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Hu R, Li J, Huang Q, Zhong X, Sun J, Yi J, Peng L, Liu X, Yang Y, Yang W, Wang Y, Ma W, Feng W, Xu Y, Zhou X. Qizhu anticancer prescription enhances immunosurveillance of liver cancer cells by regulating p21-dependent secretory phenotypes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118400. [PMID: 38823657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118400] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, largely due to the limitations of available therapeutic strategies. The traditional Chinese medicine Qizhu Anticancer Prescription (QZACP) can improve the quality of life and prolong the survival time of patients with HCC. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer properties of QZACP remain unclear. PURPOSE This study examined the anti-hepatocarcinogenic properties of QZACP, with a specific focus on its influence on the p21-activated secretory phenotype (PASP)-mediated immune surveillance, to elucidate the underlying molecular pathways involved in HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell proliferation was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and clonogenic assays. The cell cycle was evaluated using flow cytometry, and senescence was identified by staining with senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). A primary liver cancer model produced by diethylnitrosamine was established in C57 BL/6 mice to assess the tumor-inhibitory effect of QZACP. The liver's pathological characteristics were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. PASP screening was performed using GeneCards, DisGeNet, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence staining, and Transwell migration assays were performed. RESULTS Serum containing QZACP enhanced p21 expression, triggered cell cycle arrest, accelerated cell senescence, and suppressed cell proliferation in Huh7 and MHCC-97H liver cancer cells. QZACP reduced the quantity and dimensions of liver tumor nodules and enhanced p21 protein expression, SA-β-Gal staining in tumor lesions, and cytotoxic CD8+ T cell infiltration. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that PASP factors, including hepatocyte growth factor, decorin (DCN), dermatopontin, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14), and Wnt family member 2 (WNT2), play an important role in the development of HCC. In addition, these factors are associated with the presence of natural killer cells and CD8+ T cells within tumors. Western blotting and ELISA confirmed that QZACP increased DCN, CXCL14, and WNT2 levels in tumor tissues and peripheral blood. CONCLUSIONS QZACP's suppression of HCC progression may involve cell senescence mediated via p21 upregulation, DCN, CXCL14, and WNT2 secretion, and reversal of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This study provides insights that can be used in the development of new treatment strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Jing Li
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Jialing Sun
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Jinyu Yi
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Lanfen Peng
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xinning Liu
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wenmin Yang
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wenfeng Ma
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wenxing Feng
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Youhua Xu
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen, 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
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Huang Z, Chen T, Li W, He W, Liu S, Wu Z, Li B, Yuan Y, Qiu J. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab plus transarterial chemoembolization and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for patients with high tumor burden unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A multi-center cohort study. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112711. [PMID: 39029233 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112711] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A+B) offer promise for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) treatment, the response rate remains suboptimal. Our previous studies highlighted the potential of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) when combined with FOLFOX-based hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in HCC treatment. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of A+B plus TACE-HAIC for high tumor burden uHCC (HTB-uHCC). METHODS This three-center retrospective study involved 82 HTB-uHCC patients administered with TACE-HAIC followed by A+B. We characterized HTB-uHCC patients as those surpassing the up-to-11 criteria, exhibiting VP 3-4, or presenting extrahepatic metastases. The primary outcomes were the objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes encompassed the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Employing the mRECIST criteria, the ORR was 62.2 %, wherein 18 (22.0 %) patients achieved complete response, 33 (40.2 %) demonstrated partial response, 21 (25.6 %) maintained stable disease, and 10 (12.2 %) exhibited disease progression. Impressively, 11 (13.4 %) patients were converted to resectable HCC and underwent curative hepatectomy. The median PFS was 10.1 months (95 % CI, 8.4 to NA), and the median OS was still pending. At the one-year mark, the OS and PFS rates were 92.8 % (95 % CI, 86.1 to 100.0) and 42.9 % (95 % CI, 31.3 to 58.7), respectively. 79 (96.3 %) experienced TRAEs, and 39 (47.6 %) had grade 3-4 TRAEs, though no treatment-related death was recorded. CONCLUSIONS The findings underscore the potential of the A+B and TACE-HAIC combined treatment for HTB-uHCC patients, marking it as a viable therapeutic option, given its potent efficacy and tolerable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiejun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Biliopancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiliang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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Liang LC, Huang WS, Guo ZX, You HJ, Guo YJ, Cai MY, Lin LT, Wang GY, Zhu KS. Liver transplantation following two conversions in a patient with huge hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein invasion: A case report. