labbe
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elaine Shum
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kayla Guidry
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hai Hu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fiona Sherman
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ke Geng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Janaye Stephens
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alison Chafitz
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sittinon Tang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chengwei Peng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christina Almonte
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vamsidhar Velcheti
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
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30
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Hiatt JB, Romine PE, Wu DY. Improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in small cell lung cancer: Leveraging recent scientific discoveries and tumor-specific antigens. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:S0093-7754(22)00043-4. [PMID: 35843737 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasm with poor survival outcomes and little change to treatment standards over decades. SCLC is associated with heavy tobacco exposure and a high rate of somatic mutations in tumor cells, leading to hope that immune checkpoint inhibitors would dramatically reshape the treatment landscape of SCLC. Instead, immune checkpoint inhibitors have led to real but modest gains in outcomes, with only a small minority of patients deriving more durable benefit. Furthermore, biomarkers of ICI efficacy that have succeeded in other tumor types have not been validated in SCLC. However, recent research advances have suggested that epigenetic heterogeneity and plasticity play especially key roles in SCLC biology. Leveraging this emerging perspective, a new slate of candidate biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor benefit have been described, and the novel treatment strategies combining rational epigenetic perturbation with immune checkpoint inhibitors are being developed. Finally, other immunotherapy strategies targeting SCLC-specific mechanisms are being tested. Together, these developments may lead to a second generation of much more efficacious immunotherapies in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Hiatt
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Perrin E Romine
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel Y Wu
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
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31
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Nguyen EM, Taniguchi H, Chan JM, Zhan YA, Chen X, Qiu J, de Stanchina E, Allaj V, Shah NS, Uddin F, Manoj P, Liu M, Cai SF, Levine R, Quintanal-Villalonga Á, Sen T, Chow A, Rudin CM. Targeting Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 Rescues Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Antigen Presentation and Overcomes Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Blockade Resistance in SCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2022; 17:1014-1031. [PMID: 35691495 PMCID: PMC9357096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SCLC is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumor that is characterized by early acquired therapeutic resistance and modest benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Repression of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) represents a key mechanism driving resistance to T cell-based immunotherapies. METHODS We evaluated the role of the lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) as a determinant of MHC-I expression, functional antigen presentation, and immune activation in SCLC in vitro and in vivo through evaluation of both human SCLC cell lines and immunocompetent mouse models. RESULTS We found that targeted inhibition of LSD1 in SCLC restores MHC-I cell surface expression and transcriptionally activates genes encoding the antigen presentation pathway. LSD1 inhibition further activates interferon signaling, induces tumor-intrinsic immunogenicity, and sensitizes SCLC cells to MHC-I-restricted T cell cytolysis. Combination of LSD1 inhibitor with ICB augments the antitumor immune response in refractory SCLC models. Together, these data define a role for LSD1 as a potent regulator of MHC-I antigen presentation and provide rationale for combinatory use of LSD1 inhibitors with ICB to improve therapeutic response in SCLC. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic silencing of MHC-I in SCLC contributes to its poor response to ICB. Our study identifies a previously uncharacterized role for LSD1 as a regulator of MHC-I antigen presentation in SCLC. LSD1 inhibition enables MHC-I-restricted T cell cytolysis, induces immune activation, and augments the antitumor immune response to ICB in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn M Nguyen
- Cancer Biology Program, Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Hirokazu Taniguchi
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Joseph M Chan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yingqian A Zhan
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Juan Qiu
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Viola Allaj
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nisargbhai S Shah
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Fathema Uddin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Parvathy Manoj
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael Liu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sheng F Cai
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ross Levine
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Triparna Sen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrew Chow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Charles M Rudin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
