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Ren Y, Liu F, Chen X, Zhang X, Zhao B, Wan Y, Lan Y, Li X, Yang W, Zhu X, Guo Y. Decitabine-containing conditioning improved outcomes for children with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1345-1351. [PMID: 38316642 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05628-9] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a rare clonal hematopoietic disorder in children. The risk stratification system and treatment strategy for adults are unfit for children. The role of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in higher-risk childhood MDS has not been identified. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children with higher-risk MDS at one single center. A retrospective study was conducted in children with higher-risk MDS undergoing HSCT between September 2019 and March 2023 at Blood Diseases Hospital CAMS. The clinical characteristics and transplantation information were reviewed and analyzed. A total of 27 patients were analyzed, including 11 with MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB), 14 with MDS-EB in transformation (MDS-EBt) or acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC), and 2 with therapy-related MDS/AML (t-MDS/AML). Eight patients harbored monosomy 7. Before transplantation, induction therapy was administered to 25 patients, and 19 of them achieved bone marrow blasts <5% before HSCT. The stem cell source was unmanipulated-related bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells for nineteen patients and unrelated cord blood for eight. All patients received decitabine-containing and Bu/Cy-based myeloablative conditioning; 26 patients achieved initial engraftment. The cumulative incidences of grade II-IV and grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) at 100 days were 65.4% and 42.3%, respectively. The incidence of cGvHD was 38.5%. The median follow-up was 26 (range 4-49) months after transplantation. By the end of follow-up, two patients died of complications and two died of disease progression. The probability of 3-year overall survival (OS) was 84.8% (95%CI, 71.1 to 98.5%). In summary, decitabine-containing myeloablative conditioning resulted in excellent outcomes for children with higher-risk MDS undergoing allogeneic HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Xia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Beibei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Yang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Yang Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Xiaolan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Wenyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Ye Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China.
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Pelos G, Riester M, Pal J, Myacheva K, Moneke I, Rotondo JC, Lübbert M, Diederichs S. Fast proliferating and slowly migrating non-small cell lung cancer cells are vulnerable to decitabine and retinoic acid combinatorial treatment. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1029-1042. [PMID: 37947765 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34783] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are often elderly or unfit and thus cannot tolerate standard aggressive therapy regimes. In our study, we test the efficacy of the DNA-hypomethylating agent decitabine (DAC) in combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which has been shown to possess little systemic adverse effects. Screening a broad panel of 56 NSCLC cell lines uncovered a decrease in cell viability after the combination treatment in 77% of the cell lines. Transcriptomics, proteomics, proliferation and migration profiling revealed that fast proliferating and slowly migrating cell lines were more sensitive to the drug combination. The comparison of mutational profiles found oncogenic KRAS mutations only in sensitive cells. Additionally, different cell lines showed a heterogeneous gene expression response to the treatment pointing to diverse mechanisms of action. Silencing KRAS, RIG-I or RARB partially reversed the sensitivity of KRAS-mutant NCI-H460 cells. To study resistance, we generated two NCI-H460 cell populations resistant to ATRA and DAC, which migrated faster and proliferated slower than the parental sensitive cells and showed signs of senescence. In summary, this comprehensive dataset uncovers a broad sensitivity of NSCLC cells to the combinatorial treatment with DAC and ATRA and indicates that migration and proliferation capacities correlate with and could thus serve as determinants for drug sensitivity in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pelos
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marisa Riester
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jagriti Pal
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ksenia Myacheva
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Moneke
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sven Diederichs
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Deng M, Tang F, Chang X, Liu P, Ji X, Hao M, Wang Y, Yang R, Ma Q, Zhang Y, Miao J. Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer: Disappointing or Promising? Mol Pharm 2024; 21:454-466. [PMID: 38232985 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00986] [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: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, one of the deadliest malignancies, lacks effective treatment, despite advancements in surgical techniques and chemotherapy. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are imperative to improving treatment outcomes. Immunotherapy, which has demonstrated considerable success in managing various cancers, has already found its place in clinical practice. This review aims to provide an overview of ovarian tumor immunotherapy, including its basics, key strategies, and clinical research data supporting its potential. In particular, this discussion highlights promising strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and pericyte transfer, both individually and in combination. However, the advancement of new immunotherapies necessitates large controlled randomized trials, which will undoubtedly shape the future of ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Deng
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Fan Tang
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Xiangyu Chang
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Penglin Liu
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Xuechao Ji
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Menglin Hao
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Yixiao Wang
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Ruiye Yang
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Qingqing Ma
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
- Nanyuan Hospital of Fengtai District, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Yubo Zhang
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
- Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Shandong 266011, China
| | - Jinwei Miao
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100006, China
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Gera K, Chauhan A, Castillo P, Rahman M, Mathavan A, Mathavan A, Oganda-Rivas E, Elliott L, Wingard JR, Sayour EJ. Vaccines: a promising therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:4. [PMID: 38191498 PMCID: PMC10773074 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01523-4] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) define clonal hematopoietic malignancies characterized by heterogeneous mutational and clinical spectra typically seen in the elderly. Curative treatment entails allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, which is often not a feasible option due to older age and significant comorbidities. Immunotherapy has the cytotoxic capacity to elicit tumor-specific killing with long-term immunological memory. While a number of platforms have emerged, therapeutic vaccination presents as an appealing strategy for MDS given its promising safety profile and amenability for commercialization. Several preclinical and clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of vaccines in MDS; these include peptide vaccines targeting tumor antigens, whole cell-based vaccines and dendritic cell-based vaccines. These therapeutic vaccines have shown acceptable safety profiles, but consistent clinical responses remain elusive despite robust immunological reactions. Combining vaccines with immunotherapeutic agents holds promise and requires further investigation. Herein, we highlight therapeutic vaccine trials while reviewing challenges and future directions of successful vaccination strategies in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Gera
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Anjali Chauhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul Castillo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maryam Rahman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Akash Mathavan
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Akshay Mathavan
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Oganda-Rivas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Leighton Elliott
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John R Wingard
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Liberatore C, Di Ianni M. Novel Approaches to Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Relapse Post Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15019. [PMID: 37834466 PMCID: PMC10573608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapsed post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a clinical challenge. Intensive treatment approaches are limited by severe toxicities in the early post-transplantation period. Therefore, hypomethylating agents (HMAs) have become the standard therapeutic approach due to favorable tolerability. Moreover, HMAs serve as a backbone for additional anti-leukemic agents. Despite discordant results, the addition of donor lymphocytes infusions (DLI) generally granted improved outcomes with manageable GvHD incidence. The recent introduction of novel targeted drugs in AML gives the opportunity to add a third element to salvage regimens. Those patients harboring targetable mutations might benefit from IDH1/2 inhibitors Ivosidenib and Enasidenib as well as FLT3 inhibitors Sorafenib and Gilteritinib in combination with HMA and DLI. Conversely, patients lacking targetable mutations actually benefit from the addition of Venetoclax. A second HSCT remains a valid option, especially for fit patients and for those who achieve a complete disease response with salvage regimens. Overall, across studies, higher response rates and longer survival were observed in cases of pre-emptive intervention for molecular relapse. Future perspectives currently rely on the development of adoptive immunotherapeutic strategies mainly represented by CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Liberatore
- Hematology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Santo Spirito Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Mauro Di Ianni
- Hematology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Santo Spirito Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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6
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Rausch J, Ullrich E, Kühn MW. Epigenetic targeting to enhance acute myeloid leukemia-directed immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269012. [PMID: 37809078 PMCID: PMC10556528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269012] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AML is a malignant disease of hematopoietic progenitor cells with unsatisfactory treatment outcome, especially in patients that are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, comprising checkpoint inhibition, T-cell engaging antibody constructs, and cellular therapies, has dramatically improved the outcome of patients with solid tumors and lymphatic neoplasms. In AML, these approaches have been far less successful. Discussed reasons are the relatively low mutational burden of AML blasts and the difficulty in defining AML-specific antigens not expressed on hematopoietic progenitor cells. On the other hand, epigenetic dysregulation is an essential driver of leukemogenesis, and non-selective hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are the current backbone of non-intensive treatment. The first clinical trials that evaluated whether HMAs may improve immune checkpoint inhibitors' efficacy showed modest efficacy except for the anti-CD47 antibody that was substantially more efficient against AML when combined with azacitidine. Combining bispecific antibodies or cellular treatments with HMAs is subject to ongoing clinical investigation, and efficacy data are awaited shortly. More selective second-generation inhibitors targeting specific chromatin regulators have demonstrated promising preclinical activity against AML and are currently evaluated in clinical trials. These drugs that commonly cause leukemia cell differentiation potentially sensitize AML to immune-based treatments by co-regulating immune checkpoints, providing a pro-inflammatory environment, and inducing (neo)-antigen expression. Combining selective targeted epigenetic drugs with (cellular) immunotherapy is, therefore, a promising approach to avoid unintended effects and augment efficacy. Future studies will provide detailed information on how these compounds influence specific immune functions that may enable translation into clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Rausch