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:4071-4077. [PMID: 39351247 PMCID: PMC11439119 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i36.4071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical resection and liver transplantation (LT) are the most effective curative options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few patients with huge HCC (> 10 cm in diameter), especially those with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), can receive these treatments. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) can be used as a conversion therapy for them because it has the dual benefit of shrinking tumors and increasing residual hepatic volume. However, in patients with huge HCC, high lung absorbed dose often prevents them from receiving SIRT. CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old man was admitted because of emaciation and pain in the hepatic region for about 1 month. The computed tomography scan showed a 20.2 cm × 19.8 cm tumor located in the right lobe-left medial lobes with right portal vein and right hepatic vein invasion. After the pathological type of HCC was confirmed by biopsy, two conversions were presented. The first one was drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization plus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and lenvatinib and sintilimab, converted to SIRT, and the second one was sequential SIRT with continued systemic treatment. The tumor size significantly decreased from 20.2 cm × 19.8 cm to 16.2 cm × 13.8 cm, then sequentially to 7.8 cm × 6.8 cm. In the meantime, the ratio of spared volume to total liver volume increased gradually from 34.4% to 55.7%, then to 62.9%. Furthermore, there was visualization of the portal vein, indicating regression of the tumor thrombus. Finally, owing to the new tumor in the left lateral lobe, the patient underwent LT instead of resection without major complications. CONCLUSION Patients with inoperable huge HCC with PVTT could be converted to SIRT first and accept surgery sequentially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Cong Liang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Sou Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhao-Xiong Guo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong-Ji You
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yong-Jian Guo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ming-Yue Cai
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Teng Lin
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guo-Ying Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kang-Shun Zhu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, Guangdong Province, China
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Febro RJD, Perillo ESS, Kimura AA, Wong SN. Cure can be achieved by conversion to microwave ablation following atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2024; 24:234-242. [PMID: 38825875 PMCID: PMC11449580 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2024.05.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS/AIMS Atezolizumab/bevacizumab is the recommended first-line systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) and may facilitate curative conversion through resection and locoregional therapies. However, there have been very few reports on curative conversion using microwave ablation (MWA). This study aimed to determine the curative conversion rate with MWA using atezolizumab-bevacizumab as the first-line treatment in patients with uHCC, and to compare the characteristics and survival of patients with and without curative conversion. METHODS Consecutive patients with uHCC who were started on atezolizumab-bevacizumab from May 2021 to December 2023 in a single tertiary center were included. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were based on the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria. RESULTS Twenty consecutive patients with uHCC (60% advanced-stage) were included, 90% exceeding the up-to-7 criteria. The ORR and DCR were 35% and 60%, 35% and 55% using RECIST and mRECIST, respectively. Five patients (25%) underwent successful curative conversion with MWA (four advanced and one intermediate stage) despite a median HCC size of 6.1 cm (range, 2.4-7.3). Two of these patients were tumor and drug-free 132-133 weeks from the 1st atezolizumab-bevacizumab dose. Patients who underwent curative conversion had significantly longer survival than those who did not (P=0.024). Other factors associated with survival were male sex, Child-Pugh class A, and an objective response. CONCLUSIONS Despite the relatively large tumor size, successful curative conversion with MWA was achieved with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab in uHCC. However, data from prospective multicenter trials are required to determine whether this strategy is universally applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene John D. Febro
- Section of Gastroenterology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Akemi A. Kimura
- Section of Gastroenterology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Stephen N. Wong
- Section of Gastroenterology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
