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Spiliopoulou P, Kaur P, Hammett T, Di Conza G, Lahn M. Targeting T regulatory (T reg) cells in immunotherapy-resistant cancers. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:2. [PMID: 38318526 PMCID: PMC10838381 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Primary or secondary (i.e., acquired) resistance is a common occurrence in cancer patients and is often associated with high numbers of T regulatory (Treg) cells (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+). The approval of ipilimumab and the development of similar pharmacological agents targeting cell surface proteins on Treg cells demonstrates that such intervention may overcome resistance in cancer patients. Hence, the clinical development and subsequent approval of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) targeting agents can serve as a prototype for similar agents. Such new agents aspire to be highly specific and have a reduced toxicity profile while increasing effector T cell function or effector T/T regulatory (Teff/Treg) ratio. While clinical development with large molecules has shown the greatest advancement, small molecule inhibitors that target immunomodulation are increasingly entering early clinical investigation. These new small molecule inhibitors often target specific intracellular signaling pathways [e.g., phosphoinositide-3-kinase delta (PI3K-δ)] that play an important role in regulating the function of Treg cells. This review will summarize the lessons currently applied to develop novel clinical agents that target Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Spiliopoulou
- Department of Drug Development Program, Phase I Unit, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Center, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Paramjit Kaur
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Tracey Hammett
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Giusy Di Conza
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Michael Lahn
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
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2
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Guarnera L, Santinelli E, Galossi E, Cristiano A, Fabiani E, Falconi G, Voso MT. Microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia: focus on senescence mechanisms, therapeutic interactions, and future directions. Exp Hematol 2024; 129:104118. [PMID: 37741607 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2023.09.005] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease with a dismal prognosis, mainly affecting the elderly. In recent years, new drugs have improved life expectancy and quality of life, and a better understanding of the genetic-molecular nature of the disease has shed light on previously unknown aspects of leukemogenesis. In parallel, increasing attention has been attracted to the complex interactions between cells and soluble factors in the bone marrow (BM) environment, collectively known as the microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the central role of the microenvironment in physiologic and pathologic hematopoiesis and the mechanisms of senescence, considered a fundamental protective mechanism against the proliferation of damaged and pretumoral cells. The microenvironment also represents a fertile ground for the development of myeloid malignancies, and the leukemic niche significantly interacts with drugs commonly used in AML treatment. Finally, we focus on the role of the microenvironment in the engraftment and complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the only curative option in a conspicuous proportion of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Guarnera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Santinelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Galossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Cristiano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Fabiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Saint Camillus International, University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Falconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Damiani D, Tiribelli M. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1724. [PMID: 37371818 PMCID: PMC10295997 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061724] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory. Among the reasons for the poor response to therapy and high incidence of relapse, there is tumor cell immune escape, as AML blasts can negatively influence various components of the immune system, mostly weakening T-cells. Since leukemic cells can dysregulate immune checkpoints (ICs), receptor-based signal transductors that lead to the negative regulation of T-cells and, eventually, to immune surveillance escape, the inhibition of ICs is a promising therapeutic strategy and has led to the development of so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs, in combination with conventional chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents or targeted therapies, are being increasingly tested in cases of AML, but the results reported are often conflicting. Here, we review the main issues concerning the immune system in AML, the main pathways leading to immune escape and the results obtained from clinical trials of ICIs, alone or in combination, in newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Damiani
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mario Tiribelli
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
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4
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Patil SA, Patil SA, Ble-González EA, Isbel SR, Hampton SM, Bugarin A. Carbazole Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196575. [PMID: 36235110 PMCID: PMC9573399 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial infection is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in around 1.2 million deaths annually. Due to this, medicinal chemists are continuously searching for new or improved alternatives to combat microbial infections. Among many nitrogen-containing heterocycles, carbazole derivatives have shown significant biological activities, of which its antimicrobial and antifungal activities are the most studied. In this review, miscellaneous carbazole derivatives and their antimicrobial activity are discussed (articles published from 1999 to 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddappa A. Patil
- Department of Chemistry & Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
- Correspondence: (S.A.P.); (S.A.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Shivaputra A. Patil
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Correspondence: (S.A.P.); (S.A.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Ever A. Ble-González
- Department of Chemistry & Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
| | - Stephen R. Isbel
- Department of Chemistry & Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
| | - Sydney M. Hampton
- Department of Chemistry & Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
| | - Alejandro Bugarin
- Department of Chemistry & Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
- Correspondence: (S.A.P.); (S.A.P.); (A.B.)