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32
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Lissa D, Takahashi N, Desai P, Manukyan I, Schultz CW, Rajapakse V, Velez MJ, Mulford D, Roper N, Nichols S, Vilimas R, Sciuto L, Chen Y, Guha U, Rajan A, Atkinson D, El Meskini R, Weaver Ohler Z, Thomas A. Heterogeneity of neuroendocrine transcriptional states in metastatic small cell lung cancers and patient-derived models. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2023. [PMID: 35440132 PMCID: PMC9018864 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular subtypes of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) defined by the expression of key transcription regulators have recently been proposed in cell lines and limited number of primary tumors. The clinical and biological implications of neuroendocrine (NE) subtypes in metastatic SCLC, and the extent to which they vary within and between patient tumors and in patient-derived models is not known. We integrate histology, transcriptome, exome, and treatment outcomes of SCLC from a range of metastatic sites, revealing complex intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity of NE differentiation. Transcriptomic analysis confirms previously described subtypes based on ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, YAP1, and ATOH1 expression, and reveal a clinical subtype with hybrid NE and non-NE phenotypes, marked by chemotherapy-resistance and exceedingly poor outcomes. NE tumors are more likely to have RB1, NOTCH, and chromatin modifier gene mutations, upregulation of DNA damage response genes, and are more likely to respond to replication stress targeted therapies. In contrast, patients preferentially benefited from immunotherapy if their tumors were non-NE. Transcriptional phenotypes strongly skew towards the NE state in patient-derived model systems, an observation that was confirmed in paired patient-matched tumors and xenografts. We provide a framework that unifies transcriptomic and genomic dimensions of metastatic SCLC. The marked differences in transcriptional diversity between patient tumors and model systems are likely to have implications in development of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Lissa
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Takahashi
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Medical Oncology Department, Center Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Parth Desai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Irena Manukyan
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Christopher W Schultz
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Vinodh Rajapakse
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Moises J Velez
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Deborah Mulford
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Nitin Roper
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Samantha Nichols
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rasa Vilimas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Linda Sciuto
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yuanbin Chen
- Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Udayan Guha
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Arun Rajan
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Devon Atkinson
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Rajaa El Meskini
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Zoe Weaver Ohler
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that are critical to the body's antitumor and antimetastatic defense. As such, novel therapies are being developed to utilize NK cells as part of a next generation of immunotherapies to treat patients with metastatic disease. Therefore, it is essential for us to examine how metastatic cancer cells and NK cells interact with each other throughout the metastatic cascade. In this Review, we highlight the recent body of work that has begun to answer these questions. We explore how the unique biology of cancer cells at each stage of metastasis alters fundamental NK cell biology, including how cancer cells can evade immunosurveillance and co-opt NK cells into cells that promote metastasis. We also discuss the translational potential of this knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac S. Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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34
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Zhang J, Zhang H, Zhang L, Li D, Qi M, Zhang L, Yu H, Wang D, Jiang G, Wang X, Zhu X, Zhang P. Single-Cell Transcriptome Identifies Drug-Resistance Signature and Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Metastatic Small Cell Lung Cancer. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2022; 3:2100060. [PMID: 36618022 PMCID: PMC9744506 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a deadly neuroendocrine malignancy with high metastasis. However, the heterogeneity of metastatic SCLC at the single-cell level remains elusive. The single-cell transcriptome of a total of 24 081 cells in metastatic lymph node samples from seven SCLC patients via endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is examined. Genomic alterations are also examined by whole exome sequencing (WES) and the immune infiltration between SCLC and non-SCLC (NSCLC) is compared using public single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. It is identified that malignant cells in lymph-node metastatic SCLC have inter-patient and intra-tumor heterogeneity characterized by distinct ASCL1 and NEUROD1 expression patterns. High expression of genes such as FZD8 in WNT pathway is associated with drug resistance in malignant cells. Compared to NSCLC, SCLC harbors a unique immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Malignant cells exhibit a pattern of attenuated MHC-I antigen presentation-related gene expression, which is associated with relatively low proportion of exhausted T cells. Natural killer (NK) cells display impaired antitumor function with high expression of TGFBR2. This work characterizes the inter-patient and intra-tumor heterogeneity of metastatic SCLC and uncovers the exhaustion signatures in NK cells, which may pave the way for novel treatments for SCLC including immune checkpoint blockade-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Haiping Zhang
