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Toor K, Middleton MR, Chan K, Amadi A, Moshyk A, Kotapati S. Comparative efficacy and safety of adjuvant nivolumab versus other treatments in adults with resected melanoma: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:3. [PMID: 33402121 PMCID: PMC7784366 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07538-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies are approved for adjuvant treatment of patients with resected melanoma; however, they have not been compared in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We compared the efficacy and safety of adjuvant nivolumab with other approved treatments using available evidence from RCTs in a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted through May 2019 to identify relevant RCTs evaluating approved adjuvant treatments. Outcomes of interest included recurrence-free survival (RFS)/disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), all-cause grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs), discontinuations, and discontinuations due to AEs. Time-to-event outcomes (RFS/DFS and DMFS) were analyzed both assuming that hazard ratios (HRs) are constant over time and that they vary. RESULTS Of 26 identified RCTs, 19 were included in the NMA following a feasibility assessment. Based on HRs for RFS/DFS, the risk of recurrence with nivolumab was similar to that of pembrolizumab and lower than that of ipilimumab 3 mg/kg, ipilimumab 10 mg/kg, or interferon. Risk of recurrence with nivolumab was similar to that of dabrafenib plus trametinib at 12 months, however, was lower beyond 12 months (HR [95% credible interval] at 24 months, 0.46 [0.27-0.78]; at 36 months, 0.28 [0.14-0.59]). Based on HRs for DMFS, the risk of developing distant metastases was lower with nivolumab than with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg or interferon and was similar to dabrafenib plus trametinib. CONCLUSION Adjuvant therapy with nivolumab provides an effective treatment option with a promising risk-benefit profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabirraaj Toor
- Precision HEOR, 1505 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Y4, Canada.
| | - Mark R Middleton
- University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Keith Chan
- Precision HEOR, 1505 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Y4, Canada
| | - Adenike Amadi
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Unit 2 Uxbridge Business Park, Uxbridge, UB8 1DH, UK
| | - Andriy Moshyk
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Route 206 and Province Line Road, Princeton, NJ, 08543, USA
| | - Srividya Kotapati
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Route 206 and Province Line Road, Princeton, NJ, 08543, USA
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Baetz TD, Fletcher GG, Knight G, McWhirter E, Rajagopal S, Song X, Petrella TM. Systemic adjuvant therapy for adult patients at high risk for recurrent melanoma: A systematic review. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 87:102032. [PMID: 32473511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is typically treated with wide local excision and, when appropriate, a sentinel node biopsy. Many patients are cured with this approach but for patients who have cancers with high risk features there is a significant risk of local and distant relapse and death. Interferon-based adjuvant therapy was recommended in the past but had modest results with significant toxicity. Recently, new therapies (immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies) have been found to be effective in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and many of these therapies have been evaluated and found to be effective in the adjuvant treatment of high risk patients with melanoma. This systematic review of adjuvant therapies for cutaneous and mucosal melanoma was conducted for Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) as the basis of a clinical practice guideline to address the question of whether patients with completely resected melanoma should be considered for adjuvant systemic therapy and which adjuvant therapy should be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara D Baetz
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario/Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Glenn G Fletcher
- Program in Evidence-Based Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory Knight
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Elaine McWhirter
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Xinni Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Teresa M Petrella
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Sharma R, Koruth R, Kanters S, Druyts E, Tarhini A. Comparative efficacy and safety of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib versus competing adjuvant therapies for high-risk melanoma. J Comp Eff Res 2019; 8:1349-1363. [PMID: 31778073 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2019-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To conduct a systematic literature review of high-risk resectable cutaneous melanoma adjuvant therapeutics and compare safety and efficacy. Methods: The systematic literature review included randomized controlled trials investigating: dabrafenib plus trametinib (DAB + TRAM), nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, vemurafenib, chemotherapy and interferons. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival and safety. All outcomes were synthesized using Bayesian network meta-analysis. Results: Across relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival and OS, DAB + TRAM had the lowest estimated hazards of respective events relative to all other treatments (exception relative to nivolumab in OS). Differences were significant relative to placebo, chemotherapy, interferons and ipilimumab. Conclusion: DAB + TRAM has improved efficacy over historical treatment options (ipilimumab, interferons and chemotherapy) and comparable efficacy with other targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Sharma
