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Vernet R, Fernandez E, Migliorini D, Ancrenaz V, Charrier E, Belkouch MC, Von Rohr O, Urwyler M, De Vito C, Renaux J, Villard J, Rubin O, Grogg J, Mach N. A First-in-Human Phase I Clinical Study with MVX-ONCO-1, a Personalized Active Immunotherapy, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:2089-2100. [PMID: 39041242 PMCID: PMC11322805 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Over two decades, most cancer vaccines failed clinical development. Key factors may be the lack of efficient priming with tumor-specific antigens and strong immunostimulatory signals. MVX-ONCO-1, a personalized cell-based cancer immunotherapy, addresses these critical steps utilizing clinical-grade material to replicate a successful combination seen in experimental models: inactivated patient's own tumor cells, providing the widest cancer-specific antigen repertoire and a standardized, sustained, local delivery over days of a potent adjuvant achieved by encapsulated cell technology. We conducted an open-label, single-arm, first-in-human phase I study with MVX-ONCO-1 in patients with advanced refractory solid cancer. MVX-ONCO-1 comprises irradiated autologous tumor cells coimplanted with two macrocapsules containing genetically engineered cells producing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Patients received six immunizations over 9 weeks without maintenance therapy. Primary objectives were safety, tolerability, and feasibility, whereas secondary objectives focused on efficacy and immune monitoring. Data from 34 patients demonstrated safety and feasibility with minor issues. Adverse events included one serious adverse event possibly related to investigational medicinal product and two moderate-related adverse events. More than 50% of the patients with advanced and mainly nonimmunogenic tumors showed clinical benefits, including partial responses, stable diseases, and prolonged survival. In recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, one patient achieved a partial response, whereas another survived for more than 7 years without anticancer therapy for over 5 years. MVX-ONCO-1 is safe, well tolerated, and beneficial across several tumor types. Ongoing phase IIa trials target patients with advanced recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after initial systemic therapy. SIGNIFICANCE This first-in-human phase I study introduces a groundbreaking approach to personalized cancer immunotherapy, addressing limitations of traditional strategies. By combining autologous irradiated tumor cells as a source of patient-specific antigens and utilizing encapsulated cell technology for localized, sustained delivery of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as an adjuvant, the study shows a very good safety and feasibility profile. This innovative approach holds the promise of addressing tumor heterogeneity by taking advantage of each patient's antigenic repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Vernet
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Eugenio Fernandez
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Denis Migliorini
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Virginie Ancrenaz
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Emily Charrier
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- MaxiVAX SA, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Marie-Claude Belkouch
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Olivier Von Rohr
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Muriel Urwyler
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Claudio De Vito
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Jean Villard
- Clinical Cell Therapy Lab, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Olivier Rubin
- Clinical Cell Therapy Lab, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Nicolas Mach
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Lopes-Santos G, Tjioe KC, Magalhaes MADO, Oliveira DT. The role of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in head and neck cancer. Arch Oral Biol 2023; 147:105641. [PMID: 36753900 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105641] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the molecular mechanisms and biological roles of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting its potential clinical applications. DESIGN The search terms "granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor", "GM-CSF", "CSF2″ and "head and neck squamous cell carcinoma" or "head and neck cancer" were queried in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases. RESULTS Despite of being a widely expressed cytokine, the number of studies investigating the specific roles of GM-CSF in head and neck cancer was limited. Most of them investigated GM-CSF in conjunction with other cytokines. When studied alone, conflicting findings were observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. GM-CSF has been shown to induce angiogenesis and local tumor invasion. Additionally, it has also been implicated in immune evasion. On the other hand, GM-CSF stimulated the differentiation of dendritic cells, which are responsible for presenting tumor antigens, and for the regulation of T cell function. Even with these paradoxical effects, there are few studies investigating the potential of GM-CSF as adjuvant therapy in head and neck cancer. CONCLUSION The effects of GM-CSF in head and neck cancer may be pro- or antitumor. Understanding how one arm and not the other is activated is essential to assess the applicability and the safety of this cytokine as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Lopes-Santos
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology, and Radiology, Area of Pathology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Alameda Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Bauru, São Paulo 17012-901, Brazil.
| | - Kellen Cristine Tjioe
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., CN2236B, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | | | - Denise Tostes Oliveira
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology, and Radiology, Area of Pathology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Alameda Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Bauru, São Paulo 17012-901, Brazil.
