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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Wu Y, Li P, Jiang Z, Sun X, He H, Yan P, Xu Y, Liu Y. Bioinspired yeast-based β-glucan system for oral drug delivery. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 319:121163. [PMID: 37567689 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Oral drug delivery is the preferred route of drug administration for patients, especially those who need long-term medication. Recently, bioinspired drug delivery systems have emerged for the oral delivery of various therapeutics. Among them, the yeast-based β-glucan system is a novel and promising platform, for oral administration that can overcome the biological barriers of the harsh gastrointestinal environment. Remarkably, the yeast-based β-glucan system not only protects the drug through the harsh gastrointestinal environment but also achieves targeted therapeutic effects by specifically recognizing immune cells, especially macrophages. Otherwise, it exhibits immunomodulatory properties. Based on the pleasant characteristics of the yeast-based β-glucan system, they are widely used in various macrophage-related diseases for oral administration. In this review, we introduced the structure and function of yeast-based β-glucan. Subsequently, we further summarized the current preparation methods of yeast-based β-glucan carriers and the strategies for preparing yeast-based β-glucan drug delivery systems. In addition, we focus on discussing the applications of β-glucan drug delivery systems in various diseases. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of the β-glucan drug delivery system are introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Pengyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Zongzhe Jiang
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China
| | - Huqiang He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China
| | - Pijun Yan
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000 Luzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
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3
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Cornista AM, Giolito MV, Baker K, Hazime H, Dufait I, Datta J, Khumukcham SS, De Ridder M, Roper J, Abreu MT, Breckpot K, Van der Jeught K. Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy: State of the Art and Future Directions. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2023; 2:1103-1119. [PMID: 38098742 PMCID: PMC10721132 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become an indispensable mode of treatment for a multitude of solid tumor cancers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been one of the many cancer types to benefit from immunotherapy, especially in advanced disease where standard treatment fails to prevent recurrence or results in poor survival. The efficacy of immunotherapy in CRC has not been without challenge, as early clinical trials observed dismal responses in unselected CRC patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Many studies and clinical trials have since refined immunotherapies available for CRC, solidifying immunotherapy as a powerful asset for CRC treatment. This review article examines CRC immunotherapies, from their foundation, through emerging avenues for improvement, to future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Mauri Cornista
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Maria Virginia Giolito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kristi Baker
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Hajar Hazime
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Inès Dufait
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jashodeep Datta
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Saratchandra Singh Khumukcham
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Maria T. Abreu
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Van der Jeught
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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4
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Liu Y, Xie B, Chen Q. RAS signaling and immune cells: a sinister crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2023; 21:595. [PMID: 37670322 PMCID: PMC10481548 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04486-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat sarcoma virus (RAS) gene is the most commonly mutated oncogene in cancer, with about 19% of cancer patients carrying RAS mutations. Studies on the interaction between RAS mutation and tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) have been flourishing in recent years. More and more evidence has proved that RAS signals regulate immune cells' recruitment, activation, and differentiation while assisting tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. This review concluded the direct and indirect treatment strategies for RAS mutations. In addition, we updated the underlying mechanisms by which RAS signaling modulated immune infiltration and immune escape. Finally, we discussed advances in RAS-targeted immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapies, with a particular focus on combination strategies with personalized therapy and great potential to achieve lasting clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongting Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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5
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Silva AJD, de Sousa MMG, de Macêdo LS, de França Neto PL, de Moura IA, Espinoza BCF, Invenção MDCV, de Pinho SS, da Gama MATM, de Freitas AC. RNA Vaccines: Yeast as a Novel Antigen Vehicle. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1334. [PMID: 37631902 PMCID: PMC10459952 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081334] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, technological advances for RNA manipulation enabled and expanded its application in vaccine development. This approach comprises synthetic single-stranded mRNA molecules that direct the translation of the antigen responsible for activating the desired immune response. The success of RNA vaccines depends on the delivery vehicle. Among the systems, yeasts emerge as a new approach, already employed to deliver protein antigens, with efficacy demonstrated through preclinical and clinical trials. β-glucans and mannans in their walls are responsible for the adjuvant property of this system. Yeast β-glucan capsules, microparticles, and nanoparticles can modulate immune responses and have a high capacity to carry nucleic acids, with bioavailability upon oral immunization and targeting to receptors present in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In addition, yeasts are suitable vehicles for the protection and specific delivery of therapeutic vaccines based on RNAi. Compared to protein antigens, the use of yeast for DNA or RNA vaccine delivery is less established and has fewer studies, most of them in the preclinical phase. Here, we present an overview of the attributes of yeast or its derivatives for the delivery of RNA-based vaccines, discussing the current challenges and prospects of this promising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonio Carlos de Freitas
- Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy—LEMTE, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil; (A.J.D.S.)