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China,Central LaboratoryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Dianke Li
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Mengfan Qi
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of PathologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Huansha Yu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Gening Jiang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Xujun Wang
- SJTU‐Yale Joint Center for BiostatisticsSchool of Life Science and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240China
| | - Xianmin Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical StudiesShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200433China
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35
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Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a rapidly growing, highly metastatic, and relatively immune-cold lung cancer subtype. Historically viewed in the laboratory and clinic as a single disease, new discoveries suggest that SCLC comprises multiple molecular subsets. Expression of MYC family members and lineage-related transcription factors ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3 (and, in some studies, YAP1) define unique molecular states that have been associated with distinct responses to a variety of therapies. However, SCLC tumors exhibit a high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity, with recent studies suggesting the existence of tumor cell plasticity and phenotypic switching between subtype states. While SCLC plasticity is correlated with, and likely drives, therapeutic resistance, the mechanisms underlying this plasticity are still largely unknown. Subtype states are also associated with immune-related gene expression, which likely impacts response to immune checkpoint blockade and may reveal novel targets for alternative immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we synthesize recent discoveries on the mechanisms of SCLC plasticity and how these processes may impinge on antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate D Sutherland
- Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Abbie S Ireland
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Trudy G Oliver
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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36
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Tang Y, Hu Y, Niu Y, Sun L, Guo L. CCL5 as a Prognostic Marker for Survival and an Indicator for Immune Checkpoint Therapies in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:834725. [PMID: 35252266 PMCID: PMC8891515 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.834725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has not changed in decades. Recently, important advances have been made in immunotherapy. However, analysis of these trials suggests that only a small proportion of patients benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Identifying these patients is a clinical challenge. In this study, we applied the ESTIMATE calculation to calculate immune scores in 159 cases of SCLC from two published cohorts. COX regression analysis was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with high and low immune score. We found that CCL5 expression was positively correlated with survival in SCLC patients. In addition, we verified the effect of CCL5 on survival and response to treatment in another cohort that received immunotherapy. Meanwhile, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that genes with high expression of CCL5 were mainly enriched in immune-related activities. The result of Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) demonstrated that CCL5 was a potential biomarker to predict response to ICB for SCLC, which is correspondent with the result in verified cohort. These results suggest that CCL5 may be the reason for TME to maintain its immune dominance, making it a favorable factor for ICB. Therefore, CCL5 levels may help to outline the prognosis of patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Tang
- Department of Pathology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueyang Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchun Niu
- Department of Pathology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linlang Guo
- Department of Pathology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Linlang Guo
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37
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Theruvath J, Menard M, Smith BAH, Linde MH, Coles GL, Dalton GN, Wu W, Kiru L, Delaidelli A, Sotillo E, Silberstein JL, Geraghty AC, Banuelos A, Radosevich MT, Dhingra S, Heitzeneder S, Tousley A, Lattin J, Xu P, Huang J, Nasholm N, He A, Kuo TC, Sangalang ERB, Pons J, Barkal A, Brewer RE, Marjon KD, Vilches-Moure JG, Marshall PL, Fernandes R, Monje M, Cochran JR, Sorensen PH, Daldrup-Link HE, Weissman IL, Sage J, Majeti R, Bertozzi CR, Weiss WA, Mackall CL, Majzner RG. Anti-GD2 synergizes with CD47 blockade to mediate tumor eradication. Nat Med 2022; 28:333-344. [PMID: 35027753 PMCID: PMC9098186 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The disialoganglioside GD2 is overexpressed on several solid tumors, and monoclonal antibodies targeting GD2 have substantially improved outcomes for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, approximately 40% of patients with neuroblastoma still relapse, and