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Kostecki KL, Iida M, Crossman BE, Salgia R, Harari PM, Bruce JY, Wheeler DL. Immune Escape Strategies in Head and Neck Cancer: Evade, Resist, Inhibit, Recruit. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:312. [PMID: 38254801 PMCID: PMC10814769 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) arise from the mucosal lining of the aerodigestive tract and are often associated with alcohol use, tobacco use, and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Over 600,000 new cases of HNC are diagnosed each year, making it the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Historically, treatments have included surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and while these treatments are still the backbone of current therapy, several immunotherapies have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in HNC. The role of the immune system in tumorigenesis and cancer progression has been explored since the early 20th century, eventually coalescing into the current three-phase model of cancer immunoediting. During each of the three phases-elimination, equilibrium, and escape-cancer cells develop and utilize multiple strategies to either reach or remain in the final phase, escape, at which point the tumor is able to grow and metastasize with little to no detrimental interference from the immune system. In this review, we summarize the many strategies used by HNC to escape the immune system, which include ways to evade immune detection, resist immune cell attacks, inhibit immune cell functions, and recruit pro-tumor immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourtney L. Kostecki
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Bridget E. Crossman
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Paul M. Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Justine Y. Bruce
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Deric L. Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
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Lee NY, Riaz N, Wu V, Brinkman T, Tsai CJ, Zhi W, Fetten J, Ho A, Wong RJ, Ghossein R, Tuttle M, Fagin J, Pfister DG, Sherman E. A Pilot Study of Durvalumab (MEDI4736) with Tremelimumab in Combination with Image-Guided Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2022; 32:799-806. [PMID: 35521657 PMCID: PMC9293682 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a poor prognosis. This pilot study aims to evaluate tremelimumab plus durvalumab with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to improve overall survival (OS). Methods: Eligible patients received up to 4 doses tremelimumab (75 mg) given q4 weeks and up to 1 year of durvalumab (1500 mg) given q4 weeks. SBRT at 9 Gy × 3 fractions was given within the first 2 weeks of the start of treatment. Paired biopsies (pretreatment and between 3 and 10 weeks after the first dose of the drug treatment) were done in the medically qualified patients. Major inclusion criteria are metastatic ATC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2, no prior immunotherapy, and last anticancer treatment >7 days before starting the study. The primary endpoint was 1 year OS with the combination of durvalumab, tremelimumab, and SBRT in metastatic ATC patients with a target of 1 year OS in ≥2 out of 12 patients. Results: A total of 13 patients signed consent but only 12 patients ultimately participated in this trial. One patient who consented to the protocol became ineligible for this study due to continued decline in performance status. Patient characteristics were as follows: male (n = 6) with a median age of 71 years (range: 49-82), and ECOG = 1. Nine patients had prior neck radiation and nine patients had prior chemotherapy. Next-generation sequencing and PD-L1 staining were done in the nine patients where tissue was available. High microsatellite instability (MSI) corresponding to mismatch repair defect was noted in two patients. There were zero confirmed responses and only one patient had stable disease and was treated with ≥4 cycles of study drugs. The median time that the patients were under treatment was 11 weeks (1-28 weeks). MSI status did not affect treatment response. High MSI patients were on treatment for 8-14 weeks before disease progression. The median OS was 14.5 weeks with only 1 patient alive beyond 1 year. The presence of a BRAF or p53 mutation did not appear to affect treatment outcome. Conclusions: Tremelimumab and durvalumab with SBRT did not improve OS for ATC. Future research is needed to examine other novel immunotherapy combinations with or without radiotherapy in the treatment of ATC. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03122496.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Y. Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
- Address correspondence to: Nancy Y. Lee, MD, FASTRO, Department of Radiation Oncology, MSKCC, 1275 York Avenue Box 22, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vanessa Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Brinkman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Wanquing Zhi
- Division of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - James Fetten
- Division of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan Ho
- Division of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Tuttle
- Endocrine Service, Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - James Fagin
- Endocrine Service, Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - David G. Pfister
- Division of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eric Sherman
- Division of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
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Oh CY, Klatt MG, Bourne C, Dao T, Dacek MM, Brea EJ, Mun SS, Chang AY, Korontsvit T, Scheinberg DA. ALK and RET Inhibitors Promote HLA Class I Antigen Presentation and Unmask New Antigens within the Tumor Immunopeptidome. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1984-1997. [PMID: 31540894 PMCID: PMC6891198 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