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Fu J, Malm IJ, Kadayakkara DK, Levitsky H, Pardoll D, Kim YJ. Preclinical evidence that PD1 blockade cooperates with cancer vaccine TEGVAX to elicit regression of established tumors. Cancer Res 2014; 74:4042-52. [PMID: 24812273 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Biomarker studies have shown that expression of the T-cell coregulatory ligand PDL1 on tumor cells correlates with clinical responsiveness to the PD1 antibody nivolumab. Here, we report the findings of a preclinical cancer vaccine study demonstrating vaccine-dependent PDL1 upregulation in the tumor microenvironment. We formulated an IFNγ-inducing cancer vaccine called TEGVAX that combined GM-CSF and multiple Toll-like receptor agonists to increase the number of activated dendritic cells. Treatment of established tumors with TEGVAX retarded tumor growth in a manner associated with enhanced systemic antitumor immunity. Unexpectedly, TEGVAX also upregulated PDL1 expression in the tumor microenvironment, possibly explaining why tumors were not eliminated completely. In support of this likelihood, PDL1 upregulation in this setting relied upon IFNγ-expressing tumor-infiltrating CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and administration of a PD1-blocking antibody with TEGVAX elicited complete regression of established tumors. Taken together, our findings provide a mechanistic rationale to combine IFNγ-inducing cancer vaccines with immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Fu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
| | | | - Deepak K Kadayakkara
- Department of Oncology, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hy Levitsky
- Department of Oncology, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Drew Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Young J Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Oncology, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Davis MB, Vasquez-Dunddel D, Fu J, Albesiano E, Pardoll D, Kim YJ. Intratumoral administration of TLR4 agonist absorbed into a cellular vector improves antitumor responses. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:3984-92. [PMID: 21543518 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-3262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Because toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have been well characterized as dendritic cell (DC) activators, we hypothesized that the admixture of TLR4 agonist into a cellular vector could improve the antitumor response in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor secreting whole cell tumor cell vector (GVAX) was formulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 agonist, and its intratumoral therapeutic efficacy was tested in three different murine models. We utilized immunohistochemistry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT), and in vivo CTL analysis to assess both local innate immune responses within the tumor tissue as well as the downstream generation of antitumor T-cell responses. RESULTS Intratumoral treatment of LPS-absorbed GVAX showed efficacy in improving an antitumor response in vivo in comparison with GVAX alone. Improved antitumor efficacy of this novel admixture was not present in TLR4 signaling impaired mice. In the CT26 model, 40% to 60% of the mice showed regression of the transplanted tumor. When rechallenged with CT26 tumor cells, these mice proved to be immunized against the tumor. Tumors treated with TLR4 agonist-absorbed GVAX showed increased infiltrating CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as increased numbers of CD86(+) cells in the tumor tissue. Draining lymph nodes from the treated mice had enhanced number of activated CD86(+), MHCII(+), and CD80(+) DCs in comparison with GVAX alone and mock-treated groups. ELISPOT assay and in vivo CTL assay showed increased numbers of CTLs specific for the AH1 tumor antigen in mice treated with LPS-absorbed GVAX. CONCLUSION TLR4 on antigen-presenting cells in the tumor microenvironment may be targeted by using cell-based vectors for improved antitumor response in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan B Davis
