Immune checkpoint inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma

Immune-Related Adverse Events of Genitourinary Cancer Patients, a Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become common lines of therapy for genitourinary cancers (GUcs). Given their widespread use, understanding the risk factors, comparative profiles, and timing of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is essential.

METHODS

We created an IRB-approved retrospective registry of all patients who received at least one dose of an ICI for any indication between 1 February 2011 and 7 April 2022 at a comprehensive cancer center and its outreach clinics. Dichotomous outcomes were modeled using multivariable logistic regression. Survival outcomes were compared using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

Among 3101 patients, 196 had renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and 170 had urothelial tumors. RCC patients were more likely to experience irAEs (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.32-2.39), whereas urothelial carcinoma patients were not (OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.88-1.67). RCC patients were more prone to dermatitis, thyroiditis, acute kidney injury, and myocarditis, compared to other tumors, while urothelial carcinoma patients were not. The impact of irAEs on survival was not significantly different for GUcs compared to other tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

RCC primaries have a significantly different irAE profile than most tumors, as opposed to urothelial primaries. Further, RCC was more likely to experience any irAEs. Heterogeneity of survival benefits by irAEs was not seen.

Renal cancer: signaling pathways and advances in targeted therapies

Renal cancer is a highlyheterogeneous malignancy characterized by rising global incidence and mortalityrates. The complex interplay and dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways,including von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP), Wnt/ß-catenin, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met, contribute to theinitiation and progression of renal cancer. Although surgical resection is thestandard treatment for localized renal cancer, recurrence and metastasiscontinue to pose significant challenges. Advanced renal cancer is associatedwith a poor prognosis, and current therapies, such as targeted agents andimmunotherapies, have limitations. This review presents a comprehensiveoverview of the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant signaling pathways inrenal cancer, emphasizing their intricate crosstalk and synergisticinteractions. We discuss recent advancements in targeted therapies, includingtyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors.Moreover, we underscore the importance of multiomics approaches and networkanalysis in elucidating the complex regulatory networks governing renal cancerpathogenesis. By integrating cutting-edge research and clinical insights, this review contributesto the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, whichhave the potential to improve risk stratification, precision medicine, andultimately, patient outcomes in renal cancer.

Immunotherapy of Clear-Cell Renal-Cell Carcinoma

Clear-cell Renal-Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). In many cases, RCC patients manifest the first symptoms during the advanced stage of the disease. For this reason, immunotherapy appears to be one of the dominant treatments to achieve a resolution. In this review, we focus on the presentation of the main immune checkpoint proteins that act as negative regulators of immune responses, such as PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIGIT, and TIM-3, and their respective inhibitors. Interleukin-2, another potential component of the treatment of ccRCC patients, has also been covered. The synergy between several immunotherapies is one of the main aspects that unites the conclusions of research in recent years. To date, the combination of several immunotherapies enhances the efficacy of a monotherapy, which often manifests important limitations. Immunotherapy aimed at restoring the anti-cancer immune response in ccRCC, involved in the recognition and elimination of cancer cells, may also be a valid solution for many other types of immunogenic tumors that are diagnosed in the final stages.

Genetically driven predisposition leads to an unusually genomic unstable renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma originates from the lining of the proximal convoluted renal tubule and represents the most common type of kidney cancer. Risk factors and comorbidities might be associated to renal cell carcinoma, while a small fraction of 2-3% emerges from patients with predisposing cancer syndromes, typically associated to hereditary mutations in VHL, folliculin, fumarate hydratase or MET genes. Here, we report a case of renal cell carcinoma in patient with concurrent germline mutations in BRCA1 and RAD51 genes. This case displays an unusual high mutational burden and chromosomal aberrations compared to the typical profile of renal cell carcinoma. Mutational analysis on whole genome sequencing revealed an enrichment of the MMR2 mutational signature, which is indicative of impaired DNA repair capacity. Overall, the tumor displayed a profile of unusual high genomic instability which suggests a possible origin from germline predisposing mutations in the DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51. While BRCA1 and RAD51 germline mutations are well-characterised in breast and ovarian cancer, their role in renal cell carcinoma is still largely unexplored. The genomic instability detected in this case of renal cell carcinoma, along with the presence of unusual mutations, might offer support to clinicians for the development of patient-tailored therapies.

Clinical Significance and Expression Pattern of RIP5 and VGLL4 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Sunitinib

While clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is curable, advanced metastatic (mRCC) remains a clinical challenge. We analyzed clinical, pathohistological, and molecular data (Receptor Interacting Protein 5-RIP5 and Vestigial Like Family Member 4-VGLL4 expression) of 55 mRCC patients treated with first-line treatment with sunitinib. The trend of linear increase in the protein expression of RIP5 was observed with the progression of tumor grade. Overall, 80% of RIP5-positive cells were in the control kidneys and high-grade mRCC. On the contrary, RIP5 displayed low expression in grade 2 mRCC (5.63%). The trend of linear decrease in the expression of VGLL4 was observed with the progression of tumor grade. The highest protein expression of VGLL4 was observed in grade 2 (87.82%) in comparison to grade 3 and 4 and control. High expression of RIP5 mRNA was associated with longer first-line overall survival and longer progression-free survival in mRCC. In addition, a high VGLL4 mRNA expression showed better overall survival in patients with ccRCC. In conclusion, high mRNA expression of RIP5 and VGLL4 are important markers of better survival rates in mRCC patients.

A Rare Case of Giant Cell Arteritis After the Administration of Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in a Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patient

We present a rare case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a patient who developed giant cell arteritis (GCA) after the administration of checkpoint inhibitor therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab. The patient was initially treated with a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab, showing a near-complete response with minimal side effects. However, after several cycles of checkpoint inhibitor therapy, the patient developed symptoms consistent with GCA, leading to a halt in the immunotherapy. This report highlights the complexity of managing the adverse effects of immunotherapeutic agents and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of complications such as GCA.

Emerging resistance vs. losing response to immune check point inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma: two differing phenomena

The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has revolutionized the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and has dramatically improved the outcomes of patients. The use of monotherapy or combinations of ICIs targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, as well as the addition of ICIs with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has significantly enhanced the overall survival of mRCC patients. Despite these promising results, there remains a subset of patients who either do not respond to treatment (primary resistance) or develop resistance to therapy over time (acquired resistance). Understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to ICI treatment is crucial in the management of mRCC, as they can be used to identify new targets for innovative therapeutic strategies. Currently, there is an unmet need to develop new predictive and prognostic biomarkers that can aid in the development of personalized treatment options for mRCC patients. In this review, we summarize several mechanisms of ICI resistance in RCC, including alterations in tumor microenvironment, upregulation of alternative immune checkpoint pathways, and genetic and epigenetic changes. Additionally, we highlight potential strategies that can be used to overcome resistance, such as combination therapy, targeted therapy, and immune modulation.

Cuproptosis related gene PDHB is identified as a biomarker inversely associated with the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cuproptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death dependent on mitochondrial respiratory disorder induced by copper overload. Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit beta (PDHB) is one of the cuproptosis genesand is a nuclear-encoded pyruvate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A. However, the mechanism of PDHB in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear.

METHODS

We used data from TCGA and GEO to assess the expression of PDHB in normal and tumor tissues. We further analyzed the relationship between PDHB and somatic mutations and immune infiltration. Finally, we preliminarily explored the impact of PDHB on ccRCC.