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Children’s Hospital, Experimental Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michael W.M. Kühn
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Ribeiro ML, Sánchez Vinces S, Mondragon L, Roué G. Epigenetic targets in B- and T-cell lymphomas: latest developments. Ther Adv Hematol 2023; 14:20406207231173485. [PMID: 37273421 PMCID: PMC10236259 DOI: 10.1177/20406207231173485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) comprise a diverse group of diseases, either of mature B-cell or of T-cell derivation, characterized by heterogeneous molecular features and clinical manifestations. While most of the patients are responsive to standard chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and/or stem cell transplantation, relapsed and/or refractory cases still have a dismal outcome. Deep sequencing analysis have pointed out that epigenetic dysregulations, including mutations in epigenetic enzymes, such as chromatin modifiers and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), are prevalent in both B- cell and T-cell lymphomas. Accordingly, over the past decade, a large number of epigenetic-modifying agents have been developed and introduced into the clinical management of these entities, and a few specific inhibitors have already been approved for clinical use. Here we summarize the main epigenetic alterations described in B- and T-NHL, that further supported the clinical development of a selected set of epidrugs in determined diseases, including inhibitors of DNMTs, histone deacetylases (HDACs), and extra-terminal domain proteins (bromodomain and extra-terminal motif; BETs). Finally, we highlight the most promising future directions of research in this area, explaining how bioinformatics approaches can help to identify new epigenetic targets in B- and T-cell lymphoid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Lima Ribeiro
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras
Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular
Biology, Sao Francisco University Medical School, Braganca Paulista,
Brazil
| | - Salvador Sánchez Vinces
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular
Biology, Sao Francisco University Medical School, Braganca Paulista,
Brazil
| | - Laura Mondragon
- T Cell Lymphoma Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia
Research Institute, IJC. Ctra de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916
Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gael Roué
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras
Leukaemia Research Institute, IJC. Ctra de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles
s/n, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Inchakalody VP, Hydrose SP, Krishnankutty R, Merhi M, Therachiyil L, Sasidharan Nair V, Elashi AA, Khan AQ, Taleb S, Raza A, Yoosuf ZSKM, Fernandes Q, Al-Zaidan L, Mestiri S, Taib N, Bedhiafi T, Moustafa D, Assami L, Maalej KM, Elkord E, Uddin S, Al Homsi U, Dermime S. The molecular mechanisms of apoptosis accompanied with the epigenetic regulation of the NY-ESO-1 antigen in non-small lung cancer cells treated with decitabine (5-aza-CdR). Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175612. [PMID: 36822455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated epigenetic modifications are common in lung cancer but have been reversed using demethylating agent like 5-Aza-CdR. 5-Aza-CdR induces/upregulates the NY-ESO-1 antigen in lung cancer. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms accompanied with the epigenetic regulation of NY-ESO-1 in 5-Aza-CdR-treated NCI-H1975 cell line. We showed significant induction of the NY-ESO-1 protein (**p < 0.0097) using Cellular ELISA. Bisulfite-sequencing demonstrated 45.6% demethylation efficiency at the NY-ESO-1 gene promoter region and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the significant induction of NY-ESO-1 at mRNA level (128-fold increase, *p < 0.050). We then investigated the mechanism by which 5-Aza-CdR inhibits cell proliferation in the NCI-H1975 cell line. Upregulation of the death receptors TRAIL (2.04-fold *p < 0.011) and FAS (2.1-fold *p < 0.011) indicate activation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. The upregulation of Voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1 (1.9-fold), Major vault protein (1.8-fold), Bax (1.16-fold), and Cytochrome C (1.39-fold) indicate the activation of the intrinsic pathway. We also observed the differential expression of protein Complement C3 (3.3-fold), Destrin (-5.1-fold), Vimentin (-1.7-fold), Peroxiredoxin 4 (-1.6-fold), Fascin (-1.8-fold), Heme oxygenase-2 (-0.67-fold**p < 0.0055), Hsp27 (-0.57-fold**p < 0.004), and Hsp70 (-0.39-fold **p < 0.001), indicating reduced cell growth, cell migration, and metastasis. The upregulation of 40S ribosomal protein S9 (3-fold), 40S ribosomal protein S15 (4.2-fold), 40S ribosomal protein S18 (2.5-fold), and 60S ribosomal protein L22 (4.4-fold) implied the induction of translation machinery. These results reiterate the decisive role of 5-Aza-CdR in lung cancer treatment since it induces the epigenetic regulation of NY-ESO-1 antigen, inhibits cell proliferation, increases apoptosis, and decreases invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varghese P Inchakalody
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shereena P Hydrose
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Roopesh Krishnankutty
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varun Sasidharan Nair
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Germany
| | - Asma A Elashi
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Taleb
- Genomics and Precision Medicine, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afsheen Raza
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zeenath Safira K M Yoosuf
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lobna Al-Zaidan
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Takwa Bedhiafi
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Moustafa
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laila Assami
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karama Makni Maalej
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Oman; Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, UK
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ussama Al Homsi
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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9
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van Amerongen RA, Tuit S, Wouters AK, van de Meent M, Siekman SL, Meeuwsen MH, Wachsmann TLA, Remst DFG, Hagedoorn RS, van der Steen DM, de Ru AH, Verdegaal EME, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. PRAME and CTCFL-reactive TCRs for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121973. [PMID: 37026005 PMCID: PMC10070997 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent disease emerges in the majority of patients with ovarian cancer (OVCA). Adoptive T-cell therapies with T-cell receptors (TCRs) targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are considered promising solutions for less-immunogenic 'cold' ovarian tumors. In order to treat a broader patient population, more TCRs targeting peptides derived from different TAAs binding in various HLA class I molecules are essential. By performing a differential gene expression analysis using mRNA-seq datasets, PRAME, CTCFL and CLDN6 were selected as strictly tumor-specific TAAs, with high expression in ovarian cancer and at least 20-fold lower expression in all healthy tissues of risk. In primary OVCA patient samples and cell lines we confirmed expression and identified naturally expressed TAA-derived peptides in the HLA class I ligandome. Subsequently, high-avidity T-cell clones recognizing these peptides were isolated from the allo-HLA T-cell repertoire of healthy individuals. Three PRAME TCRs and one CTCFL TCR of the most promising T-cell clones were sequenced, and transferred to CD8+ T cells. The PRAME TCR-T cells demonstrated potent and specific antitumor reactivity in vitro and in vivo. The CTCFL TCR-T cells efficiently recognized primary patient-derived OVCA cells, and OVCA cell lines treated with demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC). The identified PRAME and CTCFL TCRs are promising candidates for the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer, and are an essential addition to the currently used HLA-A*02:01 restricted PRAME TCRs. Our selection of differentially expressed genes, naturally expressed TAA peptides and potent TCRs can improve and broaden the use of T-cell therapies for patients with ovarian cancer or other PRAME or CTCFL expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sander Tuit
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anne K. Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marian van de Meent
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sterre L. Siekman
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Miranda H. Meeuwsen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Dennis F. G. Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Renate S. Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Els M. E. Verdegaal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H. M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Mirjam H. M. Heemskerk,
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10
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Ciurea SO, Kothari A, Sana S, Al Malki MM. The mythological chimera and new era of relapse prediction post-transplant. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100997. [PMID: 35961800 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100997] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for high-risk or relapsed acute leukemia. However, unfortunately, relapse post-transplant continues to be the most common cause of treatment failure with 20-80% of patients relapsing based on disease risk and status at transplant. Advances in molecular profiling of different hematological malignancies have enabled us to monitor low level disease before and after transplant and develop a more personalized approach to the management of these disease including early detection post-transplant. While, in general, detectable disease by morphology remains the gold standard to diagnosing relapse, multiple approaches have allowed detection of cancer cells earlier, using peripheral blood-based methods with sensitivities as high as 1:106, together called minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) detection. However, a in significant number of patients with acute leukemia where no such molecular markers exist it remains challenging to detect early relapse. In such patients who receive transplantation, chimerism monitoring remains the only option. An increase in mixed chimerism in post allogeneic HCT patients has been correlated with relapse in multiple studies. However, chimerism monitoring, while commonly accepted as a tool for assessing engraftment, has not been routinely used for relapse detection, at least in part because of the lack of standardized, high sensitivity, reliable methods for chimerism detection. In this paper, we review the various methods employed for MRD and chimerism detection post-transplant and discuss future trends in MRD and chimerism monitoring from the viewpoint of the practicing transplant physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan O Ciurea
- University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, United States of America.
