1
|
Zha C, Song J, Wan M, Lin X, He X, Wu M, Huang R. Recent advances in CAR-T therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2024; 15:20406207241263489. [PMID: 39050113 PMCID: PMC11268017 DOI: 10.1177/20406207241263489] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, which has demonstrated notable efficacy against B-cell malignancies and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use in this context, represents a significant milestone in cancer immunotherapy. However, the efficacy of CAR-T therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is poor. The challenges associated with the application of CAR-T therapy for the clinical treatment of AML include, but are not limited to, nonspecific distribution of AML therapeutic targets, difficulties in the production of CAR-T cells, AML blast cell heterogeneity, the immunosuppressive microenvironment in AML, and treatment-related adverse events. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding various therapeutic targets for AML (CD33, CD123, CLL1, CD7, etc.) and the results of the latest clinical studies on these targets. Thereafter, we also discuss the challenges related to CAR-T therapy for AML and some promising strategies for overcoming these challenges, including novel approaches such as gene editing and advances in CAR design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zha
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jialu Song
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Wan
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 253 Gongyedadaozhong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolin He
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Wu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 253 Gongyedadaozhong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saito S, Nakazawa Y. CAR-T cell therapy in AML: recent progress and future perspectives. Int J Hematol 2024:10.1007/s12185-024-03809-w. [PMID: 38963636 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03809-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite several small-molecule drugs that have revolutionized the current treatment strategy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative treatment in most cases to date. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is one of the most promising next-generation cancer therapies for hematological malignancies and is clinically available for treatment of AML. However, developing AML-targeted CAR-T therapy is challenging because of the heterogeneity of target antigen expression across leukemic cells and patients, the difficulty in excluding on-/off-target tumor effects, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To date, various targets, including CD33, NKG2D, CD123, CLL-1, and CD7, have been actively studied for CAR-T cells. Although no CAR-T cell products are close to practical use, several clinical trials have shown promising results, particularly for CAR-T cells targeting CLL-1 or CD123. Meanwhile, research exploring the ideal target for AML-targeted CAR-T therapy continues. Furthermore, as collecting autologous lymphocytes from patients with AML is difficult, development of off-the-shelf CAR-T products is being actively pursued. This review discusses the challenges in AML-targeted CAR-T cell therapy development from the perspectives of target antigen characteristics and AML-specific on-target/off-tumor toxicity. Moreover, it discusses the clinical development and prospects of AML-targeting CAR-T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Saito
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan.
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan.
| | - Yozo Nakazawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Naik S, Velasquez MP, Gottschalk S. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in childhood acute myeloid leukemia: how far are we from a clinical application? Haematologica 2024; 109:1656-1667. [PMID: 38832421 PMCID: PMC11141645 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent and/or refractory (R/R) pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a recalcitrant disease with poor outcomes. Cell therapy with genetically modified immune effector cells holds the promise to improve outcomes for R/R AML since it relies on cytotoxic mechanisms that are distinct from chemotherapeutic agents. While T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T cells) showed significant anti-AML activity in preclinical models, early phase clinical studies have demonstrated limited activity, irrespective of the targeted AML antigen. Lack of efficacy is most likely multifactorial, including: (i) a limited array of AML-specific targets and target antigen heterogeneity; (ii) the aggressive nature of R/R AML and heavy pretreatment of patients; (iii) T-cell product manufacturing, and (iv) limited expansion and persistence of the CAR T cells, which is in part driven by the immunosuppressive AML microenvironment. Here we review the results of early phase clinical studies with AML-specific CAR T cells, and avenues investigators are exploring to improve their effector function.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Child
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Animals
