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Li T, Sun S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Wei L. Immunotherapy revolutionizing brain metastatic cancer treatment: personalized strategies for transformative outcomes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1418580. [PMID: 39136027 PMCID: PMC11317269 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1418580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastatic cancer poses a significant clinical challenge, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis for patients. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing brain metastases, offering distinct advantages over conventional treatments. This review explores the evolving landscape of tumor immunotherapy in the context of brain metastatic cancer, focusing on the intricate interplay between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapeutic approaches. By elucidating the complex interactions within the TME, including the role of immune cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components, this review highlights the potential of immunotherapy to reshape the treatment paradigm for brain metastases. Leveraging immune checkpoint inhibitors, cellular immunotherapies, and personalized treatment strategies, immunotherapy holds promise in overcoming the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier and immunosuppressive microenvironment of brain metastases. Through a comprehensive analysis of current research findings and future directions, this review underscores the transformative impact of immunotherapy on the management of brain metastatic cancer, offering new insights and opportunities for personalized and precise therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Medical Oncology Department of Thoracic Cancer 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shichen Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yubing Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Linlin Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Lerouge L, Ruch A, Pierson J, Thomas N, Barberi-Heyob M. Non-targeted effects of radiation therapy for glioblastoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30813. [PMID: 38778925 PMCID: PMC11109805 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30813] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is recommended for the treatment of brain tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM) and brain metastases. Various curative and palliative scenarios suggest improved local-regional control. Although the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear, additional therapeutic effects have been described, including proximity and abscopal reactions at the treatment site. Clinical and preclinical data suggest that the immune system plays an essential role in regulating the non-targeted effects of radiotherapy for GBM. This article reviews current biological mechanisms for regulating the non-targeted effects caused by external and internal radiotherapy, and how they might be applied in a clinical context. Optimization of therapeutic regimens requires assessment of the complexity of the host immune system on the activity of immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory cells, such as glioma-associated macrophages and microglia. This article also discusses recent preclinical models adapted to post-radiotherapy responses. This narrative review explores and discusses the current status of immune responses both locally via the "bystander effect" and remotely via the "abscopal effect". Preclinical and clinical observations demonstrate that unirradiated cells, near or far from the irradiation site, can control the tumor response. Nevertheless, previous studies do not address the problem in its global context, and present gaps regarding the link between the role of the immune system in the control of non-targeted effects for different types of radiotherapy and different fractionation schemes applied to GBM. This narrative synthesis of the scientific literature should help to update and critique available preclinical and medical knowledge. Indirectly, it will help formulate new research projects based on the synthesis and interpretation of results from a non-systematic selection of published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Lerouge
- Department of Biology, Signals and Systems in Cancer and Neuroscience, CRAN, UMR7039, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Aurélie Ruch
- Department of Biology, Signals and Systems in Cancer and Neuroscience, CRAN, UMR7039, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Julien Pierson
- Department of Biology, Signals and Systems in Cancer and Neuroscience, CRAN, UMR7039, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Noémie Thomas
- Department of Biology, Signals and Systems in Cancer and Neuroscience, CRAN, UMR7039, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Muriel Barberi-Heyob
- Department of Biology, Signals and Systems in Cancer and Neuroscience, CRAN, UMR7039, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Layer JP, Shiban E, Brehmer S, Diehl CD, de Castro DG, Hamed M, Dejonckheere CS, Cifarelli DT, Friker LL, Herrlinger U, Hölzel M, Vatter H, Schneider M, Combs SE, Schmeel LC, Cifarelli CP, Giordano FA, Sarria GR, Kahl KH. Multicentric Assessment of Safety and Efficacy of Combinatorial Adjuvant Brain Metastasis Treatment by Intraoperative Radiation Therapy and Immunotherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:1552-1562. [PMID: 38199383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE After surgical resection of brain metastases (BMs), intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) provides a promising alternative to adjuvant external beam radiation therapy by enabling superior organ-at-risk preservation, reduction of in-hospital times, and timely admission to subsequent systemic treatments, which increasingly comprise novel targeted immunotherapeutic approaches. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of IORT in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other targeted therapies (TTs). METHODS AND MATERIALS In a multicentric approach incorporating individual patient data from 6 international IORT centers, all patients with BMs undergoing IORT were retrospectively assessed for combinatorial treatment with ICIs/TTs and evaluated for toxicity and cumulative rates, including wound dehiscence, radiation necrosis, leptomeningeal spread, local control, distant brain progression (DBP), and estimated overall survival. RESULTS In total, 103 lesions with a median diameter of 34 mm receiving IORT combined with immunomodulatory systemic treatment or other TTs were included. The median follow-up was 13.2 (range, 1.2-102.4) months, and the median IORT dose was 25 (range, 18-30) Gy prescribed to the applicator surface. There was 1 grade 3 adverse event related to IORT recorded (2.2%). A 4.9% cumulative radiation necrosis rate was observed. The 1-year local control rate was 98.0%, and the 1-year DBP-free survival rate was 60.0%. Median time to DBP was 5.5 (range, 1.0-18.5) months in the subgroup of patients experiencing DBP, and the cumulative leptomeningeal spread rate was 4.9%. The median estimated overall survival was 26 (range, 1.2 to not reached) months with a 1-year survival rate of 74.0%. Early initiation of immunotherapy/TTs was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward improved DBP rate and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS The combination of ICIs/TTs with IORT for resected BMs does not seem to increase toxicity and yields encouraging local control outcomes in the difficult-to-treat subgroup of larger BMs. Time gaps between surgery and systemic treatment could be shortened or avoided. The definitive role of IORT in local control after BM resection will be defined in a prospective trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian P Layer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ehab Shiban
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Brehmer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian D Diehl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Motaz Hamed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cas S Dejonckheere
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel T Cifarelli
- Department of Neurosurgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Lea L Friker
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Herrlinger
- Division of Clinical Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hartmut Vatter
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Frank A Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute of the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; Mannheim Institute of Intelligent Systems in Medicine (MIISM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gustavo R Sarria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Klaus-Henning Kahl
- Department of Radiooncology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Yu B, Gao Y, Li J, Gao F, Zhang J, Li L, Feng X, Zuo D, Jin X, Chen W, Li Q. Killing two birds with one stone: Abscopal effect mechanism and its application prospect in radiotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104325. [PMID: 38462151 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104325] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Abscopal effects are characterized by the emergence of neoplasms in regions unrelated to the primary radiation therapy site, displaying a gradual attenuation or regression throughout the progression of radiation therapy, which have been of interest to scientists since Mole's proposal in 1953. The incidence of abscopal effects in radiation therapy is intricately linked to the immune system, with both innate and adaptive immune responses playing crucial roles. Biological factors impacting abscopal effects ultimately exert their influence on the intricate workings of the immune system. Although abscopal effects are rarely observed in clinical cases, the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. This article examines the biological and physical factors influencing abscopal effects of radiotherapy. Through a review of preclinical and clinical studies, this article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of abscopal effects and proposes new avenues for future research in this field. The findings presented in this article serve as a valuable reference for researchers seeking to explore this topic in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyi Yu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feifei Gao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Linjing Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xianglong Feng
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dashan Zuo
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Guo T, Zhou Y, Liang F, Wang Z, Bourbonne V, Käsmann L, Sundahl N, Wu AJC, Ni J, Zhu Z. Potential synergistic effects of cranial radiotherapy and atezolizumab in non-small cell lung cancer: an analysis of individual patient data from seven prospective trials. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:126-138. [PMID: 38404989 PMCID: PMC10891404 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background The impact of cranial radiotherapy (RT) on overall survival (OS) of patients with brain metastasis (BM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors remains unclear. We aimed to examine the effect of previous cranial RT on the efficacy and neurological toxicity of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with NSCLC. Methods Patient-level data from seven prospective trials involving atezolizumab for the treatment of NSCLC [BIRCH (NCT02031458), FIR (NCT01846416), IMpower130 (NCT02367781), IMpower131 (NCT02367794), IMpower150 (NCT02366143), OAK (NCT02008227), and POPLAR (NCT01903993)] were pooled. Patients with baseline BM were divided into two subgroups based on previous cranial RT before initiation of treatment: patients with previously irradiated BM (iBM) and patients with non-irradiated BMs (niBM). Results The per-protocol population consisted of 4,714 patients, including 3,176 in the atezolizumab group and 1,538 in the comparator chemotherapy group. In the atezolizumab group, OS was better in patients with BM (n=308) compared to patients without BM (n=2,868) [hazard ratio (HR): 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-0.98; P=0.028]. Among patients with BM, patients with iBM (n=280) had a numerically longer OS (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.41-1.07; P=0.090) than those with niBM (n=28). Intriguingly, OS was longer in patients with iBM than those without BM before (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70-0.99; P=0.043) and after (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.32-0.49; P<0.0001) propensity score matching, while OS was similar between patients with niBM and those without BM. The survival advantage of patients with iBM over those without BM was not observed in the chemotherapy group. Atezolizumab-related serious neurological adverse events occurred in 16 (0.6%) patients without BM, none in those with niBM, and 2 (0.7%) patients with iBM. Conclusions These data suggest potential synergistic effects of cranial RT and anti-PD-(L)1 therapy in NSCLC patients, which warrants further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Liang