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Testa U. Recent developments in molecular targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma in the genomic era. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:803-827. [PMID: 39194003 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2392278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary liver cancer is a major health problem being the sixth most frequent cancer in the world and the third cause of cancer-related death in the world. The most common histological type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 75-80%). AREAS COVERED Based on primary literature, this review provides an updated analysis of studies of genetic characterization of HCC at the level of gene mutation profiling, copy number alterations, and gene expression, with the definition of molecular subgroups and the identification of some molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recent therapeutic developments are also highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Deepening the understanding of the molecular complexity of HCC is progressively paving the way for the development of more personalized treatment approaches. Two important strategies involve the definition and validation of molecularly defined therapeutic targets in a subset of HCC patients and the identification of suitable biomarkers for approved systematic therapies (multikinase inhibitors and immunotherapies). The extensive molecular characterization of patients at the genomic and transcriptomic levels and the inclusion of detailed and relevant translational studies in clinical trials will represent a fundamental tool for improving the benefit of systemic therapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Son SY, Geevarghese R, Marinelli B, Zhao K, Covey A, Maxwell A, Wei AC, Jarnagin W, D'Angelica M, Yarmohammadi H. Conversion Therapy to Transplant or Surgical Resection in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Boosted Dose of Yttrium-90 Radiation Segmentectomy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3024. [PMID: 39272882 PMCID: PMC11394260 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173024] [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: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of boosted dose yttrium-90 radioembolization (TARE) as a modality for conversion therapy to transplant or surgical resection in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS In this single-center retrospective study, all patients with a diagnosis of HCC who were treated with boosted dose TARE (>190 Gy) between January 2013 and December 2023 were reviewed. Treatment response and decrease in tumor size were assessed with the RECIST v1.1 and mRECIST criteria. Milan and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), criteria were used to determine transplant eligibility, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) surgical resection recommendations were used to evaluate tumor resectability. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients with primary HCC who were treated with boosted dose TARE were retrospectively analyzed. The majority of the patients were Child-Pugh A (n = 35; 92.1%), BCLC C (n = 17; 44.7%), and ECOG performance status 0 (n = 25; 65.8%). The mean sum of the target lesions was 6.0 cm (standard deviation; SD = 4.0). The objective response rate (ORR) was 31.6% by RECIST and 84.2% by mRECIST. The disease control rate (DCR) was 94.7% by both RECIST and mRECIST. Among patients outside of Milan or UCSF, 13/25 (52.0%, Milan) and 9/19 (47.4%, UCSF) patients were successfully converted to within transplant criteria. Of patients who were initially unresectable, conversion was successful in 7/26 (26.9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further real-world data demonstrating that boosted-dose TARE is an effective modality for conversion of patients with unresectable HCC to transplant or resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Y Son
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ruben Geevarghese
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brett Marinelli
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ken Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anne Covey
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Aaron Maxwell
- Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, One Prospect Steet, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Alice C Wei
- Department of Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - William Jarnagin
- Department of Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael D'Angelica
- Department of Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hooman Yarmohammadi
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Sun W, Liu Y, Wang L. Feasibility and Safety of the Clinical Outcomes of TACE Combined with Lenvatinib and PD-1 Blockades in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Retrospective Exploratory Study. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:3627-3640. [PMID: 39184909 PMCID: PMC11345009 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s473676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the efficacy and safety of TACE combined with Lenvatinib and PD-1 blockade in HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Methods Patients with HCC and PVTT who underwent TACE combined with Lenvatinib and PD-1 blockade as first-line therapy in clinical practice were retrospectively included. All subjects were followed-up regularly to obtain prognostic outcomes. The safety profile observed during the combination therapy was collected and documented. The Log rank test was used for exploratory analysis of prognosis and baseline characteristics and Cox regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results A total of 67 HCC patients with PVTT who received TACE combined with Lenvatinib and PD-1 blockade were included in this study. The best therapeutic response during treatment suggested that 4 patients achieved complete response, 30 patients showed partial response, 25 patients were stable disease, 5 patients had disease progression and 3 patients were not available. Objective response rate of this regimen was 50.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 38.2-63.2%] and disease control rate was 88.1% (95% CI: 77.8-94.7%). The median progression-free survival of 67 HCC patients with PVTT who received TACE combined with Lenvatinib and PD-1 blockades was 9.3 months (95% CI: 5.85-12.75), and the median overall survival was 24.4 months (95% CI: 19.11-29.69). The safety profile highlighted that 65 patients experienced adverse reactions regardless of grade during treatment (97.0%), among whom 34 patients were deemed as grade ≥3 adverse reactions (50.7%). The most common adverse reactions were hypertension, fatigue, abnormal liver function, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Overall adverse reactions were acceptable and controllable. Conclusion TACE combined with Lenvatinib and PD-1 blockades as first-line therapy for HCC with PVTT demonstrated potential feasibility and encouraging clinical outcomes, providing long-term survival benefits for HCC patients. This conclusion should be confirmed in prospective large-scale clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
