1
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Dou Y, Zheng J, Kang J, Wang L, Huang D, Liu Y, He C, Lin C, Lu C, Wu D, Han R, Li L, Tang L, He Y. Mesoporous manganese nanocarrier target delivery metformin for the co-activation STING pathway to overcome immunotherapy resistance. iScience 2024; 27:110150. [PMID: 39040065 PMCID: PMC11261061 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110150] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a promising strategy to overcome primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer with the STK11 mutation. We previously found metformin enhances the STING pathway and thus promotes immune response. However, its low concentration in tumors limits its clinical use. Here, we constructed high-mesoporous Mn-based nanocarrier loading metformin nanoparticles (Mn-MSN@Met-M NPs) that actively target tumors and respond to release higher concentration of Mn2+ ions and metformin. The NPs significantly enhanced the T cells to kill lung cancer cells with the STK11 mutant. The mechanism shows that enhanced STING pathway activation promotes STING, TBKI, and IRF3 phosphorylation through Mn2+ ions and metformin release from NPs, thus boosting type I interferon production. In vivo, NPs in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor effectively decreased tumor growth. Collectively, we developed a Mn-MSN@Met-M nanoactivator to intensify immune activation for potential cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyao Dou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jun Kang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of pain treatment, the seventh people’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 401320, China
| | - Daijuan Huang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yihui Liu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Chao He
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Caiyu Lin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Conghua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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2
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Uher O, Hadrava Vanova K, Taïeb D, Calsina B, Robledo M, Clifton-Bligh R, Pacak K. The Immune Landscape of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: Current Advances and Perspectives. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:521-552. [PMID: 38377172 PMCID: PMC11244254 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from neural crest cells from adrenal medullary chromaffin tissues and extra-adrenal paraganglia, respectively. Although the current treatment for PPGLs is surgery, optimal treatment options for advanced and metastatic cases have been limited. Hence, understanding the role of the immune system in PPGL tumorigenesis can provide essential knowledge for the development of better therapeutic and tumor management strategies, especially for those with advanced and metastatic PPGLs. The first part of this review outlines the fundamental principles of the immune system and tumor microenvironment, and their role in cancer immunoediting, particularly emphasizing PPGLs. We focus on how the unique pathophysiology of PPGLs, such as their high molecular, biochemical, and imaging heterogeneity and production of several oncometabolites, creates a tumor-specific microenvironment and immunologically "cold" tumors. Thereafter, we discuss recently published studies related to the reclustering of PPGLs based on their immune signature. The second part of this review discusses future perspectives in PPGL management, including immunodiagnostic and promising immunotherapeutic approaches for converting "cold" tumors into immunologically active or "hot" tumors known for their better immunotherapy response and patient outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on potent immune-related imaging strategies and immune signatures that could be used for the reclassification, prognostication, and management of these tumors to improve patient care and prognosis. Furthermore, we introduce currently available immunotherapies and their possible combinations with other available therapies as an emerging treatment for PPGLs that targets hostile tumor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Uher
- Section of Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA
| | - Katerina Hadrava Vanova
- Section of Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA
| | - David Taïeb
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHU de La Timone, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Bruna Calsina
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Familiar Cancer Clinical Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Mercedes Robledo
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Roderick Clifton-Bligh
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney 2065, NSW, Australia
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section of Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA
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3