| | | | - Sean Sana
- CareDx Inc., Brisbane, CA, United States of America
| | - Monzr M Al Malki
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States of America
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11
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Li M, Zhang D. DNA methyltransferase-1 in acute myeloid leukaemia: beyond the maintenance of DNA methylation. Ann Med 2022; 54:2011-2023. [PMID: 35838271 PMCID: PMC9291682 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2099578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is considered an essential epigenetic event during leukaemogenesis and the emergence of drug resistance, which is primarily regulated by DNA methyltransferases. DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) is one of the members of DNA methyltransferases, in charge of maintaining established methylation. Recently, DNMT1 is shown to promote malignant events of cancers through the epigenetic and non-epigenetic processes. Increasing studies in solid tumours have identified DNMT1 as a therapeutic target and a regulator of therapy resistance; however, it is unclear whether DNMT1 is a critical regulator in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and how it works. In this review, we summarized the recent understanding of DNMT1 in normal haematopoiesis and AML and discussed the possible functions of DNMT1 in promoting the development of AML and predicting the sensitivity of hypomethylation agents to better understand the relationship between DNMT1 and AML and to look for new hope to treat AML patients.Key messagesThe function of DNA methyltransferase-1 in acute myeloid leukaemia.DNA methyltransferase-1 predicts the sensitivity of drug and involves the emergence of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Donghua Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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12
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Kang S, Wang L, Xu L, Wang R, Kang Q, Gao X, Yu L. Decitabine enhances targeting of AML cells by NY-ESO-1-specific TCR-T cells and promotes the maintenance of effector function and the memory phenotype. Oncogene 2022; 41:4696-4708. [PMID: 36097193 PMCID: PMC9568428 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02455-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
NY-ESO-1 is a well-known cancer-testis antigen (CTA) with re-expression in numerous cancer types, but its expression is suppressed in myeloid leukemia cells. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving decitabine (DAC) exhibit induced expression of NY-ESO-1 in blasts; thus, we investigated the effects of NY-ESO-1-specific TCR-engineered T (TCR-T) cells combined with DAC against AML. NY-ESO-1-specific TCR-T cells could efficiently eliminate AML cell lines (including U937, HL60, and Kasumi-1cells) and primary AML blasts in vitro by targeting the DAC-induced NY-ESO-1 expression. Moreover, the incubation of T cells with DAC during TCR transduction (designated as dTCR-T cells) could further enhance the anti-leukemia efficacy of TCR-T cells and increase the generation of memory-like phenotype. The combination of DAC with NY-ESO-1-specific dTCR-T cells showed a superior anti-tumor efficacy in vivo and prolonged the survival of an AML xenograft mouse model, with three out of five mice showing complete elimination of AML cells over 90 days. This outcome was correlated with enhanced expressions of IFN-γ and TNF-α, and an increased proportion of central memory T cells (CD45RO+CD62L+ and CD45RO+CCR7+). Taken together, these data provide preclinical evidence for the combined use of DAC and NY-ESO-1-specific dTCR-T cells for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synat Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qingzheng Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuefeng Gao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China. .,Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
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13
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Geng S, Xu R, Huang X, Li M, Deng C, Lai P, Wang Y, Wu P, Chen X, Weng J, Du X. Dynamics of PD-1 expression are associated with treatment efficacy and prognosis in patients with intermediate/high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes under hypomethylating treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950134. [PMID: 36003379 PMCID: PMC9393298 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are widely used in patients with higher-risk MDS not eligible for stem cell transplantation. However, the general response rate by HMAs is lesser than 50% in MDS patients, while the relapse rate is high. Emerging evidence indicates that demethylating effects committed by HMAs may facilitate the up-regulation of a range of immune checkpoints or cancer suppressor genes in patients with MDS, among which the programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligands are demonstrated to be prominent and may contribute to treatment failure and early relapse. Although results from preliminary studies with a limited number of enrolled patients indicate that combined administration of PD-1 inhibitor may yield extra therapeutic benefit in some MDS patients, identifications of this subgroup of patients and optimal timing for the anti-PD-1 intervention remain significant challenges. Dynamics of immune checkpoints and associated predictive values during HMA-treatment cycles remained poorly investigated. In this present study, expression levels of immune checkpoints PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 were retrospectively analyzed by quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) in a total of 135 myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) cohort with higher-risk stratification. The prognostic value of dynamics of these immune checkpoints during HMA cycles was validated in two independent prospective cohorts in our center (NCT01599325 and NCT01751867). Our data revealed that PD-1 expression was significantly higher than that in younger MDS patients (age ≤ 60) and MDS with lower IPSS risk stratification (intermediate risk-1). A significantly up-regulated expression of PD-1 was seen during the first four HMA treatment cycles in MDS patients, while similar observation was not seen concerning the expression of PD-L1 or PD-L2. By utilizing binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) models, we further identified that higher or equal to 75.9 PD-1 expressions after 2 cycles of HMA treatment is an independent negative prognostic factor in predicting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation and survival. Collectively, our data provide rationales for monitoring the expression of PD-1 during HMA treatment cycles, a higher than 75.9 PD-1 expression may identify patients who will potentially benefit from the combined therapy of HMA and PD-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Du
- *Correspondence: Xin Du, ; ; Jianyu Weng,
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14
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Liberatore C, Stanghellini MTL, Lorentino F, Vago L, Carrabba MG, Greco R, Marktel S, Assanelli A, Farina F, Corti C, Bernardi M, Peccatori J, Sockel K, Middeke JM, Schetelig J, Bergmann A, Rautenberg C, Ciceri F, Bornhäuser M, Schroeder T, Stölzel F. Azacitidine and donor lymphocytes infusions in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from alternative donors. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221090882. [PMID: 35747461 PMCID: PMC9210096 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221090882] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Azacitidine (AZA) either single-agent or with donor lymphocytes infusions (DLI) has been used as a salvage treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relapsing after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To date, the majority of data come from patients relapsed after HSCT from full-matched donors. Methods We report a multicenter, collaborative, retrospective analysis of 71 patients with hematologic (n = 40, 56%) and molecular relapse (n = 31, 44%) of myeloid neoplasms after HSCT from alternative donors (mismatched unrelated, n = 39, 55%; haploidentical, n = 29, 41%) consecutively treated at three European centers with AZA ± DLI. Results Median time from HSCT to relapse was 9 months. Additional DLI were given to 33 patients (46%). After a median of four cycles, overall response rate (ORR) was 49% and complete response (CR) rate was 38%. CR lasted for a median of 17 months (range 5-89 months). Median follow-up in the entire cohort was 11 months (range 1-115 months). Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 1 year were 26% and 53%, respectively. Treatment of molecular relapse granted higher CR rate (65% versus 15%; p = 0.0001), 1-year EFS (43% versus 13%; p = 0.006), and 1-year OS (79% versus 34%; p < 0.001) compared to hematologic relapses. Addition of DLI resulted in significantly higher responses and longer 1-year EFS and OS (Mantel-Byar test, p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively). When applied to our cohort, the APSS-R score confirmed its ability to stratify patients into distinct prognostic groups with significantly different response rates (p = 0.0005) and survival (p < 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated, with the incidence of late acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease of 27% and 18%, respectively. Conclusion AZA ± DLI proved feasible and effective in AML and MDS relapsing after HSCT from alternative donors. Despite modest efficacy among hematologic relapses, pre-emptive treatment with AZA ± DLI fared better in molecular relapse. Additional DLI contributed to improving efficacy and ensuring longer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Liberatore
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Lorentino
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovanni Carrabba
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Greco
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah Marktel
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Assanelli
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Farina
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Consuelo Corti
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Bernardi
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Peccatori
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Katja Sockel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Moritz Middeke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Schetelig
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anika Bergmann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine - University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Rautenberg
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine - University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Schroeder
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine - University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Friedrich Stölzel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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15
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Xu Y, Li P, Liu Y, Xin D, Lei W, Liang A, Han W, Qian W. Epi-immunotherapy for cancers: rationales of epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:493-516. [PMID: 35642676 PMCID: PMC9198339 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, several epi-drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies have received clinical approval for use in certain types of cancer. However, monotherapy with epi-drugs or ICIs has shown limited efficacy in most cancer patients. Epigenetic agents have been shown to regulate the crosstalk between the tumor and host immunity to alleviate immune evasion, suggesting that epi-drugs can potentially synergize with immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the rationales of incorporating epigenetic therapy into immunotherapy, called epi-immunotherapy, and focus on an update of current clinical trials in both hematological and solid malignancies. Furthermore, we outline the future challenges and strategies in the field of cancer epi-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Dijia Xin
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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16
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Unmasking the suppressed immunopeptidome of EZH2 mutated diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with combination drug treatment. Blood Adv 2022; 6:4107-4121. [PMID: 35561310 PMCID: PMC9327544 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploring the repertoire of peptides presented on major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) has been utilized to identify targets for immunotherapy in many hematological malignancies. However, there is a paucity of such data for diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), which might be explained by the profound downregulation of MHC expression in many DLBCLs, and in particular in the Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) -mutated subgroup. Epigenetic drug treatment, especially in the context of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), restored MHC expression in DLBCL. DLBCL MHC-presented peptides were identified via mass spectrometry following tazemetostat or decitabine treatments alone, or in combination with IFN-γ. Such treatment synergistically increased MHC class I surface protein expression up to 50-fold and class II expression up to 3-fold. Peptides presented on MHC complexes increased to a similar extent for MHC class I and class II. Overall, these treatments restored the diversity of the immunopeptidome to levels described in healthy B cells for 2 out of 3 cell lines and allowed the systematic search for new targets for immunotherapy. Consequently, we identified multiple MHC ligands from regulator of G protein signaling 13 (RGS13) and E2F transcription factor 8 (E2F8) on different MHC alleles, none of which have been described in healthy tissues and therefore represent tumor-specific MHC ligands, which are unmasked only after drug treatment. Overall, our results show that EZH2 inhibition in combination with decitabine and IFN-γ can expand the repertoire of MHC ligands presented on DLBCLs by revealing suppressed epitopes, thus allowing the systematic analysis and identification of new potential immunotherapy targets.