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6
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Silva AJD, Rocha CKDS, de Freitas AC. Standardization and Key Aspects of the Development of Whole Yeast Cell Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122792. [PMID: 36559285 PMCID: PMC9781213 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122792] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of vaccine development, improving antigenic presentation is critical for the activation of specific immune responses and the success of immunization, in addition to selecting an appropriate target. In this sense, different strategies have been developed and improved. Among them is the use of yeast cells as vehicles for the delivery of recombinant antigens. These vaccines, named whole yeast vaccines (WYVs), can induce humoral and cellular immune responses, with the additional advantage of dispensing with the use of adjuvants due to the immunostimulatory properties of their cell wall components. However, there are some gaps in the methodologies for obtaining and validating recombinant strains and vaccine formulations. The standardization of these parameters is an important factor for WYVs approval by regulatory agencies and, consequently, their licensing. This review aimed to provide an overview of the main parameters to consider when developing a yeast-based vaccine, addressing some available tools, and highlighting the main variables that can influence the vaccine production process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jéssica Duarte Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy—LEMTE, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Carlos de Freitas
- Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy—LEMTE, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-81996067671
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7
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Jia W, Zhang T, Huang H, Feng H, Wang S, Guo Z, Luo Z, Ji X, Cheng X, Zhao R. Colorectal cancer vaccines: The current scenario and future prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:942235. [PMID: 35990683 PMCID: PMC9384853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.942235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Current therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy encounter obstacles in preventing metastasis of CRC even when applied in combination. Immune checkpoint inhibitors depict limited effects due to the limited cases of CRC patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). Cancer vaccines are designed to trigger the elevation of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes, resulting in the intense response of the immune system to tumor antigens. This review briefly summarizes different categories of CRC vaccines, demonstrates the current outcomes of relevant clinical trials, and provides particular focus on recent advances on nanovaccines and neoantigen vaccines, representing the trend and emphasis of CRC vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaodong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zichao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaopin Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopin Ji, ; Xi Cheng, ; Ren Zhao,
| | - Xi Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopin Ji, ; Xi Cheng, ; Ren Zhao,
| | - Ren Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopin Ji, ; Xi Cheng, ; Ren Zhao,
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8
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Smith C, Zheng W, Dong J, Wang Y, Lai J, Liu X, Yin F. Tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Implications in immunotherapy. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3297-3313. [PMID: 36158269 PMCID: PMC9346457 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i27.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. Surgical resection is the only curable treatment option, but it is available for only a small fraction of patients at the time of diagnosis. With current therapeutic regimens, the average 5-year survival rate is less than 10% in pancreatic cancer patients. Immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising treatment options for multiple solid tumors of advanced stage. However, its clinical efficacy is suboptimal in most clinical trials on pancreatic cancer. Current studies have suggested that the tumor microenvironment is likely the underlying barrier affecting immunotherapy drug efficacy in pancreatic cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer and the latest advances in immunotherapy on pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Smith
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Jixin Dong
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Yaohong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jinping Lai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95825, United States
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Feng Yin
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
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9
