A multinational phase II trial of bevacizumab with low-dose interferon-α2a as first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: BEVLiN

The intricate interplay between cancer stem cells and cell-of-origin of cancer: implications for therapeutic strategies

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as pivotal players in tumorigenesis, disease progression, and resistance to therapies.

Objective

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between CSCs and the cell-of-origin in diverse cancer types.

Design

Comprehensive review of thematically-relevant literature.

Methods

We explore the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive the conversion of normal cells into CSCs and the impact of the cell-of-origin on CSC properties, tumor initiation, and therapeutic responses. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting CSCs based on their distinct cell-of-origin characteristics.

Results

Accruing evidence suggest that the cell-of-origin, the cell type from which the tumor originates, plays a crucial role in determining the properties of CSCs and their contribution to tumor heterogeneity.

Conclusion

By providing critical insights into the complex interplay between CSCs and their cellular origins, this article aims to enhance our understanding of cancer biology and pave the way for more effective and personalized cancer treatments.

Single-arm oncology trials and the nature of external controls arms

Aim: Single-arm trials with external control arms (ECAs) have gained popularity in oncology. ECAs may consist of primary data from previous trials, electronic health records (EHRs) or aggregate data from the literature. We sought to provide a description of how such studies achieve similarity of patients, comparability of data quality and outcome assessment. Materials & methods: In a stratified convenience sample of 15 studies, five used primary data from trials as ECAs, five used secondary data from EHRs and five used aggregate data from the literature. Data were collected from the published literature and public web resources, blinded to the eventual approval decision. Results: Studies using ECAs from primary data and EHR data displayed methods to achieve comparability of information, including matched baseline characteristics. Aggregate data from published studies did not attempt to match covariates. The EHR controls often showed calendar time overlap for collecting information while trial data were mostly historic. Outcome data were not consistently reported across studies. US FDA approval was only seen when primary data from trials or EHR data were used as the ECA, however no ECA in this sample directly contributed to approval. Discussion: In this nonsystematic review of ECAs for single-arm trials, the ECAs derived from primary data collected by other trials or EHRs show patterns of patient comparability, time overlap, and realistic methodological approaches to achieving balance between treatment arms. They are often submitted to regulators while literature-derived aggregate findings as ECA may serve as benchmarks for pipeline decisions.

Pembrolizumab plus axitinib for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

Introduction: The dominant paradigm of sequential therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with single agents has recently been challenged by improved outcomes obtained with combined regimens with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These combined regimens include the combination of pembrolizumab plus axitinib.Areas covered: Here, we provide a brief overview of the current clinical data on the pembrolizumab plus axitinib combination including mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety profile.Expert opinion: Both agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway and immune checkpoint inhibitors are active as single agents in mRCC. Improved outcomes have been demonstrated in phase 3 trials in comparison with sunitinib for the combinations of axitinib plus pembrolizumab, axitinib plus avelumab, bevacizumab plus atezolizumab, and ipilimumab plus nivolumab. Among these combinations, an OS benefit has, so far, demonstrated only for the combinations of axitinib with pembrolizumab and ipilimumab with nivolumab. Although there are currently no prospective data comparing the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab with the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and VEGF inhibitors, currently available retrospective analyses indicate that these two approaches achieve comparable outcomes.

The clinical significance of routine risk categorization in metastatic renal cell carcinoma and its impact on treatment decision-making: a systematic review

Aim: To analyze responses to first-line metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment stratified by risk criteria. Patients & methods: Clinical trials and observational studies of patients aged ≥18 years, published January 2005-May 2019, were identified via Ovid from MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Trials Register and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Data extracted included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). Results: 47/1269 articles met eligibility criteria. Most studies stratified patients by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (n = 19) or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (n = 21). PFS, OS and ORR varied according to risk group. Conclusion: Pembrolizumab + axitinib, ipilimumab + nivolumab and avelumab + axitinib were most effective across all risk groups. Favorable-risk patients benefit from sunitinib treatment.

Consensus paper: current state of first- and second-line therapy in advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

The therapy of advanced (clear-cell) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has recently experienced tremendous changes. Several new treatments have been developed, with PD-1 immune-checkpoint inhibition being the backbone of therapy. Diverse immunotherapy combinations change current first-line standards. These changes also require new approaches in subsequent lines of therapy. In an expert panel, we discussed the new treatment options and how they change clinical practice. While first-line immunotherapies introduce a new level of response rates, data on second-line therapies remains poor. This scenario poses a challenge for clinicians as guideline recommendations are based on historical patient cohorts and agents may lack the appropriate label for their in guidelines recommended use. Here, we summarize relevant clinical data and consider appropriate treatment strategies.