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5
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Barakos GP, Hatzimichael E. Microenvironmental Features Driving Immune Evasion in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10020033. [PMID: 35735633 PMCID: PMC9221594 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10020033] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow, besides the known functions of hematopoiesis, is an active organ of the immune system, functioning as a sanctuary for several mature immune cells. Moreover, evidence suggests that hematopoietic stem cells (the bone marrow’s functional unit) are capable of directly sensing and responding to an array of exogenous stimuli. This chronic immune stimulation is harmful to normal hematopoietic stem cells, while essential for the propagation of myeloid diseases, which show a dysregulated immune microenvironment. The bone marrow microenvironment in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is characterized by chronic inflammatory activity and immune dysfunction, that drive excessive cellular death and through immune evasion assist in cancer cell expansion. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is another example of immune response failure, with features that augment immune evasion and suppression. In this review, we will outline some of the functions of the bone marrow with immunological significance and describe the alterations in the immune landscape of MDS and AML that drive disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Petros Barakos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Piraeus “Tzaneio”, 18536 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Eleftheria Hatzimichael
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence:
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6
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Ayyadurai VAS, Deonikar P, McLure KG, Sakamoto KM. Molecular Systems Architecture of Interactome in the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:756. [PMID: 35159023 PMCID: PMC8833542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A molecular systems architecture is presented for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to provide a framework for organizing the complexity of biomolecular interactions. AML is a multifactorial disease resulting from impaired differentiation and increased proliferation of hematopoietic precursor cells involving genetic mutations, signaling pathways related to the cancer cell genetics, and molecular interactions between the cancer cell and the tumor microenvironment, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, bone marrow stromal cells, and immune cells (e.g., T-regs, T-helper 1 cells, T-helper 17 cells, T-effector cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells). This molecular systems architecture provides a layered understanding of intra- and inter-cellular interactions in the AML cancer cell and the cells in the stromal microenvironment. The molecular systems architecture may be utilized for target identification and the discovery of single and combination therapeutics and strategies to treat AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. A. Shiva Ayyadurai
- Systems Biology Group, International Center for Integrative Systems, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA;
| | - Prabhakar Deonikar
- Systems Biology Group, International Center for Integrative Systems, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA;
| | | | - Kathleen M. Sakamoto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
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7
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Can the New and Old Drugs Exert an Immunomodulatory Effect in Acute Myeloid Leukemia? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164121. [PMID: 34439275 PMCID: PMC8393879 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The advent of novel immunotherapeutic strategies has revealed the importance of immune dysregulation and of a tolerogenic microenvironment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) fitness. We reviewed the “off-target” effects on the immune system of different drugs used in the treatment of AML to explore the advantages of this unexpected interaction. Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is considered an immune-suppressive neoplasm capable of evading immune surveillance through cellular and environmental players. Increasing knowledge of the immune system (IS) status at diagnosis seems to suggest ever more attention of the crosstalk between the leukemic clone and its immunologic counterpart. During the last years, the advent of novel immunotherapeutic strategies has revealed the importance of immune dysregulation and suppression for leukemia fitness. Considering all these premises, we reviewed the “off-target” effects on the IS of different drugs used in the treatment of AML, focusing on the main advantages of this interaction. The data reported support the idea that a successful therapeutic strategy should consider tailored approaches for performing leukemia eradication by both direct blasts killing and the engagement of the IS.
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The Protein Kinase Inhibitor Midostaurin Improves Functional Neurological Recovery and Attenuates Inflammatory Changes Following Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070972. [PMID: 34356596 PMCID: PMC8301989 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs neuronal function and introduces a complex cascade of secondary pathologies that limit recovery. Despite decades of preclinical and clinical research, there is a shortage of efficacious treatment options to modulate the secondary response to injury. Protein kinases are crucial signaling molecules that mediate the secondary SCI-induced cellular response and present promising therapeutic targets. The objective of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of midostaurin—a clinically-approved multi-target protein kinase inhibitor—on cervical SCI pathogenesis. High-throughput analyses demonstrated that intraperitoneal midostaurin injection (25 mg/kg) in C6/7 injured Wistar rats altered the local inflammasome and downregulated adhesive and migratory genes at 24 h post-injury. Treated animals also exhibited enhanced recovery and restored coordination between forelimbs and hindlimbs after injury, indicating the synergistic impact of midostaurin and its dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle to improve functional recovery. Furthermore, histological analyses suggested improved tissue preservation and functionality in the treated animals during the chronic phase of injury. This study serves as a proof-of-concept experiment and demonstrates that systemic midostaurin administration is an effective strategy for mitigating cervical secondary SCI damage.
