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Fan Z, Deng J, Wang Y, Fan X, Xie J. Bladder Cancer: Immunotherapy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:150. [PMID: 38400134 PMCID: PMC10893107 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020150] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer, a common malignancy of the urinary system, is routinely treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical excision. However, these strategies have inherent limitations and may also result in various side effects. Immunotherapy has garnered considerable attention in recent years as a novel therapeutic approach. It harnesses and activates the patient's immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, which not only prolongs therapeutic efficacy but also minimizes the toxic side effects. Several immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines have been developed for the treatment of bladder cancer. Whereas blocking immune checkpoints on the surface of tumor cells augments the effect of immune cells, immunization with tumor-specific antigens can elicit the production of anti-tumor immune effector cells. However, there are several challenges in applying immunotherapy against bladder cancer. For instance, the efficacy of immunotherapy varies considerably across individual patients, and only a small percentage of cancer patients are responsive. Therefore, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of immunotherapy. Pelvic lymph nodes are routinely dissected from bladder cancer patients during surgical intervention in order to remove any metastatic tumor cells. However, some studies indicate that pelvic lymph node dissection may reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy by damaging the immune cells. Therefore, the decision to undertake pelvic lymph node removal should be incumbent on the clinical characteristics of individual patients. Thus, although immunotherapy has the advantages of lower toxic side effects and long-lasting efficacy, its application in bladder cancer still faces challenges, such as the lack of predictive biomarkers and the effects of pelvic lymph node dissection. Further research is needed to explore these issues in order to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongru Fan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Junpeng Deng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical Hospital, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian, Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jianjun Xie
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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Zhao X, Xie N, Zhang H, Zhou W, Ding J. Bacterial Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: "Why" and "How". Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2214. [PMID: 37765183 PMCID: PMC10534357 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases that endanger human health. However, the use of anticancer drugs is accompanied by a series of side effects. Suitable drug delivery systems can reduce the toxic side effects of drugs and enhance the bioavailability of drugs, among which targeted drug delivery systems are the main development direction of anticancer drug delivery systems. Bacteria is a novel drug delivery system that has shown great potential in cancer therapy because of its tumor-targeting, oncolytic, and immunomodulatory properties. In this review, we systematically describe the reasons why bacteria are suitable carriers of anticancer drugs and the mechanisms by which these advantages arise. Secondly, we outline strategies on how to load drugs onto bacterial carriers. These drug-loading strategies include surface modification and internal modification of bacteria. We focus on the drug-loading strategy because appropriate strategies play a key role in ensuring the stability of the delivery system and improving drug efficacy. Lastly, we also describe the current state of bacterial clinical trials and discuss current challenges. This review summarizes the advantages and various drug-loading strategies of bacteria for cancer therapy and will contribute to the development of bacterial drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangcheng Zhao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
| | - Nuli Xie
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hailong Zhang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
- Changsha Jingyi Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Changsha 410006, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jinsong Ding
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
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Petrausch U, Spahn M, Schneider M, Hayoz S, Rentsch CA, Rothschild S, Omlin A, Cathomas R. Novel sequential treatment strategy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): intravesical recombinant BCG, followed by neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, radical cystectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy and adjuvant immunotherapy - protocol of a multicentre, single arm phase 2 trial (SAKK 06/19). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067634. [PMID: 37286312 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The combination of checkpoint inhibition and cisplatin-based chemotherapy is investigated in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and results from phase 2 trials have been presented. Intravesical BCG has been used for non-MIBC (NMIBC) in patients with carcinoma in situ and high-grade Ta/T1 tumours. BCG induces innate and adapted immune response and upregulation of PD-L1 in preclinical models. The proposed trial is intended to implement a new immuno-immuno-chemotherapy induction therapy for MIBC. The combination of BCG and checkpoint inhibition with chemotherapy aims at higher intravesical responses and better local and systemic control of disease. METHODS AND ANALYSIS SAKK 06/19 is an open-label single-arm phase II trial for patients with resectable MIBC T2-T4a cN0-1. Intravesical recombinant BCG (rBCG: VPM1002BC) is applied weekly for three instillations followed by four cycles of neoadjuvant cisplatin/gemcitabine every 3 weeks. Atezolizumab 1200 mg every 3 weeks is started together with rBCG and given for four cycles. All patients then undergo restaging and radical cystectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Atezolizumab is continued as maintenance therapy after surgery every 3 weeks for 13 cycles. Pathological complete remission is the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include pathological response rate (<ypT2 N0), event-free survival, recurrence-free survival, overall survival, feasibility and toxicity. An interim safety analysis will be performed after the first 12 patients have completed neoadjuvant treatment specifically assessing toxicity possibly associated with intravesical rBCG application.The study has received approval by ethical committee Zurich, Switzerland, BASEC-No. 2021-01872. Results will be made available by publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04630730.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sacha Rothschild
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cantonal Hospital, Baden, Switzerland
| | | | - Richard Cathomas
- Division of Oncology/Hematology, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Chur, Switzerland
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Choi J, Jung TY, Kim JH, Maeng S, Kang SJ, Kim M, Choi YW, Choi SY, Kim SH, Chang IH. Efficacy of recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin containing dltA in in vivo three-dimensional bio-printed bladder cancer-on-a-chip and ex vivo orthotopic mouse model. Investig Clin Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.4111/icu.20220293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joongwon Choi
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Gwangmyeong, Korea
| | | | - Jung Hoon Kim
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Gwangmyeong, Korea
| | - Sejung Maeng
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Jeong Kang
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mirinae Kim
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Wook Choi
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Young Choi
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - In Ho Chang
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Wang J, Li J, Wang X, Zhang M, Hu X. Exploitation of tumor antigens and construction of immune subtype classifier for mRNA vaccine development in bladder cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1014638. [PMID: 36569935 PMCID: PMC9769457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1014638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most prevalent urinary system malignancies, with high mortality and recurrence. The present study aimed to identify potential tumor antigens for mRNA vaccines in BLCA and patient subtypes suitable for different immunotherapy. Methods Gene expression profiles, mutation data, methylation data, and corresponding clinical information were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and ArrayExpress databases. Immunohistochemical staining of microarrays was performed to assess protein expression levels of IGF2BP2 and MMP9. Differential gene analysis, survival analysis, correlation analysis, consensus clustering analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis were conducted using R software. Finally, the R package "immcluster" was used based on Combat and eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithms to predict immune clusters of BLCA samples. Results Two mutated, amplified, and over-expressed tumor antigens, IGF2BP2 and MMP9, were found to be associated with clinical outcomes and the abundance of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Subsequently, three immune subtypes (BIS1, BIS2, and BIS3) were defined in the BLCA cohort. BIS3 subtype exhibited an "active" immune phenotype, while BIS1 and BIS2 subtypes have a "suppressive" immune phenotype. Patients in BIS1 and BIS2 had a poor prognosis compared to BIS3. BIS3 had a higher score in checkpoints or immunomodulators (CP) and immunophenoscore (IPS), while BIS1 and BIS2 scored higher in major histocompatibility complex-related molecules (MHC molecules). Meanwhile, BIS2 and BIS3 had a significantly higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) compared to patients with BIS1. Finally, the "immcluster" package was applied to the dataset, which has been shown to accurately predict the immune subtypes of BLCA samples in many cohorts. Conclusions IGF2BP2 and MMP9 were potential antigens for developing mRNA vaccines against BLCA. The results in the present study suggested that immunotherapy targeting these two antigens would be suitable for patients falling under the BIS2 subtype. R package "immcluster" could assist in screening suitable BLCA patients for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxing Li
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Xi Wang, ; Min Zhang, ; Xiaopeng Hu,
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Research Ward, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Xi Wang, ; Min Zhang, ; Xiaopeng Hu,
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Xi Wang, ; Min Zhang, ; Xiaopeng Hu,
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Ward Grados DF, Ahmadi H, Griffith TS, Warlick CA. Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer: Latest Advances and Ongoing Clinical Trials. Immunol Invest 2022; 51:2226-2251. [PMID: 36083246 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2022.2118606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