- Precision Xtract, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Y4, Canada
| | - Roy Koruth
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA
| | - Steve Kanters
- Precision Xtract, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Y4, Canada
| | - Eric Druyts
- Precision Xtract, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Y4, Canada.,Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA.,Moffitt Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Ahmad Tarhini
- Moffitt Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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4
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Cassidy T, Craig M. Determinants of combination GM-CSF immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy success identified through in silico treatment personalization. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007495. [PMID: 31774808 PMCID: PMC6880985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapies, including the modified herpes simplex virus talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), have shown great promise as potent instigators of anti-tumour immune effects. The OPTiM trial, in particular, demonstrated the superior anti-cancer effects of T-VEC as compared to systemic immunotherapy treatment using exogenous administration of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Theoretically, a combined approach leveraging exogenous cytokine immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy would elicit an even greater immune response and improve patient outcomes. However, regimen scheduling of combination immunostimulation and T-VEC therapy has yet to be established. Here, we calibrate a computational biology model of sensitive and resistant tumour cells and immune interactions for implementation into an in silico clinical trial to test and individualize combination immuno- and virotherapy. By personalizing and optimizing combination oncolytic virotherapy and immunostimulatory therapy, we show improved simulated patient outcomes for individuals with late-stage melanoma. More crucially, through evaluation of individualized regimens, we identified determinants of combination GM-CSF and T-VEC therapy that can be translated into clinically-actionable dosing strategies without further personalization. Our results serve as a proof-of-concept for interdisciplinary approaches to determining combination therapy, and suggest promising avenues of investigation towards tailored combination immunotherapy/oncolytic virotherapy. The advent of biological therapies for anti-cancer treatment has had a significant impact on patient outcomes. Targeted xenobiotics, including oncolytic viruses, in combination with existing, more general, immunotherapies like exogenous cytokines show great promise for continuing to improve cancer care. However, determining optimal combination regimens can be difficult, given that testing proposed schedules would require large cohorts of patients enrolled in clinical trials. Fortunately, computational biology can help to address treatment scheduling while simultaneously helping to unravel the mechanisms driving therapeutic responses. In this work, we integrate a mathematical model of GM-CSF and talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) oncolytic virotherapy into a virtual clinical trial to optimize their administration in combination. Using this platform, we inferred a clinically-actionable combination schedule for patients with late-stage melanoma that significantly improved virtual patient outcome when compared to GM-CSF and T-VEC monotherapies, and a standard combination strategy. Our results outline a rational approach to therapy optimization with meaningful consequences for how we effectively design and implement clinical trials to maximize their success, and how we treat melanoma with combined immuno- and virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Cassidy
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Morgan Craig
- Département de mathématiques et de statistique, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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5
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Chung JH, Hong SH, Seo N, Kim TS, An HJ, Lee P, Shin EC, Kim HM. Structure-based glycoengineering of interferon lambda 4 enhances its productivity and anti-viral potency. Cytokine 2019; 125:154833. [PMID: 31479875 PMCID: PMC7129780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Structure-based glycoengineering was applied to improve IFNλ4′s expression level. Model of IFNλ4 signaling complex was used to select de novo N-glycosylation sites. Glycoengineered IFNλ4 variants showed enhanced expression and anti-viral activity.
