1
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Porter LH, Harrison SG, Risbridger GP, Lister N, Taylor RA. Left out in the cold: Moving beyond hormonal therapy for the treatment of immunologically cold prostate cancer with CAR T cell immunotherapies. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106571. [PMID: 38909866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is primarily hormone-dependent, and medical treatments have focused on inhibiting androgen biosynthesis or signaling through various approaches. Despite significant advances with the introduction of androgen receptor signalling inhibitors (ARSIs), patients continue to progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), highlighting the need for targeted therapies that extend beyond hormonal blockade. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells and other engineered immune cells represent a new generation of adoptive cellular therapies. While these therapies have significantly enhanced outcomes for patients with hematological malignancies, ongoing research is exploring the broader use of CAR T therapy in solid tumors, including advanced prostate cancer. In general, CAR T cell therapies are less effective against solid cancers with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment hindering T cell infiltration, activation and cytotoxicity following antigen recognition. In addition, inherent tumor heterogeneity exists in patients with advanced prostate cancer that may prevent durable therapeutic responses using single-target agents. These barriers must be overcome to inform clinical trial design and improve treatment efficacy. In this review, we discuss the innovative and rationally designed strategies under investigation to improve the clinical translation of cellular immunotherapy in prostate cancer and maximise therapeutic outcomes for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Porter
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - S G Harrison
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - G P Risbridger
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Cancer Immunology Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC 3144, Australia
| | - Natalie Lister
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - R A Taylor
- Cancer Immunology Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC 3144, Australia; Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Cancer Program, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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2
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Trautmann T, Yakobian N, Nguyen R. CAR T-cells for pediatric solid tumors: where to go from here? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10214-6. [PMID: 39317919 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10214-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite the great success that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have had in patients with B-cell malignancies and multiple myeloma, they continue to have limited efficacy against most solid tumors. Especially in the pediatric population, pre- and post-treatment biopsies are rarely performed due to ethical reasons, and thus, our understanding is still very limited regarding the mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment by which tumor cells exclude effectors and attract immune-suppressive cells. Nevertheless, based on the principles that are known, current T-cell engineering has leveraged some of these processes and created more potent CAR T-cells. The recent discovery of new oncofetal antigens and progress made in CAR design have expanded the potential pool of candidate antigens for therapeutic development. The most promising approaches to enhance CAR T-cells are novel CAR gating strategies, creative ways of cytokine delivery to the TME without enhancing systemic toxicity, and hijacking the chemokine axis of tumors for migratory purposes. With these new modifications, the next step in the era of CAR T-cell development will be the clinical validation of these promising preclinical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Trautmann
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, NIH, NCI, 10 Center Drive, 1W-5832, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Natalia Yakobian
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, NIH, NCI, 10 Center Drive, 1W-5832, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rosa Nguyen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, NIH, NCI, 10 Center Drive, 1W-5832, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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3
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Dadgar N, Arunachalam AK, Hong H, Phoon YP, Arpi-Palacios JE, Uysal M, Wehrle CJ, Aucejo F, Ma WW, Melenhorst JJ. Advancing Cholangiocarcinoma Care: Insights and Innovations in T Cell Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3232. [PMID: 39335203 PMCID: PMC11429565 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16183232] [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: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare and aggressive malignancy originating from the bile ducts, with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Traditional therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, have shown limited efficacy, especially in advanced cases. Recent advancements in immunotherapy, particularly T cell-based therapies like chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and T cell receptor (TCR)-based therapies, have opened new avenues for improving outcomes in CCA. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of T cell therapies for CCA, focusing on CAR T cell therapy. It highlights key challenges, including the complex tumor microenvironment and immune evasion mechanisms, and the progress made in preclinical and clinical trials. The review also discusses ongoing clinical trials targeting specific CCA antigens, such as MUC1, EGFR, and CD133, and the evolving role of precision immunotherapy in enhancing treatment outcomes. Despite significant progress, further research is needed to optimize these therapies for solid tumors like CCA. By summarizing the most recent clinical results and future directions, this review underscores the promising potential of T cell therapies in revolutionizing CCA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Dadgar
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Enterprise Cancer Institute, Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA;
| | - Arun K. Arunachalam
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Lerner Research Institute, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.K.A.); (H.H.); (Y.P.P.); (J.E.A.-P.); (M.U.)
| | - Hanna Hong
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Lerner Research Institute, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.K.A.); (H.H.); (Y.P.P.); (J.E.A.-P.); (M.U.)
| | - Yee Peng Phoon
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Lerner Research Institute, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.K.A.); (H.H.); (Y.P.P.); (J.E.A.-P.); (M.U.)
| | - Jorge E. Arpi-Palacios
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Lerner Research Institute, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.K.A.); (H.H.); (Y.P.P.); (J.E.A.-P.); (M.U.)
| | - Melis Uysal
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Lerner Research Institute, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.K.A.); (H.H.); (Y.P.P.); (J.E.A.-P.); (M.U.)
| | - Chase J. Wehrle
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Digestive Diseases & Surgery Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.J.W.); (F.A.)
| | - Federico Aucejo
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Digestive Diseases & Surgery Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.J.W.); (F.A.)
| | - Wen Wee Ma
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Jan Joseph Melenhorst
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Lerner Research Institute, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.K.A.); (H.H.); (Y.P.P.); (J.E.A.-P.); (M.U.)