For nearly 50 years, immunotherapy has been used in patients with bladder cancer in the form of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), which is still the first-line therapy for non-muscle invasive disease. However, the remarkable results obtained with checkpoint inhibitor drugs, including Pembrolizumab and Atezolizumab, have fueled the quest to optimize these and other forms of immunotherapy for both non-muscle invasive as well as advanced bladder cancer. In this review we summarize the current state of the rapidly evolving field of immunotherapy in bladder cancer highlighting novel approaches and ongoing trials in this exciting area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamed Ahmadi
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Thomas S Griffith
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christopher A Warlick
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Hu X, Li G, Wu S. Advances in Diagnosis and Therapy for Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133181. [PMID: 35804953 PMCID: PMC9265007 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The clinical management of bladder cancer has been developing in the past decade, including diagnostic tools and treatment options. Both monotherapy and combination therapy have been undoubtedly upgraded. Multiple diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies have been developed to meet the urgent clinical needs, resulting in the emergence of various explorations for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we mainly focus on the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. Abstract Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common and expensive urinary system malignancies for its high recurrence and progression rate. In recent years, immense amounts of studies have been carried out to bring a more comprehensive cognition and numerous promising clinic approaches for BCa therapy. The development of innovative enhanced cystoscopy techniques (optical techniques, imaging systems) and tumor biomarkers-based non-invasive urine screening (DNA methylation-based urine test) would dramatically improve the accuracy of tumor detection, reducing the risk of recurrence and progression of BCa. Moreover, intravesical instillation and systemic therapeutic strategies (cocktail therapy, immunotherapy, vaccine therapy, targeted therapy) also provide plentiful measures to break the predicament of BCa. Several exploratory clinical studies, including novel surgical approaches, pharmaceutical compositions, and bladder preservation techniques, emerged continually, which are supposed to be promising candidates for BCa clinical treatment. Here, recent advances and prospects of diagnosis, intravesical or systemic treatment, and novel drug delivery systems for BCa therapy are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzi Hu
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (X.H.); (G.L.)
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Guangzhi Li
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (X.H.); (G.L.)
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (X.H.); (G.L.)
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
- Correspondence:
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Kowalewicz-Kulbat M, Locht C. Recombinant BCG to Enhance Its Immunomodulatory Activities. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:827. [PMID: 35632582 PMCID: PMC9143156 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an attenuated Mycobacterium bovis derivative that has been widely used as a live vaccine against tuberculosis for a century. In addition to its use as a tuberculosis vaccine, BCG has also been found to have utility in the prevention or treatment of unrelated diseases, including cancer. However, the protective and therapeutic efficacy of BCG against tuberculosis and other diseases is not perfect. For three decades, it has been possible to genetically modify BCG in an attempt to improve its efficacy. Various immune-modulatory molecules have been produced in recombinant BCG strains and tested for protection against tuberculosis or treatment of several cancers or inflammatory diseases. These molecules include cytokines, bacterial toxins or toxin fragments, as well as other protein and non-protein immune-modulatory molecules. The deletion of genes responsible for the immune-suppressive properties of BCG has also been explored for their effect on BCG-induced innate and adaptive immune responses. Most studies limited their investigations to the description of T cell immune responses that were modified by the genetic modifications of BCG. Some studies also reported improved protection by recombinant BCG against tuberculosis or enhanced therapeutic efficacy against various cancer forms or allergies. However, so far, these investigations have been limited to mouse models, and the prophylactic or therapeutic potential of recombinant BCG strains has not yet been illustrated in other species, including humans, with the exception of a genetically modified BCG strain that is now in late-stage clinical development as a vaccine against tuberculosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the different molecular engineering strategies adopted over the last three decades in order to enhance the immune-modulatory potential of BCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kowalewicz-Kulbat
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Camille Locht
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
- CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR9017–CIIL–Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, F-59000 Lille, France