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Tiersma JF, Evers B, Bakker BM, Reijngoud DJ, de Bruyn M, de Jong S, Jalving M. Targeting tumour metabolism in melanoma to enhance response to immune checkpoint inhibition: A balancing act. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102802. [PMID: 39029155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102802] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition has transformed the treatment landscape of advanced melanoma and long-term survival of patients is now possible. However, at least half of the patients do not benefit sufficiently. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer cells and may contribute to both tumour growth and immune evasion by the tumour. Preclinical studies have indeed demonstrated that modulating tumour metabolism can reduce tumour growth while improving the functionality of immune cells. Since metabolic pathways are commonly shared between immune and tumour cells, it is essential to understand how modulating tumour metabolism in patients influences the intricate balance of pro-and anti-tumour immune effects in the tumour microenvironment. The key question is whether modulating tumour metabolism can inhibit tumour cell growth as well as facilitate an anti-tumour immune response. Here, we review current knowledge on the effect of tumour metabolism on the immune response in melanoma. We summarise metabolic pathways in melanoma and non-cancerous cells in the tumour microenvironment and discuss models and techniques available to study the metabolic-immune interaction. Finally, we discuss clinical use of these techniques to improve our understanding of how metabolic interventions can tip the balance towards a favourable, immune permissive microenvironment in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Tiersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B Evers
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signalling, and Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B M Bakker
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signalling, and Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D J Reijngoud
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signalling, and Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M de Bruyn
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - S de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Jalving
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Pujalte‐Martin M, Belaïd A, Bost S, Kahi M, Peraldi P, Rouleau M, Mazure NM, Bost F. Targeting cancer and immune cell metabolism with the complex I inhibitors metformin and IACS-010759. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1719-1738. [PMID: 38214418 PMCID: PMC11223609 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin and IACS-010759 are two distinct antimetabolic agents. Metformin, an established antidiabetic drug, mildly inhibits mitochondrial complex I, while IACS-010759 is a new potent mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. Mitochondria is pivotal in the energy metabolism of cells by providing adenosine triphosphate through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Hence, mitochondrial metabolism and OXPHOS become a vulnerability when targeted in cancer cells. Both drugs have promising antitumoral effects in diverse cancers, supported by preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies. We present evidence of their direct impact on cancer cells and their immunomodulatory effects. In clinical studies, while observational epidemiologic studies on metformin were encouraging, actual trial results were not as expected. However, IACS-01075 exhibited major adverse effects, thereby causing a metabolic shift to glycolysis and elevated lactic acid concentrations. Therefore, the future outlook for these two drugs depends on preventive clinical trials for metformin and investigations into the plausible toxic effects on normal cells for IACS-01075.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Pujalte‐Martin
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Amine Belaïd
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Simon Bost
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Michel Kahi
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Pascal Peraldi
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Matthieu Rouleau
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
- CNRS UMR7370, LP2MNiceFrance
| | - Nathalie M. Mazure
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Frédéric Bost
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
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Shen J, Ye X, Hou H, Wang Y. Clinical evidence for the prognostic impact of metformin in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112243. [PMID: 38735258 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112243] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies suggest that metformin might enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and potentially influence the prognoses of cancer patients undergoing ICIs treatment. This study endeavors to assess the prognostic significance of metformin in cancer patients undergoing ICIs therapy, aiming to furnish evidence-based insights for clinical practice. METHODS A thorough literature search was conducted across electronic databases to encompass all potential records published before November 20th, 2023. A meta-analysis was executed utilizing Stata 17.0 to derive pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS A total of 22 studies encompassing 9,011 patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses revealed a significant correlation between metformin use and poorer OS (HR, 1.13; 95 %CI, 1.04-1.23; P = 0.004) rather than PFS (HR, 1.04; 95 %CI, 0.96-1.14; P = 0.345) among cancer patients undergoing ICIs treatment. Subgroup analysis delineated that the concurrent administration of metformin and ICIs significantly associated with adverse prognoses in the European population (OS: HR, 1.23; 95 %CI, 1.10-1.39; P = 0.001; PFS: HR, 1.14; 95 %CI, 1.02-1.28; P = 0.024). CONCLUSION Based on current clinical evidence, concomitant metformin use does not appear to improve the prognostic outcomes for cancer patients undergoing ICIs therapy and may potentially correlate with inferior prognoses. Further studies are imperative to comprehensively elucidate the impact of metformin within the realm of ICIs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhai Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, PR China
| | - Xinqi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, PR China
| | - Hui Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, PR China.
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, PR China.