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miao X, Shuai Y, Han Y, Zhang N, Liu Y, Yao H, Wang X, He G, Chen D, Fan F, Chang AH, Su Y, Yi H. Case report: Donor-derived CLL-1 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia bridging to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after remission. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1389227. [PMID: 38803489 PMCID: PMC11128603 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1389227] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Explore the efficacy and safety of donor-derived CLL-1 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) bridging to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) after remission. Case presentation An adult R/R AML patient received an infusion of donor-derived CLL-1 CAR-T cells, and the conditioning regimen bridging to allo-HSCT was started immediately after remission on day 11 after CAR-T therapy upon transplantation. Then, routine post-HSCT monitoring of blood counts, bone marrow (BM) morphology, flow cytometry, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) manifestations, and chimerism status were performed. Result After CAR-T therapy, cytokine release syndrome was grade 1. On day 11 after CAR-T therapy, the BM morphology reached complete remission (CR), and the conditioning regimen bridging to allo-HSCT started. Leukocyte engraftment, complete donor chimerism, and platelet engraftment were observed on days +18, +23, and +26 post-allo-HSCT, respectively. The BM morphology showed CR and flow cytometry turned negative on day +23. The patient is currently at 4 months post-allo-HSCT with BM morphology CR, negative flow cytometry, complete donor chimerism, and no extramedullary relapse/GVHD. Conclusion Donor-derived CLL-1 CAR-T is an effective and safe therapy for R/R AML, and immediate bridging to allo-HSCT after remission may better improve the long-term prognosis of R/R AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Miao
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanrong Shuai
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilan Liu
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Yao
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangcui He
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fangyi Fan
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Alex H. Chang
- Shanghai YaKe Biotechnology Ltd., Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Su
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hai Yi
- Department of Hematology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Disease, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sabile JMG, Swords R, Tyner JW. Evaluating targeted therapies in older patients with TP53-mutated AML. Leuk Lymphoma 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38646877 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2344057] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Mutation of thetumor suppressor gene, TP53 (tumor protein 53), occurs in up to 15% of all patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is enriched within specific clinical subsets, most notably in older adults, and including secondary AML cases arising from preceding myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), patients exposed to prior DNA-damaging, cytotoxic therapies. In all cases, these tumors have remained difficult to effectively treat with conventional therapeutic regimens. Newer approaches fortreatmentofTP53-mutated AML have shifted to interventions that maymodulateTP53 function, target downstream molecular vulnerabilities, target non-p53 dependent molecular pathways, and/or elicit immunogenic responses. This review will describe the basic biology of TP53, the clinical and biological patterns of TP53 within myeloid neoplasms with a focus on elderly AML patients and will summarize newer therapeutic strategies and current clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean M G Sabile
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ronan Swords
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Murdock HM, Ho VT, Garcia JS. Innovations in conditioning and post-transplant maintenance in AML: genomically informed revelations on the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359113. [PMID: 38571944 PMCID: PMC10987864 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the prototype of cancer genomics as it was the first published cancer genome. Large-scale next generation/massively parallel sequencing efforts have identified recurrent alterations that inform prognosis and have guided the development of targeted therapies. Despite changes in the frontline and relapsed standard of care stemming from the success of small molecules targeting FLT3, IDH1/2, and apoptotic pathways, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) and the resulting graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect remains the only curative path for most patients. Advances in conditioning regimens, graft-vs-host disease prophylaxis, anti-infective agents, and supportive care have made this modality feasible, reducing transplant related mortality even among patients with advanced age or medical comorbidities. As such, relapse has emerged now as the most common cause of transplant failure. Relapse may occur after alloHSCT because residual disease clones persist after transplant, and develop immune escape from GVL, or such clones may proliferate rapidly early after alloHSCT, and outpace donor immune reconstitution, leading to relapse before any GVL effect could set in. To address this issue, genomically informed therapies are increasingly being incorporated into pre-transplant conditioning, or as post-transplant maintenance or pre-emptive therapy in the setting of mixed/falling donor chimerism or persistent detectable measurable residual disease (MRD). There is an urgent need to better understand how these emerging therapies modulate the two sides of the GVHD vs. GVL coin: 1) how molecularly or immunologically targeted therapies affect engraftment, GVHD potential, and function of the donor graft and 2) how these therapies affect the immunogenicity and sensitivity of leukemic clones to the GVL effect. By maximizing the synergistic action of molecularly targeted agents, immunomodulating agents, conventional chemotherapy, and the GVL effect, there is hope for improving outcomes for patients with this often-devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H. Moses Murdock