RESULTS

The expression level of PDHB was lower in tumor tissue compared with normal tissue. Meanwhile, the expression level of PDHB was also lower in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors. PDHB is positively correlated with prognosis in ccRCC. Furthermore, PDHB may be associated with decreased risk of VHL, PBRM1 and KDM5C mutations. In 786-O cells, copper chloride could promote the expression of cuproptosis genes (DLAT, PDHB and FDX1) and inhibit cell growth. Last but not least, we found that PDHB could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that PDHB could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion in ccRCC cells, which might be a prognostic predictor of ccRCC. Targeting this molecular might provide a new therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced ccRCC.

TOPK mediates immune evasion of renal cell carcinoma via upregulating the expression of PD-L1

Although anti-PD-L1 therapy has been used in the clinical treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a proportion of patients are not sensitive to it, which may be attributed to the heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. Here, we demonstrated that high TOPK (T-LAK cell-originated Protein Kinase) expression in RCC promoted PD-L1 expression by activating ERK2 and TGF-β/Smad pathways. TOPK was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression levels in RCC. Meanwhile, TOPK significantly inhibited the infiltration and function of CD8⁺ T cells and promoted the immune escape of RCC. Moreover, inhibition of TOPK significantly enhanced CD8⁺ T cell infiltration, promoted CD8⁺ T cell activation, enhanced anti-PD-L1 therapeutic efficacy, and synergistically enhanced anti-RCC immune response. In conclusion, this study proposes a new PD-L1 regulatory mechanism that is expected to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for RCC.

Single-cell Deconvolution of a Specific Malignant Cell Population as a Poor Prognostic Biomarker in Low-risk Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients

BACKGROUND

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is a key feature in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs) that impacts outcomes such as aggressiveness, response to treatments, or recurrence. In particular, it may explain tumor relapse after surgery in clinically low-risk patients who did not benefit from adjuvant therapy. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful tool to unravel expression ITH (eITH) and might enable better assessment of clinical outcomes in ccRCC.

OBJECTIVE

To explore eITH in ccRCC with a focus on malignant cells (MCs) and assess its relevance to improve prognosis for low-risk patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed scRNA-seq on tumor samples from five untreated ccRCC patients ranging from pT1a to pT3b. Data were complemented with a published dataset composed of pairs of matched normal and ccRCC samples.

INTERVENTION

Radical or partial nephrectomy on untreated ccRCC patients.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Viability and cell type proportions were determined by flow cytometry. Following scRNA-seq, a functional analysis was performed and tumor progression trajectories were inferred. A deconvolution approach was applied on an external cohort, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated with respect to the prevalence of malignant clusters.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

We analyzed 54 812 cells and identified 35 cell subpopulations. The eITH analysis revealed that each tumor contained various degrees of clonal diversity. The transcriptomic signatures of MCs in one particularly heterogeneous sample were used to design a deconvolution-based strategy that allowed the risk stratification of 310 low-risk ccRCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We described eITH in ccRCCs, and used this information to establish significant cell population-based prognostic signatures and better discriminate ccRCC patients. This approach has the potential to improve the stratification of clinically low-risk patients and their therapeutic management.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We sequenced the RNA content of individual cell subpopulations composed of clear cell renal cell carcinomas and identified specific malignant cells the genetic information of which can be used to predict tumor progression.

Disruption in networking of KCMF1 linked ubiquitin ligase impairs autophagy in CD8+ memory T cells of patients with renal cell carcinoma

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) remains incurable, despite the current checkpoint-blockade-driven, limited overall response rate. The CD8⁺ memory T cells can mount a rapid and an effective response. The ubiquitin ligase RAD6-KCMF1-UBR4-mediated regulation of autophagy in CD8⁺ memory T cells in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unexplored. Consequently, flow cytometry was used to study memory T cells, and their subsets, including activation and regulatory phenotypes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Expression of the ubiquitin ligase and autophagy was measured both at the cellular and molecular levels in memory T cells of patients with RCC. JC.1 staining and Annexin/PI assays were used to evaluate the memory T cells depolarization and apoptosis rates. The results indicated that the disruption of Ub-E2-E3 complex and impaired autophagy in memory T cells diminished their ability to survive and combat against tumor cells. Inhibition of memory T cells apoptosis by targeting E3 ubiquitin ligase or autophagy pathways can be explored as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve the long-term survival of memory T cells in RCC.

Exosomal MicroRNA Levels Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown high efficiency in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) treatment. However, the response to therapy among patients varies greatly. Modern studies demonstrate the high potential of exosomal miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers in oncopathology. This study aimed to evaluate exosomal miRNA expression profiles of miRNAs-144, -146a, -149, -126, and -155 in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study included 35 patients whose venous blood samples were taken before and after ICI therapy. Expression analysis was performed using real-time quantitative PCR. It was demonstrated that the level of microRNA-146a increased after therapy (median(IQR) 12.92(4.06–18.90)) compared with the level before it (median(IQR) 7.15(1.90–10.50); p-value = 0.006). On the contrary, microRNA-126 was reduced after therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (median(IQR) 0.85(0.55–1.03) vs. 0.48(0.15–0.68) before and after therapy, respectively; p-value = 0.0001). In addition, miRNA-146a expression was shown to be reduced in patients with a higher grade of immune-related adverse events (p-value = 0.020). The AUC value for the miRNA-146a and miRNA-126 combination was 0.752 (95% CI 0.585–0.918), with the sensitivity at 64.3% and the specificity at 78.9%. Thus, while it can be assumed that miRNA-146a and miRNA-126 can be used as predictors for ICI therapy effectiveness, additional in-depth studies are required.

Effect of genetic polymorphisms on outcomes following nivolumab for advanced renal cell carcinoma in the SNiP-RCC trial

BACKGROUND

Anti-PD-1 antibodies are widely used for cancer treatment including advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, their therapeutic and adverse effects vary among patients. This study aimed to identify genetic markers that predict outcome after nivolumab anti-PD-1 antibody treatment for advanced RCC.

METHODS

This study was registered on the website of the University Hospital Medical Information Network (protocol ID, UMIN000037739). Patient enrollment was conducted at 23 institutions in Japan between August 19, 2019, and September 30, 2020. Patient follow-up ended on March 31, 2021. Patients were treated with nivolumab for advanced clear cell RCC. A genome-wide association study was performed in the development set, while genotyping of target regions in the validation set was undertaken. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes of interest CD274, PDCD1LG2 and PDCD1 were genotyped in the combined set. The primary endpoint was the association of SNPs with objective response following nivolumab treatment. As secondary endpoints, the associations of SNPs with radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and treatment-related grade  ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A genome-wide association study followed by a validation study identified that SNPs in FARP1 (rs643896 and rs685736) were associated with objective response and rPFS but not AEs following nivolumab treatment. Furthermore, SNPs in PDCD1LG2 (rs822339 and rs1411262) were associated with objective response, rPFS, and AEs following nivolumab treatment. Genetic risk category determined according to the number of risk alleles in SNPs (rs643896 in FARP1 and rs4527932 in PDCD1LG2) excellently predicted objective response and rPFS in nivolumab treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that SNPs in FARP1 and PDCD1LG2 were correlated with outcome in nivolumab treatment. The use of these SNPs may be beneficial in selecting appropriate treatment for individual patients and may contribute to personalized medicine.

Avelumab Plus Axitinib as First-Line Therapy for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Long-Term Results from the JAVELIN Renal 100 Phase Ib Trial

BACKGROUND

Progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients who received avelumab plus axitinib versus sunitinib as first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) in a randomized phase III trial. We report long-term safety and efficacy of avelumab plus axitinib as first-line treatment for patients with aRCC from the JAVELIN Renal 100 phase Ib trial (NCT02493751).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this open-label, multicenter, phase Ib study, patients with untreated aRCC received avelumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks plus axitinib 5 mg twice daily or with axitinib for 7 days followed by avelumab plus axitinib. Safety and efficacy were assessed in all patients receiving at least one dose of avelumab or axitinib.

