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Khosravi G, Mostafavi S, Bastan S, Ebrahimi N, Gharibvand RS, Eskandari N. Immunologic tumor microenvironment modulators for turning cold tumors hot. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:521-553. [PMID: 38551889 PMCID: PMC11110955 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors can be classified into distinct immunophenotypes based on the presence and arrangement of cytotoxic immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Hot tumors, characterized by heightened immune activity and responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), stand in stark contrast to cold tumors, which lack immune infiltration and remain resistant to therapy. To overcome immune evasion mechanisms employed by tumor cells, novel immunologic modulators have emerged, particularly ICIs targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1(PD-1/PD-L1). These agents disrupt inhibitory signals and reactivate the immune system, transforming cold tumors into hot ones and promoting effective antitumor responses. However, challenges persist, including primary resistance to immunotherapy, autoimmune side effects, and tumor response heterogeneity. Addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies, deeper mechanistic insights, and a combination of immune interventions to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies. In the landscape of cancer medicine, where immune cold tumors represent a formidable hurdle, understanding the TME and harnessing its potential to reprogram the immune response is paramount. This review sheds light on current advancements and future directions in the quest for more effective and safer cancer treatment strategies, offering hope for patients with immune-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholam‐Reza Khosravi
- Department of Medical ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Samaneh Mostafavi
- Department of ImmunologyFaculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sanaz Bastan
- Department of Medical ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Narges Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Roya Safari Gharibvand
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineAhvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvazIran
| | - Nahid Eskandari
- Department of Medical ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
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2
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Idriss MH, Stull CM, Migden MR. Treatments on the horizon for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 589:216821. [PMID: 38521198 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common human cancers. Most cases of BCC are amenable to surgical and topical treatments with excellent prognosis if diagnosed timely and managed appropriately. However, in a small percentage of cases, it could be locally advanced BBC (laBCC) and not amenable to surgery or radiation, including recurrent, large tumors or tumors that invade deeper tissue. Hedgehog inhibitors (vismodegib and sonidegib) are approved as the first-line treatment of laBCC. PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy (cemiplimab) is indicated for cases that progressed on or could not tolerate hedgehog inhibitors or when hedgehog inhibitors are contraindicated. Given the modest response and bothersome side effects of some of the agents above, there are reports of novel treatments, and clinical trials are currently evaluating multiple agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munir H Idriss
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Carolyn M Stull
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael R Migden
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Kgokolo MCM, Malinga NZ, Steel HC, Meyer PWA, Smit T, Anderson R, Rapoport BL. Transforming growth factor-β1 and soluble co-inhibitory immune checkpoints as putative drivers of immune suppression in patients with basal cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 42:101867. [PMID: 38308919 PMCID: PMC10847768 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study compared the levels and possible associations between systemic soluble immune checkpoints (sICPs, n = 17) and a group of humoral modulators of immune suppressor cells (n = 7) in a cohort of patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC, n = 40) and a group of healthy control subjects (n = 20). The seven humoral modulators of immunosuppressor cells were represented by the enzymes, arginase 1 and fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the chemokine, RANTES (CCL5) and the cytokines, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), as well as the M2-type macrophage markers, soluble CD163 (sCD163) and sCD206. The plasma levels of six co-inhibitory sICPs, sCTLA-4, sLAG-3, sPD-1, sPD-L1, sTIM-3 and sPD-L2 were significantly elevated in the cohort of BCC patients (p<0.001-p<0.00001), while that of sBTLA was significantly decreased (p<0.006). Of the co-stimulatory sICPs, sCD27 and sGITR were significantly increased (p<0.0002 and p<0.0538) in the cohort of BCC patients, while the others were essentially comparable with those of the control participants; of the dual active sICPs, sHVEM was significantly elevated (p<0.00001) and TLR2 comparable with the control group. A correlation heat map revealed selective, strong associations of TGF-β1 with seven co-stimulatory (z = 0.618468-0.768131) and four co-inhibitory (z = 0.674040-0.808365) sICPs, as well as with sTLR2 (z = 0.696431). Notwithstanding the association of BCC with selective elevations in the levels of a large group of co-inhibitory sICPs, our novel findings also imply the probable involvement of TGF-β1 in driving immunosuppression in this malignancy, possibly via activation of regulatory T cells. Notably, these abnormalities were present in patients with either newly diagnosed or recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlatse C M Kgokolo
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Nonkululeko Z Malinga
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Helen C Steel