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4
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Ajmal I, Farooq MA, Duan Y, Yao J, Gao Y, Hui X, Ge Y, Chen Y, Ren Y, Du B, Jiang W. Intrinsic ADRB2 inhibition improves CAR-T cell therapy efficacy against prostate cancer. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00585-9. [PMID: 39228124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.08.028] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has shown limited success in patients with solid tumors. Recent in vitro and in vivo data have shown that adrenoceptor beta-2 (ADRB2) is a novel checkpoint receptor that inhibits T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. To inhibit ADRB2-mediated inhibitory signaling, we downregulated ADRB2 in CAR-T (shβ2-CAR-T) cells via RNA interference, assessed different parameters, and compared them with conventional second-generation CAR-T cells. ADRB2 knockdown CAR-T cells exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cell lines in vitro, by increasing CD69, CD107a, GzmB, IFN-γ, T-bet, and GLUT-1. In addition, ADRB2 deficiency led to improved proliferation, increased CD8/CD4 T cell ratio, and decreased apoptosis in CAR-T cells. shβ2-CAR-T cells expressed more Bcl-2 and led to the generation of more significant proportions of T central memory cells. Finally, the ZAP-70/NF-κB signaling axis was shown to be responsible for the improved functions of novel CAR-T cells. In tumor-bearing mice, shβ2-CAR-T cells performed better than conventional CAR-T cells in eradicating prostate tumors. The study provides the basis for future clinical and translational CAR-T cell research to focus on adrenergic stress-mediated challenges in the tumor microenvironment of stressed tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Ajmal
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Muhammad Asad Farooq
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yixin Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yaoxin Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Biotherapy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinhui Hui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yujia Ge
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yiran Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yaojun Ren
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; College of Life Science, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi 830053, China
| | - Bingtan Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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5
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Perna F, Parekh S, Diorio C, Smith M, Subklewe M, Mehta R, Locke FL, Shah NN. CAR T-cell toxicities: from bedside to bench, how novel toxicities inform laboratory investigations. Blood Adv 2024; 8:4348-4358. [PMID: 38861351 PMCID: PMC11375260 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Multiple chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies are US Food and Drug Administration-approved, and several are under development. Although effective for some cancers, toxicities remain a limitation. The most common toxicities, that is, cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, are well described. With increasing utilization, providers worldwide are reporting other emergent and often complicated toxicities. Given the evolving toxicity profiles and urgent need to catalog these emerging and emergent CAR T-cell toxicities and describe management approaches, the American Society of Hematology Subcommittee on Emerging Gene and Cell Therapies organized the first scientific workshop on CAR T-cell toxicities during the annual society meeting. The workshop functioned to (1) aggregate reports of CAR T-cell emergent toxicities, including movement disorders after B-cell maturation antigen CAR T cell, coagulation abnormalities, and prolonged cytopenia; (2) disseminate bedside-to-bench efforts elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms of CAR T-cell toxicities, including the intestinal microbiota and systemic immune dysregulation; and (3) highlight gaps in the availability of clinical tests, such as cytokine measurements, which could be used to expand our knowledge around the monitoring of toxicities. Key themes emerged. First, although clinical manifestations may develop before the pathophysiologic mechanisms are understood, they must be studied to aid in the detection and prevention of such toxicities. Second, systemic immune dysregulation appears to be central to these emergent toxicities, and research is needed to elucidate the links between tumors, CAR T cells, and microbiota. Finally, there was a consensus around the urgency to create a repository to capture emergent CAR T-cell toxicities and the real-world management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Perna
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Samir Parekh
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, The Tish Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Caroline Diorio
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Melody Smith
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Rakesh Mehta
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Frederick L Locke
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
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6
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Chen S, Nguyen TD, Lee KZ, Liu D. Ex vivo T cell differentiation in adoptive immunotherapy manufacturing: Critical process parameters and analytical technologies. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 77:108434. [PMID: 39168355 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy shows great promise as a treatment for cancer and other diseases. Recent evidence suggests that the therapeutic efficacy of these cell-based therapies can be enhanced by the enrichment of less-differentiated T cell subpopulations in the therapeutic product, giving rise to a need for advanced manufacturing technologies capable of enriching these subpopulations through regulation of T cell differentiation. Studies have shown that modifying certain critical process control parameters, such as cytokines, metabolites, amino acids, and culture environment, can effectively manipulate T cell differentiation in ex vivo cultures. Advanced process analytical technologies (PATs) are crucial for monitoring these parameters and the assessment of T cell differentiation during culture. In this review, we examine such critical process parameters and PATs, with an emphasis on their impact on enriching less-differentiated T cell population. We also discuss the limitations of current technologies and advocate for further efforts from the community to establish more stringent critical process parameters (CPPs) and develop more at-line/online PATs that are specific to T cell differentiation. These advancements will be essential to enable the manufacturing of more efficacious adoptive immunotherapy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixun Chen
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 20 Biopolis Way, 138668, Singapore
| | - Tan Dai Nguyen
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 20 Biopolis Way, 138668, Singapore
| | - Kang-Zheng Lee
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 20 Biopolis Way, 138668, Singapore
| | - Dan Liu
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 20 Biopolis Way, 138668, Singapore.
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7
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Xu F, Ni Q, Gong N, Xia B, Zhang J, Guo W, Hu Z, Li J, Liang XJ. Delivery Systems Developed for Treatment Combinations to Improve Adoptive Cell Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407525. [PMID: 39165065 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has shown great success in the clinic for treating hematologic malignancies. However, solid tumor treatment with ACT monotherapy is still challenging, owing to insufficient expansion and rapid exhaustion of adoptive cells, tumor antigen downregulation/loss, and dense tumor extracellular matrix. Delivery strategies for combination cell therapy have great potential to overcome these hurdles. The delivery of vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, chemotherapeutics, and photothermal reagents in combination with adoptive cells, have been shown to improve the expansion/activation, decrease exhaustion, and promote the penetration of adoptive cells in solid tumors. Moreover, the delivery of nucleic acids to engineer immune cells directly in vivo holds promise to overcome many of the hurdles associated with the complex ex vivo cell engineering strategies. Here, these research advance, as well as the opportunities and challenges for integrating delivery technologies into cell therapy s are discussed, and the outlook for these emerging areas are criticlly analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfei Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Qiankun Ni
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Bozhang Xia
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Weisheng Guo
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Zhongbo Hu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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8
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Zhang G, Li J, Li G, Zhang J, Yang Z, Yang L, Jiang S, Wang J. Strategies for treating the cold tumors of cholangiocarcinoma: core concepts and future directions. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:193. [PMID: 39141161 PMCID: PMC11324771 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01460-7] [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: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare type of digestive tract cancer originating from the epithelial cells of the liver and biliary tract. Current treatment modalities for CCA, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have demonstrated limited efficacy in enhancing survival rates. Despite the revolutionary potential of immunotherapy in cancer management, its application in CCA remains restricted due to the minimal infiltration of immune cells in these tumors, rendering them cold and unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Cancer cells within cold tumors deploy various mechanisms for evading immune attack, thus impeding clinical management. Recently, combination immunotherapy has become increasingly essential to comprehend the mechanisms underlying cold tumors to enhance a deficient antitumor immune response. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the knowledge on the combination immunotherapy of cold CCA is imperative to leverage the benefits of immunotherapy in treating patients. Moreover, gut microbiota plays an essential role in the immunotherapeutic responses in CCA. In this review, we summarize the current concepts of immunotherapy in CCA and clarify the intricate dynamics within the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of CCA. We also delve into the evasion mechanisms employed by CCA tumors against the anti-tumor immune responses. The context of combination immunotherapies in igniting cold tumors of CCA and the critical function of gut microbiota in prompting immune responses have also been annotated. Furthermore, we have proposed future directions in the realm of CCA immunotherapy, aiming to improve the clinical prognosis of CCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuanBo Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - JinSong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - ShiJie Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - JiaXing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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9
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Hua S, Gu X, Jin H, Zhang X, Liu Q, Yang J. Tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes: A promising immunotherapeutic target for preventing immune escape in cholangiocarcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117080. [PMID: 38972151 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117080] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is becoming more common and deadly worldwide. Tumor-infiltrating T cell subtypes make distinct contributions to the immune system; collectively, they constitute a significant portion of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CCA. By secreting cytokines and other chemicals, regulatory T cells (Tregs) decrease activated T cell responses, acting as immunosuppressors. Reduced CD8+ T cell activation results in stimulating programmed death-1 (PD-1), which undermines the immunological homeostasis of T lymphocytes. On the other hand, cancer cells are eliminated by activated cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) through the perforin-granzyme or Fas-FasL pathways. Th1 and CTL immune cell infiltration into the malignant tumor is also facilitated by γδ T cells. A higher prognosis is typically implied by CD8+ T cell infiltration, and survival is inversely associated with Treg cell density. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, either singly or in combination, provide novel therapeutic strategies for CCA immunotherapy. Furthermore, it is anticipated that immunotherapeutic strategies-such as the identification of new immune targets, combination treatments involving several immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor-T therapies (CAR-T)-will optimize the effectiveness of anti-CCA treatments while reducing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Hua
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xinyi Gu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Hangbin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital. School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital. School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital. School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital. School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.