Interferon lambda 4 (IFNλ4) has been recently known and studied for its role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but its clinical potential is significantly hampered due to its poor expression in vitro. Our study reports the successful production of IFNλ4 from a mammalian cell line through a glycoengineering and structure-based approach. We introduced de novo N-glycosylation of IFNλ4, guided by structural analysis, and produced IFNλ4 variants in Expi293F that displayed improved expression and potency. To preserve the structure and functionality of IFNλ4, the model structure of the IFNλ4 signaling complex was analyzed and the N-glycosylation candidate sites were selected. The receptor binding activity of engineered IFNλ4 variants and their receptor-mediated signaling pathway were similar to the E. coli version of IFNλ4 (eIFNλ4), while the antiviral activity and induction levels of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) were all more robust in our variants. Our engineered IFNλ4 variants may be further developed for clinical applications and utilized in basic research to decipher the immunological roles of IFNλ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hee Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Hui Hong
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Nari Seo
- Graduate School of Analytical Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Shin Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo An
- Graduate School of Analytical Science & Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Pedro Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ho Min Kim
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Center for Biomolecular & Cellular Structure, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Binkley E, Triozzi PL, Rybicki L, Achberger S, Aldrich W, Singh A. A prospective trial of adjuvant therapy for high-risk uveal melanoma: assessing 5-year survival outcomes. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 104:524-528. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-314461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background/aimsSurvival after diagnosis of metastasis from uveal melanoma is poor. Identifying individuals at high risk for metastasis and developing adjuvant therapy to prevent clinically apparent metastasis could improve survival. We conducted an adjuvant trial of sequential, low-dose dacarbazine (DTIC) and interferon-alpha-2b (IFN-α−2b) in patients with cytogenetic high-risk uveal melanoma.MethodsPatients diagnosed with iris, ciliary body or choroidal melanoma with high-risk tumour cytogenetics (monosomy 3) were offered adjuvant treatment with low-dose DTIC and IFN-α−2b following primary therapy. Eligible but not enrolled patients were observed for comparison. DTIC was administered at 850 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 28. IFN-α−2b was administered at 3 million units three times a week subcutaneously for 24 weeks beginning at week 9. Hepatic imaging was performed prior to adjuvant therapy and then at least every 6 months. Survival data were collected for 5 years after enrolment.Results33 patients (22%) were enrolled (treatment group), 29 (19%) were eligible but did not enrol (observation group) and 88 (59%) were not eligible. The 5-year metastasis-free survival (MFS) was 64%±9% for treated and 33%±10% for observed patients (p=0.05). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 66%±9% for treated and 37%±10% for observed patients (p=0.02).ConclusionsWhen adjusted for differences in age, tumour size and initial treatment, survival between treated and observed patients was no longer significant (p=0.56 MFS and p=0.92 OS). Differences in baseline tumour characteristics between treated and observed patients can influence interpretation of results.Trial registration numberNCT01100528.
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7
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Modulation of phospho-proteins by interferon-alpha and valproic acid in acute myeloid leukemia. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:1729-1749. [PMID: 31111215 PMCID: PMC6571093 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Valproic acid (VPA) is suggested to be therapeutically beneficial in combination with interferon-alpha (IFNα) in various cancers. Therefore, we examined IFNα and VPA alone and in combinations in selected AML models, examining immune regulators and intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in phospho-proteomics. METHODS The anti-leukemic effects of IFNα and VPA were examined in vitro and in vivo. We mapped the in vitro phosphoprotein modulation by IFNα-2b and human IFNα-Le in MOLM-13 cells by IMAC/2D DIGE/MS analysis and phospho-flow cytometry, and in primary healthy and AML patient-derived PBMCs by CyTOF. In vivo, IFNα-Le and VPA efficacy were investigated in the immunodeficient NOD/Scid IL2γ-/- MOLM-13Luc+ mouse model and the syngeneic immunocompetent BNML rat model. RESULTS IFNα-2b and IFNα-Le differed in the modulation of phospho-proteins involved in protein folding, cell stress, cell death and p-STAT6 Y641, whereas VPA and IFNα-Le shared signaling pathways involving phosphorylation of Akt (T308), ERK1/2 (T202/T204), p38 (T180/Y182), and p53 (S15). Both IFNα compounds induced apoptosis synergistically with VPA in vitro. However, in vivo, VPA monotherapy increased survival, but no benefit was observed by IFNα-Le treatment. CyTOF analysis of primary human PBMCs indicated that lack of immune-cell activation could be a reason for the absence of response to IFNα in the animal models investigated. CONCLUSIONS IFNα-2b and IFNα-Le showed potent and synergistic anti-leukemic effects with VPA in vitro but not in leukemic mouse and rat models in vivo. The absence of IFNα immune activation in lymphocyte subsets may potentially explain the limited in vivo anti-leukemic effect of IFNα-monotherapy in AML.