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Pieter W A Meyer
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Tshwane Academic Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Teresa Smit
- The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bernardo L Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Porter HJ, Marghoob N, Dinehart M, Goldman G. Locally Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma. Dermatol Surg 2024; 50:101-102. [PMID: 37788225 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000003954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Porter
- Division of Dermatology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Nadeem Marghoob
- Division of Dermatology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Matthew Dinehart
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Glenn Goldman
- Division of Dermatology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
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Parvez A, Choudhary F, Mudgal P, Khan R, Qureshi KA, Farooqi H, Aspatwar A. PD-1 and PD-L1: architects of immune symphony and immunotherapy breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1296341. [PMID: 38106415 PMCID: PMC10722272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1296341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein-1) and PD-L1 (Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1) play a crucial role in regulating the immune system and preventing autoimmunity. Cancer cells can manipulate this system, allowing them to escape immune detection and promote tumor growth. Therapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have transformed cancer treatment and have demonstrated significant effectiveness against various cancer types. This study delves into the structure and signaling dynamics of PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1/PD-L2, the diverse PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and their efficacy, and the resistance observed in some patients. Furthermore, this study explored the challenges associated with the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment approach. Recent advancements in the combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical procedures to enhance patient outcomes have also been highlighted. Overall, this study offers an in-depth overview of the significance of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy and its future implications in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Parvez
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia, Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Furqan Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia, Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyal Mudgal
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia, Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahila Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia, Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Kamal A. Qureshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Humaira Farooqi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia, Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Aspatwar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Wu MJ, Chen YC, Cui XL, Yang Q, Xue QL. Tislelizumab for squamous lung cancer combined with basal cell carcinoma of the skin: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33788. [PMID: 37171300 PMCID: PMC10174383 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgery is the preferred treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), locally advanced or metastatic BCC, radiation therapy or systemic therapy can be considered. Programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitors are rarely used to treat cutaneous BCC. In the present case, we found that tislelizumab, a PD-1 immunosuppressant, had a positive effect on BCC. PATIENT CONCERNS A 74-year-old male patient presented with a mass in the left back in October 2021, which was surgically removed and diagnosed as BCC. The patient was diagnosed with squamous lung cancer after presenting with a cough and coughing up a small amount of white, sticky sputum in December 2021. DIAGNOSIS BCC and squamous lung cancer. INTERVENTIONS Docetaxel + nedaplatin systemic chemotherapy combined with tislelizumab immunotherapy. OUTCOMES Both BCC and squamous lung cancer were significantly reduced in size. CONCLUSION After 2 cycles of immunotherapy with tislelizumab, the lung tumor shrank, the back mass disappeared, and the wound healed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jun Wu
- Respiratory, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
- Respiratory, The Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu-Chun Chen
- Respiratory, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
- Respiratory, The Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Li Cui
- Respiratory, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
- Respiratory, The Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Respiratory, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Qing-Liang Xue
- Respiratory, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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Vaishampayan P, Curiel-Lewandrowski C, Dickinson SE. Review: PD-L1 as an emerging target in the treatment and prevention of keratinocytic skin cancer. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:52-61. [PMID: 36121318 PMCID: PMC9771956 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the understanding and targeting of immune checkpoints have led to great progress in immune therapies against many forms of cancer. While many types of immune checkpoints are currently targeted in the clinic, this review will focus on recent research implicating the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis as an emerging focus for the treatment of keratinocytic tumors. PD-L1 is of particular interest in nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), as it is not only upregulated in these tumors but is stimulated by environmental ultraviolet exposure. This response may also make PD-L1 an excellent target for photochemoprevention using topically applied small molecule inhibitors. Here, we summarize recent investigations on PD-L1 expression and clinically relevant immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, as well as small molecule agents targeting PD-L1 that may be useful for clinical development aiming at treatment or prevention of NMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Division of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sally E Dickinson