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17
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Kinoshita H, Cooke KR, Grant M, Stanojevic M, Cruz CR, Keller M, Fortiz MF, Hoq F, Lang H, Barrett AJ, Liang H, Tanna J, Zhang N, Shibli A, Datar A, Fulton K, Kukadiya D, Zhang A, Williams KM, Dave H, Dome JS, Jacobsohn D, Hanley PJ, Jones RJ, Bollard CM. Outcome of donor-derived TAA-T cell therapy in patients with high-risk or relapsed acute leukemia post allogeneic BMT. Blood Adv 2022; 6:2520-2534. [PMID: 35244681 PMCID: PMC9043933 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with hematologic malignancies relapsing after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) have limited response to conventional salvage therapies, with an expected 1-year overall survival (OS) of <20%. We evaluated the safety and clinical outcomes following administration of a novel T-cell therapeutic targeting 3 tumor-associated antigens (TAA-T) in patients with acute leukemia who relapsed or were at high risk of relapse after allogeneic BMT. Lymphocytes obtained from the BMT donor were manufactured to target TAAs WT1, PRAME, and survivin, which are over-expressed and immunogenic in most hematologic malignancies. Patients received TAA-T infusions at doses of 0.5 to 4 × 107/m2. Twenty-three BMT recipients with relapsed/refractory (n = 11) and/or high-risk (n = 12) acute myeloid leukemia (n = 20) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 3) were infused posttransplant. No patient developed cytokine-release syndrome or neurotoxicity, and only 1 patient developed grade 3 graft-versus-host disease. Of the patients who relapsed post-BMT and received bridging therapy, the majority (n = 9/11) achieved complete hematologic remission before receiving TAA-T. Relapsed patients exhibited a 1-year OS of 36% and 1-year leukemia-free survival of 27.3% post-TAA-T. The poorest prognosis patients (relapsed <6 months after transplant) exhibited a 1-year OS of 42.8% postrelapse (n = 7). Median survival was not reached for high-risk patients who received preemptive TAA-T posttransplant (n = 12). Although as a phase 1 study, concomitant antileukemic therapy was allowed, TAA-T were safe and well tolerated, and sustained remissions in high-risk and relapsed patients were observed. Moreover, adoptively transferred TAA-T detected by T-cell receptor V-β sequencing persisted up to at least 1 year postinfusion. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02203903.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kinoshita
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Kenneth R. Cooke
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Melanie Grant
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Maja Stanojevic
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - C. Russell Cruz
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, George Washington Cancer Center, Washington, DC
| | - Michael Keller
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Maria Fernanda Fortiz
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Fahmida Hoq
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Haili Lang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - A. John Barrett
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, George Washington Cancer Center, Washington, DC
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Statistics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC; and
| | - Jay Tanna
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Nan Zhang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Abeer Shibli
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Anushree Datar
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Kenneth Fulton
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Divyesh Kukadiya
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Anqing Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Kirsten M. Williams
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Hema Dave
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Jeffrey S. Dome
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - David Jacobsohn
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Patrick J. Hanley
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Richard J. Jones
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Catherine M. Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, George Washington Cancer Center, Washington, DC
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18
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Li Z, Shi W, Lu X, Lu H, Cao X, Tang L, Yan H, Zhong Z, You Y, Xia L, Hu Y, Wang H. Decitabine-Intensified Modified Busulfan/Cyclophosphamide Conditioning Regimen Improves Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Undergoing Related Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:844937. [PMID: 35371981 PMCID: PMC8966032 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.844937] [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: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify the benefit of decitabine (Dec)-intensified myeloablative conditioning on the outcomes of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after related donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), we performed a retrospective matched-pair study from a pool of 156 patients to evaluate Dec [20 mg/m2/day intravenously (i.v.) on days -11 to -7]-intensified modified busulfan/cyclophosphamide (mBuCy) conditioning regimen vs. mBuCy regimen in 92 AML patients, with 46 patients in each cohort. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was lower in the Dec group (15.2% ± 0.3% vs. 32.6% ± 0.5%, P = 0.033). Compared with mBuCy group (15.5% ± 0.3%), a significantly higher proportion of limited chronic GVHD (cGVHD) in Dec group (35% ± 0.6%) was observed (P = 0.025). Dec-intensified mBuCy conditioning was associated with better 2-year overall survival (OS) and GVHD-free relapse-free survival (GRFS) (81% ± 6.2% vs. 59.4% ± 7.5%, P = 0.03; 58.7% ± 8.1% vs. 40.9% ± 7.3%, P = 0.042; respectively). Our results also elucidated that the Dec group had better 2-year OS and lower 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) in patients acquiring haploidentical HSCT than that of the mBuCy group (84.8% ± 7.1% vs. 58.2% ± 10.3%, P = 0.047; 17.9% ± 0.8% vs. 40.0% ± 1.0%, P = 0.036; respectively), which did not increase the treatment-related mortality and regimen-associated toxicities. Dec-intensified myeloablative regimen and high-risk stratification were the variables associated with OS, leukemia-free survival (LFS), and GRFS in multivariate analysis. In high-risk patients, no differences were found in CIR, OS, LFS, and GRFS between the two groups. These data indicated that Dec-intensified mBuCy conditioning regimen was associated with better survival than mBuCy regimen in AML patients, especially in patients undergoing haploidentical HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Li
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Lu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiena Cao
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Yan
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaodong Zhong
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong You
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Linghui Xia
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huafang Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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19
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Kang S, Li Y, Qiao J, Meng X, He Z, Gao X, Yu L. Antigen-Specific TCR-T Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Challenges. Front Oncol 2022; 12:787108. [PMID: 35356211 PMCID: PMC8959347 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.787108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular mutations involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) lead to unique treatment challenges. Although adoptive T-cell therapies (ACT) such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have shown promising results in the treatment of leukemias, especially B-cell malignancies, the optimal target surface antigen has yet to be discovered for AML. Alternatively, T-cell receptor (TCR)-redirected T cells can target intracellular antigens presented by HLA molecules, allowing the exploration of a broader territory of new therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy using adoptive transfer of WT1 antigen-specific TCR-T cells, for example, has had positive clinical successes in patients with AML. Nevertheless, AML can escape from immune system elimination by producing immunosuppressive factors or releasing several cytokines. This review presents recent advances of antigen-specific TCR-T cells in treating AML and discusses their challenges and future directions in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synat Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yisheng Li
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingqiao Qiao
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziqian He
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuefeng Gao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.,Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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20
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Single-agent 5-azacytidine as post-transplant maintenance in high-risk myeloid malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Ann Hematol 2022; 101:1321-1331. [PMID: 35352216 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-022-04821-y] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Relapse is a major cause of treatment failure after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in myeloid malignancies. Additional strategies have been devised to further maximize the immunologic effect of allo-HCT, notably through maintenance therapy with hypomethylating agents such as 5-azacytidine (AZA). We conducted a single-center retrospective study to investigate the efficacy of AZA after allo-HCT for high-risk myeloid malignancies. All patients transplanted between Jan 2014 and Sept 2019 for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (n = 123), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 51), or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 11) were included. Patients who died, relapsed, or developed grade ≥ 2 acute graft-versus-host disease before day + 60 were excluded, as well as those who were eligible for anti-FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 maintenance. Of the 185 included patients, 65 received AZA while 120 did not. Median age at transplant was 59 years; 51.9% of patients were males. The median follow-up was 24 months for both groups. Regarding main patient characteristics and transplantation modalities, the two groups were comparable. In multivariate analyses, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (HR = 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-2.12; p = 0.55), overall survival (HR = 0.62; 95%CI 0.35-1.12; p = 0.12) and event-free survival (HR = 0.97; 95%CI 0.60-1.58; p = 0.91) rates. In conclusion, single-agent AZA does not appear to be an optimal drug for preventing post-transplant relapse in patients with high-risk myeloid malignancies. This study highlights the need for prospective studies of alternative therapies or combination approaches in the post-transplant setting.
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21
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Increasing Role of Targeted Immunotherapies in the Treatment of AML. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063304. [PMID: 35328721 PMCID: PMC8953556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. The standard of care in medically and physically fit patients is intensive induction therapy. The majority of these intensively treated patients achieve a complete remission. However, a high number of these patients will experience relapse. In patients older than 60 years, the results are even worse. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are desperately needed. One promising approach in high-risk leukemia to prevent relapse is the induction of the immune system simultaneously or after reduction of the initial tumor burden. Different immunotherapeutic approaches such as allogenic stem cell transplantation or donor lymphocyte infusions are already standard therapies, but other options for AML treatment are in the pipeline. Moreover, the therapeutic landscape in AML is rapidly changing, and in the last years, a number of immunogenic targets structures eligible for specific therapy, risk assessment or evaluation of disease course were determined. For example, leukemia-associated antigens (LAA) showed to be critical as biomarkers of disease state and survival, as well as markers of minimal residual disease (MRD). Yet many mechanisms and properties are still insufficiently understood, which also represents a great potential for this form of therapy. Therefore, targeted therapy as immunotherapy could turn into an efficient tool to clear residual disease, improve the outcome of AML patients and reduce the relapse risk. In this review, established but also emerging immunotherapeutic approaches for AML patients will be discussed.