- Department of Biostatistics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zezhou Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nora Sundahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Abraham Jing-Ching Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianjiao Ni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengfei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ahmad A, Khan P, Rehman AU, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Immunotherapy: an emerging modality to checkmate brain metastasis. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:111. [PMID: 37454123 PMCID: PMC10349473 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of brain metastasis (BrM) has historically been a dooming diagnosis that is nothing less than a death sentence, with few treatment options for palliation or prolonging life. Among the few treatment options available, brain radiotherapy (RT) and surgical resection have been the backbone of therapy. Within the past couple of years, immunotherapy (IT), alone and in combination with traditional treatments, has emerged as a reckoning force to combat the spread of BrM and shrink tumor burden. This review compiles recent reports describing the potential role of IT in the treatment of BrM in various cancers. It also examines the impact of the tumor microenvironment of BrM on regulating the spread of cancer and the role IT can play in mitigating that spread. Lastly, this review also focuses on the future of IT and new clinical trials pushing the boundaries of IT in BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aatiya Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Asad Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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Tomaciello M, Conte M, Montinaro FR, Sabatini A, Cunicella G, Di Giammarco F, Tini P, Gravina GL, Cortesi E, Minniti G, De Vincentis G, Frantellizzi V, Marampon F. Abscopal Effect on Bone Metastases from Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review and Retrospective Analysis of Challenge within a Challenge. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041157. [PMID: 37189775 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041157] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abscopal effect (AE) describes the ability of radiotherapy (RT) to induce immune-mediated responses in nonirradiated distant metastasis. Bone represents the third most frequent site of metastasis and an immunologically favorable environment for the proliferation of cancer cells. We revised the literature, searching documented cases of AE involving bone metastases (BMs) and evaluated the incidence of AE involving BMs in patients requiring palliative RT on BMs or non-BMs treated at our department. METHODS Articles published in the PubMed/MEDLINE database were selected using the following search criteria: ((abscopal effect)) AND ((metastases)). Patients with BMs, who underwent performed bone scintigraphy before and at least 2-3 months after RT, were selected and screened between January 2015 and July 2022. AE was defined as an objective response according to the scan bone index for at least one nonirradiated metastasis at a distance > 10 cm from the irradiated lesion. The primary endpoint was the rate of AE on BMs. RESULTS Ten cases experiencing AE of BMs were identified from the literature and eight among our patients. CONCLUSIONS The analysis performed here suggests the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy as the only triggering factor for AE of BMs through the activation of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Tomaciello
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Conte
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Montinaro
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Sabatini
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Oncology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Cunicella
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Di Giammarco
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tini
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Enrico Cortesi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Oncology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Minniti
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Vincentis
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Frantellizzi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Division of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Craig DJ, Ambrose S, Stanbery L, Walter A, Nemunaitis J. Systemic benefit of radiation therapy via abscopal effect. Front Oncol 2022; 12:987142. [PMID: 36387120 PMCID: PMC9641206 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.987142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence of a systemic response related to localized radiation therapy (RT) in cancer management is rare. However, enhancing the immune response via immunotherapy followed by localized RT has shown evidence of tumor shrinkage to non-irradiated metastatic disease thereby inducing an "abscopal effect." Combined induction of the cGAS-STING pathway and activation of IFN-gamma signaling cascade related to RT within an activated immune environment promotes neoantigen presentation and expansion of cytotoxic effector cells enabling enhancement of systemic immune response. A proposed mechanism, case examples, and clinical trial evidence of "abscopal effect" benefit are reviewed. Results support strategic therapeutic testing to enhance "abscopal effect."