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8
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Strannegård Ö, Thorén FB. Opposing effects of immunotherapy in melanoma using multisubtype interferon-alpha - can tumor immune escape after immunotherapy accelerate disease progression? Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1091147. [PMID: 27141351 PMCID: PMC4839365 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1091147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
With checkpoint inhibitors, patients with advanced melanoma display durable responses suggesting cure of disease. However, the immune system has dual roles in cancer; while the immune system may eradicate a tumor, a subtotal elimination may selectively destroy immunogenic cells driving the proliferation of non-immunogenic tumors. Here, we performed a retrospective analysis of results obtained in a controlled trial of patients with melanoma treated with adjuvant, multisubtype interferon-α. The survival curves displayed a late divergence for treated patients and controls resulting in substantially higher estimates of overall (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates among treated patients after 9 y of follow up. Interestingly, succumbing patients in the treatment group displayed reduced time between relapse and death, suggesting therapy-induced acceleration of disease progression. These findings suggest that effective immunotherapy that induces durable, curative responses in some patients, may potentially accelerate disease progression in others, highlighting the importance of developing advanced strategies to identify patients who are likely to benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Örjan Strannegård
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik B Thorén
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg,Sweden; Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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9
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Triozzi PL, Singh AD. Adjuvant Therapy of Uveal Melanoma: Current Status. Ocul Oncol Pathol 2014; 1:54-62. [PMID: 27175362 PMCID: PMC4864524 DOI: 10.1159/000367715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of patients with uveal melanoma remains poor because of the development of metastatic disease. Adjuvant therapy after treatment of the primary tumor has been tested but has not been shown to prevent the development of metastasis. Several new approaches are being developed. Cytotoxic and immunotherapeutic regimens are being more rationally applied using tumor genetic criteria to better identify patients at risk. Trials in the adjuvant setting of novel immunotherapeutic and targeted agents active in the metastatic setting are being developed, as are approaches to promote cellular differentiation and dormancy. The rarity and biology of uveal melanoma present challenges. Participation in well-designed, scientifically sound clinical trials is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre L. Triozzi
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., Ohio, USA
| | - Arun D. Singh
- Department of Ophthalmic Oncology, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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10
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Thorén FB, Anderson H, Strannegård Ö. Late divergence of survival curves in cancer immunotherapy trials: interpretation and implications. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:1547-51. [PMID: 23979447 PMCID: PMC11028660 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1458-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Late divergence of survival curves of treated patients and controls is commonly seen in successful cancer immunotherapy trials. Although late survival curve divergence may be caused by a delayed action of therapy, it may also be related to early effects of the treatment. We suggest that late survival divergence most often reflects a specific benefit of therapy for patients who suffer from a comparatively slow progression of disease. The occurrence of delayed survival curve divergence has important implications for the statistical analysis of immunotherapy trials. Thus, it leads to non-proportional hazard ratios that make commonly used statistical tests, e.g., the logrank test, suboptimal. It is therefore suggested that the statistical analysis of immunotherapy trials primarily should be based on a test that compares the survival curves at or after a prespecified, fixed, late time point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik B Thorén
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Box 425, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden,
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11
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Read J. Recent advances in cutaneous melanoma: towards a molecular model and targeted treatment. Australas J Dermatol 2013; 54:163-72. [DOI: 10.1111/ajd.12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jazlyn Read
- Wesley Clinical School; The Wesley Hospital; Brisbane; Queensland; Australia
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12
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The association of blood angioregulatory microRNA levels with circulating endothelial cells and angiogenic proteins in patients receiving dacarbazine and interferon. J Transl Med 2012; 10:241. [PMID: 23217102 PMCID: PMC3573971 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood biomarkers are needed to monitor anti-angiogenic treatments for cancer. The association of blood levels of microRNAs (miRs) implicated in angiogenesis with circulating endothelial cells (CEC) and with angiogenic proteins was examined in patients administered drugs with anti-angiogenic activity. Methods Blood was collected from patients with uveal melanoma enrolled on an adjuvant therapy trial in which they were treated sequentially with dacarbazine and interferon-alfa-2b. Plasma levels of nine angioregulatory miRs, miR-16, 20a, 106a, 125b, 126, 146a, 155, 199a, and 221, were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction; CEC, by semi-automated immunomagnetic; and plasma angiogenic proteins, by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Results Levels of miR-199a were positively correlated and miR-106a negatively correlated with CEC pre-therapy. Decreases in miR-126 and miR-199a and increases in miR-16 and miR-106a were observed after interferon-alfa-2b, but not after dacarbazine. CEC also increased after treatment with interferon but not after treatment with dacarbazine. Levels of miRs did not correlate with levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin-8. Angiogenic proteins also did not change significantly with treatment. Conclusions Blood levels of specific angioregulatory miRs are associated with CEC, and changes in specific angioregulatory miRs parallel increases in CEC after treatment with interferon-alfa-2b. Blood levels of specific angioregulatory miRs are not associated with levels of angiogenic proteins. miRs warrant further evaluation as blood biomarkers of angiogenesis.