T-cell immunotherapies are often thwarted by the limited presentation of tumor-specific antigens abetted by the downregulation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA). We showed that drugs inhibiting ALK and RET produced dose-related increases in cell-surface HLA in tumor cells bearing these mutated kinases in vitro and in vivo, as well as elevated transcript and protein expression of HLA and other antigen-processing machinery. Subsequent analysis of HLA-presented peptides after ALK and RET inhibitor treatment identified large changes in the immunopeptidome with the appearance of hundreds of new antigens, including T-cell epitopes associated with impaired peptide processing (TEIPP) peptides. ALK inhibition additionally decreased PD-L1 levels by 75%. Therefore, these oncogenes may enhance cancer formation by allowing tumors to evade the immune system by downregulating HLA expression. Altogether, RET and ALK inhibitors could enhance T-cell-based immunotherapies by upregulating HLA, decreasing checkpoint blockade ligands, and revealing new, immunogenic, cancer-associated antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Y Oh
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Martin G Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Christopher Bourne
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Megan M Dacek
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Elliott J Brea
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Aaron Y Chang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tatyana Korontsvit
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Ulisse S, Tuccilli C, Sorrenti S, Antonelli A, Fallahi P, D'Armiento E, Catania A, Tartaglia F, Amabile MI, Giacomelli L, Metere A, Cornacchini N, Pironi D, Carbotta G, Vergine M, Monti M, Baldini E. PD-1 Ligand Expression in Epithelial Thyroid Cancers: Potential Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061405. [PMID: 30897754 PMCID: PMC6471477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The new immunotherapy targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor and its cognate ligand PD-L1 has renewed hopes of eradicating the most difficult human cancers to treat. Among these, there are the poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers, unresponsive to all the therapies currently in use. In the present review we will summarize information regarding the expression of PD-L1 in the different thyroid cancer histotypes, its correlation with clinicopathological features, and its potential prognostic value. Then, we will evaluate the available data indicating the PD-1/PD-L1 axis as a promising target for thyroid cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Tuccilli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Sorrenti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Eleonora D'Armiento
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Catania
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Tartaglia
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Ida Amabile
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Giacomelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Metere
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Cornacchini
- Department of Surgery, S. Kliment Ohridski University, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Daniele Pironi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Carbotta
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimo Vergine
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimo Monti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Chintakuntlawar AV, Foote RL, Kasperbauer JL, Bible KC. Diagnosis and Management of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2019; 48:269-284. [PMID: 30717908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a devastating and usually incurable diagnosis. Clinical and pathologic diagnosis is best assessed at a tertiary center with concentrated ATC expertise. Expeditious multidisciplinary management is recommended for optimal patient outcomes. Based on multiinstitutional and population-based studies, multimodal therapy that includes chemoradiotherapy with surgery (when feasible) is the preferred initial treatment because it is associated with incrementally improved overall survival. In ATC that carries a BRAF V600E somatic mutation, combination therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has shown promise but needs further study. Immunotherapeutic agents in neoadjuvant and metastatic settings are being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert L Foote
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jan L Kasperbauer
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Keith C Bible
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Tuccilli C, Baldini E, Sorrenti S, Catania A, Antonelli A, Fallahi P, Tartaglia F, Barollo S, Mian C, Palmieri A, Carbotta G, Arcieri S, Pironi D, Vergine M, Monti M, Ulisse S. CTLA-4 and PD-1 Ligand Gene Expression in Epithelial Thyroid Cancers. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:1742951. [PMID: 30123257 PMCID: PMC6079443 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1742951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of PD-1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) and CTLA-4 ligands (CD80 and CD86) represents a tumor strategy to escape the immune surveillance. Here, the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, and CD86 was evaluated at the mRNA level in 94 patients affected by papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 11 patients affected by anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Variations in the mRNAs in PTC patients were then correlated with clinicopathological features. The expression of all genes was deregulated in PTC and ATC tissues compared to normal tissues. In particular, the downregulation of CD80 was observed above all in ATC. In addition, the increased expression of CD80 associated with longer disease-free survival in PTC. Higher expression of PD-L1 associated with the classical histological variant and with the presence of BRAFV600E mutation in PTC. The increased PD-L2 expression correlated with BRAFV600E mutation and lymph node metastasis, while its lower expression correlated with the follicular PTC variant. The latter was also associated with the CD80 downregulation, which was also related to the absence of lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, we documented the overall dysregulation of PD-1 and CTLA-4 ligands in PTC and ATC tissues and a possible prognostic value for CD80 gene expression in PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tuccilli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sorrenti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Catania
