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Tseng YH, Ho CL, Chian CF, Chiang CL, Chao HS, Tsai CL, Perng WC, Hsiao CF, Chuang MH, Ko KH, Cheng YC, Chen SJ, Wang CJ, Chen YM. Immune killer cells treatment for previously treated stage IV NSCLC patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19374. [PMID: 39169058 PMCID: PMC11339402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69587-x] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The 5-year survival is poor for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recently, cell immunotherapy has emerged as a new treatment strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Immune killer cells (IKC) in patients with stage IV NSCLC after the failure of prior chemotherapy. This study enrolled 26 patients with stage IV NSCLC who failed at least two lines of chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy. The IKC was given alone weekly for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), pain intensity, quality of life (QOL), and safety. The median PFS for the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (i.e., all enrolled patients) was 3.8 month. In the per-protocol (PP) population (i.e., patients receiving > 12 IKC infusions), the median PFS was 5.6 months. Moreover, the ITT population showed a 1-year survival rate of 60.0%, while that for the PP population was 85.7%. Only 7 out of 200 AEs (3.5%) were related to the IKC infusion, and they were all rated as grade 1 in severity. The IKC infusion was well tolerated. This novel immunotherapy prolonged the PFS and improved the survival compared with historical data. It might be a potential treatment strategy for stage IV NSCLC patient who failed prior chemotherapy.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03499834.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Han Tseng
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Ho
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No.325, Sec.2, Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei, 114, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Chian
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No.325, Sec.2, Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei, 114, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Lu Chiang
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Sheng Chao
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Liang Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No.325, Sec.2, Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei, 114, Taiwan
| | - Wann-Cherng Perng
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No.325, Sec.2, Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei, 114, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Fu Hsiao
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Rd., Zhunan, Miaoli, 350, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsing Chuang
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Rd., Zhunan, Miaoli, 350, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hsiung Ko
- Department of Radiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No.325, Sec.2, Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei, 114, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ching Cheng
- Ivy Life Sciences Co., Ltd., No. 76, Yuhe St, Taoyuan, 330, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Jung Chen
- Ivy Life Sciences Co., Ltd., No. 76, Yuhe St, Taoyuan, 330, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jen Wang
- Ivy Life Sciences Co., Ltd., No. 76, Yuhe St, Taoyuan, 330, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Min Chen
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
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2
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Kwong MLM, Yang JC. Lifileucel: FDA-approved T-cell therapy for melanoma. Oncologist 2024; 29:648-650. [PMID: 39012213 PMCID: PMC11299921 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This commentary reports on the history of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for adoptive cell therapy and where TIL fits into the treatment options for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li M Kwong
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James C Yang
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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3
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Zhang Y, Fu H, Zhao Q. Current status and perspectives of clinical trials for tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03608-z. [PMID: 39078471 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03608-z] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have revolutionized cancer treatment strategies over the past decade, but their limitations have limited clinical applications. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is a type of adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which collects infiltrating lymphocytes at the tumor site and expands them in vitro to obtain TIL final products cloned by various T-cell receptors, subsequently reinfused TIL into the patient, which is effective for the treatment of solid tumors. The approval of Lifileucel for commercialization marks the success of TIL therapy. This review summarizes the current status of clinical trials of TIL treatment. In addition, it is suggested that the current research trend of TIL should focus on improving the survival time of TIL in vivo, reducing drug toxicity, and searching for prognostic markers. Finally, it is expected that TIL therapy can be applied to a more wide range of clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunting Zhang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongye Fu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China.