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22
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Salhotra A, Stein AS. Role of Radiation Based Conditioning Regimens in Patients With High-Risk AML Undergoing Allogenic Transplantation in Remission or Active Disease and Mechanisms of Post-Transplant Relapse. Front Oncol 2022; 12:802648. [PMID: 35242706 PMCID: PMC8886676 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.802648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the two decades there has been a consistent improvement in the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with acute leukemia undergoing allogenic stem cell transplantation. These improvements have been made possible by advancements in supportive care practices, more precise risk stratification of leukemia patients by genetic testing at diagnosis, accurate disease assessment by measurable residual disease (MRD) in pretransplant marrow and attempts to clear residual disease clones prior to transplant. Availability of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and approval of novel drug combinations with BCL-2 inhibitors has also improved remission rates for patients who are undergoing transplant. For patients who are unable to achieve a morphologic or MRD- remission prior to transplant, the risk of relapse post-transplant remains high. Total body irradiation (TBI) based intensification of transplant conditioning may be able to overcome risk of increased relapse rate in this clinical setting by improving clearance of leukemic clones. However, in the past increased nonrelapse mortality (NRM) associated with escalation of conditioning intensity has neutralized any potential benefit of decreasing relapse rate in HCT patient resulting in no significant improvement in overall survival. In this review we discuss incorporation of newer radiation techniques such as total marrow irradiation (TMI) to safely deliver targeted doses of radiation at higher doses to improve outcomes of patients with active leukemia. We also discuss the mechanisms associated with leukemia relapse and treatment options available in post allo-HCT relapse setting despite use of intensified conditioning regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Salhotra
- Department of Hematology/Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT), City of Hope National Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Anthony Selwyn Stein
- Department of Hematology/Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT), City of Hope National Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
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23
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Epigenetic Maintenance Strategies after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Exp Hematol 2022; 109:1-10.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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24
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Serganova I, Chakraborty S, Yamshon S, Isshiki Y, Bucktrout R, Melnick A, Béguelin W, Zappasodi R. Epigenetic, Metabolic, and Immune Crosstalk in Germinal-Center-Derived B-Cell Lymphomas: Unveiling New Vulnerabilities for Rational Combination Therapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:805195. [PMID: 35071240 PMCID: PMC8777078 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.805195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs) are highly heterogenous by genetic, phenotypic, and clinical appearance. Next-generation sequencing technologies and multi-dimensional data analyses have further refined the way these diseases can be more precisely classified by specific genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic characteristics. The molecular and genetic heterogeneity of B-NHLs may contribute to the poor outcome of some of these diseases, suggesting that more personalized precision-medicine approaches are needed for improved therapeutic efficacy. The germinal center (GC) B-cell like diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (GCB-DLBCLs) and follicular lymphomas (FLs) share specific epigenetic programs. These diseases often remain difficult to treat and surprisingly do not respond advanced immunotherapies, despite arising in secondary lymphoid organs at sites of antigen recognition. Epigenetic dysregulation is a hallmark of GCB-DLBCLs and FLs, with gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the histone methyltransferase EZH2, loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in histone acetyl transferases CREBBP and EP300, and the histone methyltransferase KMT2D representing the most prevalent genetic lesions driving these diseases. These mutations have the common effect to disrupt the interactions between lymphoma cells and the immune microenvironment, via decreased antigen presentation and responsiveness to IFN-γ and CD40 signaling pathways. This indicates that immune evasion is a key step in GC B-cell lymphomagenesis. EZH2 inhibitors are now approved for the treatment of FL and selective HDAC3 inhibitors counteracting the effects of CREBBP LOF mutations are under development. These treatments can help restore the immune control of GCB lymphomas, and may represent optimal candidate agents for more effective combination with immunotherapies. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the impact of mutant chromatin modifiers on immune evasion in GCB lymphomas. We provide new insights on how the epigenetic program of these diseases may be regulated at the level of metabolism, discussing the role of metabolic intermediates as cofactors of epigenetic enzymes. In addition, lymphoma metabolic adaptation can negatively influence the immune microenvironment, further contributing to the development of immune cold tumors, poorly infiltrated by effector immune cells. Based on these findings, we discuss relevant candidate epigenetic/metabolic/immune targets for rational combination therapies to investigate as more effective precision-medicine approaches for GCB lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Serganova
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samuel Yamshon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yusuke Isshiki
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ryan Bucktrout
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ari Melnick
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wendy Béguelin
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roberta Zappasodi
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, United States.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, United States
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25
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Ciotti G, Marconi G, Martinelli G. Hypomethylating Agent-Based Combination Therapies to Treat Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 11:810387. [PMID: 35071015 PMCID: PMC8770807 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.810387] [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] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation still represents the best curative option for most patients with acute myeloid leukemia, but relapse is still dramatically high. Due to their immunologic activity and safety profile, hypomethylating agents (HMAs) represent an interesting backbone for combination therapies. This review reports mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy data on combination strategies based on HMAs in the setting of post-allogeneic stem cell transplant relapse. Several studies highlighted how HMAs and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) combination may be advantageous. The combination strategy of HMA with venetoclax, possibly in association with DLI, is showing excellent results in terms of response rate, including molecular responses. Lenalidomide, despite its well-known high rates of severe graft-versus-host disease in post-transplant settings, is showing an acceptable safety profile in association with HMAs with a competitive response rate. Regarding FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutant AML, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and particularly sorafenib have promising results as monotherapy and in combination with HMAs. Conversely, combination strategies with gemtuzumab ozogamicin or immune checkpoint inhibitors did not show competitive response rates and seem to be currently less attractive strategies. Associations with histone deacetylase inhibitors and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) inhibitors represent new possible strategies that need to be better investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ciotti
- Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e di Precisione, Università La Sapienza, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marconi
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
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26
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Yu J, Sun H, Cao W, Song Y, Jiang Z. Research progress on dendritic cell vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35074008 PMCID: PMC8784280 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines induce specific immune responses that can selectively eliminate target cells. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to explore DC vaccination in the treatment of hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as other nonleukemia malignancies. There are at least two different strategies that use DCs to promote antitumor immunity: in situ vaccination and canonical vaccination. Monocyte-derived DCs (mo-DCs) and leukemia-derived DCs (DCleu) are the main types of DCs used in vaccines for AML and MDS thus far. Different cancer-related molecules such as peptides, recombinant proteins, apoptotic leukemic cells, whole tumor cells or lysates and DCs/DCleu containing a vaster antigenic repertoire with RNA electroporation, have been used as antigen sources to load DCs. To enhance DC vaccine efficacy, new strategies, such as combination with conventional chemotherapy, monospecific/bispecific antibodies and immune checkpoint-targeting therapies, have been explored. After a decade of trials and tribulations, much progress has been made and much promise has emerged in the field. In this review we summarize the recent advances in DC vaccine immunotherapy for AML/MDS as well as other nonleukemia malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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27
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Holtzman NG, Lebowitz MS, Koka R, Baer MR, Malhotra K, Shahlaee A, Ghanbari HA, Bentzen SM, Emadi A. Aspartate β-Hydroxylase (ASPH) Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2022; 11:783744. [PMID: 35004304 PMCID: PMC8727599 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.783744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is an embryonic transmembrane protein aberrantly upregulated in cancer cells, associated with malignant transformation and, in some reports, with poor clinical prognosis. Objective To report the expression patterns of ASPH in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods Cell surface expression of ASPH was measured via 8-color multiparameter flow cytometry in 41 AML patient samples (31 bone marrow, 10 blood) using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated anti-ASPH antibody, SNS-622. A mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of 10 was used as a cutoff for ASPH surface expression positivity. Data regarding patient and disease characteristics were collected. Results ASPH surface expression was found on AML blasts in 16 samples (39%). Higher ASPH expression was seen in myeloblasts of African American patients (p=0.02), but no correlation was found between ASPH expression and other patient or disease characteristics. No association was found between ASPH status and CR rate (p=0.53), EFS (p=0.87), or OS (p=0.17). Conclusions ASPH is expressed on blasts in approximately 40% of AML cases, and may serve as a new therapeutically targetable leukemia-associated antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa G Holtzman
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Rima Koka
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maria R Baer
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kanam Malhotra
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Amir Shahlaee
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | | | - Søren M Bentzen
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ashkan Emadi
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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28
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Raskin S, Van Pelt S, Toner K, Balakrishnan PB, Dave H, Bollard CM, Yvon E. Novel TCR-like CAR-T cells targeting an HLA∗0201-restricted SSX2 epitope display strong activity against acute myeloid leukemia. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:296-306. [PMID: 34729377 PMCID: PMC8526777 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2 (SSX2) belongs to a multigene family of cancer-testis antigens and can be found overexpressed in multiple malignancies. Its restricted expression in immune-privileged normal tissues suggest that SSX2 may be a relevant target antigen for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. We have developed a T cell receptor (TCR)-like antibody (Fab/3) that binds SSX2 peptide 41-49 (KASEKIFYV) in the context of HLA-A∗-0201. The sequence of Fab/3 was utilized to engineer a CAR with the CD3 zeta intra-cellular domain along with either a CD28 or 4-1BB costimulatory endodomain. Human T cells from HLA-A2+ donors were transduced to mediate anti-tumor activity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumor cells. Upon challenge with HLA-A2+/SSX2+ AML tumor cells, CAR-expressing T cells released interferon-γ and eliminated the tumor cells in a long-term co-culture assay. Using the HLA-A2+ T2 cell line, we demonstrated a strong specificity of the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) for SSX2 p41-49 and the closely related SSX3 p41-49, with no response against the others SSX-homologous peptides or unrelated homologous peptides. Since SSX3 has not been observed in tumor cells and expression cannot be induced by pharmacological intervention, SSX241-49 represents an attractive target for CAR-based cellular therapy to treat multiple types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Raskin
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Stacey Van Pelt
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Keri Toner
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | | | - Hema Dave
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Eric Yvon
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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29