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Craig
- University of Toledo, Department of Internal Medicine, Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | - Laura Stanbery
- Medical Affairs, Gradalis, Inc., Carrollton, TX, United States
| | - Adam Walter
- Medical Affairs, Gradalis, Inc., Carrollton, TX, United States
- Gynecologic Oncology, Promedica, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Medical Affairs, Gradalis, Inc., Carrollton, TX, United States
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Xiao Y, Zhuang H. Effect of stereotactic radiotherapy on immune microenvironment of lung cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1025872. [PMID: 36211382 PMCID: PMC9540518 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1025872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is one of the main treatment modalities for lung cancer, and the current SRT approach combined with immunotherapy has initially presented good clinical efficacy in lung cancer. SRT activates the immune system through in situ immunization, releasing antigens into the blood, which promotes the antigen–antibody response and then induces tumor cell apoptosis. Dose fractionation has different effects on the immune microenvironment, and the tumor microenvironment after SRT also changes over time, all of which have an impact on SRT combined immunotherapy. Although much research on the immune microenvironment of SRT has been conducted, many problems still require further exploration.
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Koide Y, Nagai N, Miyauchi R, Kitagawa T, Aoyama T, Shimizu H, Tachibana H, Kodaira T. Radiotherapy or systemic therapy versus combined therapy in patients with brain metastases: a propensity-score matched study. J Neurooncol 2022; 160:191-200. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-04132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Pangal DJ, Yarovinsky B, Cardinal T, Cote DJ, Ruzevick J, Attenello FJ, Chang EL, Ye J, Neman J, Chow F, Zada G. The abscopal effect: systematic review in patients with brain and spine metastases. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac132. [PMID: 36199973 PMCID: PMC9529003 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The abscopal effect is a rare phenomenon whereby local radiation induces a proposed immune-mediated anti-tumor effect at distant sites. Given the growing use of immunotherapies and systemic immune checkpoint inhibitors in neuro-oncologic practice, we aimed to review prior studies pertaining to this phenomenon in the context of tumor shrinkage both within the central nervous system as well as distant disease sites. Methods A systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify all studies which assessed the abscopal effect in patients with treated metastatic cancer to the brain and/or spine. Articles were included if they reported the abscopal effect in patients (case studies) or if the abscopal effect was explicitly analyzed in case series with cohorts of patients with metastatic brain or spine tumors. Laboratory investigations and clinical trials investigating new therapies were excluded. Results Twenty reports met inclusion criteria [16 case reports, 4 case series (n = 160), total n = 174]. Case reports of the abscopal effect were in relation to the following cancers: melanoma (6 patients), breast cancer (3), lung adenocarcinoma (2), non-small-cell lung cancer (2), hepatocellular carcinoma (1), and renal cell carcinoma (1). Eleven patients had irradiation to the brain and 2 to the spine. Patients undergoing whole brain radiotherapy (6) had an average dose of 33.6 Gy over 8-15 fractions, and those undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery (5) had an average dose of 21.5 Gy over 1-5 fractions. One patient had radiation to the body and an intracranial abscopal effect was observed. Most common sites of extracranial tumor reduction were lung and lymph nodes. Ten case studies (57%) showed complete resolution of extra-CNS tumor burden. Median progression-free survival was 13 months following radiation. Four papers investigated incidence of abscopal effects in patients with metastatic melanoma to the brain who received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (n = 160); two papers found an abscopal effect in 35% and 52% of patients (n = 16, 21 respectively), and two papers found no evidence of abscopal effects (n = 61, 62). Conclusions Abscopal effects can occur following radiotherapy in patients with brain or spine metastases and is thought to be a result of increased anti-tumor immunity. The potential for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy to be used in combination with radiotherapy to induce an abscopal effect is an area of active investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj J Pangal
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Yarovinsky
- Corresponding Author: Dhiraj J. Pangal, BS, USC Department of Neurosurgery, 1200 N State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA ()