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6
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Trelford CB, Shepherd TG. LKB1 biology: assessing the therapeutic relevancy of LKB1 inhibitors. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:310. [PMID: 38844908 PMCID: PMC11155146 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01689-5] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), encoded by Serine-Threonine Kinase 11 (STK11), is a master kinase that regulates cell migration, polarity, proliferation, and metabolism through downstream adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and AMPK-related kinase signalling. Since genetic screens identified STK11 mutations in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, STK11 mutants have been implicated in tumourigenesis labelling it as a tumour suppressor. In support of this, several compounds reduce tumour burden through upregulating LKB1 signalling, and LKB1-AMPK agonists are cytotoxic to tumour cells. However, in certain contexts, its role in cancer is paradoxical as LKB1 promotes tumour cell survival by mediating resistance against metabolic and oxidative stressors. LKB1 deficiency has also enhanced the selectivity and cytotoxicity of several cancer therapies. Taken together, there is a need to develop LKB1-specific pharmacological compounds, but prior to developing LKB1 inhibitors, further work is needed to understand LKB1 activity and regulation. However, investigating LKB1 activity is strenuous as cell/tissue type, mutations to the LKB1 signalling pathway, STE-20-related kinase adaptor protein (STRAD) binding, Mouse protein 25-STRAD binding, splicing variants, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, post-translational modifications, and kinase conformation impact the functional status of LKB1. For these reasons, guidelines to standardize experimental strategies to study LKB1 activity, associate proteins, spliced isoforms, post-translational modifications, and regulation are of upmost importance to the development of LKB1-specific therapies. Therefore, to assess the therapeutic relevancy of LKB1 inhibitors, this review summarizes the importance of LKB1 in cell physiology, highlights contributors to LKB1 activation, and outlines the benefits and risks associated with targeting LKB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Trelford
- The Mary &, John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, 790 Commissioners Road East, Room A4‑921, London, ON, N6A 4L6, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- The Mary &, John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, 790 Commissioners Road East, Room A4‑921, London, ON, N6A 4L6, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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7
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Benmelech S, Le T, McKay M, Nam J, Subramaniam K, Tellez D, Vlasak G, Mak M. Biophysical and biochemical aspects of immune cell-tumor microenvironment interactions. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021502. [PMID: 38572312 PMCID: PMC10990568 DOI: 10.1063/5.0195244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of and influenced by a heterogeneous set of cancer cells and an extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in cancer progression. The biophysical aspects of the TME (namely, its architecture and mechanics) regulate interactions and spatial distributions of cancer cells and immune cells. In this review, we discuss the factors of the TME-notably, the extracellular matrix, as well as tumor and stromal cells-that contribute to a pro-tumor, immunosuppressive response. We then discuss the ways in which cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems respond to tumors from both biochemical and biophysical perspectives, with increased focus on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Building upon this information, we turn to immune-based antitumor interventions-specifically, recent biophysical breakthroughs aimed at improving CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoham Benmelech
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Thien Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Maggie McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Jungmin Nam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Krupakar Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Daniela Tellez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Grace Vlasak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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8
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Englezos D, Voutouri C, Stylianopoulos T. Machine learning analysis reveals tumor stiffness and hypoperfusion as biomarkers predictive of cancer treatment efficacy. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101944. [PMID: 38552284 PMCID: PMC10990740 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101944] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In the pursuit of advancing cancer therapy, this study explores the predictive power of machine learning in analyzing tumor characteristics, specifically focusing on the effects of tumor stiffness and perfusion (i.e., blood flow) on treatment efficacy. Recent advancements in oncology have highlighted the significance of these physiological properties of the tumor microenvironment in determining treatment outcomes. We delve into the relationship between these tumor attributes and the effectiveness of cancer therapies in preclinical tumor models. Utilizing robust statistical methods and machine learning algorithms, our research analyzes data from 1365 cases of various cancer types, assessing how tumor stiffness and perfusion influence the efficacy of treatment protocols. We also investigate the synergistic potential of combining drugs that modulate tumor stiffness and perfusion with standard cytotoxic treatments. By incorporating these predictors into treatment planning, our study aims to enhance the precision of cancer therapy, tailoring treatment to individual tumor profiles. Our findings demonstrate a significant correlation between stiffness/perfusion and treatment efficacy, highlighting a new way for personalized cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetris Englezos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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9