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10
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Yue S, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:1089-1111. [PMID: 39066855 PMCID: PMC11329538 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01243-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] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies that arise from the epithelium of the biliary tract. Most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. For patients with unresectable BTC, the survival advantage provided by systemic chemotherapy was limited. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has significantly improved the therapeutic landscape of solid tumors. There is an increasing number of studies evaluating the application of immunotherapy in BTC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. The limited response to ICIs monotherapy in unselected patients prompted investigators to explore different combination therapy strategies. Early clinical trials of therapeutic cancer vaccination and adoptive cell therapy have shown encouraging clinical results. However, there still has been a long way to go via validation of therapeutic efficacy and exploration of strategies to increase the efficacy. Identifying biomarkers that predict the response to immunotherapy will allow a more accurate selection of candidates. This review will provide an up-to-date overview of the current clinical data on the role of immunotherapy, summarize the promising biomarkers predictive of the response to ICIs and discuss the perspective for future research direction of immunotherapy in advanced BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Yue
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunpu Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, China.
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11
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Zhang Y, Fu H, Zhao Q. Current status and perspectives of clinical trials for tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03608-z. [PMID: 39078471 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have revolutionized cancer treatment strategies over the past decade, but their limitations have limited clinical applications. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is a type of adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which collects infiltrating lymphocytes at the tumor site and expands them in vitro to obtain TIL final products cloned by various T-cell receptors, subsequently reinfused TIL into the patient, which is effective for the treatment of solid tumors. The approval of Lifileucel for commercialization marks the success of TIL therapy. This review summarizes the current status of clinical trials of TIL treatment. In addition, it is suggested that the current research trend of TIL should focus on improving the survival time of TIL in vivo, reducing drug toxicity, and searching for prognostic markers. Finally, it is expected that TIL therapy can be applied to a more wide range of clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunting Zhang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongye Fu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Esmail A, Badheeb M, Alnahar BW, Almiqlash B, Sakr Y, Al-Najjar E, Awas A, Alsayed M, Khasawneh B, Alkhulaifawi M, Alsaleh A, Abudayyeh A, Rayyan Y, Abdelrahim M. The Recent Trends of Systemic Treatments and Locoregional Therapies for Cholangiocarcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:910. [PMID: 39065760 PMCID: PMC11279608 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070910] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a hepatic malignancy that has a rapidly increasing incidence. CCA is anatomically classified into intrahepatic (iCCA) and extrahepatic (eCCA), which is further divided into perihilar (pCCA) and distal (dCCA) subtypes, with higher incidence rates in Asia. Despite its rarity, CCA has a low 5-year survival rate and remains the leading cause of primary liver tumor-related death over the past 10-20 years. The systemic therapy section discusses gemcitabine-based regimens as primary treatments, along with oxaliplatin-based options. Second-line therapy is limited but may include short-term infusional fluorouracil (FU) plus leucovorin (LV) and oxaliplatin. The adjuvant therapy section discusses approaches to improve overall survival (OS) post-surgery. However, only a minority of CCA patients qualify for surgical resection. In comparison to adjuvant therapies, neoadjuvant therapy for unresectable cases shows promise. Gemcitabine and cisplatin indicate potential benefits for patients awaiting liver transplantation. The addition of immunotherapies to chemotherapy in combination is discussed. Nivolumab and innovative approaches like CAR-T cells, TRBAs, and oncolytic viruses are explored. We aim in this review to provide a comprehensive report on the systemic and locoregional therapies for CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Esmail
- Section of GI Oncology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mohamed Badheeb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
| | | | - Bushray Almiqlash
- Zuckerman College of Public Health, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Yara Sakr
- Department of GI Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ebtesam Al-Najjar
- Section of GI Oncology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ali Awas
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Sanaa P.O. Box 15201-13064, Yemen
| | | | - Bayan Khasawneh
- Section of GI Oncology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Amneh Alsaleh
- Department of Medicine, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
| | - Ala Abudayyeh
- Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yaser Rayyan
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Maen Abdelrahim
- Section of GI Oncology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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13
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Yasuda T, Wang YA. Gastric cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment heterogeneity: implications for therapy development. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:627-642. [PMID: 38600020 PMCID: PMC11292672 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.03.008] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has revolutionized solid tumor treatment, durable responses in gastric cancer (GC) remain limited. The heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates immune evasion, contributing to resistance to conventional and immune therapies. Recent studies have highlighted how specific TME components in GC acquire immune escape capabilities through cancer-specific factors. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and targeting the immunosuppressive TME will enhance immunotherapy efficacy and patient outcomes. This review summarizes recent advances in GC TME research and explores the role of the immune-suppressive system as a context-specific determinant. We also provide insights into potential treatments beyond checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahito Yasuda
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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14
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Pal SK, Tran B, Haanen JB, Hurwitz ME, Sacher A, Tannir NM, Budde LE, Harrison SJ, Klobuch S, Patel SS, Meza L, Dequeant ML, Ma A, He QA, Williams LM, Keegan A, Gurary EB, Dar H, Karnik S, Guo C, Heath H, Yuen RR, Morrow PK, Agarwal N, Srour SA. CD70-Targeted Allogeneic CAR T-Cell Therapy for Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1176-1189. [PMID: 38583184 PMCID: PMC11215406 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain limited; however, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies may offer novel treatment options. CTX130, an allogeneic CD70-targeting CAR T-cell product, was developed for the treatment of advanced or refractory ccRCC. We report that CTX130 showed favorable preclinical proliferation and cytotoxicity profiles and completely regressed RCC xenograft tumors. We also report results from 16 patients with relapsed/refractory ccRCC who received CTX130 in a phase I, multicenter, first-in-human clinical trial. No patients encountered dose-limiting toxicity, and disease control was achieved in 81.3% of patients. One patient remains in a durable complete response at 3 years. Finally, we report on a next-generation CAR T construct, CTX131, in which synergistic potency edits to CTX130 confer improved expansion and efficacy in preclinical studies. These data represent a proof of concept for the treatment of ccRCC and other CD70+ malignancies with CD70- targeted allogeneic CAR T cells. Significance: Although the role of CAR T cells is well established in hematologic malignancies, the clinical experience in solid tumors has been disappointing. This clinical trial demonstrates the first complete response in a patient with RCC, reinforcing the potential benefit of CAR T cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanta K. Pal
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California.
| | - Ben Tran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - John B.A.G. Haanen
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | | | - Adrian Sacher
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
- Departments of Medicine and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Nizar M. Tannir
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Lihua E. Budde
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California.
| | - Simon J. Harrison
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Sagar S. Patel
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Luis Meza
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California.
| | | | - Anna Ma
- CRISPR Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | | | | | | | - Ellen B. Gurary
- Formerly employed by CRISPR Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Henia Dar
- CRISPR Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | | | - Changan Guo
- Formerly employed by CRISPR Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | | | | | - Phuong K. Morrow
- Formerly employed by CRISPR Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Neeraj Agarwal
- Division of Medical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Samer A. Srour
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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15
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Sun Z, Wang C, Zhao Y, Ling Q. CAR-T cell therapy in advanced thyroid cancer: from basic to clinical. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1411300. [PMID: 38911868 PMCID: PMC11190081 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1411300] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with thyroid cancer can attain a favorable prognosis with a comprehensive treatment program based on surgical treatment. However, the current treatment options for advanced thyroid cancer are still limited. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has received widespread attention in the field of oncology treatment. It has achieved remarkable results in the treatment of hematologic tumors. However, due to the constraints of multiple factors, the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T therapy for solid tumors, including thyroid cancer, has not yet met expectations. This review outlines the fundamental structure and treatment strategies of CAR-T cells, provides an overview of the advancements in both preclinical investigations and clinical trials focusing on targets associated with CAR-T cell therapy in treating thyroid cancer, and discusses the challenges and solutions to CAR-T cell therapy for thyroid cancer. In conclusion, CAR-T cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for thyroid cancer, and we hope that our review will provide a timely and updated study of CAR-T cell therapy for thyroid cancer to advance the field.