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Xu J, Mu S, Wang Y, Yu S, Wang Z. Recent advances in immunotherapy and its combination therapies for advanced melanoma: a review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1400193. [PMID: 39081713 PMCID: PMC11286497 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1400193] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma is increasing year by year and is highly malignant, with a poor prognosis. Its treatment has always attracted much attention. Among the more clinically applied immunotherapies are immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy. With the continuous development of technology and trials, in addition to immune monotherapy, combinations of immunotherapy and radiotherapy have shown surprising efficacy. In this article, we review the research progress of immune monotherapy and combination therapy for advanced melanoma, with the aim of providing new ideas for the treatment strategy for advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Xu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shukun Mu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Suchun Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongming Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Li F, Tian C, Wang Y, Wu H, Jin M, Du X, Yan J, Yang X, Yu H. Prognostic significance of peripheral and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in newly diagnosed stage III/IV non-small-cell lung cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1349178. [PMID: 38841570 PMCID: PMC11150824 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1349178] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Lymphocytes are effector cells that fight cancer by killing tumor cells. Here, we aim to explore the prognostic significance of both peripheral and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in newly diagnosed stage III/IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and methods In total, 105 cases of newly diagnosed stage III/IV NSCLC from July 2017 to October 2022 at the Tianjin Beichen Hospital were retrospectively investigated. Peripheral blood samples at the time of diagnosis and tumor tissue slices from these patients were collected. General peripheral blood cell composition and TILs were measured and analyzed via an automatic blood analyzer and immunofluorescence staining analysis. The overall survival (OS) time of all patients was also obtained and analyzed. Results The median overall survival (mOS) of all patients is 12 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates were 60.5, 28.4, and 18.6%, respectively. Peripheral lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) expression, tumor size, and tumor pathology are the prognostic factors of OS for newly diagnosed stage III/IV NSCLC patients. Moreover, patients with high tumor CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration survived significantly longer compared to patients with low tumor CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Compared to low tumor CD33+ cell infiltration, high tumor CD33+ cell infiltration was associated with worse OS (p = 0.018). High tumor CD8+ T cell infiltration was associated with lower peripheral lymphocyte number, lower serum CRP expression, smaller tumor size, and better tumor pathology (p = 0.012, p = 0.040, p = 0.012, and p = 0.029, respectively). Conclusion Increased numbers of peripheral lymphocytes, CD33+ cells, CD4+ TILs, and CD8+ TILs were significantly associated with OS in newly diagnosed stage III/IV NSCLC patients, which were positively associated with several basic clinical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenge Li
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Core Laboratory, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chong Tian
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yupeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huancheng Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengli Jin
- Core Laboratory, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueming Du
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueling Yang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Haipeng Yu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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6
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Bardwell B, Bay J, Colburn Z. The clinical applications of immunosequencing. Curr Res Transl Med 2024; 72:103439. [PMID: 38447267 DOI: 10.1016/j.retram.2024.103439] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Technological advances in high-throughput sequencing have opened the door for the interrogation of adaptive immune responses at unprecedented scale. It is now possible to determine the sequences of antibodies or T-cell receptors produced by individual B and T cells in a sample. This capability, termed immunosequencing, has transformed the study of both infectious and non-infectious diseases by allowing the tracking of dynamic changes in B and T cell clonal populations over time. This has improved our understanding of the pathology of cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. However, to date there has been only limited clinical adoption of the technology. Advances over the last decade and on the horizon that reduce costs and improve interpretability could enable widespread clinical use. Many clinical applications have been proposed and, while most are still undergoing research and development, some methods relying on immunosequencing data have been implemented, the most widespread of which is the detection of measurable residual disease. Here, we review the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications of immunosequencing for both infectious and non-infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bardwell
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA
| | - J Bay
- Department of Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA
| | - Z Colburn
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA.
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Duan Z, Yang D, Yuan P, Dai X, Chen G, Wu D. Advances, opportunities and challenges in developing therapeutic cancer vaccines. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104198. [PMID: 37949152 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104198] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic cancer vaccines have shown promising efficacy in helping immunotherapy for cancer patients, but the systematic characterization of the clinical application and the method for improving efficacy is lacking. Here, we mainly summarize the classification of therapeutic cancer vaccines, including protein vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines, cellular vaccines and anti-idiotypic antibody vaccines, and subdivide the above vaccines according to different types and delivery forms. Additionally, we outline the clinical efficacy and safety of vaccines, as well as the combination strategies of therapeutic cancer vaccines with other therapies. This review will provide a detailed overview and rationale for the future clinical application and development of therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Duan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoming Dai
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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8
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Martinez-Castillo M, M. Elsayed A, López-Berestein G, Amero P, Rodríguez-Aguayo C. An Overview of the Immune Modulatory Properties of Long Non-Coding RNAs and Their Potential Use as Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:70. [PMID: 37987366 PMCID: PMC10660772 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9060070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in regulating immune responses, immune cell differentiation, activation, and inflammatory processes. In cancer, they are gaining prominence as potential therapeutic targets due to their ability to regulate immune checkpoint molecules and immune-related factors, suggesting avenues for bolstering anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we explore the mechanistic insights into lncRNA-mediated immune modulation, highlighting their impact on immunity. Additionally, we discuss their potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy, augmenting the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell therapies. LncRNAs as therapeutic targets hold the promise of revolutionizing cancer treatments, inspiring further research in this field with substantial clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Martinez-Castillo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (M.M.-C.); (G.L.-B.); (P.A.)