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Qin S, Xie B, Wang Q, Yang R, Sun J, Hu C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. New insights into immune cells in cancer immunotherapy: from epigenetic modification, metabolic modulation to cell communication. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e551. [PMID: 38783893 PMCID: PMC11112485 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and more effective ways of attacking cancer are being sought. Cancer immunotherapy is a new and effective therapeutic method after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Cancer immunotherapy aims to kill tumor cells by stimulating or rebuilding the body's immune system, with specific efficiency and high safety. However, only few tumor patients respond to immunotherapy and due to the complex and variable characters of cancer immune escape, the behavior and regulatory mechanisms of immune cells need to be deeply explored from more dimensions. Epigenetic modifications, metabolic modulation, and cell-to-cell communication are key factors in immune cell adaptation and response to the complex tumor microenvironment. They collectively determine the state and function of immune cells through modulating gene expression, changing in energy and nutrient demands. In addition, immune cells engage in complex communication networks with other immune components, which are mediated by exosomes, cytokines, and chemokines, and are pivotal in shaping the tumor progression and therapeutic response. Understanding the interactions and combined effects of such multidimensions mechanisms in immune cell modulation is important for revealing the mechanisms of immunotherapy failure and developing new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Qingyi Wang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jingyue Sun
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chaotao Hu
- Regenerative Medicine, Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of OncologyInstitute of Medical SciencesNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha, Hunan, China. UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of CarcinogenesisCancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South universityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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10
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Zamanian MY, Golmohammadi M, Yumashev A, Hjazi A, Toama MA, AbdRabou MA, Gehlot A, Alwaily ER, Shirsalimi N, Yadav PK, Moriasi G. Effects of metformin on cancers in experimental and clinical studies: Focusing on autophagy and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4071. [PMID: 38863255 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4071] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Metformin (MET) is a preferred drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies show that apart from its blood glucose-lowering effects, it also inhibits the development of various tumours, by inducing autophagy. Various studies have confirmed the inhibitory effects of MET on cancer cell lines' propagation, migration, and invasion. The objective of the study was to comprehensively review the potential of MET as an anticancer agent, particularly focusing on its ability to induce autophagy and inhibit the development and progression of various tumors. The study aimed to explore the inhibitory effects of MET on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and its impact on key signaling pathways such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and PI3K. This review noted that MET exerts its anticancer effects by regulating key signalling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), LC3-I and LC3-II, Beclin-1, p53, and the autophagy-related gene (ATG), inhibiting the mTOR protein, downregulating the expression of p62/SQSTM1, and blockage of the cell cycle at the G0/G1. Moreover, MET can stimulate autophagy through pathways associated with the 5' AMPK, thereby inhibiting he development and progression of various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, osteosarcoma, myeloma, and non-small cell lung cancer. In summary, this detailed review provides a framework for further investigations that may appraise the autophagy-induced anticancer potential of MET and its repurposing for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yasin Zamanian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Golmohammadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexey Yumashev
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariam Alaa Toama
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Anita Gehlot
- Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Enas R Alwaily
- Microbiology Research Group, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Niyousha Shirsalimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Pankaj Kumar Yadav
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India
| | - Gervason Moriasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
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11
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Gallez B, Mathieu B, Sonveaux P. About metformin and its action on the mitochondrial respiratory chain in prostate cancer. Transl Androl Urol 2024; 13:909-914. [PMID: 38855601 PMCID: PMC11157400 DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Gallez
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Barbara Mathieu
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherches Expérimentales et Cliniques (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO) Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
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12