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Role of oncogenic KRAS in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:143. [PMID: 34742312 PMCID: PMC8571891 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease at the cellular and molecular levels. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) is a commonly mutated oncogene in CRC, with mutations in approximately 40% of all CRC cases; its mutations result in constitutive activation of the KRAS protein, which acts as a molecular switch to persistently stimulate downstream signaling pathways, including cell proliferation and survival, thereby leading to tumorigenesis. Patients whose CRC harbors KRAS mutations have a dismal prognosis. Currently, KRAS mutation testing is a routine clinical practice before treating metastatic cases, and the approaches developed to detect KRAS mutations have exhibited favorable sensitivity and accuracy. Due to the presence of KRAS mutations, this group of CRC patients requires more precise therapies. However, KRAS was historically thought to be an undruggable target until the development of KRASG12C allele-specific inhibitors. These promising inhibitors may provide novel strategies to treat KRAS-mutant CRC. Here, we provide an overview of the role of KRAS in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Sun CY. Current status of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2021; 29:1151-1157. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v29.i20.1151] [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: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a kind of digestive tract malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Radical surgery is the preferred alternative choice for patients with pancreatic cancer, but most patients have no chance of radical surgery when they are diagnosed. At present, a number of studies have been carried out on immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer, mainly including immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy, which are expected to become a new strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and ultimately achieve the purpose of improving the overall prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. In this paper, we summarize the current status of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy and analyze the future trend of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yi Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
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11
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Tonini V, Zanni M. Pancreatic cancer in 2021: What you need to know to win. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:5851-5889. [PMID: 34629806 PMCID: PMC8475010 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i35.5851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the solid tumors with the worst prognosis. Five-year survival rate is less than 10%. Surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment, but the tumor is often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease and surgery could be performed in a very limited number of patients. Moreover, surgery is still associated with high post-operative morbidity, while other therapies still offer very disappointing results. This article reviews every aspect of pancreatic cancer, focusing on the elements that can improve prognosis. It was written with the aim of describing everything you need to know in 2021 in order to face this difficult challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Tonini
- Department of Medical Sciences and Surgery, University of Bologna- Emergency Surgery Unit, IRCCS Sant’Orsola Hospital, Bologna 40121, Italy
| | - Manuel Zanni
- University of Bologna, Emergency Surgery Unit, IRCCS Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna 40121, Italy
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12
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Silva AJD, Jesus ALS, Leal LRS, Silva GAS, Melo CML, Freitas AC. Pichia pastoris displaying ZIKV protein epitopes from the Envelope and NS1 induce in vitro immune activation. Vaccine 2021; 39:2545-2554. [PMID: 33814233 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The severe consequences of ZIKV infection and its emergence and re-emergence in several countries have boosted vaccines' development. Yeasts such as Pichia pastoris has been widely employed as antigen carriers for immunization against infectious agents. Components of the yeast cell wall have immunostimulatory properties, and recombinant antigens can be anchored to the cell surface to enhance the presentation to the immune system. Here we aimed at producing and anchoring ZIKV proteins in the P. pastoris surface as a vaccine approach. Expression cassettes were designed with epitopes of the Envelope and NS1 proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed the anchoring of recombinant proteins. Yeasts' ability to stimulate immune cells was evaluated in vitro by incubation with lymphocytes and monocytes isolated from mouse spleen. P. pastoris expressing EnvNS1 epitopes promoted increased levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α cytokines and an increase in the number of CD4+, CD8+, and CD16+ lymphocytes, similarly to ZIKV. This profile is indicative of the activation of immunological cells and suggests an immunogenic potential of the proposed yeast vaccines against ZIKV, reinforcing the possibility of P. pastoris as adjuvant and carrier of antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jéssica D Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André Luiz S Jesus
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Lígia Rosa S Leal
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Antonio S Silva
- Laboratório de Análises Imunológicas e Antitumorais, Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Moutinho L Melo
- Laboratório de Análises Imunológicas e Antitumorais, Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Freitas