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Adjuvant interferon therapy for patients at high risk for recurrent melanoma: an updated systematic review. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2012; 24:410-2. [PMID: 22521078 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Petrella T, Verma S, Spithoff K, Quirt I, McCready D. Adjuvant interferon therapy for patients at high risk for recurrent melanoma: an updated systematic review and practice guideline. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2012; 24:413-23. [PMID: 22245520 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
After complete resection of melanoma, some patients remain at high risk for recurrence. The efficacy of adjuvant systemic therapy has been inconsistent in randomised trials and remains controversial. An updated systematic review was conducted to identify new evidence on the role of adjuvant interferon therapy in patients with high-risk resected primary melanoma. Outcomes of interest included overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS), adverse effects and quality of life. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and the proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology were systematically searched to identify new randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews or meta-analyses. An updated meta-analysis of trials comparing high-dose interferon alpha with observation alone was conducted. The new data are presented in this review. Seven randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria: six trials of interferon alone and two trials of interferon plus chemotherapy. Two meta-analyses of adjuvant interferon alpha were also identified. Overall survival was not significantly different between adjuvant high-dose interferon and observation alone (hazard ratio 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.78-1.12; P = 0.45). A meta-analysis of DFS showed a significant benefit for high-dose interferon over control (hazard ratio 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.65-0.92; P = 0.004). One trial reported a significant DFS benefit for pegylated interferon over observation alone. Our updated literature review indicates that adjuvant interferon therapy does not confer a significant long-term overall survival benefit in patients with high-risk resected primary melanoma; however, a significant DFS benefit for high-dose interferon or pegylated interferon treatment has been shown. An revised practice guideline was developed based on the systematic review.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Petrella
- Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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15
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Hong M, Puaux AL, Huang C, Loumagne L, Tow C, Mackay C, Kato M, Prévost-Blondel A, Avril MF, Nardin A, Abastado JP. Chemotherapy induces intratumoral expression of chemokines in cutaneous melanoma, favoring T-cell infiltration and tumor control. Cancer Res 2011; 71:6997-7009. [PMID: 21948969 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-1466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
T-cell infiltration is known to impact tumor growth and is associated with cancer patient survival. However, the molecular cues that favor T-cell infiltration remain largely undefined. Here, using a genetically engineered mouse model of melanoma, we show that CXCR3 ligands and CCL5 synergize to attract effector T cells into cutaneous metastases, and their expression inhibits tumor growth. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with chemotherapy induced intratumoral expression of these chemokines and favored T-cell infiltration into cutaneous tumors. In patients with melanoma, these chemokines were also upregulated in chemotherapy-sensitive lesions following chemotherapy, and correlated with T-cell infiltration, tumor control, and patient survival. We found that dacarbazine, temozolomide, and cisplatin induced expression of T-cell-attracting chemokines in several human melanoma cell lines in vitro. These data identify the induction of intratumoral expression of chemokines as a novel cell-extrinsic mechanism of action of chemotherapy that results in the recruitment of immune cells with antitumor activity. Therefore, identifying chemotherapeutic drugs able to induce the expression of T-cell-attracting chemokines in cancer cells may represent a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Hong
- Singapore Immunology Network, BMSI, A-STAR, Singapore, Singapore