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vincent T. Ho
- Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jacqueline S. Garcia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Knight E T, Oluwole O, Kitko C. The Implementation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell Therapy in Pediatric Patients: Where Did We Come From, Where Are We Now, and Where are We Going? Clin Hematol Int 2024; 6:96-115. [PMID: 38817691 PMCID: PMC11108586 DOI: 10.46989/001c.94386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
CD19-directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Somewhat uniquely among oncologic clinical trials, early clinical development occurred simultaneously in both children and adults. In subsequent years however, the larger number of adult patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) malignancies has led to accelerated development of multiple CAR T-cell products that target a variety of malignancies, resulting in six currently FDA-approved for adult patients. By comparison, only a single CAR-T cell therapy is approved by the FDA for pediatric patients: tisagenlecleucel, which is approved for patients ≤ 25 years with refractory B-cell precursor ALL, or B-cell ALL in second or later relapse. Tisagenlecleucel is also under evaluation in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but is not yet been approved for this indication. All the other FDA-approved CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapies available for adult patients (axicabtagene ciloleucel, brexucabtagene autoleucel, and lisocabtagene maraleucel) are currently under investigations among children, with preliminary results available in some cases. As the volume and complexity of data continue to grow, so too does the necessity of rapid assimilation and implementation of those data. This is particularly true when considering "atypical" situations, e.g. those arising when patients do not precisely conform to the profile of those included in pivotal clinical trials, or when alternative treatment options (e.g. hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or bispecific T-cell engagers (BITEs)) are also available. We have therefore developed a relevant summary of the currently available literature pertaining to the use of CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapies in pediatric patients, and sought to provide guidance for clinicians seeking additional data about specific clinical situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Olalekan Oluwole
- Medicine Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao Y, Zhang X, Zhang M, Guo R, Zhang Y, Pu Y, Zhu H, Liu P, Zhang Y, He X, Lyu C, Lyu H, Xiao X, Zhao M. Modified EASIX scores predict severe CRS/ICANS in patients with acute myeloid leukemia following CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:969-980. [PMID: 38214708 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy targeting CLL1 has been considered a potent weapon for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy in a larger cohort, with particular attention to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Among the 32 patients assessed for efficacy, complete remission occurred in 71.88% (23/32) of cases and undetectable minimal residual disease in 14 patients. The CRS developed in all patients, with 8 individuals experiencing ICANS. Severe CRS and ICANS were observed in 11 and 2 patients, respectively. Furthermore, the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) and its derivatives measured before and after CLL1 CAR-T cell infusion were employed for predicting the severe complications. Significant differences were observed in EASIX scores on the day before lymphodepletion (Day BL, P = 0.023), -1 (P < 0.001), +1 (P < 0.001), and +3(P = 0.014); sEASIX scores on Day BL (P = 0.007), -1 (P < 0.001), +1 (P < 0.001), and +3 (P < 0.001); and mEASIX score on Day -1 (P = 0.004) between patients with mild and severe CRS/ICANS. Additionally, there was a significant difference in mEASIX scores between responders and non-responders on Day BL (P = 0.004) and Day -1 (P = 0.044). Our findings indicate that pre- and post-infusion assessments of EASIX/mEASIX/sEASIX scores serve as reliable prognostic indicators for severe CRS/ICANS and treatment response following CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy, which can assist physicians in implementing preemptive treatment strategies for potential severe complications and screening patients who are suitable candidates for CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy. EASIX/mEASIX/sEASIX scores serve as reliable prognostic indicators for severe CRS/ICANS following CLL1 CAR-T cell therapy. The preinfusion mEASIX scores of CLL1 CAR-T cells can effectively predict treatment response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhao
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Ruiting Guo
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Yedi Pu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Haibo Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Pengjiang Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Xiaoyuan He
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Cuicui Lyu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Hairong Lyu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China
| | - Xia Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China.