RESULTS

Overall, 55 patients were enrolled and treated. Median follow-up was 55.7 months (95% CI, 54.5-58.7). Treatment-related adverse events of any grade or grade ≥3 occurred in 54 (98.2%) and 34 (61.8%) patients, respectively. The confirmed objective response rate was 60.0% (95% CI, 45.9-73.0), including complete response in 10.9% of patients. Median duration of response was 35.9 months (95% CI, 12.7-52.9); the probability of response was 65.8% (95% CI, 46.7-79.4) at 2 years. Median progression-free survival was 8.3 months (95% CI, 5.3-32.0). Median overall survival was not reached (95% CI, 40.8-not estimable); the 5-year overall survival rate was 57.3% (95% CI, 41.2-70.5).

CONCLUSION

Five-year follow-up for combination treatment with avelumab plus axitinib in previously untreated patients with aRCC showed long-term clinical activity with no new safety signals, supporting use of this regimen within its approved indication in clinical practice (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02493751).

KCMF1 regulates autophagy and ion channels' function in renal cell carcinoma: a future therapeutic target

INTRODUCTION

In RCC, systematic procedures such as surgery, chemo-radiation therapy, and application of target-based inhibitors increase the risk of several comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, hemorrhage, and cardiac arrest that may increase the mortality rate. Even though immune-based checkpoint inhibitor therapies have an overall good response rate, it is restricted to only 30-40% of patients. Hence, an in-depth study of tumor pathophysiology in RCC is needed to identify the new therapeutic target. In RCC, persisted hypoxia is an essential phenomenon for tumor growth and progression. KCMF1 is a newly identified ubiquitin ligase whose domain interacts with destabilized proteins and reprogrammed the ubiquitin coding for lysosome-mediated degradation and autophagy under hypoxic conditions/oxidative stress and maintaining cellular homeostasis. But in RCC, the functional role of KCMF1 remains undefined to date.

METHOD

We determined KCMF1 and its associated proteins RAD6 and UBR4 expression and their co-localization using confocal microscopy in tumor and non-tumor tissues samples. Further, immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine autophagy (LC3B, p62), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1A) and ion channel markers (Kv1.3, KCNN4) in RCC patients (n-10). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICPMS) was performed to estimate the concentration of potassium (K⁺), sodium (Na⁺) and Zinc (zn²⁺) in tumor and non-tumor cells of RCC patients (n-20). Lastly, images were analyzed using ZEN3.1, and ImageJ software.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

We observed a discrepancy in the formation of ubiquitin ligase, autophagosome via KCMF1, and ionic concentration in tumor cells, which might be one of the possible factors for cancer evolution. KCMF1-associated ubiquitin ligase system could be considered as a novel therapeutic target for RCC in the future.

Improved overall survival of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients in the era of modern tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors: results from a real-life, population-based Austrian study comprising three decades of follow-up

BACKGROUND

The treatment landscape of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has substantially advanced over the last three decades, whereby data from controlled clinical trials indicate significant improvements regarding patients' overall survival (OS) in highly selected patient cohorts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of potentially game changing drugs on patients' outcomes by comparing three different historical mRCC treatment eras.

METHODS

In all, 914 mRCC patients who were diagnosed between July 1985 and September 2020 were included into this observational study and assigned to three different treatment eras ['cytokine', 'first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)', and 'modern TKIs/immunotherapy'] based on the EMA approval dates of sunitinib (July 2006) and nivolumab (June 2015) in mRCC treatment. OS was considered the primary study endpoint. Kaplan-Meier analyses, log-rank tests, and uni- and multivariable Cox regression models were performed.

RESULTS

OS was significantly longer in patients of the modern TKIs/immunotherapy era (median OS not reached) as compared to the cytokine (2.4 years) and first-generation TKIs era (1.7 years, all p < 0.001). Moreover, patients of the modern TKIs/immunotherapy era demonstrated a significantly better prognosis [hazard ratio (HR): 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32-0.55, p < 0.001] compared to those of the cytokine era, while no statistically significant difference was observed between the cytokine and the first-generation TKIs era cohort (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.89-1.41, p = 0.341). Subgroup analyses stratified by the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk groups showed a significantly longer OS in the modern TKIs/immunotherapy era as compared to first-generation TKIs and cytokines across all IMDC risk groups.

CONCLUSION

Significant advances in the systemic medical treatment of mRCC during the recent decade and the introduction of immunotherapy exerted a major impact on patient outcomes in terms of OS in a real-life population.

Association of C-reactive protein with efficacy of avelumab plus axitinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma: long-term follow-up results from JAVELIN Renal 101

Background

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important prognostic and predictive factor in advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). We report the association of CRP levels at baseline and early after treatment with efficacy of avelumab plus axitinib or sunitinib from the phase III JAVELIN Renal 101 trial.

Patients and methods

Patients were categorized into normal (baseline CRP <10 mg/l), normalized (baseline CRP ≥10 mg/l and ≥1 CRP value decreased to <10 mg/l during 6-week treatment), and non-normalized (CRP ≥10 mg/l at baseline and during 6-week treatment) CRP groups. Progression-free survival and best overall response from the second interim analysis and overall survival (OS) from the third interim analysis were assessed.

Results

In the avelumab plus axitinib and sunitinib arms, respectively, 234, 51, and 108 patients and 232, 36, and 128 patients were categorized into normal, normalized, and non-normalized CRP groups. In respective CRP groups, objective response rates [95% confidence interval (CI)] were 56.0% (49.4% to 62.4%), 66.7% (52.1% to 79.2%), and 45.4% (35.8% to 55.2%) with avelumab plus axitinib and 30.6% (24.7% to 37.0%), 41.7% (25.5% to 59.2%), and 19.5% (13.1% to 27.5%) with sunitinib; complete response rates were 3.8%, 11.8%, and 0.9% and 3.0%, 0%, and 1.6%, respectively. Median progression-free survival (95% CI) was 15.2 months (12.5-21.0 months), not reached (NR) [11.1 months-not estimable (NE)], and 7.0 months (5.6-9.9 months) with avelumab plus axitinib and 11.2 months (8.4-13.9 months), 11.2 months (6.7-13.8 months), and 4.2 months (2.8-5.6 months) with sunitinib; median OS (95% CI) was NR (42.2 months-NE), NR (30.4 months-NE), and 23.0 months (18.4-33.1 months) and NR (39.0 months-NE), 39.8 months (21.7-NE), and 19.1 months (16.3-25.3 months), respectively. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that normalized or non-normalized CRP levels were independent factors for the prediction of objective response rate or OS, respectively, with avelumab plus axitinib.

Conclusions

In patients with aRCC, CRP levels at baseline and early after treatment may predict efficacy with avelumab plus axitinib.

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C-reactive protein is an important prognostic and predictive factor in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

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The association between C-reactive protein levels and the efficacy of avelumab plus axitinib or sunitinib was evaluated.

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C-reactive protein levels at baseline and early after treatment might predict efficacy with avelumab plus axitinib.

Administration of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Near the End of Life

PURPOSE

Recent literature suggests an increasing use of systemic treatment in patients with advanced cancer near the end of life (EOL), partially driven by the increasing adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While studies have identified this trend, additional variables associated with ICI use at EOL are limited. Our aim was to characterize a population of patients who received a dose of ICI in the last 30 days of life.

METHODS

We performed a manual retrospective chart review of patients ≥ 18 years who died within 30 days of receiving a dose of ICI. Metrics such as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), number of ICI doses, need for hospitalization, and numerous other variables were evaluated.