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Susi Barollo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Palmieri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Carbotta
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Arcieri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Pironi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Vergine
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Monti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Schmidt A, Iglesias L, Klain M, Pitoia F, Schlumberger MJ. Radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: an uncommon but challenging situation. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2017; 61:81-89. [PMID: 28225999 PMCID: PMC10522117 DOI: 10.1590/2359-3997000000245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Radioiodine (RAI)-refractory thyroid cancer is an uncommon entity, occurring with an estimated incidence of 4-5 cases/year/million people. RAI refractoriness is more frequent in older patients, in those with large metastases, in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, and in those tumors with high 18-fluordeoxyglucose uptake on PET/CT. These patients have a 10-year survival rate of less than 10%. In recent years, new therapeutic agents with molecular targets have become available, with multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) being the most investigated drugs. Two of these compounds, sorafenib and lenvatinib, have shown significant objective response rates and have significantly improved the progression-free survival in the two largest published prospective trials on MKI use. However, no overall survival benefit has been achieved yet. This is probably related to the crossover that occurs in most patients who progress on placebo treatment to the open treatment of these studies. In consequence, the challenge is to correctly identify which patients will benefit from these treatments. It is also crucial to understand the appropriate timing to initiate MKI treatment and when to stop it. The purpose of this article is to define RAI refractoriness, to summarize which therapies are available for this condition, and to review how to select patients who are suitable for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Schmidt
- Hospital de ClínicasUniversity of Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Institut Gustave RoussyUniversité Paris-SaclayVillejuifFranceInstitut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Laura Iglesias
- Institut Gustave RoussyUniversité Paris-SaclayVillejuifFranceInstitut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Michele Klain
- Università Federico II di NapoliNapoliItaliaUniversità Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italia
| | - Fabián Pitoia
- Hospital de ClínicasUniversity of Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martin J. Schlumberger
- Institut Gustave RoussyUniversité Paris-SaclayVillejuifFranceInstitut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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Caobelli F, Quartuccio N, Pizzocaro C, Savelli G, Guerra UP. Unusual Adrenal Gland Metastasis in a Patient with Follicular Carcinoma of the Thyroid Evidenced by (18)F-FDG PET/CT and Confirmed by Biopsy. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2015; 49:73-5. [PMID: 25767627 PMCID: PMC4354791 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-014-0293-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Caobelli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Via Bissolati 57, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Natale Quartuccio
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudio Pizzocaro
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Via Bissolati 57, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giordano Savelli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Via Bissolati 57, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Ugo Paolo Guerra
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Via Bissolati 57, 25100 Brescia, Italy
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The immune system and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: from carcinogenesis to new therapeutic opportunities. Immunol Res 2014; 57:52-69. [PMID: 24218361 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-013-8462-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) exhibit complex interactions with the host immune system that may simultaneously explain resistance to various therapeutic modalities and that may also provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Discoveries in immunologic research over the last decade have led to an increased understanding of these interactions as well as the development of a multitude of investigational immunotherapies. Here, we describe the interaction between HNSCC and the immune system, including a discussion of immune cells involved with tumor carcinogenesis and the role of immune-modulating factors derived from tumors. We also describe the current immunotherapeutic approaches being investigated for HNSCC, including a discussion of the successes and limitations. With this review, we hope to present HNSCC as a model to guide future research in cancer immunology.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the vast majority of patients with thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis, those with more aggressive courses experience significant morbidity and mortality. Advanced forms of thyroid cancer are typically refractory to standard therapy. Numerous agents with potential usefulness in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer have recently come under study. AREAS COVERED This article reviews agents identified through a systematic review of the scientific literature as being under investigation for treatment of advanced thyroid cancer. A search of both PubMed and the NCI Clinical Trials website was performed to identify such agents having reached Phase II or III testing. Improved understanding of cancer cell signaling pathways has led to the identification of > 500 kinases as potential therapeutic targets. Additional agents of interest include those that inhibit neoangiogenesis, alter epigenetic factors or stimulate antitumor immune reactions. While presently available agents have shown promise in improving progression-free survival (PFS), complete responses are not seen and significant adverse side effects are encountered. EXPERT OPINION The development of numerous new anticancer agents holds the promise of treatment regimens that will extend PFS and ultimately overall survival in patients with advanced thyroid cancer. Anticipated future developments include individualized, multimodal treatment regimens based on specific tumor cell biology and driver mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Bernet