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Research in Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 06726, Mexico
| | - Abdelrahman M. Elsayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11754, Egypt;
- Havener Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gabriel López-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (M.M.-C.); (G.L.-B.); (P.A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (M.M.-C.); (G.L.-B.); (P.A.)
| | - Cristian Rodríguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (M.M.-C.); (G.L.-B.); (P.A.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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9
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Yang Z, Luo J, Zhang M, Zhan M, Bai Y, Yang Y, Wang W, Lu L. TMSB4X: A novel prognostic marker for non-small cell lung cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21505. [PMID: 38027718 PMCID: PMC10663839 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21505] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as the main type of lung cancer, has a long history of high incidence and mortality. Despite the continuous updates to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, which adapt to evolving treatment modalities and diagnostic advancements, it is evident that patients at the same stage exhibit varying prognoses. The heterogeneity of tumors underscores the need for molecular diagnostics to assume a pivotal role in tumor staging and patient stratification. In our investigation, we meticulously analyzed the data of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, incorporating clinical patients and scrutinizing pathological specimens. Through this comprehensive approach, we established a correlation between the expression of the Thymosin beta 4 X-linked (TMSB4X) gene and poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) post-surgery. Compared to the TMSB4X positive expression group, patients in the negative expression group had a better prognosis, with longer DFS (median disease-free survival (median DFS): 16.2 months vs. 11.3 months, P = 0.032) and OS (median overall survival (mOS): 29.8 months vs. 18.5 months, P = 0.033). Furthermore, our findings suggest that TMSB4X may facilitate immune evasion in non-small cell lung cancer cells by influencing the activation of infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) in tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) (R = 0.27, P = 4.8E+08). In summary, TMSB4X emerges as an unfavorable prognostic factor for NSCLC, potentially modulating the tumor immune microenvironment through its regulatory impact on dendritic cell function, thus facilitating tumor immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zun Yi, Gui Zhou, China
| | - Jihang Luo
- Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zun Yi, Gui Zhou, China
| | - Mengmei Zhang
- Zunyi Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Zun Yi, Gui Zhou, China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuju Bai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zun Yi, Gui Zhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zun Yi, Gui Zhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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Szebeni GJ, Alföldi R, Nagy LI, Neuperger P, Gémes N, Balog JÁ, Tiszlavicz L, Puskás LG. Introduction of an Ultraviolet C-Irradiated 4T1 Murine Breast Cancer Whole-Cell Vaccine Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1254. [PMID: 37515069 PMCID: PMC10386199 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071254] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatments. However, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors may entail severe side effects, with the risk of therapeutic resistance. The generation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells or CAR-NK cells requires specialized molecular laboratories, is costly, and is difficult to adapt to the rapidly growing number of cancer patients. To provide a simpler but effective immune therapy, a whole-cell tumor vaccine protocol was established based on ultraviolet C (UCV)-irradiated 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells. The apoptosis of tumor cells after UVC irradiation was verified using resazurin and Annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometric assays. Protective immunity was achieved in immunized BALB/c mice, showing partial remission. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes or plasma from the mice in remission showed a protective effect in the naive BALB/c mice that received a living 4T1 tumor cell injection. 4T1-specific IgG antibodies were recorded in the plasma of the mice following immunization with the whole-cell vaccine. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and oligonucleotide 2006 (ODN2006) adjuvants were used for the transfer of splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice into cyclophosphamide-treated BALB/c mice, resulting in prolonged survival, reduced tumor growth, and remission in 33% of the cases, without the development of the graft-versus-host disease. Our approach offers a simple, cost-effective whole-cell vaccine protocol that can be administered to immunocompetent healthy organisms. The plasma or the adoptive transfer of HLA-matching immunized donor-derived leukocytes could be used as an immune cell therapy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor J Szebeni
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
- CS-Smartlab Devices Ltd., Ady E. u. 14, H7761 Kozármisleny, Hungary
| | - Róbert Alföldi
- AstridBio Technologies Ltd., Wimmer Fülöp utca 1, H6728 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lajos I Nagy
- Avidin Ltd., Alsó Kikötő sor 11/D, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Patrícia Neuperger
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Gémes
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Á Balog
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Tiszlavicz
- Department of Pathology, University of Szeged, Állomás u. 2, H6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László G Puskás
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Avidin Ltd., Alsó Kikötő sor 11/D, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
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11