anti-GD2 has not mediated significant clinical activity in any other GD2+ malignancy. Macrophages are important mediators of anti-tumor immunity, but tumors resist macrophage phagocytosis through expression of the checkpoint molecule CD47, a so-called 'Don't eat me' signal. In this study, we establish potent synergy for the combination of anti-GD2 and anti-CD47 in syngeneic and xenograft mouse models of neuroblastoma, where the combination eradicates tumors, as well as osteosarcoma and small-cell lung cancer, where the combination significantly reduces tumor burden and extends survival. This synergy is driven by two GD2-specific factors that reorient the balance of macrophage activity. Ligation of GD2 on tumor cells (a) causes upregulation of surface calreticulin, a pro-phagocytic 'Eat me' signal that primes cells for removal and (b) interrupts the interaction of GD2 with its newly identified ligand, the inhibitory immunoreceptor Siglec-7. This work credentials the combination of anti-GD2 and anti-CD47 for clinical translation and suggests that CD47 blockade will be most efficacious in combination with monoclonal antibodies that alter additional pro- and anti-phagocytic signals within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Theruvath
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marie Menard
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin A H Smith
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical & Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Miles H Linde
- Immunology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Garry L Coles
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Wei Wu
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Louise Kiru
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Elena Sotillo
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John L Silberstein
- Immunology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna C Geraghty
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Allison Banuelos
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Shaurya Dhingra
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sabine Heitzeneder
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aidan Tousley
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John Lattin
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Nasholm
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andy He
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amira Barkal
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rachel E Brewer
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kristopher D Marjon
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jose G Vilches-Moure
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Payton L Marshall
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ricardo Fernandes
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Heike E Daldrup-Link
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Irving L Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julien Sage
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn R Bertozzi
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical & Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - William A Weiss
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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38
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c-Myc Targets HDAC3 to Suppress NKG2DL Expression and Innate Immune Response in N-Type SCLC through Histone Deacetylation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030457. [PMID: 35158730 PMCID: PMC8833590 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer group 2, member D ligand (NKG2DL) is the most relevant ligand of NK cells to perform immune surveillance and is rarely expressed in most small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with the unclear mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the NKG2DL deficiency in C-MYC (MYC)-amplificated N-type SCLC (SCLC-N) with less immune infiltrate. Our data showed that c-Myc was the suppressor of NKG2DL in SCLC-N. Further, c-Myc suppressed the transcription of NKG2DL by recruiting HDAC3 to deacetylate H3K9ac at the promoter of MICA and MICB in SCLC-N and inhibited the cytotoxicity of NK cells. The above findings revealed the role of c-Myc/HDAC3 axis in the regulation of NKG2DL expression, supplying a new perception for comprehending the mechanism of SCLC-N immune escape, which was poorly understood and providing the therapeutic targets that SCLC-N may benefit from. Abstract SCLC is an aggressive malignancy with a very poor prognosis and limited effective therapeutic options. Despite the high tumor mutational burden, responses to immunotherapy are rare in SCLC patients, which may be due to the lack of immune surveillance. Here, we aimed to examine the role and mechanism of oncogene MYC in the regulation of NKG2DL, the most relevant NK-activating ligand in SCLC-N. Western Blotting, Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and Cytotoxicity assay were used on H2227 cells, H446 cells, and other SCLC cell lines, and we found that c-Myc negatively regulated NKG2DL expression in SCLC-N cells. Mechanistically, c-Myc recruited HDAC3 to deacetylate H3K9ac at the promoter regions of MICA and MICB, suppressing the MICA/B expression of SCLC-N cells and the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Treatment with selective HDAC3 inhibitor up-regulated the expression of NKG2DL on SCLC-N cells and increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Furthermore, analysis of the CCLE and Kaplan-Meier plotter data performed the negative correlation between MYC and NKG2DL in SCLC-N cells and the correlation with the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Collectively, the results provided the new insight into the role and mechanism of c-Myc/HDAC3 axis in NKG2DL expression and innate immune escape of SCLC-N, suggesting the potential target for SCLC-N immunotherapy.
