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Gitto SB, Ihewulezi CJN, Powell DJ. Adoptive T cell therapy for ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 186:77-84. [PMID: 38603955 PMCID: PMC11216867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.04.001] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Although ovarian cancer patients typically respond to standard of care therapies, including chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibitors, the majority of tumors recur highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Ovarian cancer is an immunogenic cancer in which the accumulation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), particularly T cells, is associated with better patient outcome. Thus, harnessing the immune system through passive administration of T cells, a process called adoptive cell therapy (ACT), is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of ovarian cancer. There are multiple routes by which tumor-specific T cell products can be generated. Dendritic cell cancer vaccines can be administered to the patients to induce or bolster T cell responses against tumor antigens or be utilized ex vivo to prime T cells against tumor antigens; these T cells can then be prepared for infusion. ACT protocols can also utilize naturally-occurring tumor-reactive T cells isolated from a patient tumor, known as TILs, as these cells often are heterogeneous in composition and antigen specificity with patient-specific cancer recognition. Alternatively, T cells may be sourced from the peripheral blood, including those that are genetically modified to express a tumor antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to redirect their specificity and promote their activity against tumor cells expressing the target tumor antigen. Here, we review current ACT strategies for ovarian cancer and provide insights into advancing ACT therapy strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Gitto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chibuike J N Ihewulezi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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2
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Satora M, Kułak K, Zaremba B, Grunwald A, Świechowska-Starek P, Tarkowski R. New hopes and promises in the treatment of ovarian cancer focusing on targeted treatment-a narrative review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1416555. [PMID: 38948462 PMCID: PMC11212463 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1416555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is still diagnosed most often only in an advanced stage and is also the most lethal gynecological cancer. Another problem is the fact that treated patients have a high risk of disease recurrence. Moreover, ovarian cancer is very diverse in terms of molecular, histological features and mutations. Many patients may also develop platinum resistance, resulting in poor response to subsequent lines of treatment. To improve the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer, it is expected to make better existing and implement new, promising treatment methods. Targeted therapies seem very promising. Currently, bevacizumab - a VEGF inhibitor and therapy with olaparib - a polyADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor are approved. Other methods worth considering in the future include: folate receptor α, immune checkpoints or other immunotherapy methods. To improve the treatment of ovarian cancer, it is also important to ameliorate the determination of molecular features to describe and understand which group of patients will benefit most from a given treatment method. This is important because a larger group of patients treated for ovarian cancer can have a greater chance of surviving longer without recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Satora
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Students’ Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kułak
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Zaremba
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Students’ Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Grunwald
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Students’ Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Rafał Tarkowski
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Teodoro Da Silva L, Tiaki Tiyo B, de Jesus Mota S, Mazzilli Ortega M, Justamante Handel Schmitz G, Nosomi Taniwaki N, Mitsue Namiyama Nishina G, José da Silva Duarte A, Miyuki Oshiro T. Effects of Injectable Solutions on the Quality of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells for Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:6817965. [PMID: 38962578 PMCID: PMC11221978 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6817965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines based on monocyte-derived dendritic cells have been shown to be promising strategies and may act as complementary treatments for viral infections, cancers, and, more recently, autoimmune diseases. Alpha-type-1-polarized dendritic cells (aDC1s) have been shown to induce type-1 immunity with a high capacity to produce interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70). In the clinical use of cell-based therapeutics, injectable solutions can affect the morphology, immunophenotypic profile, and viability of cells before delivery and their survival after injection. In this sense, preparing a cell suspension that maintains the quality of aDC1s is essential to ensure effective immunotherapy. In the present study, monocytes were differentiated into aDC1s in the presence of IL-4 and GM-CSF. On day 5, the cells were matured by the addition of a cytokine cocktail consisting of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Poly I:C. After 48 hr, mature aDC1s were harvested and suspended in two different solutions: normal saline and Ringer's lactate. The maintenance of cells in suspension was evaluated after 4, 6, and 8 hr of storage. Cell viability, immunophenotyping, and apoptosis analyses were performed by flow cytometry. Cellular morphology was observed by electron microscopy, and the production of IL-12p70 by aDC1s was evaluated by ELISA. Compared with normal saline, Ringer's lactate solution was more effective at maintaining DC viability for up to 8 hr of incubation at 4 or 22°C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Teodoro Da Silva