Precision medicine in medical oncology: hope, disappointment and reality

During the past 20 years, targeted therapy based on the understanding of tumor biology has been complementing or even replacing cytotoxic agents that have dominated pharmacotherapy of cancer since the conception of medical oncology. Unfortunately, the fact that targeted therapies with potential to induce cure or at least substantially prolong survival are still not available for many common solid tumors results in skepticism or even nihilism. On the one hand, biomarker research is not keeping pace with the introduction of new agents, while on the other hand, effective drugs are still not available for many potential molecular targets associated with malignant transformation and tumor progression. However, targeted therapies have already transformed the natural history and clinical outcomes not only in patients with rare malignancies like gastrointestinal stromal tumor but also with many common tumors, e.g. breast cancer, malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma. For further advances, a multidisciplinary effort is indispensible that should, above all, involve the collaboration of medical oncology and laboratory medicine.

Phase 1 trial of vorolanib (CM082) in combination with everolimus in patients with advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

Vorolanib (X-82, CM082) is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activities of vorolanib plus everolimus (an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin).

Methods

Patients had histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced RCC and failed with standard therapy were eligible for this study. Dose-escalated combinations of vorolanib (100, 150 or 200 mg once daily) with everolimus (5 mg once daily) were administered on 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity using a conventional 3 + 3 dose-escalation design.

Findings

22 patients (100 mg n = 4, 150 mg n = 3, 200 mg n = 15) were enrolled. Only one patient experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT, grade 4 thrombocytopenia) in the vorolanib 200 mg combination cohort, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. The most common treatment-related adverse events were proteinuria (100%), leukopenia (77%), hypercholesterolaemia (77%), increased low-density lipoprotein (68%), hypertriglyceridaemia (64%), hyperglycaemia (59%), and fatigue (55%). Most treatment-related adverse events were grade 1 to 2, with grade 3 or higher toxicities mostly seen in the 200 mg cohort. Single dosing of vorolanib demonstrated dose-proportional increases in the C_max and AUC, and observed short t_1/2z ranging from 4.74±1.44 to 12.89±7.49 h. The pharmacokinetic parameters for everolimus were similar among all cohorts. Of 19 evaluable patients, the ORR and DCR was 32% (n = 6, 95% CI, 13–57%) and 100% (95% CI, 82–100%), respectively.

Interpretation

Combination therapy of vorolanib 200 mg plus everolimus 5 mg once daily is potentially effective with potential activity. Further evaluation of the combination in advanced RCC patients is ongoing (NCT03095040).

Funding

Betta Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.

Present and future of cancer immunotherapy: A tumor microenvironmental perspective

Modulation of the tumor microenvironment is becoming an increasingly popular research topic in the field of immunotherapy, and studies regarding immune checkpoint blockades and cancer immunotherapy have pushed cancer immunotherapy to a climax. Simultaneously, the manipulation of the immune regulatory pathway can create an effective immunotherapy strategy; however, the tumor microenvironment serves an important role in suppressing the antitumor immunity by its significant heterogeneity. A number of patients with cancer do not have a good response to monotherapy approaches; therefore, combination strategies are required to achieve optimal therapeutic benefits. Targeting the tumor microenvironment may provide a novel strategy for immunotherapy, break down the resistance of conventional cancer therapy and produce the foundation for personalized precision medicine. The present review summarized the research regarding cancer immunotherapy from the perspective of how the tumor microenvironment affects the immune response, with the aim of proposing a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy and combination therapy.

Efficacy of targeted therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the efficacy of the targeted therapies in the treatment of advanced RCC and, via an indirect comparison, to provide an optimal treatment among these agents. A systematic search of Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials unpublished was performed up to Jan 1, 2015 to identify eligible randomized trials. Outcomes of interest assessing a targeted agent included progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). Thirty eligible randomized controlled studies, total twentyfourth trails (5110 cases and 4626 controls) were identified. Compared with placebo and IFN-α, single vascular epithelial growth factor (receptor) tyrosine kinase inhibitor and mammalian target of rapamycin agent (VEGF(r)-TKI & mTOR inhibitor) were associated with improved PFS, improved OS and higher ORR, respectively. Comparing sorafenib combination vs sorafenib, there was no significant difference with regard to PFS and OS, but with a higher ORR. Comparing single or combination VEGF(r)-TKI & mTOR inhibitor vs BEV + IFN-α, there was no significant difference with regard to PFS, OS, or ORR. Our network ITC meta-analysis also indicated a superior PFS of axitinib and everolimus compared to sorafenib. Our data suggest that targeted therapy with VEGF(r)-TKI & mTOR inhibitor is associated with superior efficacy for treating advanced RCC with improved PFS, OS and higher ORR compared to placebo and IFN-α. In summary, here we give a comprehensive overview of current targeted therapies of advanced RCC that may provide evidence for the adequate targeted therapy selecting.