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39
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Chen Y, Jin Y, Hu X, Chen M. Infiltrating T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of small cell lung cancer: a state of knowledge review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:881-895. [PMID: 34997864 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have brought new hope for the treatment of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) over the past decades. However, the overall response rate is limited, and is lower than that in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This is in part because of the lack of pre-existing tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TITLs), especially cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), in the SCLC tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in insufficient anti-tumor immune response. To unleash the full potential of ICIs, the trafficking and infiltration of TITLs to the tumor is necessary and tightly regulated, the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment blunts the infiltration and function of TITLs that reach the tumor in SCLC. Here, we review the characteristics of TITLs, the effects of various factors on T cell infiltration, and possible strategies to restore or promote T cell infiltration in the TME of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ming Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Chan JM, Quintanal-Villalonga Á, Gao VR, Xie Y, Allaj V, Chaudhary O, Masilionis I, Egger J, Chow A, Walle T, Mattar M, Yarlagadda DVK, Wang JL, Uddin F, Offin M, Ciampricotti M, Qeriqi B, Bahr A, de Stanchina E, Bhanot UK, Lai WV, Bott MJ, Jones DR, Ruiz A, Baine MK, Li Y, Rekhtman N, Poirier JT, Nawy T, Sen T, Mazutis L, Hollmann TJ, Pe'er D, Rudin CM. Signatures of plasticity, metastasis, and immunosuppression in an atlas of human small cell lung cancer. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:1479-1496.e18. [PMID: 34653364 PMCID: PMC8628860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy that includes subtypes defined by differential expression of ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3 (SCLC-A, -N, and -P, respectively). To define the heterogeneity of tumors and their associated microenvironments across subtypes, we sequenced 155,098 transcriptomes from 21 human biospecimens, including 54,523 SCLC transcriptomes. We observe greater tumor diversity in SCLC than lung adenocarcinoma, driven by canonical, intermediate, and admixed subtypes. We discover a PLCG2-high SCLC phenotype with stem-like, pro-metastatic features that recurs across subtypes and predicts worse overall survival. SCLC exhibits greater immune sequestration and less immune infiltration than lung adenocarcinoma, and SCLC-N shows less immune infiltrate and greater T cell dysfunction than SCLC-A. We identify a profibrotic, immunosuppressive monocyte/macrophage population in SCLC tumors that is particularly associated with the recurrent, PLCG2-high subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Chan
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Álvaro Quintanal-Villalonga
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vianne Ran Gao
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yubin Xie
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Viola Allaj
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ojasvi Chaudhary
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ignas Masilionis
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jacklynn Egger
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew Chow
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thomas Walle
- Department of Medical Oncology; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marissa Mattar
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dig V K Yarlagadda
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - James L Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Fathema Uddin
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael Offin
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Metamia Ciampricotti
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Besnik Qeriqi
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amber Bahr
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Umesh K Bhanot
- Precision Pathology Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - W Victoria Lai
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Matthew J Bott
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David R Jones
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Arvin Ruiz
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marina K Baine
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yanyun Li
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Natasha Rekhtman
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - John T Poirier
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tal Nawy
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Triparna Sen
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Linas Mazutis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Travis J Hollmann
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe'er
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Charles M Rudin
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Xie Q, Chu H, Yi J, Yu H, Gu T, Guan Y, Liu X, Liang J, Li Y, Wang J. Identification of a prognostic immune-related signature for small cell lung cancer. Cancer Med 2021; 10:9115-9128. [PMID: 34741430 PMCID: PMC8683526 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose As a subgroup of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a short tumor doubling time, high rates of early occurred distant cancer spread, and poor outcomes. Despite its exquisite sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, acquired drug resistance and tumor progression are typical. This study aimed to develop a robust signature based on immune‐related genes to predict the outcome of patients with SCLC. Methods The expression data of 77 SCLC patients from George's cohort were divided into training set and testing set, and 1534 immune‐related genes from ImmPort database were used to generate and validate the signature. Cox proportional hazards and the Kaplan–Meier analysis were used for developing and testing the prognostic signature. Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to determine immune cell infiltration phenotypes. Results A 10‐gene model comprising NR3C1, NR1D2, TANK, ARAF, HDGF, INHBE, LRSAM1, PLXNA1, PML, and SP1 with the highest frequency after 1000 interactions, was chosen to construct immune‐related signature. This signature showed robust predictive value for SCLC patients’ survival in both training and testing sets. This signature was weakly associated with the clinic pathological values like TNM stage. Furthermore, patients with low risk presented with activation of immune signal pathways, and specific immune cell infiltration with high levels of CD56bright NK cells but low levels of CD8+ T cells, mast cells, and helper T cells. Conclusion The present study developed immune‐related signature that may help predict the prognosis of SCLC patients, which reflects an unappreciated level of heterogeneity of immunophenotype associated with diverse prognosis for specific subsets in this highly lethal cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Huili Chu
- Department of Oncology, No. 960 Hospital, The People's Liberation Army of China, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Yi
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Yu
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Tiantian Gu
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaping Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
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Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterization of Relapsed SCLC Through Rapid Research Autopsy. JTO Clin Res Rep 2021; 2:100164. [PMID: 34590014 PMCID: PMC8474405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2021.100164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Relapsed SCLC is characterized by therapeutic resistance and high mortality rate. Despite decades of research, mechanisms responsible for therapeutic resistance have remained elusive owing to limited tissues available for molecular studies. Thus, an unmet need remains for molecular characterization of relapsed SCLC to facilitate development of effective therapies. Methods We performed whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing of metastatic tumor samples procured from research autopsies of five patients with relapsed SCLC. We implemented bioinformatics tools to infer subclonal phylogeny and identify recurrent genomic alterations. We implemented immune cell signature and single-sample gene set enrichment analyses on tumor and normal transcriptome data from autopsy and additional primary and relapsed SCLC data sets. Furthermore, we evaluated T cell-inflamed gene expression profiles in neuroendocrine (ASCL1, NEUROD1) and non-neuroendocrine (YAP1, POU2F3) SCLC subtypes. Results Exome sequencing revealed clonal heterogeneity (intertumor and intratumor) arising from branched evolution and identified resistance-associated truncal and subclonal alterations in relapsed SCLC. Transcriptome analyses further revealed a noninflamed phenotype in neuroendocrine SCLC subtypes (ASCL1, NEUROD1) associated with decreased expression of genes involved in adaptive antitumor immunity whereas non-neuroendocrine subtypes (YAP1, POU2F3) revealed a more inflamed phenotype. Conclusions Our results reveal substantial tumor heterogeneity and complex clonal evolution in relapsed SCLC. Furthermore, we report that neuroendocrine SCLC subtypes are immunologically cold, thus explaining decreased responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade. These results suggest that the mechanisms of innate and acquired therapeutic resistances are subtype-specific in SCLC and highlight the need for continued investigation to bolster therapy selection and development for this cancer.
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Herzog BH, Devarakonda S, Govindan R. Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in SCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:2002-2015. [PMID: 34358725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
SCLC is an aggressive form of lung cancer with a very poor prognosis. Although SCLC initially responds very well to platinum-based chemotherapy, it eventually recurs and at recurrence is nearly universally resistant to therapy. In light of the recent advances in understanding regarding the biology of SCLC, we review findings related to SCLC chemotherapy resistance. We discuss the potential clinical implications of recent preclinical discoveries in altered signaling pathways, transcriptional landscapes, metabolic vulnerabilities, and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett H Herzog
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Siddhartha Devarakonda
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ramaswamy Govindan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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Conventional NK cells and tissue-resident ILC1s join forces to control liver metastasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2026271118. [PMID: 34183415 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026271118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a major metastatic target organ, and little is known about the role of immunity in controlling hepatic metastases. Here, we discovered that the concerted and nonredundant action of two innate lymphocyte subpopulations, conventional natural killer cells (cNKs) and tissue-resident type I innate lymphoid cells (trILC1s), is essential for antimetastatic defense. Using different preclinical models for liver metastasis, we found that trILC1 controls metastatic seeding, whereas cNKs restrain outgrowth. Whereas the killing capacity of trILC1s was not affected by the metastatic microenvironment, the phenotype and function of cNK cells were affected in a cancer type-specific fashion. Thus, individual cancer cell lines orchestrate the emergence of unique cNK subsets, which respond differently to tumor-derived factors. Our findings will contribute to the development of therapies for liver metastasis involving hepatic innate cells.