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Linder K, Lulla P. Myelodysplastic syndrome and immunotherapy novel to next in-line treatments. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:2602-2616. [PMID: 33941042 PMCID: PMC8475606 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1898307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have few therapy options for sustainable responses in the frontline setting, and even less after hypomethylating agent (HMA) failure in relapsed and refractory setting. The only potential cure is an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant which is an unrealistic option for the majority of MDS patients. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibition, CAR-T cells, and vaccine therapy few have shown promise in a variety cancer and have now been tested in patients with MDS. Most trials have focused on AML patients and included small numbers of MDS patients. Until now, a dedicated review of immunotherapy outcomes in MDS patients has been lacking. Thus, herein we review outcomes of MDS patients after immunotherapies on a variety of clinical trials reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Linder
- Baylor College of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Premal Lulla
- Baylor College of Medicine, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Hematology-Oncology, Houston, TX, USA
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30
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Holmberg-Thydén S, Dufva IH, Gang AO, Breinholt MF, Schejbel L, Andersen MK, Kadivar M, Svane IM, Grønbæk K, Hadrup SR, El Fassi D. Epigenetic therapy in combination with a multi-epitope cancer vaccine targeting shared tumor antigens for high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome - a phase I clinical trial. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:433-444. [PMID: 34218294 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard care for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine (AZA), which can induce expression of methylated tumor-associated antigens and therefore potentiate immunotherapeutic targeting. METHOD In this phase 1 trial, we combined AZA with a therapeutic peptide vaccine targeting antigens encoded from NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A3, PRAME, and WT-1, which have previously been demonstrated to be upregulated by AZA treatment. RESULT Five patients who had responded to AZA monotherapy were included in the study and treated with the vaccine. The combination therapy showed only few adverse events during the study period, whereof none classified as serious. However, no specific immune responses could be detected using intracellular cytokine staining or ELISpot assays. Minor changes in the phenotypic composition of immune cells and their expression of stimulatory and inhibitory markers were detected. All patients progressed to AML with a mean time to progression from inclusion (TTP) of 5.2 months (range 2.8 to 7.6). Mean survival was 18.1 months (range 10.9 to 30.6) from MDS diagnosis and 11.3 months (range 4.3 to 22.2) from inclusion. Sequencing of bone marrow showed clonal expansion of malignant cells, as well as appearance of novel mutations. CONCLUSION The patients progressed to AML with an average time of only five months after initiating the combination therapy. This may be unrelated to the experimental treatment, but the trial was terminated early as there was no sign of clinical benefit or immunological response. Why the manuscript is especially interesting This study is the first to exploit the potential synergistic effects of combining a multi-peptide cancer vaccine with epigenetic therapy in MDS. Although our results are negative, they emphasize challenges to induce immune reactivity in patients with high-risk MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staffan Holmberg-Thydén
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Experimental & Translational Immunology (XTI), Health Technology, T-Cells and Cancer, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Inge Høgh Dufva
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Anne Ortved Gang
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lone Schejbel
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Mohammad Kadivar
- Experimental & Translational Immunology (XTI), Health Technology, T-Cells and Cancer, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Grønbæk
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, BRIC, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Experimental & Translational Immunology (XTI), Health Technology, T-Cells and Cancer, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Daniel El Fassi
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Yoshimoto G, Mori Y, Kato K, Odawara J, Kuriyama T, Ueno T, Obara T, Yurino A, Yoshida S, Ogawa R, Ohno Y, Iwasaki H, Eto T, Akashi K, Miyamoto T. Azacitidine for the treatment of patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:2939-2948. [PMID: 34159882 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1941937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients with AML who received azacitidine (AZA) to treat disease relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Patients with objective response (OR) (n = 20) after AZA had significantly higher 2-year overall survival (OS) (45.0% vs 5.6%; p = 0.004) than progressive disease. The 2-year OS was significantly higher in the retransplant group (n = 23) than in the nonretransplant group (n = 15) (34.8% vs 13.3%; p = 0.034). We analyzed 167 patients who underwent the second allo-HSCT to clarify the impact of pretransplant AZA after the second allo-HSCT. Patients in the AZA group (n = 21) had significantly higher 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) (32.7% vs 14.5%; p = 0.012) and OS (38.1% vs 17.5%; p = 0.044) than those in the SOC group (n = 146). Our data demonstrate that AZA is an effective and well-tolerated bridging therapy to the second allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goichi Yoshimoto
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Mori
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Kato
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Odawara
- Department of Hematology, National Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takuro Kuriyama
- Department of Hematology, Hamanomachi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ueno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Teppei Obara
- Department of Hematology, Japan Community Health Care Organization Kyushu Hospital, KitaKyushu, Japan
| | - Ayano Yurino
- Department of Hematology, Harasanshin Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuro Yoshida
- Department of Hematology, Hamanomachi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ogawa
- Department of Hematology, Japan Community Health Care Organization Kyushu Hospital, KitaKyushu, Japan
| | - Yuju Ohno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hiromi Iwasaki
- Department of Hematology, National Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Eto
- Department of Hematology, Hamanomachi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koichi Akashi
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Miyamoto
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
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32
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Wu M, Wang S, Chen JY, Zhou LJ, Guo ZW, Li YH. Therapeutic cancer vaccine therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:863-877. [PMID: 33955237 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antitumor function of the immune system has been harnessed to eradicate tumor cells as cancer therapy. Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to help immune cells recognize tumor cells, which are difficult to target owing to immune escape. Many attempts at vaccine designs have been conducted throughout the last decades. In addition, as the advanced understanding of immunosuppressive mechanisms mediated by tumor cells, combining cancer vaccines with other immune therapies seems to be more efficient for cancer treatment. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults with poor prognosis. Evidence has shown T-cell-mediated immune responses in AML, which encourages the utility of immune therapies in AML. This review discusses cancer vaccines in AML from vaccine design as well as recent progress in vaccination combination with other immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China.,Department of Hematology, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Jian-Yu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Zi-Wen Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yu-Hua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
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33
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Stomper J, Meier R, Ma T, Pfeifer D, Ihorst G, Blagitko-Dorfs N, Greve G, Zimmer D, Platzbecker U, Hagemeijer A, Schmitt-Graeff I, Lübbert M. Integrative study of EZH2 mutational status, copy number, protein expression and H3K27 trimethylation in AML/MDS patients. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:77. [PMID: 33845873 PMCID: PMC8043064 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in the EZH2 gene are recurrently found in patients with myeloid neoplasms and are associated with a poor prognosis. We aimed to characterize genetic and epigenetic alterations of EZH2 in 58 patients (51 with acute myeloid leukemia and 7 with myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative neoplasms) by integrating data on EZH2 mutational status, co-occurring mutations, and EZH2 copy number status with EZH2 protein expression, histone H3K27 trimethylation, and EZH2 promoter methylation. Results EZH2 was mutated in 6/51 acute myeloid leukemia patients (12%) and 7/7 patients with other myeloid neoplasms. EZH2 mutations were not overrepresented in patients with chromosome 7q deletions or losses. In acute myeloid leukemia patients, EZH2 mutations frequently co-occurred with CEBPA (67%), ASXL1 (50%), TET2 and RAD21 mutations (33% each). In EZH2-mutated patients with myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative neoplasms, the most common co-mutations were in ASXL1 (100%), NRAS, RUNX1, and STAG2 (29% each). EZH2 mutations were associated with a significant decrease in EZH2 expression (p = 0.0002), which was similar in patients with chromosome 7 aberrations and patients with intact chromosome 7. An association between EZH2 protein expression and H3K27 trimethylation was observed in EZH2-unmutated patients (R2 = 0.2, p = 0.01). The monoallelic state of EZH2 was not associated with EZH2 promoter hypermethylation. In multivariable analyses, EZH2 mutations were associated with a trend towards an increased risk of death (hazard ratio 2.51 [95% confidence interval 0.87–7.25], p = 0.09); similarly, low EZH2 expression was associated with elevated risk (hazard ratio 2.54 [95% confidence interval 1.07–6.04], p = 0.04). Conclusions Perturbations of EZH2 activity in AML/MDS occur on different, genetic and non-genetic levels. Both low EZH2 protein expression and, by trend, EZH2 gene mutations predicted inferior overall survival of AML patients receiving standard chemotherapy. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01052-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stomper
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ruth Meier
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Ma
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Ihorst
- Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadja Blagitko-Dorfs
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Greve
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Zimmer
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Medical Department-Hematology and Cell Therapy, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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34
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Cruijsen M, Hilberink JR, van der Velden WJFM, Jansen JH, Bär B, Schaap NPM, de Haan A, Mulder AB, de Groot MR, Baron F, Vellenga E, Blijlevens NNM, Huls G. Low relapse risk in poor risk AML after conditioning with 10-day decitabine, fludarabine and 2 Gray TBI prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2021; 56:1964-1970. [PMID: 33824442 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-021-01272-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Patients with poor risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a dismal outcome. We hypothesized that combining decitabine with a standard non-myeloablative (NMA) conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo HCT), might decrease the relapse incidence. We conducted a multicenter prospective phase II study (NCT02252107) with 10-day decitabine (20 mg/m2/day) integrated in a standard non-myeloablative conditioning regimen (3 days fludarabine 30 mg/m2 with 2 Gray total body irradiation (TBI)). Patients with AML ≥ 18 years in 1st (in)complete remission (CR/CRi) with a poor or very poor risk profile, as defined by the HOVON-132 protocol, were eligible. Results: Forty-six patients (median age 60; range 23-74) were included. Median follow up time was 44 months (range 31-65 months). The cumulative 1-year incidence of relapse and NRM were respectively 23% and 11%. Incidence of grade III-IV acute graft-vs-host-disease (GVHD) and severe chronic GVHD were 13% and 20%, respectively. One-year OS was 70%. Application of ELN 2017 risk classification to the study cohort revealed a cumulative one-year relapse rate of respectively 31% and 13% for the adverse and intermediate risk patients. To conclude, the 10-day DEC/FLU/TBI conditioning regimen prior to allo HCT in poor risk AML patients is effective and feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Cruijsen
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
| | - Jacobien R Hilberink
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joop H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Brigitte Bär
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas P M Schaap
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anton de Haan
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - André B Mulder
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marco R de Groot
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Baron
- Department of Hematology, CHU and University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Edo Vellenga
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole N M Blijlevens
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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35