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16
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Suwanchiwasiri K, Phanthaphol N, Somboonpatarakun C, Yuti P, Sujjitjoon J, Luangwattananun P, Maher J, Yenchitsomanus PT, Junking M. Bispecific T cell engager-armed T cells targeting integrin ανβ6 exhibit enhanced T cell redirection and antitumor activity in cholangiocarcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116718. [PMID: 38744221 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) presents a clinical challenge due to limited treatment options, necessitating exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches. Bispecific T cell engager (BTE)-armed T cell therapy shows promise in hematological and solid malignancies, offering potential advantages in safety over continuous BTE infusion. In this context, we developed a novel BTE, targeting CD3 on T cells and integrin αvβ6, an antigen elevated in various epithelial malignancies, on cancer cells. The novel BTE was generated by fusing an integrin αvβ6-binding peptide (A20) to an anti-CD3 (OKT3) single-chain variable fragment (scFv) through a G4S peptide linker (A20/αCD3 BTE). T cells were then armed with A20/αCD3 BTE (A20/αCD3-armed T cells) and assessed for antitumor activity. Our results highlight the specific binding of A20/αCD3 BTE to CD3 on T cells and integrin αvβ6 on target cells, effectively redirecting T cells towards these targets. After co-culture, A20/αCD3-armed T cells exhibited significantly heightened cytotoxicity against integrin αvβ6-expressing target cells compared to unarmed T cells in both KKU-213A cells and A375.β6 cells. Moreover, in a five-day co-culture, A20/αCD3-armed T cells demonstrated superior cytotoxicity against KKU-213A spheroids compared to unarmed T cells. Importantly, A20/αCD3-armed T cells exhibited an increased proportion of the effector memory T cell (Tem) subset, upregulation of T cell activation markers, enhanced T cell proliferation, and increased cytolytic molecule/cytokine production, when compared to unarmed T cells in an integrin αvβ6-dependent manner. These findings support the potential of A20/αCD3-armed T cells as a novel therapeutic approach for integrin αvβ6-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwanpirom Suwanchiwasiri
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattaporn Phanthaphol
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; School of Cardiovascular and Medical Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Chalermchai Somboonpatarakun
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornpimon Yuti
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jatuporn Sujjitjoon
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piriya Luangwattananun
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - John Maher
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CAR Mechanics Lab, Guy's Cancer Centre, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mutita Junking
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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17
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Chan JD, Scheffler CM, Munoz I, Sek K, Lee JN, Huang YK, Yap KM, Saw NYL, Li J, Chen AXY, Chan CW, Derrick EB, Todd KL, Tong J, Dunbar PA, Li J, Hoang TX, de Menezes MN, Petley EV, Kim JS, Nguyen D, Leung PSK, So J, Deguit C, Zhu J, House IG, Kats LM, Scott AM, Solomon BJ, Harrison SJ, Oliaro J, Parish IA, Quinn KM, Neeson PJ, Slaney CY, Lai J, Beavis PA, Darcy PK. FOXO1 enhances CAR T cell stemness, metabolic fitness and efficacy. Nature 2024; 629:201-210. [PMID: 38600376 PMCID: PMC11062918 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed the treatment of haematological malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, B cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma1-4, but the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in solid tumours has been limited5. This is owing to a number of factors, including the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment that gives rise to poorly persisting and metabolically dysfunctional T cells. Analysis of anti-CD19 CAR T cells used clinically has shown that positive treatment outcomes are associated with a more 'stem-like' phenotype and increased mitochondrial mass6-8. We therefore sought to identify transcription factors that could enhance CAR T cell fitness and efficacy against solid tumours. Here we show that overexpression of FOXO1 promotes a stem-like phenotype in CAR T cells derived from either healthy human donors or patients, which correlates with improved mitochondrial fitness, persistence and therapeutic efficacy in vivo. This work thus reveals an engineering approach to genetically enforce a favourable metabolic phenotype that has high translational potential to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells against solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D Chan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina M Scheffler
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabelle Munoz
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin Sek
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joel N Lee
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yu-Kuan Huang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kah Min Yap
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole Y L Saw
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jasmine Li
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda X Y Chen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheok Weng Chan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily B Derrick
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsten L Todd
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Junming Tong
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phoebe A Dunbar
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jiawen Li
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thang X Hoang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria N de Menezes
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma V Petley
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joelle S Kim
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dat Nguyen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick S K Leung
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joan So
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christian Deguit
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joe Zhu
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imran G House
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lev M Kats
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew M Scott
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Solomon
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon J Harrison
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Clinical Haematology and Centre of Excellence for Cellular Immunotherapies, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Oliaro
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian A Parish
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kylie M Quinn
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Neeson
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clare Y Slaney
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Junyun Lai
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Paul A Beavis
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Clinical Haematology and Centre of Excellence for Cellular Immunotherapies, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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18
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Heumann P, Albert A, Gülow K, Tümen D, Müller M, Kandulski A. Current and Future Therapeutic Targets for Directed Molecular Therapies in Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1690. [PMID: 38730642 PMCID: PMC11083102 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091690] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature of published data, clinical trials (MEDLINE; ncbi.pubmed.com), congress contributions (asco.org; esmo.org), and active recruiting clinical trains (clinicaltrial.gov) on targeted therapies in cholangiocarcinoma. Palliative treatment regimens were analyzed as well as preoperative and perioperative treatment options. We summarized the current knowledge for each mutation and molecular pathway that is or has been under clinical evaluation and discussed the results on the background of current treatment guidelines. We established and recommended targeted treatment options that already exist for second-line settings, including IDH-, BRAF-, and NTRK-mutated tumors, as well as for FGFR2 fusion, HER2/neu-overexpression, and microsatellite instable tumors. Other options for targeted treatment include EGFR- or VEGF-dependent pathways, which are known to be overexpressed or dysregulated in this cancer type and are currently under clinical investigation. Targeted therapy in CCA is a hallmark of individualized medicine as these therapies aim to specifically block pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival, leading to tumor shrinkage and improved patient outcomes based on the molecular profile of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heumann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases University Hospital Regensburg Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases University Hospital Regensburg Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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19
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Toledo B, Deiana C, Scianò F, Brandi G, Marchal JA, Perán M, Giovannetti E. Treatment resistance in pancreatic and biliary tract cancer: molecular and clinical pharmacology perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:323-347. [PMID: 38413373 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2319340] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment resistance poses a significant obstacle in oncology, especially in biliary tract cancer (BTC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). Current therapeutic options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Resistance to these treatments may arise due to diverse molecular mechanisms, such as genetic and epigenetic modifications, altered drug metabolism and efflux, and changes in the tumor microenvironment. Identifying and overcoming these mechanisms is a major focus of research: strategies being explored include combination therapies, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and personalized approaches. AREAS COVERED We provide a current overview and discussion of the most relevant mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy in both BTC and PC. Furthermore, we compare the different strategies that are being implemented to overcome these obstacles. EXPERT OPINION So far there is no unified theory on drug resistance and progress is limited. To overcome this issue, individualized patient approaches, possibly through liquid biopsies or single-cell transcriptome studies, are suggested, along with the potential use of artificial intelligence, to guide effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, we provide insights into what we consider the most promising areas of research, and we speculate on the future of managing treatment resistance to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Scianò