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Xu H, Zhang H, Li B, Chen K, Wei Y. Systemic conversion therapies for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:1008. [PMID: 39143584 PMCID: PMC11323445 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12772-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: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic conversion therapy provides patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the chance to salvage radical liver resection and superior survival outcomes, but the optimal conversion strategy is unclear. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library between 2007 and 2024 focusing on studies reporting conversion therapy for HCC. The treatment groups were divided into Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), TKI plus loco-regional therapy (LRT), TKI plus anti-PD-1 therapy (TKI + PD-1), TKI + PD-1 + LRT, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) plus LRT, and Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A + T) groups. The conversion to surgery rate (CSR), objective response rate (ORR), grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. RESULTS 38 studies and 4,042 patients were included. The pooled CSR were 8% (95% CI, 5-12%) in TKI group, 13% (95% CI, 8-19%) in TKI + LRT group, 28% (95% CI, 19-37%) in TKI + PD-1 group, 33% (95% CI, 25-41%) in TKI + PD-1 + LRT group, 23% (95% CI, 1-46%) in ICI + LRT group, and 5% (95% CI, 3-8%) in A + T group, respectively. The pooled HR for OS (0.45, 95% CI, 0.35-0.60) and PFS (0.49, 95% CI, 0.35-0.70) favored survival benefit of conversion surgery. Subgroup analysis revealed that lenvatinib + PD-1 + LRT conferred higher CSR of 35% (95% CI, 26-44%) and increased ORR of 70% (95% CI, 56-83%). CONCLUSIONS The current study indicates that TKI + PD-1 + LRT, especially lenvatinib + PD-1 + LRT, may be the superior conversion therapy with a manageable safety profile for patients with initially unresectable HCC. The successful conversion therapy favors the superior OS and PFS compared with systemic treatment alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (registration code: CRD 42024495289).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Xu
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Road, Wu hou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haili Zhang
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Road, Wu hou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Li
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Road, Wu hou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kefei Chen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Road, Wu hou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yonggang Wei
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Road, Wu hou District, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Liu B, Shen L, Liu W, Zhang Z, Lei J, Li Z, Tan Q, Huang H, Wang X, Fan W. Clinical Therapy: HAIC Combined with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Inhibitors versus HAIC Alone for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1557-1567. [PMID: 39156674 PMCID: PMC11328844 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s470345] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The majority of new diagnoses of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still pertain to unresectable cases. Currently, the combination therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors has become the mainstream treatment. According to multiple clinical guidelines, it is strongly advised to consider local therapy as the primary treatment choice for uHCC. This research was conducted to examine the safety and effectiveness of combining hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with TKIs and PD-1 inhibitors for the treatment of uHCC. Methods Between 2015 and 2020, 208 HCC patients received HAIC alone or HAIC in combination with TKIs and PD-1 inhibitors. The overall survival(OS), and progression-free survival(PFS) and the best treatment response were compared between the two treatment groups. Propensity score matching (PSM)was used to minimize confounding bias. Results Among the enrolled patients, 116 patients (55.8%) received combination therapy, while 92 patients (44.2%) received HAIC alone. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. After PSM, 82 pairs of well-matched liver cancer patients were selected; the overall response rate in the combination group trended better than that in the HAIC alone group. The hazard ratios (HRs) for OS and PFS of the combination approach compared to the HAIC-alone approach were 0.47 (95% CI, 0.322-0.687; p<0.001) and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.397-0.848; p=0.005), respectively. Conclusion For uHCC patients, combination therapy can provide better OS and PFS compared to HAIC alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baokun Liu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lujun Shen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030,People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jieqiong Lei
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengguo Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinquan Tan