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Zhong C, Li Y, Yang J, Jin S, Chen G, Li D, Fan X, Lin H. Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Limits and Prospects. Front Oncol 2021; 11:589680. [PMID: 33854960 PMCID: PMC8039369 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.589680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many approaches have been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the clinical benefits remain limited, particularly for late stage HCC. In recent years, studies have focused on immunotherapy for HCC. Immunotherapies have shown promising clinical outcomes in several types of cancers and potential therapeutic effects for advanced HCC. In this review, we summarize the immune tolerance and immunotherapeutic strategies for HCC as well as the main challenges of current therapeutic approaches. We also present alternative strategies for overcoming these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yirun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengxi Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoqiao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Duguang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentations, Centre for Optical and Electromagnetic Research, College of Optical Science and Engineering, International Research Center for Advanced Photonics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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36
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Hilberink JR, Morsink LM, van der Velden WJ, Mulder AB, Hazenberg CL, de Groot M, Choi G, Schuringa JJ, Meijer K, Blijlevens NM, Ammatuna E, Huls G. Pretransplantation MRD in Older Patients With AML After Treatment With Decitabine or Conventional Chemotherapy. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:246-252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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37
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Wong KK, Hassan R, Yaacob NS. Hypomethylating Agents and Immunotherapy: Therapeutic Synergism in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Front Oncol 2021; 11:624742. [PMID: 33718188 PMCID: PMC7947882 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.624742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Decitabine and guadecitabine are hypomethylating agents (HMAs) that exert inhibitory effects against cancer cells. This includes stimulation of anti-tumor immunity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. Treatment of AML and MDS patients with the HMAs confers upregulation of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) expression including the highly immunogenic CTA NY-ESO-1. This leads to activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for elimination of cancer cells, and it establishes the feasibility to combine cancer vaccine with HMAs to enhance vaccine immunogenicity. Moreover, decitabine and guadecitabine induce the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in AML cells. In this review, the accumulating knowledge on the immunopotentiating properties of decitabine and guadecitabine in AML and MDS patients are presented and discussed. In summary, combination of decitabine or guadecitabine with NY-ESO-1 vaccine enhances vaccine immunogenicity in AML patients. T cells from AML patients stimulated with dendritic cell (DC)/AML fusion vaccine and guadecitabine display increased capacity to lyse AML cells. Moreover, decitabine enhances NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity or CD123-specific chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells antileukemic activities against AML. Furthermore, combination of either HMAs with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy may circumvent their resistance. Finally, clinical trials of either HMAs combined with cancer vaccines, NK cell infusion or ICB therapy in relapsed/refractory AML and high-risk MDS patients are currently underway, highlighting the promising efficacy of HMAs and immunotherapy synergy against these malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Keng Wong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rosline Hassan
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nik Soriani Yaacob
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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38
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Cui J, Wang L, Zhong W, Chen Z, Chen J, Yang H, Liu G. Development and Validation of Epigenetic Signature Predict Survival for Patients with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:247-264. [PMID: 33481663 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishing epigenetic signature to improve the accuracy of survival prediction and optimize therapeutic strategies for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) by a genome-wide integrated analysis of methylation and the transcriptome. LSCC DNA methylation datasets and RNA sequencing datasets were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). MethylMix was applied to detect DNA methylation-driven genes (MDGs), which developed an epigenetic signature. The predictive accuracy and clinical value of the epigenetic signature were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic and decision curve analysis, and compared with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage system. In addition, prognostic value of the epigenetic signature was validated by external Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. According to five MDGs of epigenetic signature, the candidate small molecules for LSCC were screen out by the CMap database. A total of 88 DNA MDGs were identified, five of which (MAGEB2, SUSD1, ZNF382, ZNF418, and ZNF732) were chosen to construct an epigenetic signature. The epigenetic signature can effectively divide patients into high-risk and low-risk group, with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.8 (5-year overall survival [OS]) and AUC of 0.745 (3-year OS). Stratification analysis affirmed that the epigenetic signature was still a significant statistical prognostic model in subsets of patients with different clinical variables. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the efficacy of epigenetic signature appears independent of other clinicopathological characteristics. In terms of predictive capacity and clinical usefulness, the epigenetic signature was superior to traditional TNM stage. In addition, the epigenetic signature was confirmed in external LSCC cohorts from GEO. Finally, CMap matched the 10 most significant small molecules as promising therapeutic drugs to reverse the LSCC gene expression. An epigenetic signature, with five DNA MDGs, was identified and validated in LSCC patients by integrating multidimensional genomic data, which may offer novel research directions and prospects for individualized treatment of patients with LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cui
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, PR China
| | - Waisheng Zhong
- Department of Head Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Head Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Genglong Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
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Appelbaum FR. Hypomethylating agents as maintenance therapy following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for myeloid malignancies. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2021; 34:101241. [PMID: 33762112 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2021.101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
With improved safety of the procedure, disease recurrence is now the leading cause of treatment failure when allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recent studies suggest that maintenance therapy with hypomethylating agents after standard induction and consolidation chemotherapy prolongs disease-free and possibly overall survival in older patients with AML. While these results argue that hypomethylating agents should likewise prolong remission duration if used as maintenance after allogeneic transplantation for AML, trials to date have failed to show a benefit. This failure may be due, in part, to difficulties in administering the drugs in this setting, and in part, because of an inability to identify those patients most likely to benefit. Realizing the full potential of hypomethylating agents in the management of patients with AML will likely require both improved drug formulations as well as an increased understanding of their mechanism of action in the complex post-allogeneic transplant environment.
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40
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How I treat measurable (minimal) residual disease in acute leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood 2020; 135:1639-1649. [PMID: 31961921 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is currently the standard curative treatment of acute leukemia, relapse remains unacceptably high. Measurable (minimal) residual disease (MRD) after allo-HCT may be used as a predictor of impending relapse and should be part of routine follow-up for transplanted patients. Patients with MRD may respond to therapies aiming to unleash or enhance the graft-versus-leukemia effect. However, evidence-based recommendations on how to best implement MRD testing and MRD-directed therapy after allo-HCT are lacking. Here, I describe our institutional approach to MRD monitoring for preemptive MRD-triggered intervention, using patient scenarios to illustrate the discussion.
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Oleksiewicz U, Machnik M. Causes, effects, and clinical implications of perturbed patterns within the cancer epigenome. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:15-35. [PMID: 33359485 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Somatic mutations accumulating over a patient's lifetime are well-defined causative factors that fuel carcinogenesis. It is now clear, however, that epigenomic signature is also largely perturbed in many malignancies. These alterations support the transcriptional program crucial for the acquisition and maintenance of cancer hallmarks. Epigenetic instability may arise due to the genetic mutations or transcriptional deregulation of the proteins implicated in epigenetic signaling. Moreover, external stimulation and physiological aging may also participate in this phenomenon. The epigenomic signature is frequently associated with a cell of origin, as well as with tumor stage and differentiation, which all reflect its high heterogeneity across and within various tumors. Here, we will overview the current understanding of the causes and effects of the altered and heterogeneous epigenomic landscape in cancer. We will focus mainly on DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications as the key regulatory epigenetic signaling marks. In addition, we will describe how this knowledge is translated into the clinic. We will particularly concentrate on the applicability of epigenetic alterations as biomarkers for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction. Finally, we will also review current developments regarding epi-drug usage in clinical and experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Oleksiewicz
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Marta Machnik
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
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Chebly A, Chouery E, Ropio J, Kourie HR, Beylot-Barry M, Merlio JP, Tomb R, Chevret E. Diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas in the era of epigenetics. Blood Rev 2020; 48:100782. [PMID: 33229141 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of cancers characterized by clonal lymphoproliferation. Over the past decades, frequent epigenetic dysregulations have been identified in hematologic malignancies including lymphomas. Many of these impairments occur in genes with established roles and well-known functions in the regulation and maintenance of the epigenome. In hematopoietic cells, these dysfunctions can result in abnormal DNA methylation, erroneous chromatin state and/or altered miRNA expression, affecting many different cellular functions. Nowadays, it is evident that epigenetic dysregulations in lymphoid neoplasms are mainly caused by genetic alterations in genes encoding for enzymes responsible for histone or chromatin modifications. We summarize herein the recent epigenetic modifiers findings in lymphomas. We focus also on the most commonly mutated epigenetic regulators and emphasize on actual epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Chebly
- Bordeaux University, INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology (BaRITOn), Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Genetics Unit (UGM), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Eliane Chouery
- Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Genetics Unit (UGM), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joana Ropio
- Bordeaux University, INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology (BaRITOn), Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Porto University, Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar, 4050-313 Porto, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (Ipatimup), Cancer Biology group, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hampig Raphael Kourie
- Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Genetics Unit (UGM), Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Hematology-Oncology Department, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marie Beylot-Barry
- Bordeaux University, INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology (BaRITOn), Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux University Hospital Center, Dermatology Department, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Merlio
- Bordeaux University, INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology (BaRITOn), Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux University Hospital Center, Tumor Bank and Tumor Biology Laboratory, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Roland Tomb
- Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Genetics Unit (UGM), Beirut, Lebanon; Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine, Dermatology Department, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Edith Chevret
- Bordeaux University, INSERM U1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology (BaRITOn), Cutaneous Lymphoma Oncogenesis Team, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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Bewersdorf JP, Carraway H, Prebet T. Emerging treatment options for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Ther Adv Hematol 2020; 11:2040620720955006. [PMID: 33240476 PMCID: PMC7675905 DOI: 10.1177/2040620720955006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders
characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with peripheral blood cytopenias,
dysplastic cell morphology, and a variable risk of progression to acute myeloid
leukemia (AML). The hypomethylating agents (HMA) azacitidine and decitabine have
been used for over a decade in MDS treatment and lead to a modest survival
benefit. However, response rates are only around 40% and responses are mostly
transient. For HMA-refractory patients the prognosis is poor and there are no
therapies approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Combinations of HMAs, especially along with immune checkpoint inhibitors, have
shown promising signals in both the frontline and HMA-refractory setting.