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Lobo N, Martini A, Kamat AM. Evolution of immunotherapy in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:361-370. [PMID: 35212590 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2046466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been the gold standard treatment for intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for nearly half a century. Yet, many patients with high-risk disease will experience recurrence, including those who progress and eventually become unresponsive to BCG. For decades, apart from radical cystectomy, few therapeutic options existed for this at-risk population. However, the advent of novel immunotherapeutic agents has transformed treatment in a range of tumour types, including urothelial carcinoma. These immunotherapies have yielded promising results in the treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma and, as such, are also being investigated for use in NIMIBC. AREAS COVERED This article provides an overview of the evolution of immunotherapy for NMIBC, beginning from the original immunotherapy- BCG - to current agents including checkpoint inhibitors, IL-15 agonists, viral gene therapies and therapeutic cancer vaccines. EXPERT OPINION The KEYNOTE-057 trial represented a pivotal moment for immunotherapy in NMIBC, but patient selection and the development of biomarkers to guide the identification of patients who will benefit most from a particular immunotherapy remains critical. As research efforts come to fruition, novel immunotherapies may become integrated into the standard treatment paradigm for intermediate- and high-risk NMBIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyati Lobo
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alberto Martini
- Department of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ashish M Kamat
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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From Interferon to Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy—A Systematic Review of New Immune-Modulating Agents in Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) Refractory Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030694. [PMID: 35158964 PMCID: PMC8833656 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) refractory non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), radical cystectomy is the gold standard. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has permanently changed the therapy landscape of bladder cancer (BC). This article presents a systematic review of immune-modulating (IM) therapies (CPIs and others) in BCG-refractory NMIBC. Methods: In total, 406 articles were identified through data bank research in PubMed/Medline, with data cutoff in October 2021. Four full-text articles and four additional congress abstracts were included in the review. Results: Durvalumab plus Oportuzumab monatox, Pembrolizumab, and Nadofaragene firadenovec (NF) show complete response (CR) rates of 41.6%, 40.6%, and 59.6% after 3 months, with a long-lasting effect, especially for NF (12-month CR rate of 30.5%). Instillations with oncolytic viruses such as NF and CG0070 show good efficacy without triggering significant immune-mediated systemic adverse events. Recombinant BCG VPM1002BC could prove to be valid as an alternative to BCG in the future. The recombinant pox-viral vector vaccine PANVAC™ is not convincing in combination with BCG. Interleukin mediating therapies, such as ALT-803, are currently being studied. Conclusion: CPIs and other IM agents now offer an increasing opportunity for bladder-preserving strategies. Studies on different substances are ongoing and will yield new findings.
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Rentsch CA, Thalmann GN, Lucca I, Kwiatkowski M, Wirth GJ, Strebel RT, Engeler D, Pedrazzini A, Hüttenbrink C, Schultze-Seemann W, Torpai R, Bubendorf L, Wicki A, Roth B, Bosshard P, Püschel H, Boll DT, Hefermehl L, Roghmann F, Gierth M, Ribi K, Schäfer S, Hayoz S. A Phase 1/2 Single-arm Clinical Trial of Recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) VPM1002BC Immunotherapy in Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Recurrence After Conventional BCG Therapy: SAKK 06/14. Eur Urol Oncol 2022; 5:195-202. [PMID: 35012889 DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VPM1002BC is a genetically modified Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain with potentially improved immunogenicity and attenuation. OBJECTIVE To report on the efficacy, safety, tolerability and quality of life of intravesical VPM1002BC for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) recurrence after conventional BCG therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We designed a phase 1/2 single-arm trial (NCT02371447). Patients with recurrent NMIBC after BCG induction ± BCG maintenance therapy and intermediate to high risk for cancer progression were eligible. INTERVENTION Patients were scheduled for standard treatment of six weekly instillations with VPM1002BC followed by maintenance for 1 yr. Treatment was stopped in cases of recurrence. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The primary endpoint was defined as the recurrence-free rate (RFR) in the bladder 60 wk after trial registration. The sample size was calculated based on the assumption that ≥30% of the patients would be without recurrence at 60 wk after registration. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS After exclusion of two ineligible patients, 40 patients remained in the full analysis set. All treated tumours were of high grade and 27 patients (67.5%) presented with carcinoma in situ. The recurrence-free rate in the bladder at 60 wk after trial registration was 49.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.1-64.4%) and remained at 47.4% (95% CI 30.4-62.6%] at 2 yr and 43.7% (95% CI 26.9-59.4%) at 3 yr after trial registration. At the same time, progression to muscle-invasive disease had occurred in three patients and metastatic disease in four patients. Treatment-related grade 1, 2, and 3 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 14.3%, 54.8%, and 4.8% of the patients, respectively. No grade ≥4 AEs occurred. Two of the 42 patients did not tolerate five or more instillations during induction. Limitations include the single-arm trial design and the low number of patients for subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS At 1 yr after treatment start, almost half of the patients remained recurrence-free after therapy with VPM100BC. The primary endpoint of the study was met and the therapy is safe and well tolerated. PATIENT SUMMARY We conducted a trial of VPM100BC, a genetically modified bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain for treatment of bladder cancer not invading the bladder muscle. At 1 year after the start of treatment, almost half of the patients with a recurrence after previous conventional BCG were free from non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The results are encouraging and VPM1002BC merits further evaluation in randomised studies for patients with NMIBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrill A Rentsch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - George N Thalmann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Lucca