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56)Clinical Hospital HCFMUSPFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna Tiaki Tiyo
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56)Clinical Hospital HCFMUSPFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia de Jesus Mota
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56)Clinical Hospital HCFMUSPFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Mazzilli Ortega
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56)Clinical Hospital HCFMUSPFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Justamante Handel Schmitz
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56)Clinical Hospital HCFMUSPFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alberto José da Silva Duarte
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56)Clinical Hospital HCFMUSPFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Telma Miyuki Oshiro
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies (LIM-56)Clinical Hospital HCFMUSPFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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4
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Larson AC, Doty KR, Solheim JC. The double life of a chemotherapy drug: Immunomodulatory functions of gemcitabine in cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7287. [PMID: 38770637 PMCID: PMC11106691 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7287] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the development of immunotherapies has been revolutionary in the treatment of several cancers, many cancer types remain unresponsive to immune-based treatment and are largely managed by chemotherapy drugs. However, chemotherapeutics are not infallible and are frequently rendered ineffective as resistance develops from prolonged exposure. Recent investigations have indicated that some chemotherapy drugs have additional functions beyond their normative cytotoxic capacity and are in fact immune-modifying agents. Of the pharmaceuticals with identified immune-editing properties, gemcitabine is well-studied and of interest to clinicians and scientists alike. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug approved for the treatment of multiple cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian. Because of its broad applications, relatively low toxicity profile, and history as a favorable combinatory partner, there is promise in the recharacterization of gemcitabine in the context of the immune system. Such efforts may allow the identification of suitable immunotherapeutic combinations, wherein gemcitabine can be used as a priming agent to improve immunotherapy efficacy in traditionally insensitive cancers. This review looks to highlight documented immunomodulatory abilities of one of the most well-known chemotherapy agents, gemcitabine, relating to its influence on cells and proteins of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina C. Larson
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Kenadie R. Doty
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Joyce C. Solheim
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, & ImmunologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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5
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Xi Y, Chen L, Tang J, Yu B, Shen W, Niu X. Amplifying "eat me signal" by immunogenic cell death for potentiating cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2024; 321:94-114. [PMID: 37550950 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a unique mode of cell death, which can release immunogenic damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor-associated antigens to trigger long-term protective antitumor immune responses. Thus, amplifying "eat me signal" during tumor ICD cascade is critical for cancer immunotherapy. Some therapies (radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), etc.) and inducers (chemotherapeutic agents, etc.) have enabled to initiate and/or facilitate ICD and activate antitumor immune responses. Recently, nanostructure-based drug delivery systems have been synthesized for inducing ICD through combining treatment of chemotherapeutic agents, photosensitizers for PDT, photothermal transformation agents for PTT, radiosensitizers for radiotherapy, etc., which can release loaded agents at an appropriate dosage in the designated place at the appropriate time, contributing to higher efficiency and lower toxicity. Also, immunotherapeutic agents in combination with nanostructure-based drug delivery systems can produce synergetic antitumor effects, thus potentiating immunotherapy. Overall, our review outlines the emerging ICD inducers, and nanostructure drug delivery systems loading diverse agents to evoke ICD through chemoradiotherapy, PDT, and PTT or combining immunotherapeutic agents. Moreover, we discuss the prospects and challenges of harnessing ICD induction-based immunotherapy, and highlight the significance of multidisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration to promote the optimal translation of this treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijie Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bentong Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Weiyu Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Zhao