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Berman H, Shimshak S, Reimer D, Brigham T, Hedges MS, Degesys C, Tolaymat L. Skin Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Review for the Nondermatologist. Mayo Clin Proc 2022; 97:2355-2368. [PMID: 36334939 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at increased risk for the development of skin cancer compared with the general population, which requires consistent monitoring and management from a multidisciplinary team. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview for nondermatologist clinicians, outlining skin cancer diagnosis, treatment pearls, and skin cancer prevention strategies as they relate to SOTRs. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted through the MEDLINE database with search terms including organ transplantation, transplant recipient, skin cancer, cutaneous neoplasms, management, and therapies. The search was limited to the English language and dates ranging from January 1, 2011, to December 28, 2021. All studies were reviewed for inclusion. Skin cancer will develop in more than half of SOTRs at some point in their life, most often nonmelanoma skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma and rarer cutaneous malignant neoplasms, such as Merkel cell carcinoma and Kaposi sarcoma, are also more frequent among SOTRs. A multidisciplinary effort at skin cancer screening and patient education is invaluable to prevent skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality in this population of patients. Reduction in immunosuppressive medications and surgical intervention are effective therapeutic approaches, and more novel systemic therapies including G protein-coupled receptor inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors are possible options when traditional treatment approaches are not feasible. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy, however, comes with the risk of allograft rejection. With a growing and aging SOTR population, it is essential that SOTRs have support from dermatologists and nondermatologists alike in skin cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Berman
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | | | - Tara Brigham
- Mayo Clinic Medical Library, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Mary S Hedges
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | - Leila Tolaymat
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.
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Molecular Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies of Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911968. [PMID: 36233269 PMCID: PMC9570397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among human cutaneous malignancies, basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Solid advances in unveiling the molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma have emerged in recent years. In Gorlin syndrome, which shows basal cell carcinoma predisposition, identification of the patched 1 gene (PTCH1) mutation was a dramatic breakthrough in understanding the carcinogenesis of basal cell carcinoma. PTCH1 plays a role in the hedgehog pathway, and dysregulations of this pathway are known to be crucial for the carcinogenesis of many types of cancers including sporadic as well as hereditary basal cell carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the clinical features, pathological features and hedgehog pathway as applied in basal cell carcinoma. Other crucial molecules, such as p53 and melanocortin-1 receptor are also discussed. Due to recent advances, therapeutic strategies based on the precise molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma are emerging. Target therapies and biomarkers are also discussed.
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Advances in Management and Therapeutics of Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153720. [PMID: 35954384 PMCID: PMC9367462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in humans with a range of treatment options available. Tumor and patient characteristics aid in risk-stratification, which influences treatment considerations. Here, we review the advancements in surgical, topical, field, immunotherapeutic, molecular-targeted, and experimental treatment modalities that can be employed in the correct clinical setting for the treatment of BCC. Abstract Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common cancer in humans, is a malignant neoplasm of cells derived from the basal layer of the epidermis. Tumor characteristics such as histologic subtype, primary versus recurrent tumor, anatomic location, size, and patient attributes determine the risk level and acceptable treatment options. Surgical options offer histologic confirmation of tumor clearance. Standard excision provides post-treatment histologic assessment, while Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) provides complete margin assessment intraoperatively. Additional treatment options may be employed in the correct clinical context. Small and low-risk BCCs, broad field cancerization, locally-advanced disease, metastatic disease, cosmetic concerns, or morbidity with surgical approaches raise consideration of other treatment modalities. We review herein a range of treatment approaches and advances in treatments for BCC, including standard excision, MMS, electrodesiccation and curettage, ablative laser treatment, radiation therapy, targeted molecular therapies, topical therapies, field therapies, immunotherapy, and experimental therapies.
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