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Jimbu L, Mesaros O, Popescu C, Neaga A, Berceanu I, Dima D, Gaman M, Zdrenghea M. Is There a Place for PD-1-PD-L Blockade in Acute Myeloid Leukemia? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:288. [PMID: 33804850 PMCID: PMC8063836 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors were a major breakthrough in the field of oncology. In September 2014, based on the KEYNOTE-001 study, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, for advanced or unresectable melanoma. Up until now, seven PD-1/PD-ligand(L)-1 inhibitors are approved in various solid cancers and hundreds of clinical studies are currently ongoing. In hematology, PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab were approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) classic Hodgkin lymphoma, and later pembrolizumab was approved for R/R primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the combination of hypomethylating agents and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has shown promising results, worth of further investigation, while other combinations or single agent therapy have disappointing results. On the other hand, rather than in first line, these therapies could be useful in the consolidation or maintenance setting, for achieving minimal residual disease negativity. Furthermore, an interesting application could be the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation relapse. There are several reasons why checkpoint inhibitors are not very effective in treating AML, including the characteristics of the disease (systemic, rapidly progressive, and high tumor burden disease), low mutational burden, and dysregulation of the immune system. We here review the results of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in AML and discuss their potential future in the management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jimbu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Oana Mesaros
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Cristian Popescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, County Emergency Hospital Alba Iulia, 20 Decebal Str., 510093 Alba-Iulia, Romania
| | - Alexandra Neaga
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
| | - Iulia Berceanu
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Mihaela Gaman
- Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Zdrenghea
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
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10
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Murphy-Schafer AR, Paust S. Divergent Mast Cell Responses Modulate Antiviral Immunity During Influenza Virus Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:580679. [PMID: 33680987 PMCID: PMC7935524 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.580679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) is a respiratory pathogen that infects millions of people each year. Both seasonal and pandemic strains of IAV are capable of causing severe respiratory disease with a high risk of respiratory failure and opportunistic secondary infection. A strong inflammatory cytokine response is a hallmark of severe IAV infection. The widespread tissue damage and edema in the lung during severe influenza is largely attributed to an overexuberant production of inflammatory cytokines and cell killing by resident and infiltrating leukocytes. Mast cells (MCs) are a sentinel hematopoietic cell type situated at mucosal sites, including the lung. Poised to react immediately upon detecting infection, MCs produce a vast array of immune modulating molecules, including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and proteases. As such, MCs have been implicated as a source of the immunopathology observed in severe influenza. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that MCs play an essential role not only in inducing an inflammatory response but in suppressing inflammation as well. MC-derived immune suppressive cytokines are essential to the resolution of a number of viral infections and other immune insults. Absence of MCs prolongs infection, exacerbates tissue damage, and contributes to dissemination of the pathogen to other tissues. Production of cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-6 by MCs is essential for mitigating the inflammation and tissue damage caused by innate and adaptive immune cells alike. The two opposing functions of MCs—one pro-inflammatory and one anti-inflammatory—distinguish MCs as master regulators of immunity at the site of infection. Amongst the first cells to respond to infection or injury, MCs persist for the duration of the infection, modulating the recruitment, activation, and eventual suppression of other immune cells. In this review, we will discuss the immune modulatory roles of MCs over the course of viral infection and propose that the immune suppressive mediators produced by MCs are vital to minimizing immunopathology during influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh R Murphy-Schafer
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Silke Paust
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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11
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Jacobs CF, Eldering E, Kater AP. Kinase inhibitors developed for treatment of hematologic malignancies: implications for immune modulation in COVID-19. Blood Adv 2021; 5:913-925. [PMID: 33560402 PMCID: PMC7871903 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to target dysregulated signaling pathways in virtually all hematologic malignancies. Many of the targeted signaling pathways are also essential in nonmalignant immune cells. The current coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic catalyzed clinical exploration of TKIs in the treatment of the various stages of COVID-19, which are characterized by distinct immune-related complications. Most of the reported effects of TKIs on immune regulation have been explored in vitro, with different class-specific drugs having nonoverlapping target affinities. Moreover, many of the reported in vivo effects are based on artificial animal models or on observations made in symptomatic patients with a hematologic malignancy who often already suffer from disturbed immune regulation. Based on in vitro and clinical observations, we attempt to decipher the impact of the main TKIs approved or in late-stage development for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, spleen tyrosine kinase, BCR-Abl, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ mammalian target of rapamycin, JAK/STAT, and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3, to provide a rationale for how such inhibitors could modify clinical courses of diseases, such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaja F Jacobs