X, Zhang Z, Wen C, Huang J, Yang S, Liu J, Geng H, Peng B, Li Z, Zhang Y. The safety and anti-tumor effect of multiple peptides-pulsed dendritic cells combined with induced specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes for patients with solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284334. [PMID: 37942324 PMCID: PMC10628471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284334] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to explore the safety and efficacy of multiple peptide-pulsed autologous dendritic cells (DCs) combined with cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in patients with cancer. Methods Five patients diagnosed with cancer between November 2020 and June 2021 were enrolled and received DC-CTLs therapy. Peripheral blood was collected and antigenic peptides were analyzed. The phenotype and function of DC-CTLs and the immune status of patients were detected using flow cytometry or IFN-γ ELISPOT analysis. Results DCs acquired a mature phenotype and expressed high levels of CD80, CD86, CD83, and HLA-DR after co-culture with peptides, and the DC-CTLs also exhibited high levels of IFN-γ. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from post-treatment patients showed a stronger immune response to peptides than those prior to treatment. Importantly, four of five patients maintained a favorable immune status, of which one patient's disease-free survival lasted up to 28.2 months. No severe treatment-related adverse events were observed. Conclusion Our results show that multiple peptide-pulsed DCs combined with CTLs therapy has manageable safety and promising efficacy for cancer patients, which might provide a precise immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhao
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chunli Wen
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianmin Huang
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuangning Yang
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huizhen Geng
- Hebei Bio-High Technology Development Co., LTD. Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Bing Peng
- Hebei Bio-High Technology Development Co., LTD. Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zibo Li
- Hebei Bio-High Technology Development Co., LTD. Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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7
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Hrvat A, Schmidt M, Wagner B, Zwanziger D, Kimmig R, Volbracht L, Brandau S, Mallmann-Gottschalk N. Electrolyte imbalance causes suppression of NK and T cell effector function in malignant ascites. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:235. [PMID: 37684704 PMCID: PMC10485936 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02798-8] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant ascites commonly occurs in advanced or recurrent stages of epithelial ovarian cancer during peritoneal carcinomatosis and is correlated with poor prognosis. Due to its complex composition of cellular and acellular components malignant ascites creates a unique tumor microenvironment, which mediates immunosuppression and promotes progression of disease. However, the immunosuppressive mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS In the present study, we explored the antitumor activity of healthy donor NK and T cells directed against ovarian cancer cells in presence of malignant ascites derived from patients with advanced or recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis. A wide range of methods was used to study the effect of ascites on NK and T cells (FACS, ELISA, EliSpot, qPCR, Live-cell and confocal microscopy, Western blot and electrolyte flux assays). The ascites components were assessed using quantitative analysis (nephelometry, potentiometry and clinical chemistry) and separation methods (dialysis, ultracentrifugal filtration and lipid depletion). RESULTS Ascites rapidly inhibited NK cell degranulation, tumor lysis, cytokine secretion and calcium signaling. Similarly, target independent NK and T cell activation was impaired in ascites environment. We identified imbalanced electrolytes in ascites as crucial factors causing extensive immunosuppression of NK and T cells. Specifically, high sodium, low chloride and low potassium content significantly suppressed NK-mediated cytotoxicity. Electrolyte imbalance led to changes in transcription and protein expression of electrolyte channels and impaired NK and T cell activation. Selected inhibitors of sodium electrolyte channels restored intracellular calcium flux, conjugation, degranulation and transcript expression of signaling molecules. The levels of ascites-mediated immunosuppression and sodium/chloride/potassium imbalance correlated with poor patient outcome and selected molecular alterations were confirmed in immune cells from ovarian cancer patients. CONCLUSION Our data suggest a novel electrolyte-based mechanism of immunosuppression in malignant ascites of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. We show for the first time that the immunosuppression of NK cytotoxicity in coculture assays is correlated to patient poor survival. Therapeutic application of sodium channel inhibitors may provide new means for restoring immune cell activity in ascites or similar electrolyte imbalanced environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Hrvat
- Experimental and Translational Research, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Mathias Schmidt
- Experimental and Translational Research, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wagner
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Denise Zwanziger
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Lothar Volbracht
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Brandau