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lumobiotics GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Albarrán V, San Román M, Pozas J, Chamorro J, Rosero DI, Guerrero P, Calvo JC, González C, García de Quevedo C, Pérez de Aguado P, Moreno J, Cortés A, Soria A. Adoptive T cell therapy for solid tumors: current landscape and future challenges. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352805. [PMID: 38550594 PMCID: PMC10972864 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352805] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) comprises different strategies to enhance the activity of T lymphocytes and other effector cells that orchestrate the antitumor immune response, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, T-cell receptor (TCR) gene-modified T cells, and therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The outstanding results of CAR-T cells in some hematologic malignancies have launched the investigation of ACT in patients with refractory solid malignancies. However, certain characteristics of solid tumors, such as their antigenic heterogeneity and immunosuppressive microenvironment, hamper the efficacy of antigen-targeted treatments. Other ACT modalities, such as TIL therapy, have emerged as promising new strategies. TIL therapy has shown safety and promising activity in certain immunogenic cancers, mainly advanced melanoma, with an exciting rationale for its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the implementation of TIL therapy in clinical practice is hindered by several biological, logistic, and economic challenges. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge, available clinical results, and potential areas of future research regarding the use of T cell therapy in patients with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Albarrán
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - María San Román
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Pozas
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jesús Chamorro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Isabel Rosero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Guerrero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Calvo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos González
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Jaime Moreno
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Cortés
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainara Soria
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Zhao Y, Yang M, Feng J, Wang X, Liu Y. Advances in immunotherapy for biliary tract cancers. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:524-532. [PMID: 37646139 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Biliary tract cancers (BTC), a heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis, including gallbladder cancer (GBC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). Although surgery is currently the primary regimen to treat BTC, most BTC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and miss the opportunity of surgical eradication. As a result, non-surgical therapy serves as the main intervention for advanced BTC. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising therapies in a number of solid cancers, and it includes immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) monotherapy or combined therapy, tumor vaccines, oncolytic virus immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy (ACT), and cytokine therapy. However, these therapies have been practiced in limited clinical settings in patients with BTC. In this review, we focus on the discussion of latest advances of immunotherapy in BTC and update the progress of multiple current clinical trials with different immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Zhao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Mao Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Jiayi Feng
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Xu'an Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
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22
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Wilbur HC, Azad NS. Immunotherapy for the treatment of biliary tract cancer: an evolving landscape. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241235799. [PMID: 38449562 PMCID: PMC10916472 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241235799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), consisting of intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, are an aggressive, heterogeneous malignancy. They are most often diagnosed in the locally advanced or metastatic setting, at which point treatment consists of systemic therapy or best supportive care. Our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and the molecular classification has led to the identification of targetable mutations, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. Despite the identification of these genomic alterations, until recently, little advancement had been made in the first-line setting for advanced BTC. While immunotherapy (IO) has revolutionized the treatment of many malignancies, the use of IO in BTC had yielded limited results prior to TOPAZ-1. In this review, we discuss the systemic therapeutic advances for BTC over the past decade, the rationale for immunotherapy in BTC, prior trials utilizing IO in BTC, and current and emerging immune-based therapeutic options. We further analyze the culmination of these advances, which resulted in the approval of durvalumab with gemcitabine and cisplatin for the first-line treatment of BTC per TOPAZ-1. We also discuss the results of KEYNOTE-966, which similarly reported improved clinical outcomes with the use of pembrolizumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Catherine Wilbur
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nilofer S. Azad
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 401 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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23
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Lu L, Xie M, Yang B, Zhao WB, Cao J. Enhancing the safety of CAR-T cell therapy: Synthetic genetic switch for spatiotemporal control. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj6251. [PMID: 38394207 PMCID: PMC10889354 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a promising and precise targeted therapy for cancer that has demonstrated notable potential in clinical applications. However, severe adverse effects limit the clinical application of this therapy and are mainly caused by uncontrollable activation of CAR-T cells, including excessive immune response activation due to unregulated CAR-T cell action time, as well as toxicity resulting from improper spatial localization. Therefore, to enhance controllability and safety, a control module for CAR-T cells is proposed. Synthetic biology based on genetic engineering techniques is being used to construct artificial cells or organisms for specific purposes. This approach has been explored in recent years as a means of achieving controllability in CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in synthetic biology methods used to address the major adverse effects of CAR-T cell therapy in both the temporal and spatial dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingqi Xie
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
- Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-bin Zhao
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Shabaneh TB, Stevens AR, Stull SM, Shimp KR, Seaton BW, Gad EA, Jaeger-Ruckstuhl CA, Simon S, Koehne AL, Price JP, Olson JM, Hoffstrom BG, Jellyman D, Riddell SR. Systemically administered low-affinity HER2 CAR T cells mediate antitumor efficacy without toxicity. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008566. [PMID: 38325903 PMCID: PMC11145640 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008566] [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: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The paucity of tumor-specific targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy of solid tumors necessitates careful preclinical evaluation of the therapeutic window for candidate antigens. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an attractive candidate for CAR T-cell therapy in humans but has the potential for eliciting on-target off-tumor toxicity. We developed an immunocompetent tumor model of CAR T-cell therapy targeting murine HER2 (mHER2) and examined the effect of CAR affinity, T-cell dose, and lymphodepletion on safety and efficacy. METHODS Antibodies specific for mHER2 were generated, screened for affinity and specificity, tested for immunohistochemical staining of HER2 on normal tissues, and used for HER2-targeted CAR design. CAR candidates were evaluated for T-cell surface expression and the ability to induce T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity when transduced T cells were co-cultured with mHER2+ tumor cells in vitro. Safety and efficacy of various HER2 CARs was evaluated in two tumor models and normal non-tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS Mice express HER2 in the same epithelial tissues as humans, rendering these tissues vulnerable to recognition by systemically administered HER2 CAR T cells. CAR T cells designed with single-chain variable fragment (scFvs) that have high-affinity for HER2 infiltrated and caused toxicity to normal HER2-positive tissues but exhibited poor infiltration into tumors and antitumor activity. In contrast, CAR T cells designed with an scFv with low-affinity for HER2 infiltrated HER2-positive tumors and controlled tumor growth without toxicity. Toxicity mediated by high-affinity CAR T cells was independent of tumor burden and correlated with proliferation of CAR T cells post infusion. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate the disadvantage of high-affinity CARs for targets such as HER2 that are expressed on normal tissues. The use of low-affinity HER2 CARs can safely regress tumors identifying a potential path for therapy of solid tumors that exhibit high levels of HER2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Basel Shabaneh
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew R Stevens
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sylvia M Stull
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kristen R Shimp
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brandon W Seaton
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ekram A Gad
- Comparative Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carla A Jaeger-Ruckstuhl
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sylvain Simon
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Amanda L Koehne
- Experimental Histopathology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jason P Price
- Molecular Design and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James M Olson