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan People’s Hospital, Dongguan, 523000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hengfei Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Chongzuo People’s Hospital, Chongzuo, 523000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center Gansu Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weijun Fan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People’s Republic of China
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Hao L, Li S, Ye F, Wang H, Zhong Y, Zhang X, Hu X, Huang X. The current status and future of targeted-immune combination for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1418965. [PMID: 39161764 PMCID: PMC11330771 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1418965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and the third leading cause of death worldwide. surgery, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), systemic therapy, local ablation therapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drug therapy with agents such as sorafenib. However, the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer has a strong immunosuppressive effect. Therefore, new treatments for liver cancer are still necessary. Immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), along with high levels of immunosuppressive cytokines, induce T cell inhibition and are key mechanisms of immune escape in HCC. Recently, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as monotherapy or in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis drugs, chemotherapy agents, and topical therapies has offered great promise in the treatment of liver cancer. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in ICIs combined with targeted drugs (targeted-immune combination) and other targeted-immune combination regimens for the treatment of patients with advanced HCC (aHCC) or unresectable HCC (uHCC), and provide an outlook on future prospects. The literature reviewed spans the last five years and includes studies identified using keywords such as "hepatocellular carcinoma," "immune checkpoint inhibitors," "targeted therapy," "combination therapy," and "immunotherapy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fanghang Ye
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxin Zhong
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Huang
- Department of Urology/Andrology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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11
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Chen Y, Jia L, Li Y, Cui W, Wang J, Zhang C, Bian C, Wang Z, Lin D, Luo T. Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Transarterial Chemoembolization: Hepatic Artery Infusion Chemotherapy Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors With or Without Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Inhibitors for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma-A Retrospective Study. Ann Surg Oncol 2024:10.1245/s10434-024-15933-2. [PMID: 39090499 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15933-2] [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: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locoregional treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and systemic targeted immunotherapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) have achieved promising efficacy. The retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TACE and HAIC plus TKI with or without PD-1 for uHCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS From November 2020 to February 2024, the data of 44 patients who received TACE-HAIC + TKI + PD-1 (THKP group) and 34 patients who received TACE-HAIC + TKI (THK group) were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progress-free survival (PFS), and secondary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), conversion rates, and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS A total of 78 patients were recruited in our single-center study. The patients in THKP group had prolonged median OS [25 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24.0-26.0 vs 18 months, 95% CI 16.1-19.9; p = 0.000278], median PFS [16 months, 95% CI 14.1-17.9 vs 12 months 95% CI 9.6-14.4; p = 0.004] and higher ORR (38.6% vs 23.5%, p = 0. 156) and DCR (88.6% vs 64.7%, p = 0.011) compared with those in THK group. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment option and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level were independent prognostic factors of OS and PFS. The frequency of AEs were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The THKP group had better efficacy for uHCC than the THK group, with acceptable safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Cui
- Emergency Medicine Department, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jukun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjing Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenshun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongdong Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Yang M, Jiang X, Liu H, Zhang Q, Li J, Shao L, Zhao L. Efficacy and safety of HAIC combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors versus HAIC monotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter propensity score matching analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1410767. [PMID: 39144625 PMCID: PMC11322119 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1410767] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of the combined approach involving hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and methods In this multicenter retrospective study conducted from January 2020 to December 2023, we reviewed advanced HCC patients who were treated either with HAIC alone or with a combination of HAIC and TKIs. To address initial disparities between the two groups, we employed propensity score matching (PSM). Tumor response evaluation was performed following RECIST 1.1 criteria. We compared survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR), between the two treatment groups. Safety assessments were conducted for all patients. Results Following the eligibility review, 138 patients underwent combined treatment with HAIC and TKIs (HT group), while 198 patients received HAIC monotherapy (HA group) and met the inclusion criteria for enrollment in this study. After PSM, 107 patients were assigned to each group. The HT group exhibited a longer median OS (18.0 versus 8.8 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.52, p < 0.001) compared to the HA group. Median PFS was also longer in the HT group, although without statistical significance (6.0 versus 4.7 months; HR, 0.85, p = 0.265). The HT group demonstrated a higher ORR (41.1% versus 25.2%; p = 0.020). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the incidence of all adverse events (AEs) or grade 3/4 AEs (any grade: 81.2% for HT versus 78.8% for HA, p = 0.68; grade 3/4: 18.1% for HT versus 13.6% for HA, p = 0.29). Importantly, all AEs were manageable and acceptable. Notably, no grade 5 AEs occurred in either group. Conclusion Combination therapy involving HAIC and TKIs effectively prolonged survival in advanced HCC patients. It represented a preferable alternative to HAIC monotherapy, with manageable safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiongying Jiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Li Shao
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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13
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Du Y, An C, Liu W. Surgical resection versus thermal ablation after intra-arterial conversion therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective one as per the STROBE guidelines. Int J Hyperthermia 2024; 41:2380001. [PMID: 39043379 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2380001] [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: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intra-arterial conversion therapy (ICT) is a promising option for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, the selection of sequential therapeutic modalities is still controversial. This study compared the efficacy and safety of surgical resection (SR) versus thermal ablation (TA) after patients with uHCC received ICT. METHODS From May 2008 to November 2021, 3553 consecutive patients were reviewed and 791 patients were downstaged to receive TA or SR. Among them, 340 patients received SR, and 451 received TA after ICTs. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was applied to reduce selection bias between groups. Cumulative overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. The occurrence of complications and adverse events (AEs) were compared using chi-square test. RESULTS After PSM 1:1 (n = 185 in both groups), the 10-year OS and PFS rates for patients who underwent SR were comparable to those of patients who underwent TA (OS: 45.2% vs. 36.1%; p = 0.190; PFS: 19.3% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.533). A total of 237 (29.9%) patients (203 males; mean age:57.1 ± 11.0 years) received downstaging therapy, and long-term OS and PFS remained comparable between the two groups (p = 0.718, 0.636, respectively). However, the cumulative OS and PFS rates in the downstaged cohort were significantly higher than those in the nondownstaged cohort (both ps < 0.001). Additionally, there was no difference in major complications between the two groups (SR: 6.3% vs. TA: 8.6%; p = 0.320). CONCLUSIONS TA might be an acceptable first-line alternative to SR after patients with uHCC receive ICT, especially patients unsuitable for SR. Better long-term survival was observed among patients in the downstaged cohort compared to those who failed to downstage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusen Du
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Chao An
- Department of Minimal Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Wendao Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
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Zhu DH, Su KK, Ou-Yang XX, Zhang YH, Yu XP, Li ZH, Ahmadi-Nishaboori SS, Li LJ. Mechanisms and clinical landscape of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in gastrointestinal tract cancers. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1553-1570. [PMID: 38856795 PMCID: PMC11254988 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05040-x] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics encompasses reversible and heritable chemical modifications of non-nuclear DNA sequences, including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA modifications, and chromatin rearrangements. In addition to well-studied DNA and histone methylation, RNA methylation has emerged as a hot topic in biological sciences over the past decade. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNA, affecting all RNA stages, including transcription, translation, and degradation. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies made it feasible to identify the chemical basis and biological functions of m6A RNA. Dysregulation of m6A levels and associated modifying proteins can both inhibit and promote cancer, highlighting the importance of the tumor microenvironment in diverse biological processes. Gastrointestinal tract cancers, including gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, are among the most common and deadly malignancies in humans. Growing evidence suggests a close association between m6A levels and the progression of gastrointestinal tumors. Global m6A modification levels are substantially modified in gastrointestinal tumor tissues and cell lines compared to healthy tissues and cells, possibly influencing various biological behaviors such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exploring the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of m6A-related proteins is critical from a clinical standpoint. Developing more specific and effective m6A modulators offers new options for treating these tumors and deeper insights into gastrointestinal tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kun-Kai Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Ou-Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yan-Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zu-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | | | - Lan-Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Wang DX, Liu H, Tian JC, Zhang DL, Yan LJ, Ding ZN, Li H, Yan YC, Dong ZR, Li T. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy based on PD-1/L1 inhibitors for gastrointestinal tumors: a review of the rationale and clinical advances. Int J Surg 2024; 110:3707-3722. [PMID: 38518083 PMCID: PMC11175801 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The landscape of current tumor treatment has been revolutionized by the advent of immunotherapy based on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Leveraging its capacity to mobilize systemic antitumor immunity, which is primarily mediated by T cells, there is growing exploration and expansion of its potential value in various stages of clinical tumor treatment. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy induces a robust immune response against tumors prior to surgery, effectively facilitating tumor volume reduction, early eradication or suppression of tumor cell activity, and control of potential metastatic spread, to improve curative surgical resection rates, and prevent tumor recurrence. This review delineates the theoretical basis of neoadjuvant immunotherapy from preclinical research evidence, discusses specific challenges in clinical application, and provides a comprehensive overview of clinical research progress in neoadjuvant immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors. These findings suggest that neoadjuvant immunotherapy has the potential to ameliorate immunosuppressive states and enhance cytotoxic T cell function while preserving lymphatic drainage in the preoperative period. However, further investigations are needed on specific treatment regimens, suitable patient populations, and measurable endpoints. Despite numerous studies demonstrating the promising efficacy and manageable adverse events of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors, the availability of high-quality randomized controlled trials is limited, which highlights the necessity for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
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Kim SJ, Cummins KC, Tsung A. Immunotherapy as a Complement to Surgical Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1852. [PMID: 38791931 PMCID: PMC11120323 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101852] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor in adults, and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While surgical and ablative therapies remain the standard of care in early localized disease, late presentation with advanced stages of disease, impaired hepatic function, or local recurrence following surgical resection preclude operative management as the sole treatment modality in a subgroup of patients. As such, systemic therapies, namely immunotherapy, have become an integral part of the HCC treatment algorithm over the past decade. While agents, such as atezolizumab/bevacizumab, have well-established roles as first-line systemic therapy in intermediate- and advanced-stage HCC, the role of immunotherapy in disease amenable to surgical management continues to evolve. In this review, we will discuss the current evidence and aggregate impact of immunotherapy in the context of HCC amenable to surgical management, including its application in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Liu J, Tang W, Ye L, Miao G, Zeng M, Liu L. Estimating Efficacy of Conversion Therapy on Patients with Initially Unresectable Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases by using MRI: Development of a Predictive Score. Acad Radiol 2024:S1076-6332(24)00255-1. [PMID: 38734578 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.04.038] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The conversion success rate (CSR) has crucial implication for clinical outcomes of initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) following conversion therapy. This study aimed to develop a simple predictive scoring model for identifying CSR according to baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and confirm its performance and prognostic significance in a validation cohort. METHODS A total of 155 consecutive patients with initially unresectable CRLM were retrospectively reviewed in the study. A simple MRI-based predictive scoring model for identifying CSR was developed in the development cohort (n = 104) by using multivariable logistic regression analyzes. The diagnostic performance was evaluated for the predictive score. Thereafter, patients in the validation cohort (n = 51) were stratified into groups with predicted high CSR or low CSR according to the score. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between two groups using the log-rank test. RESULTS The predictive score of CSR, named mrNISE, incorporated the number of CRLM ≥ 10, the largest size ≥ 50 mm, poorly defined tumor-liver interface, and peritumoral enhancement. The AUC of the mrNISE score was 0.845 for the development cohort and 0.776 for the validation cohort. According to the score, patients with predicted high CSR had better PFS and OS than those with low CSR in both development and validation cohorts. CONCLUSION The predictive score demonstrated great performance for identifying CSR of initially unresectable CRLM. Stratifying patients by the score, personalized treatment goals can be formulated before conversion therapy to improve clinical prognosis and reduce adverse events caused by ineffective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lechi Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengyun Miao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengsu Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - Liheng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China.