- Department of Experimental Immunology and
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
| | - Eric Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology and
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Roussel X, Daguindau E, Berceanu A, Desbrosses Y, Warda W, Neto da Rocha M, Trad R, Deconinck E, Deschamps M, Ferrand C. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: From Biology to Clinical Practices Through Development and Pre-Clinical Therapeutics. Front Oncol 2020; 10:599933. [PMID: 33363031 PMCID: PMC7757414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.599933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have provided several insights into acute myeloid leukemia. Studies based on molecular biology have identified eight functional mutations involved in leukemogenesis, including driver and passenger mutations. Insight into Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) and assessment of cell surface markers have enabled characterization of LSCs from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Clonal evolution has been described as having an effect similar to that of microenvironment alterations. Such biological findings have enabled the development of new targeted drugs, including drug inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies with blockage functions. Some recently approved targeted drugs have resulted in new therapeutic strategies that enhance standard intensive chemotherapy regimens as well as supportive care regimens. Besides the progress made in adoptive immunotherapy, since allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation enabled the development of new T-cell transfer therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and transgenic TCR T-cell engineering, new promising strategies that are investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Roussel
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Etienne Daguindau
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Ana Berceanu
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Yohan Desbrosses
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Walid Warda
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | | | - Rim Trad
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eric Deconinck
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Marina Deschamps
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Ferrand
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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13
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Delia M, Carluccio P, Mestice A, Frappampina R, Albano F, Specchia G, Musto P. After Treatment Decrease of Bone Marrow Tregs and Outcome in Younger Patients with Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:2134647. [PMID: 33204734 PMCID: PMC7657695 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2134647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging body of evidence demonstrates that defects in antileukemic effector cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can contribute to the development and/or persistence of the disease. In particular, immune suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) may contribute to this defective antileukemic immune response, being recruited by bone marrow leukemic cells to evade immune surveillance. We evaluated Tregs (CD4+/CD45RA-/CD25high/CD127low), performing multiparametric flow cytometry on freshly collected bone marrow aspirate (BMA), in addition to the usual molecular and cytogenetic work-up in newly diagnosed AML patients to look for any correlation between Tregs and the overall response rate (ORR). We studied 39 AML younger patients (<65 years), all treated with standard induction chemotherapy. ORR (complete remission (CR)+CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi)) was documented in 21 out of 39 patients (54%); two partial responder patients were also recorded. Apart from the expected impact of the molecular-cytogenetic group (p = 0.03) and the NPM mutation (p = 0.05), diagnostic BMA Tregs did not show any correlation with ORR. However, although BMA Tregs did not differ in the study population after treatment, their counts significantly decreased in responder patients (p = 0.039), while no difference was documented in nonresponder ones. This suggested that the removal of Treg cells is able to evoke and enhance anti-AML immune response. However, the role of BMA Tregs in mediating immune system-AML interactions in the diagnostic and posttreatment phase should be confirmed in a greater number of patients.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Biomarkers
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Biopsy, Needle
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Disease Management
- Female
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Prognosis
- ROC Curve
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Delia
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Carluccio
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Mestice
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Frappampina
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Albano
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Pellegrino Musto
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