| | - Mingfeng Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300380, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Al-Antary ET, Gupte A, Ravindranath Y. Targeted Therapies in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia - Evolving Therapeutic Landscape. Indian J Pediatr 2024; 91:176-183. [PMID: 37450248 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04741-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) accounts for 25% of all leukemia diagnosis and is characterized by distinct cytogenetic and molecular profile. Advances in the understanding of the causative driver mutations, risk-based therapy and better supportive care have led to an overall improvement in survival with frontline therapy. Despite these improvements, a significant number fail either because of primary refractory disease to the conventional 7+3 combination of anthracyclines and cytosine arabinoside (Cytarabine; Ara-C) or experience relapse post remission. Salvage therapy is complicated by the cardiotoxicity driven limitations on the reuse of anthracyclines and development of resistance to cytarabine. In this chapter authors will review the recent studies with targeted agents for refractory AML including targets for immunotherapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman T Al-Antary
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI, USA.
| | - Avanti Gupte
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI, USA
| | - Yaddanapudi Ravindranath
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thol F, Döhner H, Ganser A. How I treat refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2024; 143:11-20. [PMID: 37944143 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) develop refractory/relapsed (R/R) disease even in the presence of novel and targeted therapies. Given the biological complexity of the disease and differences in frontline treatments, there are therapies approved for only subgroups of R/R AML, and enrollment in clinical trials should be first priority. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only potentially curative strategy for most patients. Therapeutic approaches, including allogeneic HCT, triggered by the presence of measurable residual disease (MRD), have recently evolved to prevent overt hematologic relapse. Salvage therapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapy is frequently administered before HCT to reduce the leukemic burden. Gilteritinib is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for patients with relapsed FLT3 mutated AML, whereas targeted therapy for relapsed IDH1/2 mutated AML has only FDA approval. Patients who are R/R after azacitidine and venetoclax (AZA/VEN) have a dismal outcome. In this setting, even available targeted therapies show unsatisfactory results. Examples of ongoing developments include menin inhibitors, a targeted therapy for patients with mutated NPM1 or KMT2A rearrangements, antibodies targeting the macrophage immune checkpoint CD47, and triple combinations involving AZA/VEN. The latter cause significant myelosuppressive effects, which make it challenging to find the right schedule and dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Thol
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fetsch V, Zeiser R. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells for acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:28-35. [PMID: 37455578 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14047] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can target and eliminate cancer cells has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies. In contrast, CAR T cells have not yet become a routine treatment for myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). For these disease entities, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) relying on polyclonal allo-reactive T cells is still the major cellular immunotherapy used in clinical routine. Here, we discuss major hurdles of CAR T-cell therapy for myeloid malignancies and novel approaches to enhance their efficacy and reduce toxicity. Heterogeneity of the malignant myeloid clone, CAR T-cell induced toxicity against normal hematopoietic cells, lack of long-term CAR T-cell persistence, and loss or downregulation of targetable antigens on myeloid cells are obstacles for successful CAR T cells therapy against AML and MPNs. Strategies to overcome these hurdles include pharmacological interventions, for example, demethylating therapy to increase target antigen expression, multi-targeted CAR T cells, and gene-therapy based approaches that delete the CAR target antigen in the hematopoietic cells of the recipient to protect them from CAR-induced myelotoxicity. Most of these approaches are still in preclinical testing but may reach the clinic in the coming years. In summary, we report on barriers to CAR T-cell use against AML and novel therapeutic strategies to overcome these challenges, with the goal of clinical treatment of myeloid malignancies with CAR T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Fetsch
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) and Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cummins K, Gill S. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:1125-1147. [PMID: 37442676 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Up to 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who undergo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have evidence of response, although trials are highly heterogeneous. These responses are rarely deep or durable. CD123, CD33, and CLL-1 have emerged as the most common targets for CAR T cells in AML. CAR T cells against myeloid antigens cause myeloablation as well as cytokine release syndrome, although neurotoxicity is rarely seen. Future efforts should focus on AML-specific antigen discovery or engineering, and on further enhancing the activity of CAR T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Cummins
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Saar Gill