| | - Tyler Cardinal
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David J Cote
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jacob Ruzevick
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Frank J Attenello
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eric L Chang
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jason Ye
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Josh Neman
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Frances Chow
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gabriel Zada
- USC Brain Tumor Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Hatten SJ, Lehrer EJ, Liao J, Sha CM, Trifiletti DM, Siva S, McBride SM, Palma D, Holder SL, Zaorsky NG. A Patient-Level Data Meta-analysis of the Abscopal Effect. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:100909. [PMID: 35372719 PMCID: PMC8971834 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.100909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The abscopal effect is defined when a form of local therapy causes tumor regression of both the target lesion and any untreated tumors. Herein cases of the abscopal effect were systematically reviewed and a patient-level data analysis was performed for clinical predictors of both duration of response and survival. Methods and Materials The Population, Intervention, Control, Outcome, Study (PICOS) design approach, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) literature selection process, and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) were used to find articles published before September 2019 in MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were (1) population: patients with reported abscopal response; (2) intervention: documented treatment(s); (3) control: none; (4) outcomes: overall and progression-free survival; and (5) setting: retrospective case reports. Time from treatment until abscopal response and time from abscopal response until progression/death were calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for survival outcomes. Results Fifty studies (n = 55 patients) were included. Median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 58-70) and 62% were male. Fifty-four (98%) patients received radiation therapy, 34 (62%) received radiation therapy alone, 5 (9.1%) underwent surgery, 4 (7.3%) received chemotherapy, and 11 (20%) received immunotherapy. Median total dose was 32 Gy (IQR, 25.5-48 Gy) and median dose per fraction was 3 Gy (IQR, 2-7.2). Median time until abscopal response was 4 months (IQR, 1-5; min 0.5, max 24). At 5 years, overall survival was 63% and distant progression-free survival was 45%. No variables had statistical significance in predicting duration of response or survival. Conclusions Almost all reported cases of the abscopal response are after radiation therapy; however, there are no known predictors of duration of response or survival in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Hatten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Eric J. Lehrer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jenn Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Congzhou M. Sha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Shankar Siva
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sean M. McBride
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David Palma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheldon L. Holder
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Nicholas G. Zaorsky
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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13
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Ni Q, Lu K, Pan C, Dai S, Wang P. The Treatment for a Patient with Cancer of Unknown Primary: A Case Report. Dose Response 2021; 19:15593258211056185. [PMID: 34887715 PMCID: PMC8649461 DOI: 10.1177/15593258211056185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is metastatic at diagnosis with an unknown primary
site, indicating a high degree of malignancy with a poor prognosis. The development and
application of targeted therapy and immunotherapy are current research hotspots, which
provide additional treatment options for CUP. Case Presentation A 36-year-old male presented with pain on the right hip in April 2018. After various
examinations, he was diagnosed with CUP. This patient received chemotherapy,
immunotherapy, and local radiotherapy in our department. However, the use of
radiotherapy after immunotherapy resulted in severe pneumonia. Conclusion Compared with traditional treatments, immunotherapy is an effective treatment with
fewer side effects and better patient tolerance. However, treating physicians should be
still pay special attention to the occurrence of side effects when radiotherapy is
combined with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- QingTao Ni