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Muscarella P, Bekaii-Saab T, McIntyre K, Rosemurgy A, Ross SB, Richards DA, Fisher WE, Flynn PJ, Mattson A, Coeshott C, Roder H, Roder J, Harrell FE, Cohn A, Rodell TC, Apelian D. A Phase 2 Randomized Placebo-Controlled Adjuvant Trial of GI-4000, a Recombinant Yeast Expressing Mutated RAS Proteins in Patients with Resected Pancreas Cancer. J Pancreat Cancer 2021; 7:8-19. [PMID: 33786412 PMCID: PMC7997807 DOI: 10.1089/pancan.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: GI-4000, a series of recombinant yeast expressing four different mutated RAS proteins, was evaluated in subjects with resected ras-mutated pancreas cancer. Methods: Subjects (n = 176) received GI-4000 or placebo plus gemcitabine. Subjects' tumors were genotyped to identify which matched GI-4000 product to administer. Immune responses were measured by interferon-γ (IFNγ) ELISpot assay and by regulatory T cell (Treg) frequencies on treatment. Pretreatment plasma was retrospectively analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry for proteomic signatures predictive of GI-4000 responsiveness. Results: GI-4000 was well tolerated, with comparable safety findings between treatment groups. The GI-4000 group showed a similar pattern of median recurrence-free and overall survival (OS) compared with placebo. For the prospectively defined and stratified R1 resection subgroup, there was a trend in 1 year OS (72% vs. 56%), an improvement in OS (523.5 vs. 443.5 days [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06 [confidence interval (CI): 0.53-2.13], p = 0.872), and increased frequency of immune responders (40% vs. 8%; p = 0.062) for GI-4000 versus placebo and a 159-day improvement in OS for R1 GI-4000 immune responders versus placebo (p = 0.810). For R0 resection subjects, no increases in IFNγ responses in GI-4000-treated subjects were observed. A higher frequency of R0/R1 subjects with a reduction in Tregs (CD4+/CD45RA+/Foxp3low) was observed in GI-4000-treated subjects versus placebo (p = 0.033). A proteomic signature was identified that predicted response to GI-4000/gemcitabine regardless of resection status. Conclusion: These results justify continued investigation of GI-4000 in studies stratified for likely responders or in combination with immune check-point inhibitors or other immunomodulators, which may provide optimal reactivation of antitumor immunity. ClinicalTrials.gov Number: NCT00300950.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Muscarella
- Department of Surgery, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sharona B Ross
- Digestive Disorders Institute, AdventHealth Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick J Flynn
- Minnesota Oncology, US Oncology Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alicia Mattson
- Smuggler Mountain Group (SMG, Inc.), Aspen, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | - Frank E Harrell
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allen Cohn
- Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - David Apelian
- Smuggler Mountain Group (SMG, Inc.), Aspen, Colorado, USA
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14
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Curcio C, Brugiapaglia S, Bulfamante S, Follia L, Cappello P, Novelli F. The Glycolytic Pathway as a Target for Novel Onco-Immunology Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer. Molecules 2021; 26:1642. [PMID: 33804240 PMCID: PMC7998946 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal forms of human cancer, characterized by unrestrained progression, invasiveness and treatment resistance. To date, there are limited curative options, with surgical resection as the only effective strategy, hence the urgent need to discover novel therapies. A platform of onco-immunology targets is represented by molecules that play a role in the reprogrammed cellular metabolism as one hallmark of cancer. Due to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), PDA cells display an altered glucose metabolism-resulting in its increased uptake-and a higher glycolytic rate, which leads to lactate accumulation and them acting as fuel for cancer cells. The consequent acidification of the TME results in immunosuppression, which impairs the antitumor immunity. This review analyzes the genetic background and the emerging glycolytic enzymes that are involved in tumor progression, development and metastasis, and how this represents feasible therapeutic targets to counteract PDA. In particular, as the overexpressed or mutated glycolytic enzymes stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses, we will discuss their possible exploitation as immunological targets in anti-PDA therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Curcio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (L.F.); (P.C.)
- Centro Ricerche Medicina Sperimentale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Brugiapaglia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (L.F.); (P.C.)
- Centro Ricerche Medicina Sperimentale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bulfamante
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (L.F.); (P.C.)
- Centro Ricerche Medicina Sperimentale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Follia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (L.F.); (P.C.)
- Computer Science Department, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (L.F.); (P.C.)
- Centro Ricerche Medicina Sperimentale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (L.F.); (P.C.)