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 8-101 Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pérez-Amill L, Bataller À, Delgado J, Esteve J, Juan M, Klein-González N. Advancing CART therapy for acute myeloid leukemia: recent breakthroughs and strategies for future development. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1260470. [PMID: 38098489 PMCID: PMC10720337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1260470] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapies are being developed for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on the basis of the results obtained for other haematological malignancies and the need of new treatments for relapsed and refractory AML. The biggest challenge of CART therapy for AML is to identify a specific target antigen, since antigens expressed in AML cells are usually shared with healthy haematopoietic stem cells (HSC). The concomitant expression of the target antigen on both tumour and HSC may lead to on-target/off-tumour toxicity. In this review, we guide researchers to design, develop, and translate to the clinic CART therapies for the treatment of AML. Specifically, we describe what issues have to be considered to design these therapies; what in vitro and in vivo assays can be used to prove their efficacy and safety; and what expertise and facilities are needed to treat and manage patients at the hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pérez-Amill
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Gyala Therapeutics S.L, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àlex Bataller
- Department of Haematology, Institut Clínic de Malalties Hematològiques i Oncològiques (ICHMO), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Delgado
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Haematology, Institut Clínic de Malalties Hematològiques i Oncològiques (ICHMO), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Esteve
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Haematology, Institut Clínic de Malalties Hematològiques i Oncològiques (ICHMO), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Juan
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nela Klein-González
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Gyala Therapeutics S.L, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Karsten H, Matrisch L, Cichutek S, Fiedler W, Alsdorf W, Block A. Broadening the horizon: potential applications of CAR-T cells beyond current indications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285406. [PMID: 38090582 PMCID: PMC10711079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285406] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineering immune cells to treat hematological malignancies has been a major focus of research since the first resounding successes of CAR-T-cell therapies in B-ALL. Several diseases can now be treated in highly therapy-refractory or relapsed conditions. Currently, a number of CD19- or BCMA-specific CAR-T-cell therapies are approved for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), multiple myeloma (MM), and follicular lymphoma (FL). The implementation of these therapies has significantly improved patient outcome and survival even in cases with previously very poor prognosis. In this comprehensive review, we present the current state of research, recent innovations, and the applications of CAR-T-cell therapy in a selected group of hematologic malignancies. We focus on B- and T-cell malignancies, including the entities of cutaneous and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (T-ALL, PTCL, CTCL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), classical Hodgkin-Lymphoma (HL), Burkitt-Lymphoma (BL), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). While these diseases are highly heterogenous, we highlight several similarly used approaches (combination with established therapeutics, target depletion on healthy cells), targets used in multiple diseases (CD30, CD38, TRBC1/2), and unique features that require individualized approaches. Furthermore, we focus on current limitations of CAR-T-cell therapy in individual diseases and entities such as immunocompromising tumor microenvironment (TME), risk of on-target-off-tumor effects, and differences in the occurrence of adverse events. Finally, we present an outlook into novel innovations in CAR-T-cell engineering like the use of artificial intelligence and the future role of CAR-T cells in therapy regimens in everyday clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Karsten
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ludwig Matrisch
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sophia Cichutek
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Alsdorf
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Block
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Guarnera L, Bravo-Perez C, Visconte V. Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Literature Review of Emerging Strategies. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1228. [PMID: 37892958 PMCID: PMC10604866 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101228] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last twenty years, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the treatment and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), thanks to the introduction of new efficient drugs or approaches to refine old therapies, such as Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin, CPX 3-5-1, hypomethylating agents, and Venetoclax, the optimization of conditioning regimens in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the improvement of supportive care. However, the long-term survival of non-M3 and non-core binding factor-AML is still dismal. For this reason, the expectations for the recently developed immunotherapies, such as antibody-based therapy, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor strategies, successfully tested in other hematologic malignancies, were very high. The inherent characteristics of AML blasts hampered the development of these treatments, and the path of immunotherapy in AML has been bumpy. Herein, we provide a detailed review of potential antigenic targets, available data from pre-clinical and clinical trials, and future directions of immunotherapies in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Guarnera
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.B.-P.); (V.V.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlos Bravo-Perez
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.B.-P.); (V.V.)