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Hess JB, Sutherland KD, Best SA. Exploring natural killer cell immunology as a therapeutic strategy in lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:2788-2805. [PMID: 34295678 PMCID: PMC8264324 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-765] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic immune cells are key in the control of tumor development and progression. Natural killer (NK) cells are the cytotoxic arm of the innate immune system with the capability to kill tumor cells and surveil tumor cell dissemination. As such, the interest in harnessing NK cells in tumor control is increasing in many solid tumor types, including lung cancer. Here, we review the pre-clinical models used to unveil the role of NK cells in immunosurveillance of solid tumors and highlight measures to enhance NK cell activity. Importantly, the development of NK immunotherapy is rapidly evolving. Enhancing the NK cell response can be achieved using two broad modalities: enhancing endogenous NK cell activity, or performing adoptive transfer of pre-activated NK cells to patients. Numerous clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of NK cell immunotherapy in isolation or in combination with standard treatments, with encouraging initial results. Pre-clinical studies and early phase clinical trials suggest that patients with solid tumors, including lung cancer, have the potential to benefit from recent developments in NK cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas B Hess
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate D Sutherland
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah A Best
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Sadeghi Rad H, Monkman J, Warkiani ME, Ladwa R, O'Byrne K, Rezaei N, Kulasinghe A. Understanding the tumor microenvironment for effective immunotherapy. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:1474-1498. [PMID: 33277742 PMCID: PMC8247330 DOI: 10.1002/med.21765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Advances in immunotherapy have led to durable and long-term benefits in a subset of patients across a number of solid tumor types. Understanding of the subsets of patients that respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors at the cellular level, and in the context of their tumor microenvironment (TME) is becoming increasingly important. The TME is composed of a heterogeneous milieu of tumor and immune cells. The immune landscape of the TME can inhibit or promote tumor initiation and progression; thus, a deeper understanding of tumor immunity is necessary to develop immunotherapeutic strategies. Recent developments have focused on characterizing the TME immune contexture (type, density, and function) to discover mechanisms and biomarkers that may predict treatment outcomes. This has, in part, been powered by advancements in spatial characterization technologies. In this review article, we address the role of specific immune cells within the TME at various stages of tumor progression and how the immune contexture determinants affecting tumor growth are used therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Monkman
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical InnovationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Translational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Majid E. Warkiani
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
- Institute of Molecular MedicineSechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- Princess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical InnovationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Translational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Princess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Nima Rezaei
- School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and AutoimmunityUniversal Scientific Education and Research NetworkTehranIran
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical InnovationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Translational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Institute for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Effect of chemoradiotherapy on the proportion of circulating lymphocyte subsets in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2867-2876. [PMID: 33674986 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02902-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC), which can exert anti-tumor effects by regulating immune cells. Different immune cell subsets are associated with a specific sensitivity to CRT. The purpose of this study was to characterize the proportion or composition of peripheral lymphocytes in patients with LS-SCLC before and after CRT, and evaluate their prognostic value. METHODS A total of 98 patients with LS-SCLC were enrolled. The expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RA, CD45RO, CD38, CD56, and CD19 on the surface of peripheral blood cells was detected by flow cytometry and retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between the proportion of lymphocyte subsets, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using a log-rank test and Cox regression model. RESULTS The median PFS was 12.3 months and the median OS was 21.7 months. Compared with the pre-treatment specimens, post-treatment lymphocytes had increased proportions of CD3+, CD3+CD8+, CD8+CD38+ T cells, and NKT cells, and a decreased proportion of CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD4+CD45RA+ T cells, B cells, NK cells, and CD4/CD8 ratio. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that prophylactic cranial irradiation, high percentages of CD4+CD45RA+, CD8+CD38+ T cells after CRT independently predicted superior PFS. Male patients with a high baseline CD4+CD45RO+ T cell ratio predicted a poor OS. CONCLUSIONS CRT induced changes in the proportion of circulating lymphocyte subsets in LS-SCLC, which is helpful for designing a regimen of immune drugs to be combined with CRT. The prognostic value of the proportion of lymphocytes aids in understanding the role of peripheral immune profiles in LS-SCLC.