RESULTS

Over a 4-year time period, 97 patients received an ICI at EOL. For 40% of patients, the ICI given in the 30 days before death was their only dose. Over 50% of patients had an ECOG PS of ≥ 2, including 17% of patients with an ECOG PS of 3. Over 60% were hospitalized, 65% visited the emergency department, 20% required intensive care unit admission, and 25% died in the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Our study contributes to the ongoing literature regarding the risks and benefits of ICI use in patients with advanced cancer near the EOL. While accurate predictions regarding the EOL are challenging, oncologists may routinely use clinical factors such as ECOG PS along with patient preferences to guide recommendations and shared decision making. Ultimately, further follow-up studies to better characterize and prognosticate this population of patients are needed.

Combination of Anti-Angiogenics and Checkpoint Inhibitors for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Is the Whole Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts?

Simple Summary

Checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenic therapies are treatments that slow the progression of renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenic therapies work in different ways. Checkpoint inhibitors help to prevent tumors from hiding from the body’s immune system, while anti-angiogenic therapies slow the development of blood vessels that tumours need to help them to grow. Studies have shown that treatment with combination checkpoint inhibitor plus anti-angiogenic therapy can achieve better outcomes for patients with renal cell carcinoma than treatment with anti-angiogenic therapy alone. In this review, we consider how combination checkpoint inhibitor plus anti-angiogenic therapy works, and we review the current literature to identify evidence to inform clinicians as to the most effective way to use these different types of drugs, either one after the other, or together, for maximum patient benefit.

Abstract

Anti-angiogenic agents, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-VEGF antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are standard treatments for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). In the past, these agents were administered as sequential monotherapies. Recently, combinations of anti-angiogenic agents and CPIs have been approved for the treatment of aRCC, based on evidence that they provide superior efficacy when compared with sunitinib monotherapy. Here we explore the possible mechanisms of action of these combinations, including a review of relevant preclinical data and clinical evidence in patients with aRCC. We also ask whether the benefit is additive or synergistic, and, thus, whether concomitant administration is preferred over sequential monotherapy. Further research is needed to understand how combinations of anti-angiogenic agents with CPIs compare with CPI monotherapy or combination therapy (e.g., nivolumab and ipilimumab), and whether the long-term benefit observed in a subset of patients treated with CPI combinations will also be realised in patients treated with an anti-angiogenic therapy and a CPI. Additional research is also needed to establish whether other elements of the tumour microenvironment also need to be targeted to optimise treatment efficacy, and to identify biomarkers of response to inform personalised treatment using combination therapies.

Exploring the synergistic effects of cabozantinib and a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor in metastatic renal cell carcinoma with machine learning

Clinical evidence supports the combination of cabozantinib with an immune checkpoint inhibitor for the treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) and suggests a synergistic antitumour activity of this combination. Nevertheless, the biological basis of this synergy is not fully characterized. We studied the mechanisms underpinning the potential synergism of cabozantinib combined with a PD1 inhibitor in mccRCC and delved into cabozantinib monotherapy properties supporting its role to partner these combinations. To model physiological drug action, we used a machine learning-based technology known as Therapeutic Performance Mapping Systems, applying two approaches: Artificial Neural Networks and Sampling Methods. We found that the combined therapy was predicted to exert a wide therapeutic action in the tumour and the microenvironment. Cabozantinib may enhance the effects of PD1 inhibitors on immunosurveillance by modulating the innate and adaptive immune system, through the inhibition of VEGF-VEGFR and Gas6-AXL/TYRO3/MER (TAM) axes, while the PD1 inhibitors may boost the antiangiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects of cabozantinib by modulating angiogenesis and T-cell cytotoxicity. Cabozantinib alone was predicted to restore cellular adhesion and hamper tumour proliferation and invasion. These data provide a biological rationale and further support for cabozantinib plus PD1 inhibitor combination and may guide future nonclinical and clinical research.

Antitumor efficacy of multi-target <i>in situ</i> vaccinations with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, anti-OX40, anti-PD1 antibodies, and aptamers

To overcome immune tolerance to cancer, the immune system needs to be exposed to a multi-target action intervention. Here, we investigated the activating effect of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), mesyl phosphoramidate CpG ODNs, anti-OX40 antibodies, and OX40 RNA aptamers on major populations of immunocompetent cells ex vivo. Comparative analysis of the antitumor effects of in situ vaccination with CpG ODNs and anti-OX40 antibodies, as well as several other combinations, such as mesyl phosphoramidate CpG ODNs and OX40 RNA aptamers, was conducted. Antibodies against programmed death 1 (PD1) checkpoint inhibitors or their corresponding PD1 DNA aptamers were also added to vaccination regimens for analytical purposes. Four scenarios were considered: a weakly immunogenic Krebs-2 carcinoma grafted in CBA mice; a moderately immunogenic Lewis carcinoma grafted in C57Black/6 mice; and an immunogenic A20 B cell lymphoma or an Ehrlich carcinoma grafted in BALB/c mice. Adding anti-PD1 antibodies (CpG+αOX40+αPD1) to in situ vaccinations boosts the antitumor effect. When to be used instead of antibodies, aptamers also possess antitumor activity, although this effect was less pronounced. The strongest effect across all the tumors was observed in highly immunogenic A20 B cell lymphoma and Ehrlich carcinoma.

Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced renal cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

We searched PubMed/Embase/Cochrane Library for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Clinical outcome measures including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rates (ORRs), and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed by Stata 15.1 software.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs involving 3461 patients were included. The pooled hazard ratios of OS and PFS for combination therapy were 0.67 (0.53-0.82, p < 0.001) and 0.68 (0.52-0.83, p < 0.001), respectively. Longer OS and PFS for combination therapy was also observed in the PD-L1 expression leve ≥1% group. The pooled odds ratios of ORRs and grade 3 or higher AEs were 2.31 (1.61-3.32, p < 0.001) and 0.94 (0.65-1.37, p = 0.753), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy showed more clinical benefit in the first-line treatment for advanced RCC, with a safety profile.

Thyroid dysfunction and survival in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: analyses from a large single tertiary cancer center database

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the incidence, clinical and biochemical course of immunotherapy-induced thyroiditis and its implication on patients' survival, based on an extensive clinical experience from a tertiary cancer center.

METHODS

Analyses were based on data from the electronic medical records of cancer patients treated with CPIs. Data included demographic characteristics, cancer type, Thyroid function tests (TFT), and survival.

RESULTS

Thyroid function tests were available for 934 patients. After excluding patients with impaired baseline TFT or levothyroxine treatment, 754 euthyroid patients were included in the core analyses. Of those, 301 (39.9%) patients developed thyroid dysfunction ('thyroiditis'). Thyroiditis was more prevalent in patients with renal cell carcinoma than other types of cancer. Survival rates were comparable in patients who developed thyroiditis and in those who did not. during the 5 years follow-up period, there was a non-significant trend toward improved survival in patients who developed TD in four predefined groups: melanoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, we observed a highly significant survival benefit for patients with renal cell carcinoma who developed TD (HR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.60; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroiditis is common, often asymptomatic, and is more prevalent in patients treated with combinations of nivolumab and PD-L1 inhibitors, and in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Thyroiditis was associated with a trend for a survival benefit, particularly in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma therapy: Current and new drug candidates

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common and lethal tumor of the urological system. Curative treatment of localized RCC includes nephrectomy, radio-ablation, and active surveillance, whereas metastatic RCC (mRCC) requires a combination of surgery and systemic therapy. Response to conventional therapy is limited but, recently, many novel therapies for mRCC have emerged, including targeted therapies and new immunotherapeutic agents. Nevertheless, development of resistance and limited durable responses demand new anticancer candidates with improved selectivity and efficacy. In this review, we summarize recent preclinical studies of novel natural and synthetic compounds to treat RCC, detailing their mechanisms of action and anticancer activities.

Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating NK Cells From Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Exhibit a Predominantly Inhibitory Phenotype Characterized by Overexpression of CD85j, CD45, CD48 and PD-1

Although natural killer (NK) cells infiltrate clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC), the most frequent malignancy of the kidney, tumor progression suggests that they become dysfunctional. As ccRCC-driven subversion of NK cell effector functions is usually accompanied by phenotypic changes, analysis of such alterations might lead to the identification of novel biomarkers and/or targets in immuno-oncology. Consequently, we performed a phenotypic analysis of peripheral blood NK cells (PBNK) and tumor-infiltrating NK cells (TINK) from ccRCC patients. Compared to HD, PBNK from ccRCC patients exhibited features of activated cells as shown by CD25, CD69 and CD62L expression. They also displayed increased expression of DNAM-1, CD48, CD45, MHC-I, reduced expression of NKG2D, and higher frequencies of CD85j⁺ and PD-1⁺ cells. In addition, compared to PBNK from ccRCC patients, TINK exhibited higher expression of activation markers, tissue residency features and decreased expression of the activating receptors DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp46, NKp80 and CD16, suggesting a more inhibitory phenotype. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed that CD48, CD45, CD85j and PD-1 are significantly overexpressed in ccRCC and that their expression is associated with an NK cell infiltration signature. Calculation of z-scores revealed that their expression on PBNK, alone or combined, distinguished ccRCC patients from HD. Therefore, these molecules emerge as novel potential biomarkers and our results suggest that they might constitute possible targets for immunotherapy in ccRCC patients.

Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiovascular Complications in Clinical Practice: Current Perspectives

Cardiovascular (CV) diseases and cancer are the leading causes of death in Europe and the United States. Both diseases have extensive overlap and share common risk factors, symptoms, and outcomes. As the number of patients with both cancer and CV diseases continues to rise, the field of cardio-oncology is gaining increased attention. A frequent problem during anti-cancer treatment is cardiotoxicity caused by the side-effects of chemo-, immuno-, targeted, and radiation therapies. This problem may manifest as acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis, arrhythmias, or heart failure. Modern cardio-oncology spans many different research areas. While some researchers focus on treating patients that have already developed cardiotoxicity, others aim to identify new methods for preventing cardiotoxicity before, during, and after anti-cancer therapy. Both groups share the common understanding that regular monitoring of cancer patients is the basis for optimal medical treatment. Optimal treatment can only be achieved through close cooperation between cardiologists and oncologists. This review summarizes the current views on cardio-oncology and discusses the cardiotoxicities associated with commonly used chemotherapeutics.

Impact of C-reactive protein flare-response on oncological outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab

BACKGROUND

The dynamic change in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, CRP kinetics, is a prognostic factor for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era. We investigated the impact of early CRP kinetics on the efficacy of nivolumab in patients with mRCC.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 42 mRCC patients who were treated with nivolumab as a second-line or later therapy between 2016 and 2019. All patients had received previous TKI therapy. Patients were divided into three groups based on their early CRP kinetics: CRP levels increased to more than double compared with baseline within 1 month after initiation of nivolumab (flare) and then decreased to a lower value than baseline within 3 months (CRP flare-responders); CRP levels decreased by ≥30% within 3 months without "flare" (CRP responders); and the remaining patients (non-CRP responders). The maximum tumor shrinkage, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The association of the early CRP kinetics and oncological outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 8 months. The median baseline CRP level was 23 mg/L. CRP flare-responders, CRP responders, and non-CRP responders included 11 (26%), 15 (36%), and 16 (38%) patients, respectively. Thirteen patients (31%) died of mRCC. The maximum changes in target lesions from baseline of CRP flare-responder, CRP-responder, and non-CRP responder groups were -38%, -13%, and 16%, on average, respectively (p<0.001). ORRs of these three groups were 73%, 27%, and 6%, respectively (p<0.001). The median PFS values of each group were not reached, 12 months, and 2.4 months (p=0.005), and the median OS values were not reached, not reached, and 12 months (p=0.048). In a multivariate analysis, early CRP kinetics was a significant independent factor for objective response, PFS, and OS (p<0.001, p=0.004, and p=0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

CRP flare-response was associated with significant tumor shrinkage and improved survival outcomes in patients with mRCC who were treated with nivolumab. Early CRP kinetics could be useful for evaluating nivolumab treatment efficacy.

A real-world data of Immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors from India

Background

Checkpoint inhibitors (Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab) are approved for multiple indications in solid tumors. However access to these therapies is limited in low and middle income countries. Hence we performed an audit to identify accessibility, adverse event rates, compliance, progression free survival and overall survival in solid tumors.

Methods

This was a single center retrospective analysis of prospective data base of patients with non‐melanoma solid tumors who were treated with immunotherapy from August 2015 to November 2018. Adverse events during immunotherapy were documented and graded using CTCAE (Common terminology criteria for adverse events), v. 4.02. The response rates to immunotherapy, toxicities and the time to onset and resolution of toxicities were also evaluated as secondary endpoints.

Results

Out of 9610 patients, only 155 patients (1.61%) could receive immunotherapy. The most common malignancies included metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, metastatic urothelial carcinoma and relapsed/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Median overall survival in patients who received immunotherapy in non‐melanoma solid malignancies was 5.37 months (95% CI, 3.73–9.73). Poor performance status at baseline was the only adverse prognostic factor. The median progression free survival was 2.57 months (95% CI, 1.73–3.83). Immunotherapy was well tolerated with most common side effects being fatigue 14.8% and anorexia 5.8%. The cumulative incidence of immune related adverse events like hepatitis, pneumonitis, colitis and nephritis was less than 10%.

Conclusion

Real‐world data in Indian setting confirms the benefit of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non‐melanoma solid tumors.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Prognostic and Biological Significance of ZDHHC-Protein Acyltransferases in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

ZDHHC-protein acyltransferases (ZDHHCs) are a family of 23 signature Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) domain-containing enzymes that mediate palmitoylation by covalent attachment of the 16-carbon fatty acid palmitate to thiol groups of specific cysteine residues in substrate proteins. Emerging evidence has shown abnormal expression of ZDHHCs in a variety of disease states, including cancer. Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the eighth most common type of cancer, which accounts for the majority of malignant kidney tumors. However, there are currently no effective therapeutic targets or biomarkers for clinical treatment and prognosis in KIRC. In this study, we first analyzed the expression pattern of the 23 ZDHHCs in KIRC using TCGA and GEPIA database, and found that the expression of ZDHHC2, 3, 6, 14, 15, 21, and 23 was significantly down-regulated whereas the expression of ZDHHC9, 17, 18, 19 and 20 was significantly up-regulated in KIRC patient tissues vs. normal tissues. And the expression of ZDHHC2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 15, and 21 in tumors decreased with the increase of the pathological stage of KIRC patients. Notably, KIRC patients with decreased expression of ZDHHC3, 6, 9, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23 and increased expression of ZDHHC19 were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Further, we found that there was a significant correlation between ZDHHC3, 6, 9, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23 expressions and immune cell infiltration. Besides, high mRNA expression was the most common type of gene alteration and there was a high correlation among the expression of ZDHHC6, 17, 20 and 21. Finally, function prediction indicated that the immune or metabolic disorders or the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways caused by abnormal expression of these ZDHHCs may be important mechanisms of tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with KIRC. Our results may provide novel insight for identifying tumor markers or molecular targets for the treatment of KIRC.