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, University of Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER—Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 30005 Murcia, Spain
| | - Valeria Visconte
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.B.-P.); (V.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang JY, Wang L. CAR-T cell therapy: Where are we now, and where are we heading? BLOOD SCIENCE 2023; 5:237-248. [PMID: 37941917 PMCID: PMC10629745 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapies have exhibited remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, with 9 CAR-T-cell products currently available. Furthermore, CAR-T cells have shown promising potential for expanding their therapeutic applications to diverse areas, including solid tumors, myocardial fibrosis, and autoimmune and infectious diseases. Despite these advancements, significant challenges pertaining to treatment-related toxic reactions and relapses persist. Consequently, current research efforts are focused on addressing these issues to enhance the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cells and reduce the relapse rate. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the present state of CAR-T-cell therapies, including their achievements, existing challenges, and potential future developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li SQ, Chen M, Huang XY, Wang H, Chang YJ. Challenges facing minimal residual disease testing for acute myeloid leukemia and promising strategies to overcome them. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:981-990. [PMID: 37978882 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2285985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Minimal residual disease (MRD) has been an important biomarker for relapse prediction and treatment choice in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). False-positive or false-negative MRD results due to the low specificity and sensitivity of techniques such as multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and next-generation sequencing, as well as the biological characteristics of residual leukemia cells, including antigen shift, clone involution, heterogeneous genome of the blast cells, and lack of specific targets, all restrict the clinical use of MRD. AREAS COVERED We summarized the challenges of the techniques for MRD detection, and their application in the clinical setting. We also discussed strategies to overcome these challenges, such as the MFC MRD method based on leukemia stem cells, single-cell DNA sequencing or single-cell RNA sequencing for the investigation of biological characteristics of residual leukemia cells, and the potential of omics techniques for MRD detection. We further noted out that prospective clinical trials are needed to answer clinical questions related to MRD in patients with AML. EXPERT OPINION MRD is an important biomarker for individual therapy of patients with AML. In the future, it is important to increase the specificity and sensitivity of the detection techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, Xicheng District, P.R.C
| | - Man Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hebei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital, Langfang, Hebei, P.R.C
| | - Xi-Yi Huang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P.R.C
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hebei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital, Langfang, Hebei, P.R.C
| | - Ying-Jun Chang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, Xicheng District, P.R.C
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Christodoulou I, Solomou EE. A Panorama of Immune Fighters Armored with CARs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113054. [PMID: 37297016 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a devastating disease. Intensive chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment but results in debilitating toxicities. Moreover, many treated patients will eventually require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for disease control, which is the only potentially curative but challenging option. Ultimately, a subset of patients will relapse or have refractory disease, posing a huge challenge to further therapeutic decisions. Targeted immunotherapies hold promise for relapsed/refractory (r/r) malignancies by directing the immune system against cancer. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are important components of targeted immunotherapy. Indeed, CAR-T cells have achieved unprecedented success against r/r CD19+ malignancies. However, CAR-T cells have only achieved modest outcomes in clinical studies on r/r AML. Natural killer (NK) cells have innate anti-AML functionality and can be engineered with CARs to improve their antitumor response. CAR-NKs are associated with lower toxicities than CAR-T cells; however, their clinical efficacy against AML has not been extensively investigated. In this review, we cite the results from clinical studies of CAR-T cells in AML and describe their limitations and safety concerns. Moreover, we depict the clinical and preclinical landscape of CAR used in alternative immune cell platforms with a specific focus on CAR-NKs, providing insight into the future optimization of AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Christodoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Rion, Greece