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Alexandrescu DT, Ichim TE, Riordan NH, Marincola FM, Di Nardo A, Kabigting FD, Dasanu CA. Immunotherapy for melanoma: current status and perspectives. J Immunother 2010; 33:570-90. [PMID: 20551839 PMCID: PMC3517185 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3181e032e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an important modality in the therapy of patients with malignant melanoma. As our knowledge about this disease continues to expand, so does the immunotherapeutic armamentarium. Nevertheless, successful preclinical models do not always translate into clinically meaningful results. The authors give a comprehensive analysis of most recent advances in the immune anti-melanoma therapy, including interleukins, interferons, other cytokines, adoptive immunotherapy, biochemotherapy, as well as the use of different vaccines. We also present the fundamental concepts behind various immune enhancement strategies, passive immunotherapy, as well as the use of immune adjuvants. This review brings into discussion the results of newer and older clinical trials, as well as potential limitations and drawbacks seen with the utilization of various immune therapies in malignant melanoma. Development of novel therapeutic approaches, along with optimization of existing therapies, continues to hold a great promise in the field of melanoma therapy research. Use of anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 antibodies, realization of the importance of co-stimulatory signals, which translated into the use of agonist CD40 monoclonal antibodies, as well as activation of innate immunity through enhanced expression of co-stimulatory molecules on the surface of dendritic cells by TLR agonists are only a few items on the list of recent advances in the treatment of melanoma. The need to engineer better immune interactions and to boost positive feedback loops appear crucial for the future of melanoma therapy, which ultimately resides in our understanding of the complexity of immune responses in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doru T Alexandrescu
- Division of Dermatology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Mocellin S, Pasquali S, Rossi CR, Nitti D. Interferon alpha adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102:493-501. [PMID: 20179267 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the use of interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) in the adjuvant setting improves disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with high-risk cutaneous melanoma. However, RCTs have yielded conflicting data on the effect of IFN-alpha on overall survival (OS). METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of IFN-alpha on DFS and OS in patients with high-risk cutaneous melanoma. The systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cancerlit, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, and ASCO databases. The meta-analysis was performed using time-to-event data from which hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of DFS and OS were estimated. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses to investigate the effect of dose and treatment duration were also performed. Statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 14 RCTs, published between 1990 and 2008, and involved 8122 patients, of which 4362 patients were allocated to the IFN-alpha arm. IFN-alpha alone was compared with observation in 12 of the 14 trials, and 17 comparisons (IFN-alpha vs comparator) were generated in total. IFN-alpha treatment was associated with a statistically significant improvement in DFS in 10 of the 17 comparisons (HR for disease recurrence = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.77 to 0.87; P < .001) and improved OS in four of the 14 comparisons (HR for death = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83 to 0.96; P = .002). No between-study heterogeneity in either DFS or OS was observed. No optimal IFN-alpha dose and/or treatment duration or a subset of patients more responsive to adjuvant therapy was identified using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. CONCLUSION In patients with high-risk cutaneous melanoma, IFN-alpha adjuvant treatment showed statistically significant improvement in both DFS and OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mocellin
- Clinica Chirurgica Generale 2, Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
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Koskivuo IO, Kinnunen IA, Suominen EA, Talve LA, Vihinen PP, Grénman RA. Head and neck cutaneous melanoma: a retrospective observational study on 146 patients. Acta Oncol 2009; 48:460-7. [PMID: 18843562 DOI: 10.1080/02841860802404356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is a novel staging technique in cutaneous melanoma, but it is more challenging in the head and neck (H&N) than in the trunk and extremities. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of SNB in patients with clinical stage I-II H&N cutaneous melanoma, with emphasis on disease outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty five patients with H&N melanoma of >1.0 mm in Breslow depth underwent SNB and were compared to 121 historic H&N melanoma patients, who had either undergone routine prophylactic neck dissection or had been observed without any invasive nodal staging. RESULTS Sixteen percent of the SNB patients were sentinel-positive and there have been no false-negative cases. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, there were no significant differences between the study groups in melanoma-specific overall survival. Among the entire cohort, melanoma-specific overall survival rate was 67.1% at 5 years and 61.9% at 10 years. Predictive factors for worsen survival were nodal micrometastases, male sex, scalp location, thick primary lesion and ulceration. DISCUSSION SNB is a reliable and mini-invasive approach for the nodal staging of H&N cutaneous melanoma. Traditional neck dissection is recommended only for therapeutic purposes in clinically node-positive or sentinel-positive patients.