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Li J, Wang Y, Shen W, Zhang Z, Su Z, Guo X, Pei P, Hu L, Liu T, Yang K, Guo L. Mitochondria-Modulating Liposomes Reverse Radio-Resistance for Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400845. [PMID: 38520732 PMCID: PMC11095197 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Complete remission of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unachievable in the majority of patients by common fractionated radiotherapy, leaving risks of tumor metastasis and recurrence. Herein, clinical CRC samples demonstrated a difference in the phosphorylation of translation initiation factor eIF2α (p-eIF2α) and the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), whose increased expression by initial X-ray irradiation led to the resistance to subsequent radiotherapy. The underlying mechanism is studied in radio-resistant CT26 cells, revealing that the incomplete mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (iMOMP) triggered by X-ray irradiation is key for the elevated expression of p-eIF2α and ATF4, and therefore radio-resistance. This finding guided to discover that metformin and 2-DG are synergistic in reversing radio resistance by inhibiting p-eIF2α and ATF4. Liposomes loaded with metformin and 2-DG (M/D-Lipo) are thus prepared for enhancing fractionated radiotherapy of CRC, which achieved satisfactory therapeutic efficacy in both local and metastatic CRC tumors by reversing radio-resistance and preventing T lymphocyte exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Li
- Department of Pathologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Yuhong Wang
- Department of Pathologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Wenhao Shen
- Department of OncologyTaizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhou225300China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSuzhou Medical CollegeSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Zhiyue Su
- Department of Pathologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Xia Guo
- Department of Pathologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Pei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSuzhou Medical CollegeSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Lin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSuzhou Medical CollegeSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Teng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSuzhou Medical CollegeSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Pathologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSuzhou Medical CollegeSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Lingchuan Guo
- Department of Pathologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsu215123China
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13
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Lu Q, Kou D, Lou S, Ashrafizadeh M, Aref AR, Canadas I, Tian Y, Niu X, Wang Y, Torabian P, Wang L, Sethi G, Tergaonkar V, Tay F, Yuan Z, Han P. Nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:16. [PMID: 38566199 PMCID: PMC10986145 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01535-8] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Dongquan Kou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenghan Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, USA
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Pedram Torabian
- Cumming School of Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, 138673, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Franklin Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
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14
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Shiba S, Harao M, Saito A, Sakuragi M, Kitayama J, Sata N. Metformin Alters Tumor Immune Microenvironment, Improving the Outcomes of Breast Cancer Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Breast Cancer 2024; 27:121-129. [PMID: 38529589 PMCID: PMC11065500 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2023.0285] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the clinical effect of metformin on breast cancer patients with preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We analyzed 177 patients with T2DM who underwent breast cancer surgery and assessed tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients who underwent tumor resection with or without metformin treatment using multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC). Patients who received metformin either pre- or postoperatively exhibited reduced distant organ recurrence and improved postoperative recurrence-free survival compared to those of patients who did not. Additionally, in a subgroup of 40 patients receiving preoperative systemic therapy, metformin treatment was associated with increased rates of pathological complete response. IHC analysis revealed significantly lower levels of cluster of differentiation (CD) 68(+) CD163(+) M2-type TAMs (p < 0.01) but higher CD3(+) and CD8(+) TIL densities in the metformin-treated group compared with the same parameters in those without metformin treatment, with a significant difference in the CD8(+)/CD3(+) TIL ratio (p < 0.01). Despite the constraints posed by our small sample size, our findings suggest a potential role for metformin in modulating the immunological microenvironment, which may contribute to improved outcomes in diabetes patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Shiba
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Breast Oncology, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Michiko Harao
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Breast Oncology, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Akira Saito
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Masako Sakuragi
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Breast Oncology, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Joji Kitayama
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Breast Oncology, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan.