Expression and clinical significance of PTPN12 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urological disease. Expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase 12 gene (PTPN12) is decreased in many cancers; however, the relationship between PTPN12 gene function and renal cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We detected PTPN12 protein expression in ccRCC and corresponding normal tissues from 64 patients with ccRCC by immunohistochemistry, and relative PTPN12 mRNA levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The relationships between the relative expression levels of PTPN12 mRNA and the patients’ clinical data were analyzed.

Results

PTPN12 protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in ccRCC compared with the corresponding normal tissues. The mRNA expression levels in the ccRCC and corresponding normal tissues from the 64 patients with ccRCC were 0.459±0.445 and 1.001±0.128, respectively, compared with the control (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase). There was a significant correlation between relative expression of PTPN12 mRNA in ccRCC tissues and tumor diameter and clinical stage.

Conclusion

The expression levels of PTPN12 protein and mRNA were significantly lower in ccRCC tissues compared with normal tissues. The role of PTPN12 may provide new insights and evidence to aid the diagnosis and targeted therapy of ccRCC.

Oncogenic potential of macrophage‑capping protein in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Macrophage-capping protein (CapG) is a newly characterized oncogene involved in several types of cancer. However, the expression patterns and biological mechanisms of CapG in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of CapG in the prognosis, proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC. In the present study, the expression of CapG was analyzed by western blotting in 24 paired ccRCC and adjacent normal tissue samples. Another 152 tissue samples from 152 patients with ccRCC were examined by immunohistochemistry. Compared with normal tissue, CapG expression was significantly increased in ccRCC tissue, and high CapG expression was associated with advanced tumor stage, histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and poor overall survival. Moreover, CapG was an independent predictor of survival. Lentivirus-mediated CapG knockdown significantly inhibited 786-O cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, induced cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M phase, and increased apoptosis in vitro. Microarray analysis indicated that RAC, CDC42 and ERK/MAPK signaling were disrupted by CapG knockdown in 786-O cells. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that CapG plays an oncogenic role in ccRCC and may represent a potential therapeutic target for this disease.

Cannabis Consumption Used by Cancer Patients during Immunotherapy Correlates with Poor Clinical Outcome

Simple Summary

Cannabis is widely used by patients with cancer to help with cancer symptoms and treatment side effects. Though cannabis has immunomodulatory effects, and its consumption among cancer patients needs to be carefully considered due to its potential effects on the immune system. In this report, we provide the first indication of the impact of cannabis consumption during immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) immunotherapy cancer treatment and show it may be associated with worsening clinical outcomes. Cancer patients using cannabis showed a significant decrease in time to tumor progression (TTP) and decreased overall survival (OS) compared to nonusers. In contrast, the use of cannabis reduced immune-related adverse events (iAE). Thus, our report constitutes the first warning sign to the use of cannabis as a palliative treatment in advanced cancer patients starting immunotherapy and suggests that its consumption should be used with attentiveness. Furthermore, we show that the levels of endogenous serum eCB and eCB-like lipids are affected by immunotherapy and may potentially constitute monitoring targets to cancer immunotherapy treatment, which currently has poor clinical markers for predicting patient response rates.

Abstract

Cannabis or its derivatives are widely used by patients with cancer to help with cancer symptoms and treatment side effects. However, cannabis has potent immunomodulatory properties. To determine if cannabis consumption during immunotherapy affects therapy outcomes, we conducted a prospective observatory study including 102 (68 immunotherapy and 34 immunotherapy plus cannabis) consecutive patients with advanced cancers who initiated immunotherapy. Cannabis consumption correlated with a significant decrease in time to tumor progression and overall survival. On the other hand, the use of cannabis reduced therapy-related immune-related adverse events. We also tested the possibility that cannabis may affect the immune system or the tumor microenvironment through the alteration of the endocannabinoid system. We analyzed a panel of serum endocannabinoids (eCBs) and eCB-like lipids, measuring their levels before and after immunotherapy in both groups. Levels of serum eCBs and eCB-like lipids, before immunotherapy, showed no significant differences between cannabis users to nonusers. Nevertheless, the levels of four eCB and eCB-like compounds were associated with patients’ overall survival time. Collectively, cannabis consumption has considerable immunomodulatory effects, and its use among cancer patients needs to be carefully considered due to its potential effects on the immune system, especially during treatment with immunotherapy.

High PD-1/PD-L1 Checkpoint Interaction Infers Tumor Selection and Therapeutic Sensitivity to Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Treatment

Many cancers are termed immunoevasive due to expression of immunomodulatory ligands. Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and cluster of differentiation 80/86 (CD80/86) interact with their receptors, programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), respectively, on tumor-infiltrating leukocytes eliciting immunosuppression. Immunotherapies aimed at blocking these interactions are revolutionizing cancer treatments, albeit in an inadequately described patient subset. To address the issue of patient stratification for immune checkpoint intervention, we quantitatively imaged PD-1/PD-L1 interactions in tumor samples from patients, employing an assay that readily detects these intercellular protein-protein interactions in the less than or equal to 10 nm range. These analyses across multiple patient cohorts demonstrated the intercancer, interpatient, and intratumoral heterogeneity of interacting immune checkpoints. The PD-1/PD-L1 interaction was not correlated with clinical PD-L1 expression scores in malignant melanoma. Crucially, among anti-PD-1-treated patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, those with lower PD-1/PD-L1 interaction had significantly worsened survival. It is surmised that within tumors selecting for an elevated level of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, there is a greater dependence on this pathway for immune evasion and hence, they exhibit more impressive patient response to intervention. SIGNIFICANCE: Quantitation of immune checkpoint interaction by direct imaging demonstrates that immunotherapy-treated patients with metastatic NSCLC with a low extent of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction show significantly worse outcome.

Anti-Cancer Activity of PAK4/NAMPT Inhibitor and Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Antibody in Kidney Cancer

BACKGROUND

Kidney cancer (or renal cell carcinoma, RCC) is the sixth most common malignancy in the United States and is increasing in incidence. Despite new therapies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, most RCCs are resistant to treatment. Thus, several laboratories have been evaluating new approaches to therapy, both with single agents as well as combinations. Although we have previously shown efficacy of the dual PAK4/nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitor KPT-9274, and the immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have shown utility in the clinic, there has been no evaluation of this combination either clinically or in an immunocompetent animal model of kidney cancer.

METHODS

In this study, we use the renal cell adenocarcinoma (RENCA) model of spontaneous murine kidney cancer. Male BALB/cJ mice were injected subcutaneously with RENCA cells and, after tumors were palpable, they were treated with KPT-9274 and/or anti-programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1; PD1) antibody for 21 days. Tumors were measured and then removed at animal euthanasia for subsequent studies.

RESULTS

We demonstrate a significant decrease in allograft growth with the combination treatment of KPT-9274 and anti-PD1 antibody without significant weight loss by the animals. This is associated with decreased (MOUSE) Naprt expression, indicating dependence of these tumors on NAMPT in parallel to what we have observed in human RCC. Histology of the tumors showed substantial necrosis regardless of treatment condition, and flow cytometry of antibody-stained tumor cells revealed that the enhanced therapeutic effect of KPT-9274 and anti-PD1 antibody was not driven by infiltration of T cells into tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the potential of the RENCA model for evaluating immunologic responses to KPT-9274 and checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) and suggests that therapy with this combination could improve efficacy in RCC beyond what is achievable with CPI alone.