Trial Watch: Immunostimulation with recombinant cytokines for cancer therapy

Cytokines regulate virtually aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, including the initiation, execution and extinction of tumor-targeting immune responses. Over the past three decades, the possibility of using recombinant cytokines as a means to elicit or boost clinically relevant anticancer immune responses has attracted considerable attention. However, only three cytokines have been approved so far by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for use in cancer patients, namely, recombinant interleukin (IL)-2 and two variants of recombinant interferon alpha 2 (IFN-α2a and IFN-α2b). Moreover, the use of these cytokines in the clinics is steadily decreasing, mostly as a consequence of: (1) the elevated pleiotropism of IL-2, IFN-α2a and IFN-α2b, resulting in multiple unwarranted effects; and (2) the development of highly effective immunostimulatory therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint blockers. Despite this and other obstacles, research in the field continues as alternative cytokines with restricted effects on specific cell populations are being evaluated. Here, we summarize research preclinical and clinical developments on the use of recombinant cytokines for immunostimulation in cancer patients.

The world of targeted therapies in kidney cancers: pitfalls, tips and tricks

In the past few years, metastatic renal cell carcinoma prognosis was improved by the development of molecular targeted therapies (TTs). At the metastatic stage, the tolerance to treatment is a major concern, not only because of the challenge of the efficacy/toxicity ratio improvement but also because of the importance of an optimal adherence to oral treatments. The present case series relates the issues of dealing with uncommon and sometimes never described side effects of sunitinib and sorafenib. The first case report deals with grade 3 vomiting during hemodialysis with concurrent administration of sunitinib. The second case is an iterative gout attack induced by sunitinib. The third case presents a grade 3 scalp dysesthesia with sorafenib. The fourth case includes an astonishing efficacy of metronomic (ie, low doses during a long period of time) bevacizumab in monotherapy. Multidisciplinary management and systematic reporting of unexpected efficacies and toxicities are needed to better understand TTs real therapeutic index. Although TTs revolutionized metastatic renal cell cancer prognosis, they also brought about previously unknown side effects. Identification and management of these off-target effects may be tricky, and therefore, comedication must be wisely chosen. As the physiopathology of these side effects is still unclear, multidisciplinary management and systematic reporting of toxicities are essential.

Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer consensus statement on immunotherapy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

Immunotherapy has produced durable clinical benefit in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC). In the past, patients treated with interferon-alpha (IFN) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) have achieved complete responses, many of which have lasted for multiple decades. More recently, a large number of new agents have been approved for RCC, several of which attack tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR), as well as tumor metabolism, inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Additionally, a new class of immunotherapy agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, is emerging and will play a significant role in the treatment of patients with RCC. Therefore, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a Task Force, which met to consider the current role of approved immunotherapy agents in RCC, to provide guidance to practicing clinicians by developing consensus recommendations and to set the stage for future immunotherapeutic developments in RCC.

The evolving role of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

While the majority of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors currently used for the therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are small molecule agents inhibiting multiple targets, monoclonal antibodies are inhibitors of specific targets, which may decrease off-target effects while preserving on-target activity. A few monoclonal antibodies have already been approved for mRCC (bevacizumab, nivolumab), while many others may play an important role in the therapeutic scenario of mRCC.

AREAS COVERED

This review describes emerging monoclonal antibodies for treating RCC. Currently, bevacizumab, a VEGF monoclonal antibody, is approved in combination with interferon for the therapy of metastatic RCC, while nivolumab, a Programmed Death (PD)-1 inhibitor, is approved following prior VEGF inhibitor treatment. Other PD-1 and PD-ligand (L)-1 inhibitors are undergoing clinical development.

EXPERT OPINION

Combinations of inhibitors of the PD1/PD-L1 axis with VEGF inhibitors or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 inhibitors have shown promising efficacy in mRCC. The development of biomarkers predictive for benefit and rational tolerable combinations are both important pillars of research to improve outcomes in RCC.

Risk factors of atherosclerosis during systemic therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor

The aim of the present study was to examine the changes in intima-media thickness (IMT) and myocardial perfusion in association with other laboratory risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients treated with therapy that targeted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). IMT, myocardial perfusion and laboratory risk factors of atherosclerosis were studied in 58 patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma or metastatic renal cell carcinoma prior to and at 3-monthly intervals during anti-VEGF treatment. Compared with the pretreatment IMT, the results indicated that the IMT was consistently increased during therapy in the two patient groups. Patient blood pressure and concentration of troponin T increased transiently. An increase in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decrease in the concentrations of C-reactive protein and homocysteine were also observed. Novel myocardial ischemia was evident in individual patients. In conclusion, anti-VEGF therapy affects the laboratory risk factors of atherosclerosis and results in an acceleration of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated by increased IMT.