- Centro Ricerche Medicina Sperimentale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
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15
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Garcia-Sampedro A, Gaggia G, Ney A, Mahamed I, Acedo P. The State-of-the-Art of Phase II/III Clinical Trials for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Therapies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:566. [PMID: 33546207 PMCID: PMC7913382 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with very poor prognosis. Currently, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy represents the only curative option which, unfortunately, is only available for a small group of patients. The majority of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage when surgical resection is not possible and treatment options are limited. Thus, novel and more effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Molecular profiling together with targeted therapies against key hallmarks of pancreatic cancer appear as a promising approach that could overcome the limitations of conventional chemo- and radio-therapy. In this review, we focus on the latest personalised and multimodal targeted therapies currently undergoing phase II or III clinical trials. We discuss the most promising findings of agents targeting surface receptors, angiogenesis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, key signalling pathways, immunotherapies, and the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Acedo
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK; (A.G.-S.); (G.G.); (A.N.); (I.M.)
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16
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Shahnazari M, Samadi P, Pourjafar M, Jalali A. Therapeutic vaccines for colorectal cancer: The progress and future prospect. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106944. [PMID: 33182032 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are usually derived from the patient's tumor cells or the antigens found on their surface, which may help the immune system to identify and kill these malignant cells. Current focus of many researches is designing vaccines with the hope of triggering the immune system to attack cancer cells in a more effective, reliable and safe manner. Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as the third leading cause of death by cancer, but significant advances in therapy strategies have been made in recent years, including cancer vaccine. In this review, we present various vaccine platforms that have been used in the border battle against CRC, some of which have been approved for clinical use and some are in late-stage clinical trials. Until September 2020 there is approximately 1940 clinical trials of cancer vaccines on patients with different cancer types, and also many more trials are in the planning stages, which makes it the most important period of therapeutic cancer vaccines studies in the history of the immunotherapy. In cancer vaccines clinical trials, there are several considerations that must be taken into account including engineering of antigen-presenting cells, potential toxicity of antigenic areas, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vaccines, and monitoring of the patients' immune response. Therefore, the need to overcome immunosuppression mechanisms/immune tolerance is a critical step for the success of introducing therapeutic vaccines into the widely used drugs on market. In this way, better understanding of neoantigens, tumor immune surveillance escape mechanisms and host-tumor interactions are required to develop more effective and safe cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Shahnazari
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Pouria Samadi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Mona Pourjafar
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Akram Jalali
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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17
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Wan Y, Zhang Y, Wang G, Mwangi PM, Cai H, Li R. Recombinant KRAS G12D Protein Vaccines Elicit Significant Anti-Tumor Effects in Mouse CT26 Tumor Models. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1326. [PMID: 32903495 PMCID: PMC7435050 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug development targeting the most frequently mutation G12D of KRAS has great significance. As an attractive immunotherapy, cancer vaccines can overcome binding difficulties of small molecules; however, the weak immunogenicity and production difficulties of reported KRAS mutation vaccines limit their clinical application. To improve antigen-specific immune responses and Anti-Tumor effects on tumors expressing KRAS G12D mutation, we designed recombinant proteins containing KRAS peptide (amino acids 5–21) with G12D (called SP) in two forms: DTT-SP4 and DTSP. DTT-SP4 was constructed by fusing four copies of SP to the C-terminal of the translocation domain of diphtheria toxin (DTT), and DTSP was constructed by grafting SP onto DTT. The two vaccines in combination with aluminum hydroxide (Alum) and cytosine phosphoguanine (CpG) successfully induced conspicuous SP-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, and displayed prominent protective and therapeutic Anti-Tumor effects in mouse CT26 tumor models. Surprisingly, the DTSP-treated group displayed better Anti-Tumor effects in vivo compared with the DTT-SP4-treated and control groups. Moreover, 87.5 and 50% of DTSP-treated mice in the preventive and therapeutic models were tumor free, respectively. Notably, in the DTSP-treated group, the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression of T cells in vitro and the T-helper 1 (Th1)–related cytokine expression in tumor tissues indicated that the activated Th1 immune response may be involved in Anti-Tumor activity. Furthermore, DTSP treatment remarkably altered the subpopulation of T cells in splenocytes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The percentage of effector CD8+ T cells increased, whereas that of immunosuppressive CD4+Foxp3+ T cells remained reduced in the DTSP group. Dramatic tumor-inhibitory effects of DTSP, which is easily prepared, make it a more attractive strategy against KRAS G12D tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengchong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Patrick Malonza Mwangi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaman Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai HyCharm Inc., Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Schizas D, Charalampakis N, Kole C, Economopoulou P, Koustas E, Gkotsis E, Ziogas D, Psyrri A, Karamouzis MV. Immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: A 2020 update. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 86:102016. [PMID: 32247999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is associated with extremely poor prognosis and remains a lethal malignancy. The main cure for PAC is surgical resection. Further treatment modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other locoregional therapies provide low survival rates. Currently, many clinical trials seek to assess the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies in PAC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, combinations with other immunotherapeutic agents, chemoradiotherapy or other molecularly targeted agents; however, none of these studies have shown practice changing results. There seems to be a synergistic effect with increased response rates when a combinatorial approach of immunotherapy in conjunction with other modalities is being exploited. In this review, we illustrate the current role of immunotherapy in PAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christo Kole
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Economopoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymios Gkotsis
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Ziogas
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michalis V Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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19
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Zhang Y, Ma JA, Zhang HX, Jiang YN, Luo WH. Cancer vaccines: Targeting KRAS-driven cancers. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:163-173. [PMID: 32174221 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1733420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Mutant KRAS is a genetic driver of multiple cancers that has challenged clinical anti-cancer therapeutics in the last 3 decades. Neo-antigens encoded by KRAS mutations have been identified as tumor-specific with high immunogenicity and can be used to deliver precision cancer vaccines to promote anti-tumor immune responses. KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines have produced encouraging preclinical and clinical results. Cancer vaccines represent a promising approach to treat KRAS-driven cancers.Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the development and progress of vaccines targeting KRAS and evaluate their potential benefits and obstacles in the current landscape of therapy for KRAS-driven cancers.Expert opinion: KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines can induce immunogenicity in patients with KRAS-driven cancers. However, the mechanisms of tumor suppression including cellular and molecular factors within the tumor microenvironment may limit vaccine efficacy. Combining KRAS-driven therapeutic cancer vaccines with other methods and adjuvants can circumvent immunosuppression and promote therapeutic successes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin-An Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Xia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Na Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Hao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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20
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Buscail L, Bournet B, Cordelier P. Role of oncogenic KRAS in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 17:153-168. [PMID: 32005945 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0245-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is predicted to be the second most common cause of death within the next 10 years. The prognosis for this disease is poor despite diagnostic progress and new chemotherapeutic regimens. The oncogenic KRAS mutation is the major event in pancreatic cancer; it confers permanent activation of the KRAS protein, which acts as a molecular switch to activate various intracellular signalling pathways and transcription factors inducing cell proliferation, migration, transformation and survival. Several laboratory methods have been developed to detect KRAS mutations in biological samples, including digital droplet PCR (which displays high sensitivity). Clinical studies have revealed that a KRAS mutation assay in fine-needle aspiration material combined with cytopathology increases the sensitivity, accuracy and negative predictive value of cytopathology for a positive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In addition, the presence of KRAS mutations in serum and plasma (liquid biopsies) correlates with a worse prognosis. The presence of mutated KRAS can also have therapeutic implications, whether at the gene level per se, during its post-translational maturation, interaction with nucleotides and after activation of the various oncogenic signals. Further pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies on new molecules are required, especially small synthetic molecules, before they can be used in the therapeutic arsenal for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Buscail
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Toulouse III, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse, France. .,INSERM UMR 1037, Toulouse Centre for Cancer Research, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.
| | - Barbara Bournet
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Toulouse III, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse, France.,INSERM UMR 1037, Toulouse Centre for Cancer Research, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Cordelier
- INSERM UMR 1037, Toulouse Centre for Cancer Research, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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