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maciej Kwiatkowski
- Department of Urology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Department of Urology, Academic Hospital Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Grégory J Wirth
- Division of Urology, University Hospital Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Räto T Strebel
- Department of Urology, Cantonal Hospital Chur, Chur, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Engeler
- Department of Urology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Augusto Pedrazzini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Oncologia Lago Maggiore, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Hüttenbrink
- Department of Urology, Nuremberg General Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schultze-Seemann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Freiburg im Breisgau., University of Freiburg im Bresigau, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Raimund Torpai
- Department of Urology, Katholische Hospitalvereinigung Ostwestfalen gem. GmbH, Franziskus Hospital, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lukas Bubendorf
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Wicki
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beat Roth
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Piet Bosshard
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heike Püschel
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel T Boll
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Hefermehl
- Department of Urology, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Florian Roghmann
- Department of Urology, Marien Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Michael Gierth
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Karin Ribi
- International Breast Cancer Study Group Coordinating Center, Bern, Switzerland; SAKK Coordinating Center, Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Eilender BM, Katims AB, Pfail JL, Sfakianos J. Evolving Treatment in Non-muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. Urol Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89891-5_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Singh AK, Srikrishna G, Bivalacqua TJ, Bishai WR. Recombinant BCGs for tuberculosis and bladder cancer. Vaccine 2021; 39:7321-7331. [PMID: 34593271 PMCID: PMC8648981 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is an attenuated live strain of Mycobacterium bovis. It may be the most widely used vaccine in human history and is the only licensed human tuberculosis (TB) vaccine available. Despite its excellent safety history, a century of use in global vaccination programs, and its significant contribution to reducing TB mortality among children, the efficacy of BCG continues to be disputed due to its incomplete protection against pulmonary TB in adults. Still vaccines offer the best chance to contain the ongoing spread of multi-drug resistance TB and disease dissemination. The development of improved vaccines against TB therefore remains a high global priority. Interestingly, recent studies indicate that genetically modified BCG, or administration of existing BCG through alternate routes, or revaccination, offers improved protection, suggesting that BCG is well poised to make a comeback. Intravesical BCG is also the only approved microbial immunotherapy for any form of cancer, and is the first-line therapy for treatment-naïve non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMBIC), which represents a majority of the new bladder cancer cases diagnosed. However, almost a third of patients with NMIBC are either BCG unresponsive or have tumor recurrence, leading to a higher risk of disease progression. With very few advances in intravesical therapy over the past two decades for early-stage disease, and a limited pipeline of therapeutics in Phase 3 or late Phase 2 development, there is a major unmet need for improved intravesical therapies for NMIBC. Indeed, genetically modified candidate BCG vaccines engineered to express molecules that confer stronger protection against pulmonary TB or induce potent anti-tumor immunity in NMIBC have shown promise in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. This review discusses the development of second generation, genetically modified BCG candidates as TB vaccines and as anti-tumor adjuvant therapy for NMIBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok K Singh
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Geetha Srikrishna
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- Dept of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - William R Bishai
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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14