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Bansal AK, Sharawat SK, Gupta R, Vishnubhatla S, Dhawan D, Bakhshi S. Regulatory T cells in pediatric AML are associated with disease load and their serial assessment suggests role in leukemogenesis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BLOOD RESEARCH 2020; 10:90-96. [PMID: 32923088 PMCID: PMC7486484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) modulate immune system by suppressing other immune cells. In current exploratory era of immunotherapy, the detailed enumeration data of Tregs cells in pediatric AML is lacking. AIM Serial assessment of Treg absolute values in pediatric AML at diagnosis and follow-up; and correlating with outcome. STUDY DESIGN Prospective study. METHODS Study objectives were determining Tregs (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) were assessed at diagnosis, post-induction, post-consolidation, 3 and 6 months follow-up and relapse in 30 consecutive pediatric AML patients. RESULTS Patients with AML had higher baseline Treg frequencies than controls (P=0.0001). Female patients, WBC > 50,000 × 103/L and hypoalbuminemia were significantly associated with high Treg absolute values. Baseline Tregs were not associated with DFS, EFS and OS. Tregs significantly decreased after induction chemotherapy (P=0.028). Using generalized-estimating-equation regression model, Treg absolute numbers continued to decrease at each assessment time point from post-induction till 6 months follow-up (P=0.029) in those who are in continuous CR; however, in those patients who relapsed, Tregs did not change from post-induction till last follow-up preceding relapse (P=0.39). CONCLUSIONS This first study in pediatric AML demonstrates that Tregs are increased at diagnosis; the increased number is significantly associated with female gender and high WBC count. Tregs decrease after induction chemotherapy as compared to their baseline value. Post CR, Treg absolute values continue to decrease significantly in those who stay in CR but not so in those who relapse; this suggests their possible role in leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Kumar Bansal
- Department of Medical OncologyNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi-110029, India
| | - Surender Kumar Sharawat
- Department of Medical OncologyNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi-110029, India
| | - Ritu Gupta
- Department of Laboratory OncologyNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalNew Delhi-110029, India
| | - Sreenivas Vishnubhatla
- Department of BiostatisticsNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi-110029, India
| | - Deepa Dhawan
- Department of Medical OncologyNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi-110029, India
| | - Sameer Bakhshi
- Department of Medical OncologyNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of Dr. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer HospitalNew Delhi-110029, India
- Department of All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi-110029, India
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15
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Schmidt-Arras D, Böhmer FD. Mislocalisation of Activated Receptor Tyrosine Kinases - Challenges for Cancer Therapy. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:833-847. [PMID: 32593582 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutations in genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) mediate proliferation, cell migration, and cell survival, and are therefore important drivers of oncogenesis. Numerous targeted cancer therapies are directed against activated RTKs, including small compound inhibitors, and immunotherapies. It has recently been discovered that not only certain RTK fusion proteins, but also many full-length RTKs harbouring activating mutations, notably RTKs of the class III family, are to a large extent mislocalised in intracellular membranes. Active kinases in these locations cause aberrant activation of signalling pathways. Moreover, low levels of activated RTKs at the cell surface present an obstacle for immunotherapy. We outline here why understanding of the mechanisms underlying mislocalisation will help in improving existing and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schmidt-Arras
- Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Institute of Biochemistry, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Frank-D Böhmer
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, CMB, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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16
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Hunter BD, Chen YB. Current Approaches to Transplantation for FLT3-ITD AML. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2020; 15:1-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11899-020-00558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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17
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Mendez LM, Posey RR, Pandolfi PP. The Interplay Between the Genetic and Immune Landscapes of AML: Mechanisms and Implications for Risk Stratification and Therapy. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1162. [PMID: 31781488 PMCID: PMC6856667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AML holds a unique place in the history of immunotherapy by virtue of being among the first malignancies in which durable remissions were achieved with "adoptive immunotherapy," now known as allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The successful deployment of unselected adoptive cell therapy established AML as a disease responsive to immunomodulation. Classification systems for AML have been refined and expanded over the years in an effort to capture the variability of this heterogeneous disease and risk-stratify patients. Current systems increasingly incorporate information about cytogenetic alterations and genetic mutations. The advent of next generation sequencing technology has enabled the comprehensive identification of recurrent genetic mutations, many with predictive power. Recurrent genetic mutations found in AML have been intensely studied from a cell intrinsic perspective leading to the genesis of multiple, recently approved targeted therapies including IDH1/2-mutant inhibitors and FLT3-ITD/-TKD inhibitors. However, there is a paucity of data on the effects of these targeted agents on the leukemia microenvironment, including the immune system. Recently, the phenomenal success of checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells has re-ignited interest in understanding the mechanisms leading to immune dysregulation and suppression in leukemia, with the objective of harnessing the power of the immune system via novel immunotherapeutics. A paradigm has emerged that places crosstalk with the immune system at the crux of any effective therapy. Ongoing research will reveal how AML genetics inform the composition of the immune microenvironment paving the way for personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes M. Mendez
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ryan R. Posey
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pier Paolo Pandolfi
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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18