| | - Naohiro Sata
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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15
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Chew V, Chuang CH, Hsu C. Translational research on drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:22. [PMID: 38368324 PMCID: PMC10874078 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational research plays a key role in drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, unique challenges exist in this field because of the limited availability of human tumor samples from surgery, the lack of homogenous oncogenic driver mutations, and the paucity of adequate experimental models. In this review, we provide insights into these challenges and review recent advancements, with a particular focus on the two main agents currently used as mainstream therapies for HCC: anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy. First, we examine the pre-clinical and clinical studies to highlight the challenges of determining the optimal therapeutic combinations with biologically effective dosage for HCC. Second, we discuss biomarker studies focusing on anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1-based combination therapy. Finally, we discuss the progress made in our collective understanding of tumor immunology and in multi-omics analysis technology, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy, characterize different patient subgroups, and facilitate the development of novel combination approaches to improve treatment efficacy. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of efforts in translational research aiming at advancing our understanding of and improving the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chien-Huai Chuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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16
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Li Y, Liu B, Cao Y, Cai L, Zhou Y, Yang W, Sun T. Metformin-induced reduction of CCR8 enhances the anti-tumor immune response of PD-1 immunotherapy in glioblastoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176274. [PMID: 38142852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176274] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) in clinical treatments have shown limited success in controlling glioblastoma malignancies. Metformin exserts antitumor function, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether metformin could enhance the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 therapy by activating the immune system. Whether combination of an anti-PD-1 antibody or not, metformin significantly increased tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells while decreased regulatory T (Treg) cells in a mouse GBM model. Additionally, metformin reduced CC motif chemokine receptor CCR8 and elevated Interleukin 17 A (IL-17 A) expressions. Mechanistically, metformin reduces histone acetylation at the CCR8 promotor and inhibits CCR8 expression by upregulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activated sirtuin 2 (SIRT2). Metformin enhances the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by reducing CCR8 expression on tumor-infiltrating Treg cells, suggesting that metformin has an antitumor effect by alleviating immunosuppression and promoting T cell-mediated immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Li
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yufei Cao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lize Cai
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youxin Zhou
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ting Sun
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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17
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Park D, Lee SJ, Park JW. Aptamer-Based Smart Targeting and Spatial Trigger-Response Drug-Delivery Systems for Anticancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:187. [PMID: 38255292 PMCID: PMC10813750 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010187] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the field of drug delivery has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by the quest for more effective and precise therapeutic interventions. Among the myriad strategies employed, the integration of aptamers as targeting moieties and stimuli-responsive systems has emerged as a promising avenue, particularly in the context of anticancer therapy. This review explores cutting-edge advancements in targeted drug-delivery systems, focusing on the integration of aptamers and stimuli-responsive platforms for enhanced spatial anticancer therapy. In the aptamer-based drug-delivery systems, we delve into the versatile applications of aptamers, examining their conjugation with gold, silica, and carbon materials. The synergistic interplay between aptamers and these materials is discussed, emphasizing their potential in achieving precise and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, we explore stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems with an emphasis on spatial anticancer therapy. Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles are elucidated, and their capacity to exploit the dynamic conditions within cancerous tissues for controlled drug release is detailed. External stimuli-responsive strategies, including ultrasound-mediated, photo-responsive, and magnetic-guided drug-delivery systems, are examined for their role in achieving synergistic anticancer effects. This review integrates diverse approaches in the quest for precision medicine, showcasing the potential of aptamers and stimuli-responsive systems to revolutionize drug-delivery strategies for enhanced anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsik Park
- Drug Manufacturing Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Lee
- Drug Manufacturing Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Woong Park
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
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18
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Takeuchi Y, Wang Y, Sasaki K, Sato O, Tsuchikawa T, Wang L, Amaishi Y, Okamoto S, Mineno J, Hirokawa Y, Hatanaka KC, Hatanaka Y, Kato T, Shiku H, Hirano S. Exhaustion, rather than lack of infiltration and persistence, of CAR-T cells hampers the efficacy of CAR-T therapy in an orthotopic PDAC xenograft model. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116052. [PMID: 38141280 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116052] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has demonstrated impressive success in the treatment of patients with hematologic tumors yet achieved very limited efficacy for solid tumors due to hurdles unique to solid tumors. It is also noted that the tumor microenvironment composition varies between tumor type, which again imposes unique set of hurdles in each solid tumor. Therefore, elucidation of individual hurdles is key to achieving successful CAR-T therapy for solid tumors. In the present study, we employed an orthotopic human PDAC xenograft model, in which quantitative, spatial and functional dynamics of CAR-T cells in tumor tissues were analyzed to obtain insights into ways of overcoming PDAC related hurdles. Contrary to previous studies that demonstrated a limited persistency and infiltration of CAR-T cells in many solid tumors, they persist and accumulated in PDAC tumor tissues. Ex vivo analysis revealed that CAR-T cells that had been recovered at different time points from mice bearing an orthotopic PDAC tumor exhibited a gradual loss of tumor reactivity. This loss of tumor reactivity of CAR-T cells was associated with the increased expression of AMP-activated protein kinase and Mitofusin 1/ Dynamin-related protein 1 ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Takeuchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yizheng Wang