- Medicine/Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic , 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32082 , USA
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11
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Smallridge RC, Chindris AM, Asmann YW, Casler JD, Serie DJ, Reddi HV, Cradic KW, Rivera M, Grebe SK, Necela BM, Eberhardt NL, Carr JM, McIver B, Copland JA, Thompson EA. RNA sequencing identifies multiple fusion transcripts, differentially expressed genes, and reduced expression of immune function genes in BRAF (V600E) mutant vs BRAF wild-type papillary thyroid carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E338-47. [PMID: 24297791 PMCID: PMC3913813 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The BRAF V600E mutation (BRAF-MUT) confers an aggressive phenotype in papillary thyroid carcinoma, but unidentified additional genomic abnormalities may be required for full phenotypic expression. OBJECTIVE RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to identify genes differentially expressed between BRAF-MUT and BRAF wild-type (BRAF-WT) tumors and to correlate changes to patient clinical status. DESIGN BRAF-MUT and BRAF-WT tumors were identified in patients with T1N0 and T2-3N1 tumors evaluated in a referral medical center. Gene expression levels were determined (RNA-Seq) and fusion transcripts were detected. Multiplexed capture/detection and digital counting of mRNA transcripts (nCounter, NanoString Technologies) validated RNA-Seq data for immune system-related genes. PATIENTS BRAF-MUT patients included nine women, three men; nine were TNM stage I and three were stage III. Three (25%) had tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. BRAF-WT included five women, three men; all were stage I, and five (62.5%) had tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. RESULTS RNA-Seq identified 560 of 13 085 genes differentially expressed between BRAF-MUT and BRAF-WT tumors. Approximately 10% of these genes were related to MetaCore immune function pathways; 51 were underexpressed in BRAF-MUT tumors, whereas 4 (HLAG, CXCL14, TIMP1, IL1RAP) were overexpressed. The four most differentially overexpressed immune genes in BRAF-WT tumors (IL1B; CCL19; CCL21; CXCR4) correlated with lymphocyte infiltration. nCounter confirmed the RNA-Seq expression level data. Eleven different high-confidence fusion transcripts were detected (four interchromosomal; seven intrachromosomal) in 13 of 20 tumors. All in-frame fusions were validated by RT-PCR. CONCLUSION BRAF-MUT papillary thyroid cancers have reduced expression of immune/inflammatory response genes compared with BRAF-WT tumors and correlate with lymphocyte infiltration. In contrast, HLA-G and CXCL14 are overexpressed in BRAF-MUT tumors. Sixty-five percent of tumors had between one and three fusion transcripts. Functional studies will be required to determine the potential role of these newly identified genomic abnormalities in contributing to the aggressiveness of BRAF-MUT and BRAF-WT tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Smallridge
- Department of Medicine (R.C.S.), Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (A.M.C., J.D.C.), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224; Department of Health Sciences Research (Y.W.A., D.J.S.), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology (H.V.R., N.L.E., B.M.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (K.W.C., S.K.G.), Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (M.R.), Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Cancer Biology (B.N., J.M.C., J.A.C., E.A.T.), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224; and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (N.L.E.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
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Ward LS. Immune response in thyroid cancer: widening the boundaries. SCIENTIFICA 2014; 2014:125450. [PMID: 25328756 PMCID: PMC4190695 DOI: 10.1155/2014/125450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The association between thyroid cancer and thyroid inflammation has been repeatedly reported and highly debated in the literature. In fact, both molecular and epidemiological data suggest that these diseases are closely related and this association reinforces that the immune system is important for thyroid cancer progression. Innate immunity is the first line of defensive response. Unlike innate immune responses, adaptive responses are highly specific to the particular antigen that induced them. Both branches of the immune system may interact in antitumor immune response. Major effector cells of the immune system that directly target thyroid cancer cells include dendritic cells, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mast cells, and lymphocytes. A mixture of immune cells may infiltrate thyroid cancer microenvironment and the balance of protumor and antitumor activity of these cells may be associated with prognosis. Herein, we describe some evidences that immune response may be important for thyroid cancer progression and may help us identify more aggressive tumors, sparing the vast majority of patients from costly unnecessary invasive procedures. The future trend in thyroid cancer is an individualized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sterian Ward
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (FCM-Unicamp), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Barão Geraldo,
13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
- *Laura Sterian Ward:
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