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The current landscape of salvage therapies for patients with bacillus Calmette-Guérin unresponsive nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Curr Opin Urol 2021; 31:178-187. [PMID: 33742981 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000000863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although radical cystectomy represents the gold standard treatment for patients with high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) whose disease does not respond to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), many patients are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. The need remains for effective bladder-preserving therapies. This review aims to describe existing treatments, contemporary research in this field and ongoing trials of salvage therapies for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. RECENT FINDINGS Intravesical chemotherapy has been utilized frequently in this setting. Emerging data on combination regimens such as intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel and intravesical cabazitaxel, gemcitabine and cisplatin are promising; nevertheless, larger, prospective trials are needed. Meanwhile, the intravenous checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab was recently FDA-approved for patients BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. Encouraging clinical trial results for intravesical nadofaragene firadenovec, oportuzumab monatox and ALT-803 + BCG have been released, while data from trials of other treatment strategies, including novel chemotherapy and drug delivery, augmented BCG immunotherapy, adenoviral and gene therapy, targeted therapy, and combination systemic immunotherapy with intravesical agents, are eagerly awaited. SUMMARY Several novel salvage therapies offer promise for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. Patient selection, efficacy, safety, cost and ease of administration must be carefully considered to determine the optimal treatment approach.
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15
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Mayor N, Fankhauser C, Sangar V, Mostafid H. Management of
NMIBC
during
BCG
shortage and
COVID
‐19. TRENDS IN UROLOGY & MEN'S HEALTH 2021. [PMCID: PMC8013725 DOI: 10.1002/tre.783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Shortages of Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) have implications for the management of patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancers. Further complications come as a result of COVID‐19 for which BCG also shows some promising prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Mayor
- Stokes Centre for Urology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford
| | | | - Vijay Sangar
- Department of Urology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester
| | - Hugh Mostafid
- Stokes Centre for Urology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford
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16
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Mustafa AS. BCG as a Vector for Novel Recombinant Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancers. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E736. [PMID: 33291702 PMCID: PMC7761935 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been widely used globally as a prophylactic vaccine to protect against tuberculosis (TB) for about a century [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Salim Mustafa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
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17
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Zlotta AR. Novel use of an old compound? Urologist-led Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine trials in the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019. BJU Int 2020; 127:35-36. [PMID: 33037772 PMCID: PMC7675503 DOI: 10.1111/bju.15267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre R Zlotta
- Department of Surgery, Urology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Urology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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18
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Le Naour J, Galluzzi L, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Vacchelli E. Trial watch: IDO inhibitors in cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1777625. [PMID: 32934882 PMCID: PMC7466863 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1777625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzes the first, rate-limiting step of the so-called “kynurenine pathway”, which converts the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) into the immunosuppressive metabolite L-kynurenine (Kyn). While expressed constitutively by some tissues, IDO1 can also be induced in specific subsets of antigen-presenting cells that ultimately favor the establishment of immune tolerance to tumor antigens. At least in part, the immunomodulatory functions of IDO1 can be explained by depletion of Trp and accumulation of Kyn and its derivatives. In animal tumor models, genetic or pharmacological IDO1 inhibition can cause the (re)activation of anticancer immune responses. Similarly, neoplasms expressing high levels of IDO1 may elude anticancer immunosurveillance. Therefore, IDO1 inhibitors represent promising therapeutic candidates for cancer therapy, and some of them have already entered clinical evaluation. Here, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies testing IDO1-targeting interventions for oncologic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Le Naour
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université De Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre De Recherche Des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine Kremlin Bicêtre, Université Paris Sud, Paris Saclay, France
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Université De Paris, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Villejuif, France.,Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université De Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre De Recherche Des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT) 1428, Villejuif, France.,Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China.,Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika Vacchelli
- Equipe Labellisée Par La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université De Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre De Recherche Des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
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