- Experimental and Translational Research, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- partner site Essen-Düsseldorf, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Nina Mallmann-Gottschalk
- Experimental and Translational Research, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
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8
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Kheyrolahzadeh K, Tohidkia MR, Tarighatnia A, Shahabi P, Nader ND, Aghanejad A. Theranostic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells: Insight into recent trends and challenges in solid tumors. Life Sci 2023; 328:121917. [PMID: 37422069 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121917] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy has reached significant milestones in various life-threatening diseases, including cancer. Cell therapy using fluorescent and radiolabeled chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell is a successful strategy for diagnosing or treating malignancies. Since cell therapy approaches have different results in cancers, the success of hematological cancers has yet to transfer to solid tumor therapy, leading to more casualties. Therefore, there are many areas for improvement in the cell therapy platform. Understanding the therapeutic barriers associated with solid cancers through cell tracking and molecular imaging may provide a platform for effectively delivering CAR-T cells into solid tumors. This review describes CAR-T cells' role in treating solid and non-solid tumors and recent advances. Furthermore, we discuss the main obstacles, mechanism of action, novel strategies and solutions to overcome the challenges from molecular imaging and cell tracking perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Kheyrolahzadeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tohidkia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Tarighatnia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nader D Nader
- Department of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Ayuob Aghanejad
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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9
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Kreidieh FY, Tawbi HA, Alexaki A, Borghaei H, Kandalaft LE. Novel Immunotherapeutics: Perspectives on Checkpoints, Bispecifics, and Vaccines in Development. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e391278. [PMID: 37364224 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_391278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the advent of molecular techniques and deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have enabled the development of a multitude of immunotherapy targets and approaches. Despite the revolutionary advancement in immunotherapy, treatment resistance remains a challenge leading to decreased response rate in a significant proportion of patients. As such, there has recently been an evolving focus to enhance efficacy, durability, and toxicity profiles of immunotherapy. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment with many already-approved antibodies and several others in the pipeline, bispecific antibodies build on their success in an attempt to deliver an even more potent immune response against tumor cells. On the other hand, vaccines comprise the oldest and most versatile form of immunotherapy. Peptide and nucleic acid vaccines are relatively simple to manufacture compared with oncolytic virus-based vaccines, whereas the dendritic cell vaccines are the most complex, requiring autologous cell culture. Nevertheless, a crucial question in the development of cancer vaccines is the choice of antigen whereby shared and patient-private antigen approaches are currently being pursued. There is hope that cancer vaccines will join the repertoire of successful novel immunotherapeutics in the market. Better insights into the impact of immunotherapy on effector T cells and other immune cell populations in the TME shall be a major priority across the immune-oncology discipline and can help identify predictive biomarkers to evaluate response to treatment and identify patients who would most likely benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Y Kreidieh
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Aikaterini Alexaki
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, and Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
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10
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Hensler M, Rakova J, Kasikova L, Lanickova T, Pasulka J, Holicek P, Hraska M, Hrnciarova T, Kadlecova P, Schoenenberger A, Sochorova K, Rozkova D, Sojka L, Drozenova J, Laco J, Horvath R, Podrazil M, Hongyan G, Brtnicky T, Halaska MJ, Rob L, Ryska A, Coosemans A, Vergote I, Garg AD, Cibula D, Bartunkova J, Spisek R, Fucikova J. Peripheral gene signatures reveal distinct cancer patient immunotypes with therapeutic implications for autologous DC-based vaccines. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2101596. [PMID: 35898703 PMCID: PMC9311316 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) have received considerable attention as potential targets for the development of novel cancer immunotherapies. However, the clinical efficacy of DC-based vaccines remains suboptimal, largely reflecting local and systemic immunosuppression at baseline. An autologous DC-based vaccine (DCVAC) has recently been shown to improve progression-free survival and overall survival in randomized clinical trials enrolling patients with lung cancer (SLU01, NCT02470468) or ovarian carcinoma (SOV01, NCT02107937), but not metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (SP005, NCT02111577), despite a good safety profile across all cohorts. We performed biomolecular and cytofluorometric analyses on peripheral blood samples collected prior to immunotherapy from 1000 patients enrolled in these trials, with the objective of identifying immunological biomarkers that may improve the clinical management of DCVAC-treated patients. Gene signatures reflecting adaptive immunity and T cell activation were associated with favorable disease outcomes and responses to DCVAC in patients with prostate and lung cancer, but not ovarian carcinoma. By contrast, the clinical benefits of DCVAC were more pronounced among patients with ovarian carcinoma exhibiting reduced expression of T cell-associated genes, especially those linked to TH2-like signature and immunosuppressive regulatory T (TREG) cells. Clinical responses to DCVAC were accompanied by signs of antitumor immunity in the peripheral blood. Our findings suggest that circulating signatures of antitumor immunity may provide a useful tool for monitoring the potency of autologous DC-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tereza Lanickova
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Peter Holicek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ludek Sojka
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Drozenova
- Department of Pathology 3rd Faculty of Medicine, And University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Laco
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Rudolf Horvath
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Rheumatology, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Podrazil
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Guo Hongyan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, Hebei Province, China
| | - Tomas Brtnicky
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Bulovka, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal J. Halaska
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Charles University, 3rd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Rob
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Charles University, 3rd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Ryska
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - An Coosemans
- Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignace Vergote
- Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Gynaecologic Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leuven Cancer Institute, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D. Garg
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Cibula
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jirina Bartunkova
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Spisek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Fucikova
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
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11
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Xie D, Wang Q, Wu G. Research progress in inducing immunogenic cell death of tumor cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017400. [PMID: 36466838 PMCID: PMC9712455 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a regulated cell death (RCD) pathway. In response to physical and chemical signals, tumor cells activate specific signaling pathways that stimulate stress responses in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and expose damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which promote antitumor immune responses. As a result, the tumor microenvironment is altered, and many tumor cells are killed. The ICD response in tumor cells requires inducers. These inducers can be from different sources and contribute to the development of the ICD either indirectly or directly. The combination of ICD inducers with other tumor treatments further enhances the immune response in tumor cells, and more tumor cells are killed; however, it also produces side effects of varying severity. New induction methods based on nanotechnology improve the antitumor ability and significantly reduces side effects because they can target tumor cells precisely. In this review, we introduce the characteristics and mechanisms of ICD responses in tumor cells and the DAMPs associated with ICD responses, summarize the current methods of inducing ICD response in tumor cells in five distinct categories: chemical sources, physical sources, pathogenic sources, combination therapies, and innovative therapies. At the same time, we introduce the limitations of current ICD inducers and make a summary of the use of ICD responses in clinical trials. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future of ICD inducer development and provide some constructive suggestions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qifei Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Guangzhen Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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12
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Zhao Y, Bai Y, Shen M, Li Y. Therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer targeting immune cells: Future directions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992762. [PMID: 36225938 PMCID: PMC9549957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with a high incidence and mortality, and the emergence of immunotherapy has brought survival benefits to GC patients. Compared with traditional therapy, immunotherapy has the advantages of durable response, long-term survival benefits, and lower toxicity. Therefore, targeted immune cells are the most promising therapeutic strategy in the field of oncology. In this review, we introduce the role and significance of each immune cell in the tumor microenvironment of GC and summarize the current landscape of immunotherapy in GC, which includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy (ACT), dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, reduction of M2 tumor-associated macrophages (M2 TAMs), N2 tumor-associated