- Molecular Design and Therapeutics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - David Jellyman
- Antibody Technology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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25
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Botta GP, Chao J, Ma H, Hahn M, Sierra G, Jia J, Hendrix AY, Nolte Fong JV, Ween A, Vu P, Miller A, Choi M, Heyman B, Daniels GA, Kaufman D, Jamieson C, Li Z, Cohen E. Metastatic gastric cancer target lesion complete response with Claudin18.2-CAR T cells. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007927. [PMID: 38316518 PMCID: PMC10860094 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007927] [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: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment of hematologic malignancies with patient-derived anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells has demonstrated long-term remissions for patients with otherwise treatment-refractory advanced leukemia and lymphoma. Conversely, CAR T-cell treatment of solid tumors, including advanced gastric cancer (GC), has proven more challenging due to on-target off-tumor toxicities, poor tumor T-cell infiltration, inefficient CAR T-cell expansion, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, and demanding preconditioning regimens. We report the exceptional results of autologous Claudin18.2-targeted CAR T cells (CT041) in a patient with metastatic GC, who had progressed on four lines of combined systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. After two CT041 infusions, the patient had target lesion complete response and sustained an 8-month overall partial response with only minimal ascites. Moreover, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) reductions coincided with rapid CAR T-cell expansion and radiologic response. No severe toxicities occurred, and the patient's quality of life significantly improved. This experience supports targeting Claudin18.2-positive GC with CAR T-cell therapy and helps to validate ctDNA as a biomarker in CAR T-cell therapy. Clinical Insight: Claudin18.2-targeted CAR T cells can safely provide complete objective and ctDNA response in salvage metastatic GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Botta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cellular and Regenerative Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joseph Chao
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Hong Ma
- CARsgen Therapeutics Corp, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Hahn
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Jie Jia
- CARsgen Therapeutics Corp, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Audrey Ween
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Peter Vu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cellular and Regenerative Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Aaron Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michael Choi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cellular and Regenerative Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Heyman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cellular and Regenerative Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Gregory A Daniels
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cellular and Regenerative Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Dan Kaufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cellular and Regenerative Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Catriona Jamieson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cellular and Regenerative Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Zonghai Li
- CARsgen Therapeutics Corp, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ezra Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
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26
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Liu J, Shu J. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy for cholangiocarcinoma: Artificial intelligence research in imaging. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 194:104235. [PMID: 38220125 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive hepatobiliary malignancy, second only to hepatocellular carcinoma in prevalence. Despite surgical treatment being the recommended method to achieve a cure, it is not viable for patients with advanced CCA. Gene sequencing and artificial intelligence (AI) have recently opened up new possibilities in CCA diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis assessment. Basic research has furthered our understanding of the tumor-immunity microenvironment and revealed targeted molecular mechanisms, resulting in immunotherapy and targeted therapy being increasingly employed in the clinic. Yet, the application of these remedies in CCA is a challenging endeavor due to the varying pathological mechanisms of different CCA types and the lack of expressed immune proteins and molecular targets in some patients. AI in medical imaging has emerged as a powerful tool in this situation, as machine learning and deep learning are able to extract intricate data from CCA lesion images while assisting clinical decision making, and ultimately improving patient prognosis. This review summarized and discussed the current immunotherapy and targeted therapy related to CCA, and the research progress of AI in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, PR China; Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, PR China
| | - Jian Shu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, PR China; Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, PR China.
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27
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Esmaeilzadeh A, Hadiloo K, Jabbari M, Elahi R. Current progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T versus CAR NK cell for immunotherapy of solid tumors. Life Sci 2024; 337:122381. [PMID: 38145710 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122381] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Equipping cancer-fighting immune cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has gained immense attention for cancer treatment. CAR-engineered T cells (CAR T cells) are the first immune-engineered cells that have achieved brilliant results in anti-cancer therapy. Despite promising anti-cancer features, CAR T cells could also cause fatal side effects and have shown inadequate efficacy in some studies. This has led to the introduction of other candidates for CAR transduction, e.g., Natural killer cells (NK cells). Regarding the better safety profile and anti-cancer properties, CAR-armored NK cells (CAR NK cells) could be a beneficial and suitable alternative to CAR T cells. Since introducing these two cells as anti-cancer structures, several studies have investigated their efficacy and safety, and most of them have focused on hematological malignancies. Solid tumors have unique properties that make them more resistant and less curable cancers than hematological malignancies. In this review article, we conduct a comprehensive review of the structure and properties of CAR NK and CAR T cells, compare the recent experience of immunotherapy with CAR T and CAR NK cells in various solid cancers, and overview current challenges and future solutions to battle solid cancers using CARNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Marjan Jabbari
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Elahi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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28
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Chinsuwan T, Hirabayashi K, Mishima S, Hasegawa A, Tanaka M, Mochizuki H, Shimoi A, Murakami T, Yagyu S, Shimizu K, Nakazawa Y. Ligand-based, piggyBac-engineered CAR-T cells targeting EGFR are safe and effective against non-small cell lung cancers. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100728. [PMID: 37822488 PMCID: PMC10562194 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100728] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and in some somatic cells at a limited level, rendering it an attractive antitumor target. In this study, we engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells using the piggyBac transposon system, autologous artificial antigen-presenting cells, and natural ligands of EGFR. We showed that this approach yielded CAR-T cells with favorable phenotypes and CAR positivity. They exhibited potent antitumor activity against NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. When administered to tumor-bearing mice and non-tumor-bearing cynomolgus macaques, they did not elicit toxicity despite their cross-reactivity to both murine and simian EGFRs. In total we tested three ligands and found that the CAR candidate with the highest affinity consistently displayed greater potency without adverse events. Taken together, our results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of targeting EGFR-expressing NSCLCs using ligand-based, piggyBac-engineered CAR-T cells. Our data also show that lowering the affinity of CAR molecules is not always beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanyavi Chinsuwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Koichi Hirabayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Shuji Mishima
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Aiko Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Miyuki Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hidemi Mochizuki
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Ina Research Inc., Ina, Nagano, Japan
| | - Akihito Shimoi
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Ina Research Inc., Ina, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yagyu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Shimizu
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yozo Nakazawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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30
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Bulliard Y, Andersson BS, Baysal MA, Damiano J, Tsimberidou AM. Reprogramming T cell differentiation and exhaustion in CAR-T cell therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:108. [PMID: 37880715 PMCID: PMC10601191 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell differentiation is a highly regulated, multi-step process necessary for the progressive establishment of effector functions, immunological memory, and long-term control of pathogens. In response to strong stimulation, as seen in severe or chronic infections or cancer, T cells acquire a state of hypo-responsiveness known as exhaustion, limiting their effector function. Recent advances in autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies by taking advantage of the basic principles of T cell biology to engineer products that promote long-lasting T cell response. However, many patients' malignancies remain unresponsive to treatment or are prone to recur. Discoveries in T cell biology, including the identification of key regulators of differentiation and exhaustion, offer novel opportunities to have a durable impact on the fate of CAR-T cells after infusion. Such next-generation CAR-T cell therapies and their clinical implementation may result in the next leap forward in cancer treatment for selected patients. In this context, this review summarizes the foundational principles of T cell differentiation and exhaustion and describes how they can be utilized and targeted to further improve the design and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Borje S Andersson