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Capelli C, Cuofano C, Pavoni C, Frigerio S, Lisini D, Nava S, Quaroni M, Colombo V, Galli F, Bezukladova S, Panina-Bordignon P, Gaipa G, Comoli P, Cossu G, Martino G, Biondi A, Introna M, Golay J. Potency assays and biomarkers for cell-based advanced therapy medicinal products. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1186224. [PMID: 37359560 PMCID: PMC10288881 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) based on somatic cells expanded in vitro, with or without genetic modification, is a rapidly growing area of drug development, even more so following the marketing approval of several such products. ATMPs are produced according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in authorized laboratories. Potency assays are a fundamental aspect of the quality control of the end cell products and ideally could become useful biomarkers of efficacy in vivo. Here we summarize the state of the art with regard to potency assays used for the assessment of the quality of the major ATMPs used clinic settings. We also review the data available on biomarkers that may substitute more complex functional potency tests and predict the efficacy in vivo of these cell-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Capelli
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carolina Cuofano
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Chiara Pavoni
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Simona Frigerio
- Cell Therapy Production Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Lisini
- Cell Therapy Production Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Nava
- Cell Therapy Production Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Quaroni
- Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy Stefano Verri, ASST Monza Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Colombo
- Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy Stefano Verri, ASST Monza Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Galli
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH), University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Svetlana Bezukladova
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Panina-Bordignon
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gaipa
- Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy Stefano Verri, ASST Monza Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulio Cossu
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH), University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvito Martino
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Department of Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Martino Introna
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Josée Golay
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
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12
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Xie R, Wang N, Peng C, Zhang S, Zhong A, Chen J. Current application of immunotherapy in melanoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1174-1176. [PMID: 37075763 PMCID: PMC10278730 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruxin Xie
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd, Beijing 100710, China
| | - Caihui Peng
- Department of Athletics and Swimming, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shiwei Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ai Zhong
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Junjie Chen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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13
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Zhang Y, Liu C, Wu C, Song L. Natural peptides for immunological regulation in cancer therapy: Mechanism, facts and perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114257. [PMID: 36689836 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually. Treatment with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) is unsatisfactory because many patients have advanced disease at the initial diagnosis. However, the emergence of immunotherapy promises to be an effective strategy to improve the outcome of advanced tumors. Immune checkpoint antibodies, which are at the forefront of immunotherapy, have had significant success but still leave some cancer patients without benefit. For more cancer patients to benefit from immunotherapy, it is necessary to find new drugs and combination therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of advanced cancer patients and achieve long-term tumor control or even eradication. Peptides are promising choices for tumor immunotherapy drugs because they have the advantages of low production cost, high sequence selectivity, high tissue permeability, low toxicity and low immunogenicity etc., and the adjuvant matching and technologies like nanotechnology can further optimize the effects of peptides. In this review, we present the current status and mechanisms of research on peptides targeting multiple immune cells (T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs)) and immune checkpoints in tumor immunotherapy; and we summarize the current status of research on peptide-based tumor immunotherapy in combination with other therapies including RT, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, cytokine therapy, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) and cancer vaccines. Finally, we discuss the current status of peptide applications in mRNA vaccine delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchao Zhang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Chenxin Liu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Chunjie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Linjiang Song
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China.
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Zhao L, Zhang S, Kepp O, Kroemer G, Liu P. Dendritic cell transfer for cancer immunotherapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:33-64. [PMID: 35798506 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a major role in cancer immunosurveillance as they bridge innate and adaptive immunity by detecting tumor-associated antigens and presenting them to T lymphocytes. The adoptive transfer of antigen loaded DCs has been proposed as an immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of various types of cancer. Nevertheless, despite promising preclinical data, the therapeutic efficacy of DC transfer is still deceptive in cancer patients. Here we summarize recent findings in DC biology with a special focus on the development of actionable therapeutic strategies and discuss experimental and clinical approaches that aim at improving the efficacy of DC-based immunotherapies, including, but not limited to, optimized DC production and antigen loading, stimulated maturation, the co-treatment with additional immunotherapies, as well as the inhibition of DC checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Zhao
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France; Institut du Cancer Paris Carpem, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France.