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - KaiJin Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Chi Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - ShengBin Dai
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China
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14
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Guo L, Qin TZ, Liu LY, Lai PP, Xue YZ, Jing YT, Zhang W, Li W, Li J, Ding GR. The Abscopal Effects of Cranial Irradiation Induce Testicular Damage in Mice. Front Physiol 2021; 12:717571. [PMID: 34867437 PMCID: PMC8637864 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.717571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether the abscopal effects of cranial irradiation (C-irradiation) cause testicular damage in mice, male C57BL/6 mice (9weeks of age) were randomly divided into a sham irradiation group, a shielded group and a C-irradiation group and administered sham/shielded irradiation or C-irradiation at a dose rate of 2.33Gy/min (5Gy/d for 4 d consecutively). All mice were sacrificed at 4weeks after C-irradiation. We calculated the testis index, observed testicular histology by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and observed testicular ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Cleaved caspase 3, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and stem cell factor (SCF) in the testes of mice. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of Cleaved caspase 3 and 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD), and a TUNEL assay was used to confirm the location of apoptotic cells. The levels of testosterone (T), GDNF and SCF were measured by ELISA. We also evaluated the sperm quality in the cauda epididymides by measuring the sperm count, abnormality, survival rate and apoptosis rate. The results showed that there was no significant difference in testicular histology, ultrastructure or sperm quality between the shielded group and sham group. Compared with the sham/shielded group, the C-irradiation group exhibited a lower testis index and severely damaged testicular histology and ultrastructure at 4weeks after C-irradiation. The levels of apoptosis in the testes increased markedly in the C-irradiation group, especially in spermatogonial stem cells. The levels of serum T and testicular 3βHSD did not obviously differ between the sham group and the C-irradiation group, but the levels of GDNF and SCF in the testes increased in the C-irradiation group, compared with the sham group. In addition, the sperm count and survival rate decreased in the C-irradiation group, while the abnormality and apoptosis rate increased. Under these experimental conditions, the abscopal effects of C-irradiation induced testicular damage with regard to both structure and function and ultimately decreased sperm quality in mice. These findings provide novel insights into prevention and treatment targets for male reproductive damage induced by C-irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Guo
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Tong-Zhou Qin
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Yuan Liu
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Pan-Pan Lai
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi-Zhe Xue
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Yun-Tao Jing
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Gui-Rong Ding
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
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15
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Link B, Torres Crigna A, Hölzel M, Giordano FA, Golubnitschaja O. Abscopal Effects in Metastatic Cancer: Is a Predictive Approach Possible to Improve Individual Outcomes? J Clin Med 2021; 10:5124. [PMID: 34768644 PMCID: PMC8584726 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with metastatic cancers often require radiotherapy (RT) as a palliative therapy for cancer pain. RT can, however, also induce systemic antitumor effects outside of the irradiated field (abscopal effects) in various cancer entities. The occurrence of the abscopal effect is associated with a specific immunological activation in response to RT-induced cell death, which is mainly seen under concomitant immune checkpoint blockade. Even if the number of reported apscopal effects has increased since the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibition, its occurrence is still considered rare and unpredictable. The cases reported so far may nevertheless allow for identifying first biomarkers and clinical patterns. We here review biomarkers that may be helpful to predict the occurrence of abscopal effects and hence to optimize therapy for patients with metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Link
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.L.); (A.T.C.); (F.A.G.)
| | - Adriana Torres Crigna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.L.); (A.T.C.); (F.A.G.)
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Frank A. Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.L.); (A.T.C.); (F.A.G.)