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Xie S, Wu Z, Qi Y, Wu B, Zhu X. The metastasizing mechanisms of lung cancer: Recent advances and therapeutic challenges. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 138:111450. [PMID: 33690088 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the common malignant tumors that threaten human life with serious incidence and high mortality. According to the histopathological characteristics, lung cancer is mainly divided into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC accounts for about 80-85% of lung cancers. In fact, lung cancer metastasis is a major cause of treatment failure in clinical patients. The underlying reason is that the mechanisms of lung cancer metastasis are still not fully understood. The metastasis of lung cancer cells is controlled by many factors, including the interaction of various components in the lung cancer microenvironment, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transformation, and metastasis of cancer cells through blood vessels and lymphatics. The molecular relationships are even more intricate. Further study on the mechanisms of lung cancer metastasis and in search of effective therapeutic targets can bring more reference directions for clinical drug research and development. This paper focuses on the factors affecting lung cancer metastasis and connects with related molecular mechanisms of the lung cancer metastasis and mechanisms of lung cancer to specific organs, which mainly reviews the latest research progress of NSCLC metastasis. Besides, in this paper, experimental models of lung cancer and metastasis, mechanisms in SCLC transfer and the challenges about clinical management of lung cancer are also discussed. The review is intended to provide reference value for the future research in this field and promising treatment clues for clinical patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhengguo Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yantian District People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Qi
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, China
| | - Binhua Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, China; The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, China; The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China; The Key Lab of Zhanjiang for R&D Marine Microbial Resources in the Beibu Gulf Rim, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
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Ko J, Winslow MM, Sage J. Mechanisms of small cell lung cancer metastasis. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13122. [PMID: 33296145 PMCID: PMC7799359 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the ability of cancer cells to metastasize remain relatively poorly understood. Among all solid tumors, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has remarkable metastatic proclivity, with a majority of patients diagnosed with metastatic disease. Our understanding of SCLC metastasis has been hampered for many years by the paucity of material from primary tumors and metastases, as well as the lack of faithful pre-clinical models. Here, we review recent advances that are helping circumvent these limitations. These advances include methods that employ circulating tumor cells from the blood of SCLC patients and the development of diverse genetically engineered mouse models of metastatic SCLC. New insights into the cellular mechanisms of SCLC metastasis include observations of cell fate changes associated with increased metastatic ability. Ongoing studies on cell migration and organ tropism promise to expand our understanding of SCLC metastasis. Ultimately, a better molecular understanding of metastatic phenotypes may be translated into new therapeutic options to limit metastatic spread and treat metastatic SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ko
- Department of PediatricsStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
- Department of GeneticsStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - Monte M Winslow
- Department of GeneticsStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
- Department of PathologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - Julien Sage
- Department of PediatricsStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
- Department of GeneticsStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
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50
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Potts MA, McDonald JA, Sutherland KD, Herold MJ. Critical cancer vulnerabilities identified by unbiased CRISPR/Cas9 screens inform on efficient cancer Immunotherapy. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1871-1884. [PMID: 33202035 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The mutational landscape of human cancers is highly complex. While next generation sequencing aims to comprehensively catalogue somatic alterations in tumor cells, it fails to delineate driver from passenger mutations. Functional genomic approaches, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, enable both gene discovery, and annotation of gene function. Indeed, recent CRISPR/Cas9 technologies have flourished with the development of more sophisticated and versatile platforms capable of gene knockouts to high throughput genome wide editing of a single nucleotide base. With new platforms constantly emerging, it can be challenging to navigate what CRISPR tools are available and how they can be effectively applied to understand cancer biology. This review provides an overview of current and emerging CRISPR technologies and their power to model cancer and identify novel treatments. Specifically, how CRISPR screening approaches have been exploited to enhance immunotherapies through the identification of tumor intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms to escape immune recognition will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Potts
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jackson A McDonald
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate D Sutherland
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Marco J Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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