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Fu S, Xu Y, Mao Y, He M, Chen Z, Huang S, Li D, Lv Y, Wu J. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors: A promising treatment approach for high-burden hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7105. [PMID: 38686567 PMCID: PMC11058683 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7105] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has demonstrated remarkable local therapeutic efficacy in treating patients with large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Additionally, the combination of lenvatinib and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors has demonstrated promising antitumor effects in unresectable HCC. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining HAIC with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors as a first-line therapeutic approach in high-burden HCC patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients diagnosed with high-burden HCC who had major portal vein tumor thrombosis (Vp3 and Vp4) or tumor occupancy exceeding 50% of the liver. These patients received a first-line treatment consisting of HAIC with a combination of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), along with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors between November 2020 and June 2023. The primary endpoints of this study included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). RESULTS Ninety-one patients were enrolled in this study, with a median PFS of 8.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.75-11.78) and a median OS of 14.3 months (95% CI: 11.23-17.31). According to RECIST 1.1 criteria, the ORR was 52.7%, and DCR was 95.6%. According to the mRECIST criteria, the ORR was 72.5%, and the DCR was 96.5%. Among all patients, 86 (94.5%) experienced TRAEs, and there were no instances of treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION The combination of HAIC-FOLFOX with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors as a first-line therapy has exhibited notable therapeutic efficacy and well-tolerated adverse events among patients with high-burden HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Fu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Yongkang Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Ye Mao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Mengting He
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Zhimeng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Shenglan Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Yaqin Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
| | - Jianbing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangJixangxiChina
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Zhang W, Song LN, You YF, Qi FN, Cui XH, Yi MX, Zhu G, Chang RA, Zhang HJ. Application of artificial intelligence in the prediction of immunotherapy efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma: Current status and prospects. Artif Intell Gastroenterol 2024; 5:90096. [DOI: 10.35712/aig.v5.i1.90096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increased as a potent tool in medicine, with promising oncology applications. The emergence of immunotherapy has transformed the treatment terrain for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), offering new hope to patients with this challenging malignancy. This article examines the role and future of AI in forecasting the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HCC. We highlight the potential of AI to revolutionize the prediction of therapy response, thus improving patient selection and clinical outcomes. The article further outlines the challenges and future research directions in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine and Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Ning Song
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine and Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun-Fei You
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine and Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng-Nan Qi
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine and Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Ming-Xun Yi
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine and Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guang Zhu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ren-An Chang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine and Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Jian Zhang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Cui K, Li Z, Zhong J, Shi X, Zhao L, Li H, Ma Y. Achieving complete remission in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma with sintilimab plus sorafenib therapy followed by hepatic resection: a case report. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1355798. [PMID: 38380371 PMCID: PMC10878169 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1355798] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The synergistic effectiveness of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted therapies has shown promise in improving the conversion rate for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients to a potentially resectable status. However, the efficacy of this approach in the context of HCC with extrahepatic metastasis remains to be conclusively determined. Case presentation We report a rare case of advanced HCC with extrahepatic metastasis who achieved long-term survival by a combination of systemic therapy (sintilimab and sorafenib) followed by laparoscopic hepatectomy. A 63-year-old man presented at our hospital with discomfort on the right side of his waist. An enlarged right hepatic lobe mass was subsequently revealed by CT scan. The patient's medical history, including a prior infection with hepatitis B virus, cirrhosis of the liver and an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level measuring 41.28 ng/ml substantiated the clinical diagnosis of HCC. On October 30th, 2019, the patient received 200 mg sintilimab intravenously (q3w) plus 200-400 mg BID sorafenib orally, along with antiviral therapy. After six cycles, his disease achieved partial response (PR). On April 26th, 2021, He underwent a laparoscopic hepatectomy. The patient achieved a sustained period of no evidence of disease for 2.5 years and with drug-free survival for 2 years after the resection. His current overall survival is estimated at approximately 4 years. Conclusions This case highlights the potential of combining sintilimab and sorafenib in transforming HCC with extrahepatic metastasis into a condition amenable to surgical resection, suggesting that this treatment approach, followed by surgery, may lead to complete remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongchao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingtao Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuetao Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Shandong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Shandong Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Xie Y, Lyu T, Wang J, Zou Y. Which is more appropriate for the evaluation of HCC, RECIST or mRECIST criteria? Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:381. [PMID: 38071182 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xie
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianshi Lyu
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yinghua Zou
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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