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mehmet A Baysal
- Unit 455, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jason Damiano
- Appia Bio, 6160 Bristol Pkwy, Culver City, CA, 90230, USA
| | - Apostolia M Tsimberidou
- Unit 455, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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31
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Rajakaruna H, Desai M, Das J. PASCAR: a multiscale framework to explore the design space of constitutive and inducible CAR T cells. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302171. [PMID: 37507138 PMCID: PMC10387492 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR T cells are engineered to bind and destroy tumor cells by targeting overexpressed surface antigens. However, healthy cells expressing lower abundances of these antigens can also be lysed by CAR T cells. Various CAR T cell designs increase tumor cell elimination, whereas reducing damage to healthy cells. However, these efforts are costly and labor-intensive, constraining systematic exploration of potential hypotheses. We develop a protein abundance structured population dynamic model for CAR T cells (PASCAR), a framework that combines multiscale population dynamic models and multi-objective optimization approaches with data from cytometry and cytotoxicity assays to systematically explore the design space of constitutive and tunable CAR T cells. PASCAR can quantitatively describe in vitro and in vivo results for constitutive and inducible CAR T cells and can successfully predict experiments outside the training data. Our exploration of the CAR design space reveals that optimal CAR affinities in the intermediate range of dissociation constants effectively reduce healthy cell lysis, whereas maintaining high tumor cell-killing rates. Furthermore, our modeling offers guidance for optimizing CAR expressions in synthetic notch CAR T cells. PASCAR can be extended to other CAR immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshana Rajakaruna
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomics, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Milie Desai
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Jayajit Das
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomics, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biophysics Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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32
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Kim Y, Lee DY, Choi JU, Park JS, Lee SM, Kang CH, Park CH. Optimized conditions for gene transduction into primary immune cells using viral vectors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12365. [PMID: 37524755 PMCID: PMC10390464 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39597-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a promising modality for anti-cancer treatment. Its efficacy is quite remarkable in hematological tumors. Owing to their excellent clinical results, gene- modified cell therapies, including T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, are being actively studied in both academia and industry. However, the protocol to make CAR immune cells is too complicated, so it is still unclear how to efficiently produce the potent CAR immune cells. To manufacture effective CAR immune cells, we need to be aware of not only how to obtain highly infective viral particles, but also how to transduce CAR genes into immune cells. In this paper, we provide detailed information on spinoculation, which is one of the best known protocols to transduce genes into immune cells, in a methodological view. Our data indicate that gene transduction is significantly dependent on speed and duration of centrifugation, concentration and number of viral particles, the concentration of polybrene, and number of infected immune cells. In addition, we investigated on the optimal polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution to concentrate the viral supernatant and the optimized DNA ratios transfected into 293T cells to produce high titer of viral particles. This study provides useful information for practical production of the gene-modified immune cells using viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeongrin Kim
- Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, PO Box 107, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34316, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Yeon Lee
- Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, PO Box 107, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji U Choi
- Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, PO Box 107, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34316, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Song Park
- Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, PO Box 107, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - So Myoung Lee
- Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, PO Box 107, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung Hyo Kang
- Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, PO Box 107, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Park
- Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, PO Box 107, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34316, Republic of Korea.
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33
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Kuwatani M, Sakamoto N. Promising Highly Targeted Therapies for Cholangiocarcinoma: A Review and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3686. [PMID: 37509347 PMCID: PMC10378186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To overcome the poor prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), highly targeted therapies, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), photodynamic therapy (PDT) with/without systemic chemotherapy, and experimental photoimmunotherapy (PIT), have been developed. Three preclinical trials have investigated the use of ADCs targeting specific antigens, namely HER2, MUC1, and glypican-1 (GPC1), for CCA. Trastuzumab emtansine demonstrated higher antiproliferative activity in CCA cells expressing higher levels of HER2. Similarly, "staphylococcal enterotoxin A-MUC1 antibody" and "anti-GPC1 antibody-monomethyl auristatin F" conjugates showed anticancer activity. PDT is effective in areas where appropriate photosensitizers and light coexist. Its mechanism involves photosensitizer excitation and subsequent reactive oxygen species production in cancer cells upon irradiation. Hematoporphyrin derivatives, temoporfin, phthalocyanine-4, talaporfin, and chlorine e6 derivatives have mainly been used clinically and preclinically in bile duct cancer. Currently, new forms of photosensitizers with nanotechnology and novel irradiation catheters are being developed. PIT is the most novel anti-cancer therapy developed in 2011 that selectively kills targeted cancer cells using a unique photosensitizer called "IR700" conjugated with an antibody specific for cancer cells. PIT is currently in the early stages of development for identifying appropriate CCA cell targets and irradiation devices. Future human and artificial intelligence collaboration has potential for overcoming challenges related to identifying universal CCA cell targets. This could pave the way for highly targeted therapies for CCA, such as ADC, PDT, and PIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kuwatani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Hospital, North 14, West 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8648, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Hospital, North 14, West 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8648, Japan
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Kheyrolahzadeh K, Tohidkia MR, Tarighatnia A, Shahabi P, Nader ND, Aghanejad A. Theranostic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells: Insight into recent trends and challenges in solid tumors. Life Sci 2023; 328:121917. [PMID: 37422069 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121917] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy has reached significant milestones in various life-threatening diseases, including cancer. Cell therapy using fluorescent and radiolabeled chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell is a successful strategy for diagnosing or treating malignancies. Since cell therapy approaches have different results in cancers, the success of hematological cancers has yet to transfer to solid tumor therapy, leading to more casualties. Therefore, there are many areas for improvement in the cell therapy platform. Understanding the therapeutic barriers associated with solid cancers through cell tracking and molecular imaging may provide a platform for effectively delivering CAR-T cells into solid tumors. This review describes CAR-T cells' role in treating solid and non-solid tumors and recent advances. Furthermore, we discuss the main obstacles, mechanism of action, novel strategies and solutions to overcome the challenges from molecular imaging and cell tracking perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Kheyrolahzadeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tohidkia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Tarighatnia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nader D Nader
- Department of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Ayuob Aghanejad
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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35
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Yin L, Wan Z, Sun P, Shuai P, Liu Y. Time to abandon CAR-T monotherapy for solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188930. [PMID: 37286147 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188930] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has achieved dramatic success in patients with hematological malignancies. However, CAR-T cell therapy failed to effectively treat solid tumors as a monotherapy. By summarizing the challenges of CAR-T cell monotherapy for solid tumors and analyzing the underlying mechanisms of combinatorial strategies to counteract these hurdles, we found that complementary therapeutics are needed to improve the scant and transient responses of CAR-T cell monotherapy in solid tumors. Further data, especially data from multicenter clinical trials regarding efficacy, toxicity, and predictive biomarkers are required before the CAR-T combination therapy can be translated into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Yin
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengwei Wan
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Shuai
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yuping Liu
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China.