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Garbe C, Radny P, Linse R, Dummer R, Gutzmer R, Ulrich J, Stadler R, Weichenthal M, Eigentler T, Ellwanger U, Hauschild A. Adjuvant low-dose interferon {alpha}2a with or without dacarbazine compared with surgery alone: a prospective-randomized phase III DeCOG trial in melanoma patients with regional lymph node metastasis. Ann Oncol 2008; 19:1195-201. [PMID: 18281266 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdn001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than half of patients with melanoma that has spread to regional lymph nodes develop recurrent disease within the first 3 years after surgery. The aim of the study was to improve disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) with interferon (IFN) alpha2a with or without dacarbazine (DTIC) compared with observation alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 444 patients from 42 centers of the German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group who had received a complete lymph node dissection for pathologically proven regional node involvement were randomized to receive either 3 MU s.c. of IFNalpha2a three times a week for 2 years (Arm A) or combined treatment with same doses of IFNalpha2a plus DTIC 850 mg/m(2) every 4-8 weeks for 2 years (Arm B) or to observation alone (Arm C). Treatment was discontinued at first sign of relapse. RESULTS A total of 441 patients were eligible for intention-to-treat analysis. Kaplan-Meier 4-year OS rate of those who had received IFNalpha2a was 59%. For those with surgery alone, survival was 42% (A versus C, P = 0.0045). No improvement of survival was found for the combined treatment Arm B with 45% survival rate (B versus C, P = 0.76). Similarly, DFS rates showed significant benefit for Arm A, and not for Arm B. Multivariate Cox model confirmed that Arm A has an impact on OS (P = 0.005) but not Arm B (P = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS 3 MU interferon alpha2a given s.c. three times a week for 2 years significantly improved OS and DFS in patients with melanoma that had spread to the regional lymph nodes. Interestingly, the addition of DTIC reversed the beneficial effect of adjuvant interferon alpha2a therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Garbe
- Division of Dermatologic Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this article was to review the current state of knowledge regarding the efficacy of adjuvant therapy for melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed the published literature, focusing on randomized clinical trials. RESULTS There have been no meaningful trials addressing adjuvant chemotherapy in melanoma because all trials have been underpowered. Adjuvant interferon-alpha has been tested both at high dose and at lower doses. None of the trials have shown a reproducible benefit in survival, although the high-dose trials and some of the low-dose trials have shown improvement in time to relapse. These experiences raise the question of whether chronic administration is more important than dose. An adjuvant pegylated interferon-alpha trial using a 5-year treatment period is currently under investigation. At least 7 randomized adjuvant vaccine trials have been published, but none have shown a beneficial effect on relapse-free or overall survival except in subset analyses. CONCLUSIONS To date, no adjuvant therapy has resulted in improved overall survival. To be attractive as an adjuvant therapy, experience from other tumor types indicates that a chemotherapy regimen should have a response rate of at least 20% in metastatic melanoma. Currently, biochemotherapy is being tested as an adjuvant treatment but other, less toxic, regimens should be sought. Once such a regimen with acceptable toxicity is identified, it would be reasonable to test it as an adjuvant therapy in a properly powered randomized trial. High-dose interferon-alpha for 1 year remains the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved adjuvant therapy for melanoma, but long-term chronic dosing of interferon-alpha may prove more effective than short-term dose schedules. Development of melanoma vaccines remains an appealing and important goal. New technologies and understanding of the immune response against melanoma are leading to novel vaccine strategies designed to break immunologic tolerance against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav D Shah
- Department of Medicine, Melanoma/Sarcoma Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021-6007, USA
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Abstract
Four decades of clinical and basic research have laid a solid base for clinicians to choose the best possible treatment for patients with melanoma. There has been a relative and absolute decrease in mortality despite increasing incidence. However, this decline in mortality is primarily the result of programs for primary and secondary prevention, not therapeutic advances. Conventional and high-dose immunomodulatory regimens and cytostatic therapy have failed to improve the prognosis. Whether the high-dose interferon-alpha therapy introduced by Kirkwood et al. 2001 can produce sustainable improvement in cure rate is controversial. Further developments such as treatment with recombinant cytokines (especially IL-2 and GM-CSF), specific blockade of neoplastic signal transduction and vaccination are the central issues in current research. In the future the task will be to offer an highly individualized therapy plan, based on specific prognostic and risk criteria defined in molecular genetic parameters. Indiscriminate use of newer therapeutic approaches is simply not affordable in this age of shrinking financial resources for health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hauschild
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Schittenhelmstrasse 7, 24105 Kiel.
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