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Katsunori Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Osamu Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuchikawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Linan Wang
- Department of Immuno-Gene Therapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Yoshifumi Hirokawa
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Kanako C Hatanaka
- Center for Development of Advanced Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hatanaka
- Center for Development of Advanced Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takuma Kato
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan; Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Shiku
- Department of Immuno-Gene Therapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan; Center for Comprehensive Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hirano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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19
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Hasanpourghadi M, Chekaoui A, Kurian S, Kurupati R, Ambrose R, Giles-Davis W, Saha A, Xiaowei X, Ertl HC. Treatment with the PPARα agonist fenofibrate improves the efficacy of CD8 + T cell therapy for melanoma. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100744. [PMID: 38075243 PMCID: PMC10701456 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells can limit tumor progression but is hampered by the T cells' rapid functional impairment within the tumor microenvironment (TME). This is in part caused by metabolic stress due to lack of oxygen and glucose. Here, we report that fenofibrate treatment of human ex vivo expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) improves their ability to limit melanoma progression in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model. TILs treated with fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist, switch from glycolysis to fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and increase the ability to slow the progression of autologous melanomas in mice with freshly transplanted human tumor fragments or injected with tumor cell lines established from the patients' melanomas and ex vivo expanded TILs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Raj Kurupati
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Amara Saha
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xu Xiaowei
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Repas J, Peternel L, Sourij H, Pavlin M. Low glucose availability potentiates the effects of metformin on model T cell activation and exhaustion markers in vitro. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1216193. [PMID: 38116319 PMCID: PMC10728603 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of immune cell metabolism is one of promising strategies to improve cancer immunotherapies. Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug with potential anti-cancer effects, ranging from normalization of blood glucose and insulin levels, direct anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells to emerging immunomodulatory effects on anti-tumor immunity. Metformin can reduce tumor hypoxia and PD-L1 expression, as well as normalize or improve T cell function and potentiate the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors, making it a promising adjuvant to immunotherapy of tumors with poor response such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, although the effects of metformin on cancer cells are glucose-dependent, the role of glucose in modulating its effect on T cells has not been systematically studied. We thus investigated the effect of metformin as a function of glucose level on Jurkat cell and PBMC T cell models in vitro. While low metformin concentrations had little effect on T cell function, high concentration reduced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion in both models and induced a shift in T cell populations from memory to effector subsets. The PD-1/CD69 ratio was improved by high metformin in T cells from PBMC. Low glucose and metformin synergistically reduced PD-1 and CD69 expression and IFN-γ secretion in T cells from PBMC. Low glucose level itself suppressed Jurkat cell function due to their limited metabolic plasticity, but had limited effects on T cells from PBMC apart from reduced proliferation. Conversely, high glucose did not strongly affect either T cell model. Metformin in combination with glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) reduced PD-1 in Jurkat cells, but also strongly suppressed their function. However, low, physiologically achievable 2DG concentration itself reduced PD-1 while mostly maintaining IL-2 secretion and, interestingly, even strongly increased IFN-γ secretion regardless of glucose level. Overall, glucose metabolism can importantly influence some of the effects of metformin on T cell functionality in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we show that 2DG could potentially improve the anti-tumor T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jernej Repas
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Peternel
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Harald Sourij
- Trials Unit for Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mojca Pavlin
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Group for Nano- and Biotechnological Applications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Vlasova VV, Shmagel KV. T Lymphocyte Metabolic Features and Techniques to Modulate Them. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1857-1873. [PMID: 38105204 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
T cells demonstrate high degree of complexity and broad range of functions, which distinguish them from other immune cells. Throughout their lifetime, T lymphocytes experience several functional states: quiescence, activation, proliferation, differentiation, performance of effector and regulatory functions, memory formation, and apoptosis. Metabolism supports all functions of T cells, providing lymphocytes with energy, biosynthetic substrates, and signaling molecules. Therefore, T cells usually restructure their metabolism as they transition from one functional state to another. Strong association between the metabolism and T cell functions implies that the immune response can be controlled by manipulating metabolic processes within T lymphocytes. This review aims to highlight the main metabolic adaptations necessary for the T cell function, as well as the recent progress in techniques to modulate metabolic features of lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta V Vlasova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia.