| | - Elena E Solomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Rion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zarychta J, Kowalczyk A, Krawczyk M, Lejman M, Zawitkowska J. CAR-T Cells Immunotherapies for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia-Recent Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112944. [PMID: 37296906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to increase the effectiveness of cancer therapies and extend the long-term survival of patients, more and more often, in addition to standard treatment, oncological patients receive also targeted therapy, i.e., CAR-T cells. These cells express a chimeric receptor (CAR) that specifically binds an antigen present on tumor cells, resulting in tumor cell lysis. The use of CAR-T cells in the therapy of relapsed and refractory B-type acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) resulted in complete remission in many patients, which prompted researchers to conduct tests on the use of CAR-T cells in the treatment of other hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is associated with a poorer prognosis compared to ALL due to a higher risk of relapse caused by the development of resistance to standard treatment. The 5-year relative survival rate in AML patients was estimated at 31.7%. The objective of the following review is to present the mechanism of action of CAR-T cells, and discuss the latest findings on the results of anti-CD33, -CD123, -FLT3 and -CLL-1 CAR-T cell therapy, the emerging challenges as well as the prospects for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zarychta
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Kowalczyk
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Milena Krawczyk
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xie D, Jin X, Sun R, Zhang M, Lu W, Cao X, Guo R, Zhang Y, Zhao M. Bicistronic CAR-T cells targeting CD123 and CLL1 for AML to reduce the risk of antigen escape. Transl Oncol 2023; 34:101695. [PMID: 37224766 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101695] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous neoplastic disease with a poor prognosis that relapses even after its treatment with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells targeting a single antigen. CD123 and CLL1 are expressed in most AML blasts and leukemia stem cells, and their low expression in normal hematopoietic stem cells makes them ideal targets for CAR-T. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a new bicistronic CAR targeting CD123 and CLL1 can enhance antigenic coverage and prevent antigen escape and subsequent recurrence of AML. METHODS CD123 and CLL1 expressions were evaluated on AML cell lines and blasts. Then, in addition to concentrating on CD123 and CLL1, we introduced the marker/suicide gene RQR8 with a bicistronic CAR. Xenograft models of disseminated AML and in vitro coculture models were used to assess the anti-leukemia efficacy of CAR-T cells. The hematopoietic toxicity of CAR-T cells was evaluated in vitro by colony cell formation assays. It was demonstrated in vitro that the combination of rituximab and NK cells caused RQR8-mediated clearance of 123CL CAR-T cells. RESULTS We have successfully established bicistronic 123CL CAR-T cells that can target CD123 and CLL1. 123CL CAR-T cells effectively cleared AML cell lines and blasts. They also demonstrated appreciable anti-AML activity in animal transplant models. Moreover, 123CL CAR-T cells can be eliminated in an emergency by a natural safety switch and don't target hematopoietic stem cells. CONCLUSIONS The bicistronic CAR-T cells targeting CD123 and CLL1 may be a useful and secure method for treating AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danni Xie
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyi Lu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, No. 24, Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300190, China
| | - Xinping Cao
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruiting Guo
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingfeng Zhao
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China; Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, No. 24, Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300190, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Atilla E, Benabdellah K. The Black Hole: CAR T Cell Therapy in AML. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2713. [PMID: 37345050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite exhaustive studies, researchers have made little progress in the field of adoptive cellular therapies for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), unlike the notable uptake for B cell malignancies. Various single antigen-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell Phase I trials have been established worldwide and have recruited approximately 100 patients. The high heterogeneity at the genetic and molecular levels within and between AML patients resembles a black hole: a great gravitational field that sucks in everything. One must consider the fact that only around 30% of patients show a response; there are, however, consequential off-tumor effects. It is obvious that a new point of view is needed to achieve more promising results. This review first introduces the unique therapeutic challenges of not only CAR T cells but also other adoptive cellular therapies in AML. Next, recent single-cell sequencing data for AML to assess somatically acquired alterations at the DNA, epigenetic, RNA, and protein levels are discussed to give a perspective on cellular heterogeneity, intercellular hierarchies, and the cellular ecosystem. Finally, promising novel strategies are summarized, including more sophisticated next-generation CAR T, TCR-T, and CAR NK therapies; the approaches with which to tailor the microenvironment and target neoantigens; and allogeneic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erden Atilla
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|