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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Vaccine Therapy for Lung Cancer. Lung Cancer 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-524-8_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dou J, Hong X, Zhao F, Wang J, Chen J, Chen G. Investigation of GM-CSF Immune Accessory Effects in Tumor-Bearing Mice by Direct Gene Immunization. Immunol Invest 2009; 35:227-37. [PMID: 16698679 DOI: 10.1080/08820130600634550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To assess GM-CSF immune accessory effects in tumor-bearing mice, an animal tumor model was established by inoculating SP2/0 myeloma cells s.c. into the flank of Balb/c mice and 14 days later, injecting either 400 mug recombinant pcDNA3.1/mGM-CSF or a blank plasmid s.c. or i.m. into the tumor four times. The tumor weight, the activities of CTL and NK, the serum levels of IFN-gamma, IL-2 and lymphocytes infiltrating in tumor tissue were analysed 8 weeks later with MTT, ELISA and pathological section methods. The results showed that the tumor lump was reduced in mice injected s.c. (0.880 +/- 0.405 g) or i.m. (0.378 +/- 0.411 g) with pcDNA3.1/mGM-CSF compared with control mice injected s.c. (1.548 +/- 0.221g, P < 0.01)or i.m. (1.554 +/- 0.249g, P < 0.001) with a blank vector. Lymphocyte infiltration in tumor tissues was very apparent in mice injected i.m. with pcDNA3.1/mGM-CSF. In contrast, there was no lymphocyte infiltration in tumor tissues of control mice. In addition, the serum concentrations of IFN-gamma, IL-2 and the activities of CTL and NK cells were significantly increased in mice injected with pcDNA3.1/mGM-CSF compared with a control mice (P < 0.01). In conclusion, direct gene immunization of recombinant pcDNA3.1/mGM-CSF is a feasible strategy for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Southeast University School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing, China.
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Cannon T, Shores C, Yin X, Dahlman J, Guttridge D, Lai V, George J, Buzkova P, Couch M. Immunocompetent murine model of cancer cachexia for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2008; 30:320-6. [PMID: 17657796 DOI: 10.1002/hed.20698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle wasting and weight loss were observed when carcinomas were induced in a murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Our hypothesis was C3H/HeN mice would develop evidence of cachexia when injected with tumor cells METHODS Age- and weight-matched female mice were injected with SCCF/VII cells. Daily food intake and weights were measured. Body composition and analysis of circulating cytokines was performed. At the completion of experiments, hind legs were weighed. Muscle atrophy was detected using analysis for muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1). The tumor-derived lipid mobilizing factor (LMF) was measured. RESULTS Despite increased food intake, tumor-bearing mice lost weight and experienced reduced hind leg weights. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) was increased and MuRF1 was present in tumor-bearing mice but not controls. LMF was present in SCCF/VII cells. CONCLUSION In this immunocompetent murine model, we demonstrated the development of cancer cachexia in mice inoculated with SCCF cells, which express LMF. There was increased serum IL-1beta, weight loss, and muscle wasting and atrophy in tumor-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinitia Cannon
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, G0412 Neurosciences Hospital, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, CB 7070, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7070, USA
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Li H, Jiang HJ, Ma MQ, Wei F, An XM, Ren XB. Vaccination with Allogeneic GM-CSF Gene-Modified Lung Cancer Cells: Antitumor Activity Comparing with that Induced by Autologous Vaccine. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2007; 22:790-8. [PMID: 18158770 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2007.360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong-Jing Jiang
- Department of Esophagus, Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming-Quan Ma
- Department of Esophagus, Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiu-Mei An
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiu-Bao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Nemunaitis J, Nemunaitis J. A review of vaccine clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2007; 7:89-102. [PMID: 17150021 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.7.1.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that vaccines which enhance tumour antigen recognition may provide clinical benefit to subsets of non-small cell lung cancer patients. In this review, a variety of peptide-, gene- and cell-based clinical vaccine approaches targeting non-small cell lung cancer patients are reviewed. Results consistently demonstrate lack of toxicity. Examples of prolonged stable disease, tumour shrinkage response and survival benefit in comparison with historical and low-dose control groups have been demonstrated. Specific vaccines fulfilling justification for Phase III evaluation based on these results include LBLP25, TGF-beta2 antisense gene vaccine and GVAX.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nemunaitis
- Mary Crowley Medical Research Center, 60th Floor, 1717 Main St, Dallas, Texas 75201, USA.