neutrophils (N2 TANs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), effector regulatory T cells (eTregs), and regulatory B cells (Bregs) in the tumor microenvironment and reprogram TAMs and TANs into tumor killer cells. The most widely used immunotherapy strategies are the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) antibody, cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) in ACT, and these therapeutic strategies have significant anti-tumor efficacy in solid tumors and hematological tumors. Targeting other immune cells provides a new direction for the immunotherapy of GC despite the relatively weak clinical data, which have been confirmed to restore or enhance anti-tumor immune function in preclinical studies and some treatment strategies have entered the clinical trial stage, and it is expected that more and more effective immune cell–based therapeutic methods will be developed and applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuansong Bai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meili Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yapeng Li, ; Meili Shen,
| | - Yapeng Li
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis Technology of High Performance Polymer, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yapeng Li, ; Meili Shen,
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13
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Caro AA, Deschoemaeker S, Allonsius L, Coosemans A, Laoui D. Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A Promising Approach in the Fight against Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164037. [PMID: 36011029 PMCID: PMC9406463 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary With an overall 5-year survival of only 20% for advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients, enduring and effective therapies are a highly unmet clinical need. Current standard-of-care therapies are able to improve progression-free survival; however, patients still relapse. Moreover, immunotherapy has not resulted in clear patient benefits so far. In this situation, dendritic cell vaccines can serve as a potential therapeutic addition against ovarian cancer. In the current review, we provide an overview of the different dendritic cell subsets and the roles they play in ovarian cancer. We focus on the advancements in dendritic cell vaccination against ovarian cancer and highlight the key outcomes and pitfalls associated with currently used strategies. Finally, we address future directions that could be taken to improve the dendritic cell vaccination outcomes in ovarian cancer. Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in developed countries and is the seventh-highest cause of death in women diagnosed with cancer worldwide. Currently, several therapies are in use against OC, including debulking surgery, chemotherapy, as well as targeted therapies. Even though the current standard-of-care therapies improve survival, a vast majority of OC patients relapse. Additionally, immunotherapies have only resulted in meager patient outcomes, potentially owing to the intricate immunosuppressive nexus within the tumor microenvironment. In this scenario, dendritic cell (DC) vaccination could serve as a potential addition to the therapeutic options available against OC. In this review, we provide an overview of current therapies in OC, focusing on immunotherapies. Next, we highlight the potential of using DC vaccines in OC by underscoring the different DC subsets and their functions in OC. Finally, we provide an overview of the advances and pitfalls of current DC vaccine strategies in OC while providing future perspectives that could improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Audhut Caro
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Deschoemaeker
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lize Allonsius
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Coosemans
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Damya Laoui
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-6291969
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14
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Laureano RS, Sprooten J, Vanmeerbeerk I, Borras DM, Govaerts J, Naulaerts S, Berneman ZN, Beuselinck B, Bol KF, Borst J, Coosemans A, Datsi A, Fučíková J, Kinget L, Neyns B, Schreibelt G, Smits E, Sorg RV, Spisek R, Thielemans K, Tuyaerts S, De Vleeschouwer S, de Vries IJM, Xiao Y, Garg AD. Trial watch: Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy for cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2096363. [PMID: 35800158 PMCID: PMC9255073 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2096363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination for cancer treatment has seen considerable development over recent decades. However, this field is currently in a state of flux toward niche-applications, owing to recent paradigm-shifts in immuno-oncology mobilized by T cell-targeting immunotherapies. DC vaccines are typically generated using autologous (patient-derived) DCs exposed to tumor-associated or -specific antigens (TAAs or TSAs), in the presence of immunostimulatory molecules to induce DC maturation, followed by reinfusion into patients. Accordingly, DC vaccines can induce TAA/TSA-specific CD8+/CD4+ T cell responses. Yet, DC vaccination still shows suboptimal anti-tumor efficacy in the clinic. Extensive efforts are ongoing to improve the immunogenicity and efficacy of DC vaccines, often by employing combinatorial chemo-immunotherapy regimens. In this Trial Watch, we summarize the recent preclinical and clinical developments in this field and discuss the ongoing trends and future perspectives of DC-based immunotherapy for oncological indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel S Laureano
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jenny Sprooten