[Bevacizumab as first-line therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Progression-free survival for 3 years]

We report the case of a 72-year-old woman who was diagnosed in 2006 with renal cell cancer (RCC) and had undergone consecutive tumor nephrectomy (clear-cell RCC, Fuhrmann grade II, stage pT3a, R0). Over the years, the patient underwent several surgical and radiological interventions due to various metastatic lesions. This case report describes the 3-year progression-free survival in a patient who underwent first-line therapy with the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab. Except for hypertension, the patient does not suffer currently from any other side effects of bevacizumab therapy.

Bevacizumab: a review of its use in advanced cancer

The humanized monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (Avastin(®)) has been available in the EU since 2005. Results of phase III trials demonstrate that adding intravenous bevacizumab to antineoplastic agents improves progression-free survival and/or overall survival in patients with advanced cancer, including when used as first- or second-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer, as first-line therapy in advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer, as first-line therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, as first-line therapy in metastatic breast cancer, and as first-line therapy in epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer or in recurrent, platinum-sensitive or platinum-resistant disease. Results of these studies are supported by the findings of routine oncology practice studies conducted in real-world settings. The tolerability profile of bevacizumab is well defined and adverse events associated with its use (e.g. hypertension, proteinuria, haemorrhage, wound healing complications, arterial thromboembolism, gastrointestinal perforation) are generally manageable. In conclusion, bevacizumab remains an important option for use in patients with advanced cancer.

[Alternative prescription schedules of sunitinib in metastatic kidney cancer: from the underground to the light?]

Sunitinib was the first targeted therapy improving progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the first line of treatment. Classically, sunitinib is administered at a dose of 50 mg/day during four weeks followed by two weeks off (schedule 4/6). This schedule has two pitfalls: intermittent exposure with two weeks "off" and the increase in toxicity during the fourth week. Several alternative prescription schedules were studied with the aim of limiting the intensity of toxicity while maintaining efficacy. This review summarizes the published data on alternative schedules of sunitinib in terms of safety and efficacy. All articles and abstracts on alternative schedule of sunitinib in the mRCC were reviewed. Clinical trials were also searched. Studies evaluating the continuous schedule have not provided evidence of its superiority compared to the 4/6 schedules in terms of activity, tolerance or dose-intensity. Retrospective data of patients treated in a schedule two weeks of treatment "on" one week "off" (schedule 2/3) with sunitinib 50 mg/day show PFS that seem superior to those obtained with a schedule 4/ 6, while having a better safety profile. The alternating schedule of sunitinib 2/3 (50 mg/day) may be a better alternative to schedule 4/6 in terms of tolerance. If toxicity occurs with 50 mg/day on a schedule 4/6, it would probably offer a better alternative in terms of efficiency than dose reduction. The results of ongoing and future studies are expected to prospectively validate the concept.

Interferons: Success in anti-viral immunotherapy

The interferons (IFNs) are glycoproteins with strong antiviral activities that represent one of the first lines of host defense against invading pathogens. These proteins are classified into three groups, Type I, II and III IFNs, based on the structure of their receptors on the cell surface. Due to their ability to modulate immune responses, they have become attractive therapeutic options to control chronic virus infections. In combination with other drugs, Type I IFNs are considered as "standard of care" in suppressing Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) infections, while Type III IFN has generated encouraging results as a treatment for HCV infection in phase III clinical trials. However, though effective, using IFNs as a treatment is not without the need for caution. IFNs are such powerful cytokines that affect a wide array of cell types; as a result, patients usually experience unpleasant symptoms, with a percentage of patients suffering system wide effects. Thus, constant monitoring is required for patients treated with IFN in order to reach the treatment goals of suppressing virus infection and maintaining quality of life.

Immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma: where are we now?

Immunotherapy with cytokines was the first effective treatment in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Long-term responders and complete remissions were observed, but efficacy in the overall population was limited with the consequence that targeted agents replaced cytokines. The discovery of tumor associated antigens as direct targets paved the way from theses rather unspecific to specific immunotherapeutic strategies, which are discussed in this review. Autologous or dendritic cell (DC) based tumor vaccination with vitespen or AGS-003, adoptive T-cell transfer and synthetic peptide vaccination with IMA901 are new and promising approaches. Besides that the more passive strategies of antibody dependent cytotoxicity with the VEGF antibody bevacizumab or the carbonic anhydrase IX antibody girentuximab are discussed. Immunomodulation by cyclophosphamide, tyrosine kinase inhibitors or nivolumab, which targets the PD-1 axis, further promote T-cell activation and combinatory strategies with these agents are outlined.