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive, Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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16
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Mizushina Y, Ohyanagi F, Shiihara J, Nomura M, Ohta H, Oshiro H, Tsubochi H, Kusaka G, Yamaguchi Y. Clinical case of lung spindle cell carcinoma markedly responsive to pembrolizumab. Thorac Cancer 2021; 12:2279-2282. [PMID: 34227241 PMCID: PMC8364993 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A 52‐year‐old man underwent pneumonectomy of the left lung for previously diagnosed primary spindle cell carcinoma (pT4aN1M0, stage III B) with programmed death‐ligand 1 expression (tumor proportion score ≥95%) and without epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene. However, brain metastasis and chest wall tumor relapse occurred. Considering insufficient improvement with gamma knife treatment for brain metastasis and combination chemotherapy (paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab), pembrolizumab monotherapy and palliative irradiation therapy for chest metastases were started after brain tumor volume reduction using craniotomy. Brain edema and chest wall metastases markedly improved following a pseudoprogression of the brain edema accompanied by a performance status decline; this effect continued until 11 cycles of pembrolizumab administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Mizushina
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Ohyanagi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan.,Thoracic Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Jun Shiihara
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Motoko Nomura
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Ohta
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Oshiro
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Tsubochi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Gen Kusaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamaguchi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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17
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Suwinski R. Combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:3315-3322. [PMID: 34164224 PMCID: PMC8182508 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-2019-rbmlc-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It was commonly assumed in the past that blood-brain barrier could efficiently prohibit penetration of large peptide molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies, including programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. This belief has been recently revised by studies that demonstrate the presence of functional lymphatic vessels lining the dural sinuses. Furthermore, the activated circulating T cells have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. Such observations created strong rationale for attempts of immunotherapy for patients with brain metastases, used either alone or in combination with radiotherapy. The expected benefit from immunotherapy particularly refers to patients without targetable “driver” mutations who are not considered as candidates for novel targeted therapies. Current inference on efficacy and safety of combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) origins, in most, from the retrospective studies. The existing data suggest that use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with brain radiotherapy improves patients outcome, compared to brain radiotherapy alone. The available data also suggest that concurrent use of ICI and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for brain metastases from NSCLC is tolerable and appears more effective than sequential combination of radiotherapy and ICI. Use of steroids appeared detrimental. Since a dependence between the risk of adverse events and type of ICI therapy as well as tumor pathology was found, further studies are required to establish optimal dosage, selection of drugs and sequence of ICI and brain radiotherapy in patients with brain metastases from NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Suwinski
- Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Clinic and Teaching Hospital, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
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18
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Combination of radiation therapy for brain metastasis and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment in non-small cell lung cancer: two cases and review of the literature. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:460-464. [PMID: 33587349 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide and is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. Among those, approximately 7.4% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients will have brain metastasis (BM) at presentation, and 25-30% will develop BM during the course of their disease. To date, patients with BMs are increasingly considered for combined treatment using systemic immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and cranial radiation therapy (RT); yet, there is limited data regarding the safety of this approach. Here, we report two cases of NSCLC patients treated with two different types of cranial RT and ICIs.
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19
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D'Andrea MA, Reddy GK. Systemic Effects of Radiation Therapy-Induced Abscopal Responses in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer. Oncology 2020; 99:1-14. [PMID: 33221794 DOI: 10.1159/000510287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-field tumor regression effects of radiation therapy (abscopal response) have been sporadically observed in the past, but they have only recently gained significant importance due to the use of innovative high-precision radiation delivery devices for the treatment of various cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we provide a detailed overview of the current state of knowledge and clinical experience of radiation therapy-induced abscopal effects in patients with advanced NSCLC. SUMMARY Peer-reviewed published clinical evidence on the abscopal effect of radiation therapy was collected using electronic databases such as MEDLINE via PubMed and Google Scholar. The clinical data on the abscopal effect of radiation therapy were reviewed and the outcomes have been summarized. Most studies describing the abscopal effects of radiation therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC have been in the form of either case reports or small cohort studies. Although the exact molecular mechanisms for the abscopal effect are yet to be established, current evidence indicates that tumor cell destruction induced by local radiation therapy releases tumor antigens, which stimulate the immune system of the host to activate the body's immune effector cells systemically and trigger the regression of distant nonirradiated cancer cells. These off-target antitumor effects of radiation therapy provide an opportunity to explore the use of the radiation therapy in combination with novel immunotherapy agents to maximize treatment outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC and other cancers. Key Message: The findings suggest that radiation therapy has the ability to induce abscopal effects with an increased potential to boost these effects when it is used in combination with immunotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC and other cancers. Clinical trials investigating radiation therapy-induced abscopal effects may lead to a dramatic change in its use especially when it is combined with immunotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A D'Andrea