Case Report of Immuno-Oncotherapy (IO) Provoked Encephalitis Mimicking Brain Metastasis in a Patient with History of Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

Immuno-oncotherapy (IO) has revolutionized systemic cancer care but remains experimental in brain tumors. IO treatment risks multiorgan autoimmune inflammatory responses that limit its use. The central nervous system (CNS) is an immune-specialized compartment with restricted cellular access, thus fewer cases are reported for immune-mediated encephalitis. Interestingly, patients with history of blood-brain barrier compromise are potentially at higher risk for immune cell trafficking to the CNS.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a 70-year-old man with clear cell renal cell carcinoma with pulmonary metastases treated with lung irradiation, nephrectomy, and chemotherapy prior to switching to single-agent nivolumab IO. The patient presented with new-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizure and left visual field-cut. Review of patient history revealed remote traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain imaging noted a solid-enhancing right occipital mass that was presumed metastasis versus lymphoma. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology was negative for malignancy but concerning for lymphoproliferative process not determined to be malignant. The patient started steroids and anti-epileptic therapy. After negative systemic cancer re-staging, IO was discontinued and steroids were initiated with demonstrated patient clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded the diagnosis of immune-mediated encephalitis secondary to IO with collection of reactive T-cells within the area of encephalomalacia. The area of encephalomalacia from prior TBI served to compartmentalize the reactive lymphocytes, giving the appearance of a mass. Taken together, new onset seizure in patients on IO might signal encephalitis and CNS metastatic mimicry should be considered in patients with a prior history of TBI and encephalomalacia.

Immune Response Checkpoint Inhibitors: New Risks of a New Class of Antitumor Agents

The introduction into clinical practice of immune checkpoint inhibitors that block cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), has improved the prognosis of patients with malignant neoplasms of diff erent localisation. The antitumour eff ect of immune checkpoint inhibitors is based on blocking CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways and enhancing lymphocyte antitumour activity. However, inhibition of immune checkpoints may lead to dysregulation of immune responses and appearance of a new type of adverse reactions resulting from changes in the activity of immunocompetent cells. The aim of the study was to analyse adverse reactions associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. It was demonstrated that the structure of immune-mediated adverse reactions varied depending on the class of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The incidence of immune-mediated adverse reactions was higher with CTLA-4 inhibitors as compared with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and increased signifi cantly in the case of combination therapy. The treatment with CTLA-4 inhibitors most often resulted in skin reactions (rash, itching), gastrointestinal tract reactions (diarrhea, colitis), and endocrine gland problems (hypophysitis). The treatment with PD-1 inhibitors most often led to respiratory disorders (pneumonitis), and in some cases to gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, colitis), skin reactions (rash, itching), and endocrine gland problems (hypothyroidism), but they were less common. The treatment with PD-L1 inhibitors was associated with the development of pneumonitis. The development of immune-mediated adverse reactions may require discontinuation of treatment and administration of immunosuppressants, therefore early diagnosis and timely treatment of complications are important prerequisites for successful antitumour therapy. Further study of the mechanisms of immune-mediated adverse reaction development will optimise antitumour therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. 

Concordance of PD-1 and PD-L1 (B7-H1) in paired primary and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies noted discordance of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and one of its ligands (PD-L1) across patient-matched primary and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). There are inconsistencies if the primary or metastatic tumor has higher expression, and whether metastatic tumor expression is associated with patient outcome. Thus, we examined PD-1 and PD-L1 in patient-matched tumors using a large number of ccRCC patients with long follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed PD-1 and PD-L1 using immunohistochemistry in patient-matched primary and metastatic tumors from 110 ccRCC patients. Concordance was assessed among longitudinal metastatic tumors, as well as across patient-matched primary and metastatic tumors. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the associations of metastatic tumor expression with cancer-specific survival.

RESULTS

We observed inter-metastatic tumor heterogeneity of PD-1 in 25 (69%) of the 36 patients and of PD-L1 in seven (19%) patients. Concordance between patient-matched primary and metastatic tumors was 73% (Kappa = 0.16, 95% CI: -0.003-0.32). Similarly, concordance of PD-L1 between metastatic and patient-matched primary tumors was 78% (Kappa = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09-0.46). Both markers demonstrated higher expression in primary vs metastatic tumors. Metastatic tumor expression of PD-1 was significantly associated with metastatic location (P < .0001) and ccRCC-specific survival (HR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.06-4.36, P = .035).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 is discordant across patient-matched ccRCC tumors, with higher expression in primary tumors. Higher PD-1 expression was associated with metastatic location and lower cancer-specific survival. If validated, these results highlight the importance of evaluating these biomarkers in metastatic tissue specifically.

Targeting Immune-Related Biological Processes in Solid Tumors: We do Need Biomarkers

Immunotherapy has become the standard-of-care in many solid tumors. Despite the significant recent achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, several issues related to patients’ selection for immunotherapy remain unsolved. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that, in this setting, the vision of a single biomarker is somewhat naïve and imprecise, given that immunotherapy does not follow the rules that we have experienced in the past for targeted therapies. On the other hand, additional immune-related biomarkers that are reliable in real-life clinical practice remain to be identified. Recently, the immune-checkpoint blockade has been approved in the US irrespective of the tumor site of origin. Further histology-agnostic approvals, coupled with with tumor-specific companion diagnostics and guidelines, are expected in this field. In addition, immune-related biomarkers can also have a significant prognostic value. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of these biomarkers and their characterization in the management of lung cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cancers, and breast cancer.

Avelumab monotherapy as first-line or second-line treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: phase Ib results from the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial

BACKGROUND

Antibodies targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have shown clinical activity in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This phase Ib cohort of the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial assessed the efficacy and safety of avelumab (anti-PD-L1) monotherapy in patients with mRCC as either first-line (1 L) or second-line (2 L) treatment.

METHODS

Patients with mRCC with a clear-cell component who were treatment naive (1 L subgroup) or had disease progression after one prior line of therapy (2 L subgroup) received avelumab 10 mg/kg intravenous infusion every 2 weeks. Endpoints included confirmed best overall response, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), PD-L1 expression, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients were enrolled in the 1 L subgroup, and 20 patients were enrolled in the 2 L subgroup. In the 1 L and 2 L subgroups, confirmed objective response rates were 16.1 and 10.0%, median DOR was 9.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-not evaluable) and not evaluable (95% CI, 6.9-not evaluable), median PFS was 8.3 months (95% CI, 5.5-9.5) and 5.6 months (95% CI, 2.3-9.6), and median OS was not evaluable (95% CI, not evaluable) and 16.9 months (95% CI, 8.3-not evaluable), respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade occurred in 51 patients in the 1 L subgroup (82.3%) and 14 patients in the 2 L subgroup (70.0%). Grade ≥ 3 TRAEs occurred in eight patients in the 1 L subgroup (12.9%) and one patient in the 2 L subgroup (5.0%). No treatment-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

Avelumab showed clinical activity and a manageable safety profile in both the 1 L and 2 L treatment setting in patients with mRCC. These data support the use of avelumab in combination with other agents in mRCC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01772004 ; registered 21 January, 2013.

Emerging therapeutic agents for genitourinary cancers

The treatment of genitourinary malignancies has dramatically evolved over recent years. Renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, and prostate adenocarcinoma are the most commonly encountered genitourinary malignancies and represent a heterogeneous population of cancers, in both histology and approach to treatment. However, all three cancers have undergone paradigm shifts in their respective therapeutic landscapes due to a greater understanding of their underlying molecular mechanisms and oncogenic drivers. The advance that has gained the most recent traction has been the advent of immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immunotherapy has increased overall survival and even provided durable responses in the metastatic setting in some patients. The early success of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to further drug development with the emergence of novel agents which modulate the immune system within the tumor microenvironment. Notwithstanding immunotherapy, investigators are also developing novel agents tailored to a variety of targets including small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and novel fusion proteins to name a few. Erdafitinib has become the first targeted therapy approved for metastatic bladder cancer. Moreover, the combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted agents such as pembrolizumab or avelumab with axitinib has demonstrated both safety and efficacy and just received FDA approval for their use. We are in an era of rapid progression in drug development with multiple exciting trials and ongoing pre-clinical studies. We highlight many of the promising new emerging therapies that will likely continue to improve outcomes in patients with genitourinary malignancies.

Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocyte Composition and Prognostic Power in Hepatitis B- and Hepatitis C-Related Hepatocellular Carcinomas

Background: Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) are immune cells surrounding tumor cells, and several studies have shown that TILs are potential survival predictors in different cancers. However, few studies have dissected the differences between hepatitis B- and hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV−HCC and HCV−HCC). Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the abundance and composition of TILs are potential predictors for survival outcomes in HCC and which TILs are the most significant predictors. Methods: Two bioinformatics algorithms, ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT, were utilized to analyze the gene expression profiles from 6 datasets, from which the abundance of corresponding TILs was inferred. The ESTIMATE algorithm examined the overall abundance of TILs, whereas the CIBERSORT algorithm reported the relative abundance of 22 different TILs. Both HBV−HCC and HCV−HCC were analyzed. Results: The results indicated that the total abundance of TILs was higher in non-tumor tissue regardless of the HCC type. Alternatively, the specific TILs associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) varied between subtypes. For example, in HBV−HCC, plasma cells (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05; 95% CI 1.00–1.10; p = 0.034) and activated dendritic cells (HR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.17; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with OS, whereas in HCV−HCC, monocytes (HR = 1.21) were significantly associated with OS. Furthermore, for RFS, CD8+ T cells (HR = 0.98) and M0 macrophages (HR = 1.02) were potential biomarkers in HBV−HCC, whereas neutrophils (HR = 1.01) were an independent predictor in HCV−HCC. Lastly, in both HBV−HCC and HCV−HCC, CD8+ T cells (HR = 0.97) and activated dendritic cells (HR = 1.09) had a significant association with OS, while γ delta T cells (HR = 1.04), monocytes (HR = 1.05), M0 macrophages (HR = 1.04), M1 macrophages (HR = 1.02), and activated dendritic cells (HR = 1.15) were highly associated with RFS. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that TILs are potential survival predictors in HCC and different kinds of TILs are observed according to the virus type. Therefore, further investigations are warranted to elucidate the role of TILs in HCC, which may improve immunotherapy outcomes.

Resistance to Systemic Therapies in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Mechanisms and Management Strategies

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer. It is categorized into various subtypes, with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) representing about 85% of all RCC tumors. The lack of sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation therapy prompted research efforts into novel treatment options. The development of targeted therapeutics, including multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and mTOR inhibitors, has been a major breakthrough in ccRCC therapy. More recently, other therapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, have emerged as effective treatment options against advanced ccRCC. Furthermore, recent advances in disease biology, tumor microenvironment, and mechanisms of resistance formed the basis for attempts to combine targeted therapies with newer generation immunotherapies to take advantage of possible synergy. This review focuses on the current status of basic, translational, and clinical studies on mechanisms of resistance to systemic therapies in ccRCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1355-64. ©2018 AACR.

Cryoablation and immunotherapy: an overview of evidence on its synergy

Cancer cells can escape the immune system by different mechanisms. The evasion of cancer cells from immune surveillance is prevented by immune checkpoint inhibitors, allowing the patient’s own immune system to attack their cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown improvement in overall survival for melanoma, lung cancer and renal cell carcinoma in clinical trials. Unfortunately, not all patients respond to this therapy.

In cancer management, percutaneous ablation techniques are well established for both cure and local control of many tumour types. Cryoablation of the tumour tissue results in cell destruction by freezing. Contrary to heat-based ablative modalities, cryoablation induces tumour cell death by osmosis and necrosis. It is hypothesised that with necrosis, the intracellular contents of the cancer cells stay intact allowing the immune system to induce an immune-specific reaction. This immune-specific reaction can, in theory, also affect cancer cells outside the ablated tissue, known as the abscopal effect. Unfortunately, this effect is rarely observed, but when cryoablation is combined with immunotherapy, the effect of both therapies may be enhanced. Although several preclinical studies demonstrated a synergistic effect between cryoablation and immunotherapy, prospective clinical trials are needed to prove this clinical benefit for patients. In this review, we will outline the current evidence for the combination of cryoablation with immunotherapy to treat cancer.

Immune Exclusion Is Frequent in Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

Small-cell cancer of the urinary bladder is a rare but highly aggressive disease. It is currently unclear whether immune checkpoint therapies that have been approved for urothelial carcinomas will also be efficient in small-cell carcinomas. In this study, we analyzed potential predictors of response including PD-L1 expression and the quantity and location of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in 12 small-cell and 69 “classical” urothelial cancers by immunohistochemistry. The analysis revealed that small-cell carcinomas were characterized by the virtual absence of PD-L1 expression and an “immune-excluded” phenotype with only a few TILs in the center of the tumor (CT). In small-cell carcinomas, the average immune cell density in the CT (CD3: 159 ± 206, CD8: 87 ± 169 cells/mm²) was more than 3 times lower than that in the urothelial carcinomas (CD3: 625 ± 800, p < 0.001; CD8: 362 ± 626 cells/mm², p = 0.004) while there was no significant difference in the immune cell density at the invasive margin (IM) (small-cell carcinomas CD3: 899 ± 733, CD8: 404 ± 433 cells/mm²; urothelial carcinomas CD3: 1167 ± 1206, p = 0.31; CD8: 582 ± 864 cells/mm², p = 0.27). Positive PD-L1 staining was found in 39% of urothelial cancers, but in only 8% of small-cell bladder cancer cases (p = 0.04). Concordant with these data, a sharp decrease of PD-L1 positivity from >80% to 0% positive cells and of TILS in the CT from 466-1063 CD3-positive cells/mm² to 50-109 CD3-positive cells/mm² was observed in two cancers with clear-cut progression from “classical” urothelial to small-cell carcinoma. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that small-cell bladder cancer commonly exhibits an immune-excluded phenotype.

An immunophenotyping of renal clear cell carcinoma with characteristics and a potential therapeutic target for patients insensitive to immune checkpoint blockade

Renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) patients who do not achieve optimal control of progression with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) should be further studied. Unsupervised consensus clustering was used to group 525 RCC patients based on two typical ICB pathways, CTLA-4 and pogrammed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), as well as two new discovered regulators, CMTM6 and CMTM4. Three immune molecular subtypes (IMMSs) with different clinical and immunological characteristics were identified (type I, II, and III), among which there were more stage I and low-grade tumors in type I RCC than in type II and III. The proportion of males was highest in type II RCC. Overall survival of type II and III was similar (5.2 and 6 years) and statistically shorter than that of type I (7.6 years) before and after adjusting for age and gender. When conducting stratified analysis, our IMMSs were able to identify high-risk patients among middle-aged patients, males, and stage IV patients. Among the differentially expressed genes, approximately 84% were highly expressed in type II and III RCC. Genes related to ICB (CTLA-4, CD274, and PDCD1LG2) and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8A, GZMA, and PRF1) were all highly expressed in type II and III RCC. These results documented that patients with type II and III cancer may be more sensitive to anti-CTLA-4 therapy, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, and a combination of immunotherapies. High expression of CMTM4 in type I RCC (69%) and a statistically significant interaction of CD274 and CMTM6 indicated that CMTM4/6 might be new therapy targets for type I, who are resistant to ICB.