| | - Peng Liu
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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15
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Deboever N, Feldman HA, Hofstetter WL, Mehran RJ, Rajaram R, Rice DC, Roth JA, Sepesi B, Swisher SG, Vaporciyan AA, Walsh GL, Antonoff MB. The Role of Surgery in the Treatment of Melanoma Pulmonary Metastases in the Modern Era. J Surg Res 2022; 277:125-130. [PMID: 35489217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.04.021] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The lung represents a frequent site of spread for metastatic melanoma, which has historically been managed with surgical resection achieving promising outcomes. We hypothesized that the role of surgery in the management of melanoma pulmonary metastases (MPM) is evolving among the development of less invasive diagnostic and novel systemic therapeutic strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center thoracic surgery database was reviewed and patients who underwent surgical resection of MPM between 1998 and 2019 were identified. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and surgical data were collected and analyzed, as were the annual volumes and indications for surgical resection. A Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess the trend in surgical indication. RESULTS Three hundred and seventy seven surgical procedures for MPM were performed during the years of study in the care of 347 patients. Patients were predominantly male, with a mean age of 59.3 y. The mean number of annual resections was 17 and while this number initially increased from six in 1998 to a peak of 39 cases in 2008, a decline was subsequently observed. Diagnostic resection decreased from 22% in 1998-1999 to 5% at the peak of procedures in 2008-2009 and to 0 in 2018-2019 (P = 0.02). Curative resection increased from 44% in 1998-1999 to 73% in 2008-2009 (P < 0.001) and remained the dominant reason for surgery in later years. CONCLUSIONS Surgical indications in the management of MPM have transformed in conjunction with systemic modalities, and the volume of resections has decreased in the modern era. Despite innovations in systemic management and shifting goals of operative interventions, surgeons continue to play a vital role in caring for these patients with an advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Deboever
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hope A Feldman
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Wayne L Hofstetter
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Reza J Mehran
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ravi Rajaram
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David C Rice
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jack A Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Boris Sepesi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephen G Swisher
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ara A Vaporciyan
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Garrett L Walsh
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mara B Antonoff
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Yu J, Sun H, Cao W, Song Y, Jiang Z. Research progress on dendritic cell vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35074008 PMCID: PMC8784280 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines induce specific immune responses that can selectively eliminate target cells. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to explore DC vaccination in the treatment of hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as other nonleukemia malignancies. There are at least two different strategies that use DCs to promote antitumor immunity: in situ vaccination and canonical vaccination. Monocyte-derived DCs (mo-DCs) and leukemia-derived DCs (DCleu) are the main types of DCs used in vaccines for AML and MDS thus far. Different cancer-related molecules such as peptides, recombinant proteins, apoptotic leukemic cells, whole tumor cells or lysates and DCs/DCleu containing a vaster antigenic repertoire with RNA electroporation, have been used as antigen sources to load DCs. To enhance DC vaccine efficacy, new strategies, such as combination with conventional chemotherapy, monospecific/bispecific antibodies and immune checkpoint-targeting therapies, have been explored. After a decade of trials and tribulations, much progress has been made and much promise has emerged in the field. In this review we summarize the recent advances in DC vaccine immunotherapy for AML/MDS as well as other nonleukemia malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Davis L, Tarduno A, Lu YC. Neoantigen-Reactive T Cells: The Driving Force behind Successful Melanoma Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236061. [PMID: 34885172 PMCID: PMC8657037 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer immunotherapy is a revolutionary type of cancer therapy. It uses the patient’s own immune system to fight and potentially cure cancer. The first major breakthrough of immunotherapy came from successful clinical trials for melanoma treatments. Since then, researchers have focused on understanding the science behind immunotherapy, so that patients with other types of cancer may also benefit. One of the major findings is that the T cells in melanoma patients may recognize a specific type of tumor antigen, called neoantigens, and then kill tumor cells that present these neoantigens. The neoantigens mainly arise from the DNA mutations found in tumor cells. These mutations are translated into mutated proteins that are then distinguished by T cells. In this article, we discuss the critical role of T cells in immunotherapy, as well as the clinical trials that shaped the treatments for melanoma. Abstract Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma have experienced significant clinical responses after checkpoint blockade immunotherapy or adoptive cell therapy. Neoantigens are mutated proteins that arise from tumor-specific mutations. It is hypothesized that the neoantigen recognition by T cells is the critical step for T-cell-mediated anti-tumor responses and subsequent tumor regressions. In addition to describing neoantigens, we review the sentinel and ongoing clinical trials that are helping to shape the current treatments for patients with cutaneous melanoma. We also present the existing evidence that establishes the correlations between neoantigen-reactive T cells and clinical responses in melanoma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindy Davis
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (L.D.); (A.T.)