- University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - G Kesava Reddy
- University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, Houston, Texas, USA,
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20
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Zhou L, Zhang M, Li R, Xue J, Lu Y. Pseudoprogression and hyperprogression in lung cancer: a comprehensive review of literature. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:3269-3279. [PMID: 32857178 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03360-1] [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] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with clinical benefit in lung cancer. However, response patterns to immunotherapy, including pseudoprogression and hyperprogression, are difficult to diagnose, and their mechanisms remain unclear. This review aimed to describe two response patterns observed in lung cancer, namely pseudoprogression and hyperprogression, including their epidemiology, diagnostic characteristics, and plausible mechanisms. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed database, using keywords "pseudoprogression", "hyperprogression", and "lung cancer", among others. The literature was examined for pseudoprogression and hyperprogression characteristics and plausible mechanisms. RESULTS Pseudoprogression manifests in multiple forms; however, the immune system-related response criteria and biopsy data are helpful to make accurate diagnosis. Serological biomarkers, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), might help distinguish pseudoprogression from true progression. The incidence of hyperprogression ranges within 5-19.2%, depending on definition. The unique response pattern of rapid progression is observed not only with immunotherapy, but also with other treatment regimens. Molecular mutations and amplifications may result in hyperprogression; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. CONCLUSION Atypical response patterns, such as pseudoprogression and hyperprogression, are increasingly common in clinical practice. Immune-related response criteria can help diagnose pseudoprogression. Molecular mechanisms of hyperprogression remain unclear. Biomarkers for pseudoprogression and hyperprogression are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiyan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mai Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - You Lu
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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21
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Garelli E, Rittmeyer A, Putora PM, Glatzer M, Dressel R, Andreas S. Abscopal effect in lung cancer: three case reports and a concise review. Immunotherapy 2020; 11:1445-1461. [PMID: 31826745 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The abscopal effect describes the ability of locally administered radiotherapy to induce systemic antitumor effects. Over the past 40 years, reports on the abscopal effect following conventional radiation have been relatively rare, especially in less immunogenic tumors such as lung cancer. However, with the continued development and use of immunotherapy, reports on the abscopal effect have become increasingly frequent during the last decade. Here, we present three illustrative case reports from our own institution and previous published cases of the abscopal effect in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy. We also present a concise review of the clinical and experimental literature on the abscopal effect in non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Garelli
- Department of Pneumology & Cardiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Achim Rittmeyer
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenfachklinik Immenhausen, Immenhausen, Germany
| | - Paul Martin Putora
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Glatzer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Institute of Cellular & Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Andreas
- Department of Pneumology & Cardiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Pneumology, Lungenfachklinik Immenhausen, Immenhausen, Germany
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22
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Wang S, Hu C, Xie F, Liu Y. Use of Programmed Death Receptor-1 and/or Programmed Death Ligand 1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Brain Metastasis of Lung Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:667-683. [PMID: 32158220 PMCID: PMC6986404 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s235714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is regarded as an immune privileged environment; however, changes in the neuroimmunology paradigm have led to an increased interest in systematic immunotherapy in lung cancer therapy. The presence of the lymphatic system in the CNS as well as the physiological and biochemical changes in the blood–brain barrier in the tumor microenvironment suggests that immunocytes are fully capable of entering and exiting the CNS. Emerging clinical data suggest that inhibitors of programmed death receptor-1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) can stimulate surrounding T cells and thus have antitumor effects in the CNS. For example, PD-1 antibody (pembrolizumab) monotherapy has displayed a 20–30% encephalic response rate in patients with brain metastases from malignant melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer. Combined application of nivolumab and ipilimumab anti-PD-1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 showed an encephalic response rate of 55% in patients with brain metastases of melanoma. Further evidence is required to verify these response rates and identify the mechanisms of curative effects and drug tolerance. While regional treatments such as whole-brain radiosurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and brain surgery remain the mainstream, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors display potential decreased neurotoxic effects. To date, five drugs have been approved for use in patients with encephalic metastases of lung carcinoma: the anti-PD-1 drugs, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, and the anti-PD-L1 agents, atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab. In recent years, clinical trials of inhibitors in combination with other drugs to treat brain metastasis have also emerged. This review summarizes the biological principles of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy for brain metastasis of lung cancer, as well as ongoing clinical trials to explore unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongling Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ziyang First People's Hospital, Ziyang 641300, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
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23
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Extracranial Abscopal Effects Induced by Brain Radiation in Advanced Lung Cancer. Am J Clin Oncol 2019; 42:951-957. [DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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24
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The systemic immunostimulatory effects of radiation therapy producing overall tumor control through the abscopal effect. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13566-019-00391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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