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isaure Vanmeerbeerk
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel M Borras
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jannes Govaerts
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Naulaerts
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zwi N Berneman
- Department of Haematology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | | | - Kalijn F Bol
- Department of Tumour Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - an Coosemans
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, ImmunOvar Research Group, Ku Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angeliki Datsi
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jitka Fučíková
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lisa Kinget
- Department of General Medical Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gerty Schreibelt
- Department of Tumour Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rüdiger V Sorg
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Radek Spisek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Tuyaerts
- Department of Medical Oncology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven De Vleeschouwer
- Research Group Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosurgery, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Tumour Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanling Xiao
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Abhishek D Garg
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Fucikova J, Hensler M, Kasikova L, Lanickova T, Pasulka J, Rakova J, Drozenova J, Fredriksen T, Hraska M, Hrnciarova T, Sochorova K, Rozkova D, Sojka L, Dundr P, Laco J, Brtnicky T, Praznovec I, Halaska MJ, Rob L, Ryska A, Coosemans A, Vergote I, Cibula D, Bartunkova J, Galon J, Galluzzi L, Spisek R. An autologous dendritic cell vaccine promotes anticancer immunity in ovarian cancer patients with low mutational burden and cold tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3053-3065. [PMID: 35536547 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-4413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The successful implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the clinical management of various solid tumors has raised considerable expectations for patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). However, EOC is poorly responsive to ICIs due to immunological features including limited tumor mutational burden (TMB) and poor lymphocytic infiltration. An autologous dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine (DCVAC) has recently been shown to be safe and to significantly improve progression-free survival (PFS) in a randomized Phase II clinical trial enrolling patients with EOC (SOV01, NCT02107937). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We harnessed sequencing, flow cytometry, multispectral immunofluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry to analyze (pre-treatment) tumor and (pre-treatment and post-treatment) peripheral blood samples from 82 patients enrolled in SOV01, with the aim of identifying immunological biomarkers that would improve the clinical management of patients with EOC treated with DCVAC. RESULTS Although higher-than-median TMB and abundant CD8+ T cell infiltration were associated with superior clinical benefits in patients with EOC receiving standard-of-care chemotherapy, the same did not hold true in women receiving DCVAC. Conversely, superior clinical responses to DCVAC were observed in patients with lower-than-median TMB and scarce CD8+ T cell infiltration. Such responses were accompanied by signs of improved effector functions and tumor-specific cytotoxicity in the peripheral blood. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that while patients with highly infiltrated, "hot" EOCs benefit from chemotherapy, women with "cold" EOCs may instead require DC-based vaccination to jumpstart clinically relevant anticancer immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lenka Kasikova
- Deparment of Immunology, 2nd Medical School, Charles University and Sotio, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ludek Sojka
- Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Praha 5, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jan Laco
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Brtnicky
- Charles University, 1st Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Bulovka, Prague, Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Praznovec
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Michael J Halaska
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Rob
- Charles University, 3rd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Ryska
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Radek Spisek
- Sotio; Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic
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16
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Cell-based immunotherapies in gynecologic cancers. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 34:10-14. [PMID: 34967809 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on recent developments in cell-based immunotherapy in gynecologic cancers. RECENT FINDINGS Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has made significant progress allowing now for not only expressing CARs on T-cells, but also on other immune effector cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages. Cell-based vaccines have started to show promising results in clinical trials. SUMMARY Cell-based immunotherapies in gynecologic cancers continue to evolve with promising clinical efficacy in select patients.
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17
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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