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Neeson P, Paterson Y. Effects of the tumor microenvironment on the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Immunol Invest 2006; 35:359-94. [PMID: 16916758 DOI: 10.1080/08820130600755009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy utilizes vaccines targeting tumor antigens or tumor endothelium to prevent or regress tumors. Many cancer vaccines are designed to induce antigen-specific effector T cells that migrate to the tumor site. In an optimal situation, the effector T cells penetrate the tumor, release their effector molecules, induce tumor cell death and tumor regression. However, the tumor microenvironment is frequently immunosuppressive and contributes to a state of immune ignorance, impacting on the vaccine's ability to break tolerance to tumor antigen/s. This review discusses the factors in the tumor microenvironment that can affect the efficacy of cancer vaccines. In particular, the review focuses on pathways leading to effector T cell penetration of tumors or the inhibition of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Neeson
- Microbiology Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6076, USA
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Abstract
The development of cancer vaccines, aimed to enhance the immune response against a tumor, is a promising area of research. A better understanding of both the molecular mechanisms that govern the generation of an effective immune response and the biology of a tumor has contributed to substantial progress in the field. Areas of intense investigation in cancer immunotherapy will be discussed here, including: (1) the discovery and characterization of novel tumor antigens to be used as targets for vaccination; (2) the investigation of different vaccine-delivery modalities such as cellular-based vaccines, protein- and peptide-based vaccines, and vector-based vaccines; (3) the characterization of biological adjuvants to further improve the immunogenicity of a vaccine; and (4) the investigation of multimodal therapies where vaccines are being combined with other oncological treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. A compilation of data from preclinical studies conducted in vitro as well as in animal models is presented here. The results from these studies would certainly support the development of new vaccination strategies toward cancer vaccines with enhanced clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Dammeyer P, Jaramillo MC, Pipes BL, Badowski MS, Tsang TC, Harris DT. Heat-inducible amplifier vector for high-level expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Int J Hyperthermia 2006; 22:407-19. [PMID: 16891243 DOI: 10.1080/02656730600765312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In cytokine immunotherapy of cancer it is critical to deliver sufficiently high local cytokine concentrations in order to reach the therapeutic threshold needed for clinical efficacy. Simultaneously, for optimal clinical safety adverse effects caused by high systemic cytokine levels must be minimized. One of the most promising anti-cancer therapeutic cytokines, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), has elicited anti-tumour immune responses in animal studies and clinical trials. However, the clinical efficacy has been limited, with local GM-CSF levels being therapeutically insufficient and systemic toxicity being a limiting factor. METHODS To address these problems we have developed a novel GM-CSF expression vector, pAD-HotAmp-GM-CSF, which can provide high levels of GM-CSF expression, and induction of cytokine expression to limited tissue areas. This expression system combines inducible and amplifying elements in a single multi-genic construct. The first transcriptional unit contains the inducible element, the heat shock protein 70B (HSP70B) promoter that regulates expression of the transcription-activating factor tat. RESULTS Upon the binding of tat to the second promoter, the HIV2 long terminal repeat amplifies downstream gene expression of the therapeutic cytokine GM-CSF. Moderate hyperthermia at 42 degrees C for 30 min induced GM-CSF expression in pAD-HotAmp-GM-CSF that was over 2.5- and 2.8-fold higher than levels reached with HSP70B promoter alone and the prototypical human cytomegalovirus promoter. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the inducible amplifier vector, pAD-HotAmp-GM-CSF, represents a novel system for regulated and enhanced GM-CSF expression, which enables both greater efficacy and safety in cytokine immunotherapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Dammeyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Smith LP, Thomas GR. Animal models for the study of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: a historical perspective with review of their utility and limitations. Part A. Chemically-induced de novo cancer, syngeneic animal models of HNSCC, animal models of transplanted xenogeneic human tumors. Int J Cancer 2006; 118:2111-22. [PMID: 16380986 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.21694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the complex histological, genetic and molecular changes that lead to malignant transformation of squamous epithelia of the head and neck will likely guide the development of methods for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The development and use of animal models that closely mimic the histopathology and molecular pathogenesis of HNSCC in humans would greatly expand the research possibilities and provide a means of testing potential therapeutic agents. However, many available animal models of HNSCC fall short of this objective. In order for investigators to select the appropriate model to answer scientific questions, it is important to understand the benefits and limitations of available animal models for the study of HNSCC. The purpose of this work is to give an overview of the most pertinent animal models of HNSCC, and to discuss future directions of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee P Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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16