Several other novel agents including orally available and longer acting HMAs,
the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, oral agents targeting driver mutations
(IDH1/2, FLT3), immunotherapies, and new options for
intensive chemotherapy have been studied with variable success and will be
reviewed herein. Except for the minority of patients with targetable driver
mutations, HMAs – likely as part of combination therapies – will remain the
backbone of frontline MDS treatment. However, the wider use of genetic testing
may enable a more targeted and individualized therapy of MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hetty Carraway
- Leukemia Program, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Thomas Prebet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, 37 College Street, Room 101, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Hurtado López AM, Chen-Liang TH, Zurdo M, Carrillo-Tornel S, Panadero J, Salido EJ, Beltrán V, Muiña B, Amigo M, Navarro-Villamor N, Cifuentes R, Calabria I, Antón AI, Teruel R, Muro M, Vicente V, Jerez A. Cancer testis antigens in myelodysplastic syndromes revisited: a targeted RNA-seq approach. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1824642. [PMID: 33101773 PMCID: PMC7553508 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1824642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-Testis antigens (CTA) are named after the tissues where they are mainly expressed: in germinal and in cancer cells, a process that mimics many gametogenesis features. Mapping accurately the CTA gene expression signature in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a prerequisite for downstream immune target-discovery projects. In this study, we take advantage of the use of azacitidine to treat high-risk MDS and CMML to draw the CTAs landscape, before and after treatment, using an ad hoc targeted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) design for this group of low transcript genes. In 19 patients, 196 CTAs were detected at baseline. Azacitidine did not change the number of CTAs expressed, but it significantly increased or decreased expression in nine and five CTAs, respectively. TFDP3 and DDX53, emerged as the main candidates for immunotherapeutic targeting, as they showed three main features: i) a significant derepression on day +28 of cycle one in those patients who achieved complete remission with hypomethylating treatment (FC = 6, p = .008; FC = 2.1, p = .008, respectively), ii) similar dynamics at the protein level to what was observed at the RNA layer, and iii) to elicit significant specific cytotoxic immune responses detected by TFDP3 and DDX53 HLA-A*0201 tetramers. Our study addresses the unmet landscape of CTAs expression in MDS and CMML and revealed a previously unrecognized TFDP3 and DDX53 reactivation, detectable in plasma and able to elicit a specific immune response after one cycle of azacitidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Hurtado López
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Tzu Hua Chen-Liang
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Zurdo
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Salvador Carrillo-Tornel
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo José Salido
- Department of Hematology, Virgen De La Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Begoña Muiña
- Hematology Unit, Hospital Rafael Méndez, Lorca, Spain
| | - MariLuz Amigo
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Cifuentes
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inés Calabria
- Genomics Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Raúl Teruel
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen De La Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vicente Vicente
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Andrés Jerez
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain.,CB15/00055-CIBERER, Murcia, Spain
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Wang P, Zhao H, Ren F, Zhao Q, Shi R, Liu X, Liu J, Li Y, Li Y, Liu H, Chen J. [Research Progress of Epigenetics in Pathogenesis and Treatment of Malignant Tumors]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2020; 23:91-100. [PMID: 32093453 PMCID: PMC7049791 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2020.02.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
表观遗传学修饰与肿瘤的发生发展密切相关,其主要通过DNA甲基化、组蛋白修饰、非编码RNA调控和染色质结构重构等方式对基因功能和表达水平进行调控,从而影响肿瘤的进展。目前针对表观遗传学的药物已经逐渐应用于恶性肿瘤的治疗,常见的药物类型包括DNA甲基转移酶抑制剂和组蛋白去乙酰化酶抑制剂,但此类药物仍存在诸多不足之处广泛的临床应用仍需要进一步的研究,令人鼓舞的是表观遗传药物与多种抗肿瘤药物联合应用已表现出巨大的应用潜力。本文就表观遗传学在恶性肿瘤的发生发展机制和相关药物的新进展进行了综述。
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Honglin Zhao
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Fan Ren
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Ruifeng Shi
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jinghao Liu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yongwen Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin 300052, China
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46
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Targeting the epigenetic regulation of antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:776-800. [PMID: 32929243 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programmes that promote cancer onset and progression. Although defective gene regulation often affects oncogenic and tumour-suppressor networks, tumour immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumour responses may also be affected by epigenomic alterations. This could have important implications for the development and application of both epigenetic therapies and cancer immunotherapies, and combinations thereof. Here, we review the role of key aberrant epigenetic processes - DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones - in tumour immunogenicity, as well as the effects of epigenetic modulation on antitumour immune cell function. We emphasize opportunities for small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators to enhance antitumour immune responses, and discuss the challenges of exploiting the complex interplay between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop treatment regimens combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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47
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Kwon YR, Kim HJ, Sohn MJ, Lim JY, Park KS, Lee S, Chung NG, Jeong DC, Min CK, Kim YJ. Effects of decitabine on allogeneic immune reactions of donor lymphocyte infusion via activation of dendritic cells. Exp Hematol Oncol 2020; 9:22. [PMID: 32908796 PMCID: PMC7470611 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-020-00178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Successful prevention of post-transplantation relapse after donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) depends on its capability to mediate an effective graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) response while minimizing DLI-related toxicity, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Methods We assessed the effects of decitabine (DEC), a hypomethylating agent, upon allogeneic immune reaction in a murine model of DLI. Results Significantly greater tumor growth retardation and survival prolongation occurred in mice administered with 1.0 mg/kg DEC for 5 days (DEC-1.0) than in control or DEC-0.1 mice. Upon prompt DEC and DLI co-administration, dendritic cells (DCs) were activated; DEC-1.0/DLI induced severe GVHD, and survival was significantly lower than with DLI alone or DEC-0.1/DLI treatments. IFN-γ and CD28 levels were higher in splenic DCs of DEC-1.0 mice than in those of control mice. Assessment of delayed DLI co-administration with DEC, when IFN-γ levels were normalized to control levels, revealed that DEC-1.0/DLI successfully facilitated tumor management without causing severe GVHD. Conclusions Our results suggest that DEC primes allogeneic immune reactions of DLI via DC activation, and GVHD and GVL effects are separable through optimal DLI timing based on DEC-induced increase in IFN-γ expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Rim Kwon
- Laboratory of Hematological Disease and Immunology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Joung Kim
- Laboratory of Hematological Disease and Immunology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jung Sohn
- Laboratory of Hematological Disease and Immunology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Lim
- Laboratory of Hematological Disease and Immunology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Shin Park
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Lee
- Laboratory of Hematological Disease and Immunology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Leukemia Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Seoul St. Mary's Hematology Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591 Republic of Korea
| | - Nack-Gyun Chung
- Leukemia Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Seoul St. Mary's Hematology Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591 Republic of Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Chul Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ki Min
- Laboratory of Hematological Disease and Immunology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Leukemia Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Seoul St. Mary's Hematology Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591 Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Hematological Disease and Immunology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Leukemia Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Seoul St. Mary's Hematology Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591 Republic of Korea
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48
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Baek DW, Kim J, Cho HJ, Moon JH, Sohn SK. Hypomethylating agent-based post-transplant strategies to maximize the outcome of high-risk acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Expert Rev Hematol 2020; 13:959-969. [PMID: 32731765 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1804355] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are poor, and relapse or refractoriness is main cause of treatment failure, even in those who underwent standard allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Therefore, innovative or additional approaches are necessary to overcome refractoriness to the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect immediately after allo-SCT. AREAS COVERED Hypomethylating agents (HMA) present a feasible option that can be adopted during the post-transplant phase. Moreover, combination strategies based on HMA may induce a synergistic effect by promoting anti-leukemic effects that overcome residual leukemic burden, and it is a well-tolerated therapeutic option for high-risk disease. Relevant literatures published in the last 30 years were searched from PubMed to review the topic of AML, allo-SCT, and HMAs. EXPERT OPINION Post-transplant therapy is strongly needed to improve the outcomes of allogeneic transplantation for certain AML patients classified with high-risk disease. In that sense, prophylactic and preemptive HMAs are a promising additive therapy for allogeneic recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Won Baek
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, South Korea
| | - Juhyung Kim
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Cho
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, South Korea
| | - Joon Ho Moon
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sang Kyun Sohn
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, South Korea
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49
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Ball B, Stein EM. Which are the most promising targets for minimal residual disease-directed therapy in acute myeloid leukemia prior to allogeneic stem cell transplant? Haematologica 2020; 104:1521-1531. [PMID: 31366466 PMCID: PMC6669154 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.208587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal residual disease has emerged as an important prognostic factor for relapse and survival in acute myeloid leukemia. Eradication of minimal residual disease may increase the number of patients with long-term survival; however, to date, strategies that specifically target minimal residual disease are limited. Consensus guidelines on minimal residual disease detection by immunophenotypic and molecular methods are an essential initial step for clinical trials evaluating minimal residual disease. Here, we review promising targets of minimal residual disease prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Specifically, the focus of this review is on the rationale and clinical development of therapies targeting: oncogenic driver mutations, apoptosis, methylation, and leukemic immune targets. We review the progress made in the clinical development of therapies against each target and the challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Ball
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eytan M Stein
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
Myeloproliferative diseases, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), are driven by genetic abnormalities and increased inflammatory signaling and are at high risk to transform into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells were reported to enhance leukemia immune escape by suppressing an effective anti-tumor immune response. MPNs are a potentially immunogenic disease as shown by their response to interferon-α treatment and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Novel immunotherapeutic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibition, tumor vaccination, or cellular therapies using target-specific lymphocytes have so far not shown strong therapeutic efficacy. Potential reasons could be the pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment in the bone marrow of patients with MPN, driving tumor immune escape. In this review, we discuss the biology of MPNs with respect to the pro-inflammatory milieu in the bone marrow (BM) and potential immunotherapeutic approaches.
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