| | - Konstantin V Shmagel
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 614081, Perm, Russia
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Akce M, Farran B, Switchenko JM, Rupji M, Kang S, Khalil L, Ruggieri-Joyce A, Olson B, Shaib WL, Wu C, Alese OB, Diab M, Lesinski GB, El-Rayes BF. Phase II trial of nivolumab and metformin in patients with treatment-refractory microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007235. [PMID: 37852737 PMCID: PMC10603338 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies showed metformin reduces exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and potentiates programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade. We hypothesized that metformin with nivolumab would elicit potent antitumor and immune modulatory activity in metastatic microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC). We evaluated this hypothesis in a phase II study. METHODS Nivolumab (480 mg) was administered intravenously every 4 weeks while metformin (1000 mg) was given orally, two times per day following a 14-day metformin only lead-in phase. Patients ≥18 years of age, with previously treated, stage IV MSS CRC, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-1, having received no prior anti-PD-1 agent were eligible. The primary endpoint was overall response rate with secondary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Correlative studies using paired pretreatment/on-treatment biopsies and peripheral blood evaluated a series of immune biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment and systemic circulation using ChipCytometry and flow cytometry. RESULTS A total of 24 patients were enrolled, 6 patients were replaced per protocol, 18 patients had evaluable disease. Of the 18 evaluable patients, 11/18 (61%) were women and the median age was 58 (IQR 50-67). Two patients had stable disease, but no patients had objective response, hence the study was stopped for futility. Median OS and PFS was 5.2 months (95% CI (3.2 to 11.7)) and 2.3 months (95% CI (1.7 to 2.3)). Most common grade 3/4 toxicities: Anemia (n=2), diarrhea (n=2), and fever (n=2). Metformin alone failed to increase the infiltration of T-cell subsets in the tumor, but combined metformin and nivolumab increased percentages of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (p=0.031). Dual treatment also increased Tim3+ levels in patient tissues and decreased naïve CD8+T cells (p=0.0475). CONCLUSIONS Nivolumab and metformin were well tolerated in patients with MSS CRC but had no evidence of efficacy. Correlative studies did not reveal an appreciable degree of immune modulation from metformin alone, but showed trends in tumorous T-cell infiltration as a result of dual metformin and PD-1 blockade despite progression in a majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Batoul Farran
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Switchenko
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Emory University Winship Cancer institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Biostsatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manali Rupji
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Emory University Winship Cancer institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sandra Kang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lana Khalil
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amanda Ruggieri-Joyce
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brian Olson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Walid L Shaib
- Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar, Marietta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christina Wu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Olatunji B Alese
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maria Diab
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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To KKW, Cho WC. Drug Repurposing to Circumvent Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Resistance in Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2166. [PMID: 37631380 PMCID: PMC10459070 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082166] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved unprecedented clinical success in cancer treatment. However, drug resistance to ICI therapy is a major hurdle that prevents cancer patients from responding to the treatment or having durable disease control. Drug repurposing refers to the application of clinically approved drugs, with characterized pharmacological properties and known adverse effect profiles, to new indications. It has also emerged as a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance. In this review, we summarized the latest research about drug repurposing to overcome ICI resistance. Repurposed drugs work by either exerting immunostimulatory activities or abolishing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Compared to the de novo drug design strategy, they provide novel and affordable treatment options to enhance cancer immunotherapy that can be readily evaluated in the clinic. Biomarkers are exploited to identify the right patient population to benefit from the repurposed drugs and drug combinations. Phenotypic screening of chemical libraries has been conducted to search for T-cell-modifying drugs. Genomics and integrated bioinformatics analysis, artificial intelligence, machine and deep learning approaches are employed to identify novel modulators of the immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K. W. To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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