| | - Ashley Tarduno
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (L.D.); (A.T.)
| | - Yong-Chen Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence:
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Kandalaft LE, Harari A. Vaccines as Priming Tools for T Cell Therapy for Epithelial Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225819. [PMID: 34830973 PMCID: PMC8616276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225819] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite all of the impressive progress that has been made in the field of cancer therapy, cancer continues to devastate the lives of many. Recent efforts have focused on taking advantage of the patients’ immune system, modifying and employing it to attack cancer cells more efficiently. Therapeutic cancer vaccines are part of the armamentarium used for that purpose. In this review, we discuss the role of the immune system in the fight against cancer, the various strategies that are aimed at engaging the immune system, and how therapeutic cancer vaccines can be used as a self-standing strategy or as a means to leverage other immunotherapies to deliver more efficient results. We elaborate on the obstacles that are present, why immune therapies do not work equally well on all patients, and how vaccines can potentially play a role in improving cancer outcomes. Abstract Impressive progress has recently been made in the field of cancer immunotherapy with the adoptive transfer of T cells, a successful personalized strategy, and checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) having extended the survival of numerous patients. However, not all patients have been able to benefit from these innovations. A key determinant of the responsiveness to cancer immunotherapies is the presence of T cells within the tumors. These tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are crucial in controlling tumor growth and their activity is being potentiated by immunotherapies. Although some epithelial cancers are associated with spontaneous T-cell and B-cell responses, which makes them good candidates for immunotherapies, it remains to create strategies that would promote lymphocyte infiltration and enable sustained immune responses in immune-resistant tumors. Therapeutic cancer vaccines hold the potential of being able to render “cold”, poorly infiltrated tumors into “hot” tumors that would be receptive to cellular immunotherapies. In this review, we elaborate on the obstacles that need to be overcome and the strategies that are being explored to that end, including various types of antigen repertoires and different vaccine platforms and combinations with other available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana E. Kandalaft
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (L.E.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (L.E.K.); (A.H.)
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Trojaniello C, Luke JJ, Ascierto PA. Therapeutic Advancements Across Clinical Stages in Melanoma, With a Focus on Targeted Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:670726. [PMID: 34178657 PMCID: PMC8222774 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.670726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most fatal skin cancer. In the early stages, it can be safely treated with surgery alone. However, since 2011, there has been an important revolution in the treatment of melanoma with new effective treatments. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors have changed the history of this disease. To date, more than half of advanced melanoma patients are alive at 5 years; despite this breakthrough, approximately half of the patients still do not respond to treatment. For these reasons, new therapeutic strategies are required to expand the number of patients who can benefit from immunotherapy or combination with targeted therapy. Current research aims at preventing primary and acquired resistance, which are both responsible for treatment failure in about 50% of patients. This could increase the effectiveness of available drugs and allow for the evaluation of new combinations and new targets. The main pathways and molecules under study are the IDO inhibitor, TLR9 agonist, STING, LAG-3, TIM-3, HDAC inhibitors, pegylated IL-2 (NKTR-214), GITR, and adenosine pathway inhibitors, among others (there are currently about 3000 trials that are evaluating immunotherapeutic combinations in different tumors). Other promising strategies are cancer vaccines and oncolytic viruses. Another approach is to isolate and remove immune cells (DCs, T cells, and NK cells) from the patient's blood or tumor infiltrates, add specific gene fragments, expand them in culture with growth factors, and re-inoculate into the same patient. TILs, TCR gene transfer, and CAR-T therapy follow this approach. In this article, we give an overview over the current status of melanoma therapies, the clinical rationale for choosing treatments, and the new immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Trojaniello
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Jason J. Luke
- Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Paolo A. Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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