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Mougiakakos D. The Induction of a Permissive Environment to Promote T Cell Immune Evasion in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The Metabolic Perspective. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1166. [PMID: 31781489 PMCID: PMC6851227 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the acute leukemia with highest incidence amongst adults. Despite significant improvements in understanding the genomic landscape and the introduction of novel drugs, long-term outcome remains unsatisfactory. Recently, immunotherapeutic approaches have heralded a new era in cancer treatment. The success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in AML highlights the disease's immunoresponsiveness. Several immunotherapeutic applications are currently under clinical evaluation and include immune checkpoint blockades, T cell-engaging antibodies, and genetically engineered T cells. However, immunoevasive mechanisms employed by AML blasts severely hamper our endeavors. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains a prerequisite for improving treatment efficacy. One of the hallmarks of the cancer cells is metabolic reprogramming, introduced by Otto Warburg's seminal studies during the beginnings of the last century. Nowadays, it is well established that metabolic adaptation is not just an epiphenomenon during oncogenesis but rather a necessity for tumor development and progression. Furthermore, accumulating data suggest an important role of aberrant tumor cell metabolism for immune escape. AML blasts display a number of metabolic alterations that could be linked to immunoregulation, and these include competition over substrates, abundant release of bioactive metabolites, and an overall microenvironmental metabolic re-modeling that favors the induction or survival of immunoregulatory cell subsets such as regulatory T cells. In this review, we outline the immunoevasive character of the AML blasts' bioenergetics, set it into context with oncogenic mutations, and discuss potentially suitable countermeasures and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Medicine 5, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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19
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Issa S, Prandina A, Bedel N, Rongved P, Yous S, Le Borgne M, Bouaziz Z. Carbazole scaffolds in cancer therapy: a review from 2012 to 2018. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:1321-1346. [PMID: 31328585 PMCID: PMC6691762 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1640692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
For over half a century, the carbazole skeleton has been the key structural motif of many biologically active compounds including natural and synthetic products. Carbazoles have taken an important part in all the existing anti-cancer drugs because of their discovery from a large variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. In this article, we specifically explored the literature from 2012 to 2018 on the anti-tumour activities reported to carbazole derivatives and we have critically collected the most significant data. The most described carbazole anti-tumour agents were classified according to their structure, starting from the tricyclic–carbazole motif to fused tetra-, penta-, hexa- and heptacyclic carbazoles. To date, three derivatives are available on the market and approved in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Issa
- a Ecole de Biologie Industrielle, EBInnov , Cergy-Pontoise , France
| | - Anthony Prandina
- b Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453 - INSERM US7, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , Lyon , France.,c Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Nicolas Bedel
- b Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453 - INSERM US7, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , Lyon , France
| | - Pål Rongved
- c Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Saïd Yous
- d Université Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172 JPArc Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer , Lille , France
| | - Marc Le Borgne
- b Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453 - INSERM US7, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , Lyon , France
| | - Zouhair Bouaziz
- b Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453 - INSERM US7, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , Lyon , France
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20
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Tallis E, Borthakur G. Novel treatments for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3 mutations. Expert Rev Hematol 2019; 12:621-640. [PMID: 31232619 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2019.1635882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Mutations in the gene encoding for the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) are present in about 30% of adults with AML and are associated with shorter disease-free and overall survival after initial therapy. Prognosis of relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations is even more dismal with median overall survival of a few months only. Areas covered: This review will cover current and emerging treatments for relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations, preclinical rationale and clinical trials with new encouraging data for this particularly challenging population. The authors discuss mechanisms of resistance to FLT3 inhibitors and how these insights serve to identify current and future treatments. As allogeneic stem cell transplant in the first remission is the preferred therapy for newly diagnosed AML patients with FLT3 mutations, the authors discuss the role of maintenance after SCT for the prevention of relapse. Expert opinion: Relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations remains a therapeutic challenge with currently available treatments. However, the evolution of targeted therapies with next-generation FLT3 inhibitors and their combinations with chemotherapy is showing much promise. Moreover, growing understanding of the pathways of resistance to treatment has led to the identification of various targeted therapies currently being explored, which in time will improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Tallis
- a Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- a Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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