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Eager R, Nemunaitis J. GM-CSF Gene-Transduced Tumor Vaccines. Mol Ther 2005; 12:18-27. [PMID: 15963916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2004] [Revised: 02/04/2005] [Accepted: 02/05/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
GVAX is a GM-CSF gene-transduced tumor vaccine. Expression of the GM-CSF gene within either autologous or allogeneic tumor cell populations has demonstrated evidence of immune stimulation in patients and evidence of antitumor activity particularly in prostate cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. Results of preclinical studies justify clinical investigation. A summary of clinical results is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Eager
- Mary Crowley Medical Research Center/Texas Oncology PA, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
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O-Sullivan I, Ng LK, Martinez DM, Kim TS, Chopra A, Cohen EP. Immunity to squamous carcinoma in mice immunized with dendritic cells transfected with genomic DNA from squamous carcinoma cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2005; 12:825-34. [PMID: 15891775 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at an early stage of the disease increases the likelihood of success. We report a new vaccination strategy designed to prepare SCC vaccines from microgram amounts of tumor tissue, enabling the treatment of patients with minimal residual disease. The vaccine was prepared by transfer of sheared genomic DNA-fragments (25 kb) from KLN205 cells, an SCC cell line of DBA/2 mouse origin, into syngeneic bone marrow-derived mature dendritic cells (DCs). More than 90% of the transfected DCs took up DNA from the neoplasm and transferred genes were expressed as protein. The DCs expressed CD11c, CD11b, and the costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86, characteristic of mature DCs. Syngeneic DBA/2J mice, highly susceptible to the growth of KLN205 cells, were injected intravenously (i.v.) with the transfected DCs, followed by a subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of the tumor cells. The strong immunogenic properties of the transfected cells were indicated by the finding that the survival of the tumor-bearing mice was prolonged (P<.001), relative to that of mice in various control groups. Enzyme-linked immuno spot (ELISPOT IFN-gamma) assays revealed the activation of cell-mediated immunity directed toward the SCC in mice immunized with the transfected DCs. Two independent in vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated the presence of robust cell-mediated immunity directed toward the SCC in mice immunized with the transfected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- InSug O-Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
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Couch M, Saunders JK, O'Malley BW, Pardoll D, Jaffee E. Spatial distribution of tumor vaccine improves efficacy. Laryngoscope 2003; 113:1401-5. [PMID: 12897566 DOI: 10.1097/00005537-200308000-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genetically engineered tumor cells were used as a vaccine in a murine model to compare tumor formation after inoculating multiple sites versus a single site. The effect of vaccinating draining lymph node basins was evaluated. STUDY DESIGN Mice were vaccinated in either the floor of the mouth, the draining nodes of the front legs, the hind leg, or a combination of sites. Seven days later, the mice were challenged with parental tumor cells in the floor of the mouth and followed for tumor growth. METHODS A retroviral vector was used to transduce the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene into SCCFVII/SF tumor cells, which were then irradiated to prevent replication in vivo. Syngeneic C3H/HeJ mice were vaccinated with 1 x 10(6) cells in various sites, then challenged with 1 x 10(5) parental cells after 7 days. RESULTS Animals vaccinated in multiple sites had better protection from later tumor challenge than those receiving single vaccinations. Of the animals receiving vaccination at multiple sites, those vaccinated in the site of tumor challenge (floor of the mouth) had more protection than those not vaccinated at the site. CONCLUSIONS Mice vaccinated at multiple draining lymph node sites were better primed against tumor challenge than mice receiving single inoculations. Vaccination strategies that included the challenge site (floor of the mouth) and the nodes near this site were optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Couch
- Department of Otolarynology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-0901, USA.
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