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36
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Lo JH, Agarwal R, Goff LW, Heumann TR. Immunotherapy in Biliary Tract Cancers: Current Standard-of-Care and Emerging Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3312. [PMID: 37444422 PMCID: PMC10340362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133312] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), comprising intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma as well as gallbladder adenocarcinoma, continue to be challenging to manage. Conventional chemotherapy regimens for advanced disease are limited in both options and benefits, and more effective perioperative regimens are also needed. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has had a profound impact on the management of many solid tumor types, particularly in using immune checkpoint inhibition to enable a tumor-directed T cell response. Immunotherapy administered on its own has had limited utility in BTCs, in part due to a hostile immune microenvironment and the relative infrequency of biomarker-based tumor-agnostic indications for immunotherapy. However, immunotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapies, and/or anti-angiogenic therapies has gained traction, supported by evidence that these agents can impart favorable immunomodulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment. The TOPAZ-1 trial led to the first BTC-specific immunotherapy approval, establishing the combination of durvalumab with gemcitabine and cisplatin as the preferred first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic disease. Recently, the KEYNOTE-966 trial showed positive results for the combination of pembrolizumab with gemcitabine and cisplatin in the same setting, adding further evidence for the addition of immune checkpoint inhibition to the standard chemotherapy backbone. Meanwhile, advances in the molecular profiling of BTCs has contributed to the recent proliferation of molecularly targeted therapeutics for the subset of BTCs harboring alterations in IDH1, FGFR2, MAP kinase signaling, HER2, and beyond, and there has been great interest in investigating combinations of these agents with immunotherapy. Emerging immunotherapy strategies beyond immune checkpoint inhibition are also being studied in BTCs, and these include immunostimulatory receptor agonists, Wnt signaling modulators, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. A large number of trials are underway to explore promising new combinations and immune-targeted strategies, offering opportunities to expand the role of immunotherapy in BTC management in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thatcher R. Heumann
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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37
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Manthopoulou E, Ramai D, Dhar J, Samanta J, Ioannou A, Lusina E, Sacco R, Facciorusso A. Cholangiocarcinoma in the Era of Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1062. [PMID: 37376451 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, with aggressive behavior, and portends a poor prognosis. Traditionally, it is classified according to its site of involvement as intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma. A host of genetic and epigenetic factors have been involved in its pathogenesis. Chemotherapy has remained the standard first-line treatment over the last decade, with a disappointing median overall survival of 11 months for locally advanced and metastatic CCA. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many pancreaticobiliary malignancies, offering durable responses with a safe therapeutic profile. To date, there have been no significant advances in the management of CCA. Novel immunotherapeutic methods, such as cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other agents, are currently under investigation and may improve prognosis with overall survival. Efforts to find robust biomarkers for response to treatment along with multiple clinical trials are also ongoing in this regard. In this review, we present an overview of the current advances and the future perspectives of immunotherapy in the management of CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Manthopoulou
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. Savvas Oncology Hospital of Athens, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Daryl Ramai
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 801385, USA
| | - Jahnvi Dhar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sohana Multi-Speciality Hospital, Mohali 140308, India
- Department of Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Jayanta Samanta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Alexandros Ioannou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alexandra General Hospital, Lourou 4-2, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ekaterina Lusina
- Therapeutic Unit, Gastroenterology Department, Chaika Clinics, Lesnaya Street 9, 125196 Moscow, Russia
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Department Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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38
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Wang Y, Zhao Y, Li M, Hou H, Jian Z, Li W, Li P, Ma F, Liu M, Liu H, Xue H. Conversion of primary liver cancer after targeted therapy for liver cancer combined with AFP-targeted CAR T-cell therapy: a case report. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1180001. [PMID: 37256142 PMCID: PMC10225497 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1180001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) that originates in the liver is a malignant tumor with the worst prognosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of PLC. Most PLC cases are diagnosed at advanced stages mainly due to their insidious onset and rapid progression. Patients with PLC undergo surgical intervention or localized treatment, but their survival is often affected by its high relapse rate. Medical treatment is the primary option for patients with liver cancer, especially with advanced extrahepatic metastases. Molecular targeted therapy exerts an anti-tumor effect by acting on various signaling pathways involved in molecular pathogenesis; however, high drug resistance and low therapeutic responsiveness of PLC to molecular targets challenge the treatment option. In recent years, after surgical intervention, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or molecular targeted therapy, autologous cell immunotherapy has been adopted for PLC. As a typical autologous cell immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy uses genetically modified T cells to express tumor-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Its targeting ability, persistent nature, and tumor-killing function result in a significant impact on the treatment of hematological tumors. However, no breakthrough has happened in the research specific to the curation of lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and other common solid tumors. In this context, a combination of molecular targeted therapy and CAR T-cell therapy was used to treat a patient with advanced HCC to achieve a partial remission(PR) and facilitate further liver transplantation.
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39
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Zeng W, Mao R, Zhang Z, Chen X. Combination Therapies for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:490-501. [PMID: 36643047 PMCID: PMC9817051 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a group of malignant neoplasms that have recently increased in incidence and have a poor prognosis. Surgery is the only curative therapy. However, most patients are only indicated for palliative therapy because of advanced-stage disease at diagnosis and rapid progression. The current first-line treatment for advanced BTC is gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy. Nonetheless, many patients develop resistance to this regimen. Over the years, few chemotherapy regimens have managed to improve the overall survival of patients. Accordingly, novel therapies such as targeted therapy have been introduced to treat this patient population. Extensive research on tumorigenesis and the genetic profiling of BTC have revealed the heterogenicity and potential target pathways, such as EGFR, VEGF, MEK/ERK, PI3K and mTOR. Moreover, mutational analysis has documented the presence of IDH1, FGFR2, HER2, PRKACA, PRKACB, BRAF, and KRAS gene aberrations. The emergence of immunotherapy in recent years has expanded the treatment landscape for this group of malignancies. Cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been extensively investigated in trials of BTC. Therefore, patient stratification and a combination of various therapies have become a reasonable and important clinical strategy to improve patient outcomes. This review elaborates the literature on combined treatment strategies for advanced BTC from the past few years and ongoing clinical trials to provide new inspiration for the treatment of advanced BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Zeng
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei key laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruiqi Mao
- Clinic Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhanguo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei key laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Correspondence to: Zhanguo Zhang and Xiaoping Chen, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4527-4975 (ZZ). Tel: +86-27-83663400, Fax: +86-27-83662851, E-mail: (ZZ) and (XC)
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei key laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Correspondence to: Zhanguo Zhang and Xiaoping Chen, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4527-4975 (ZZ). Tel: +86-27-83663400, Fax: +86-27-83662851, E-mail: (ZZ) and (XC)
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40
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Peng JJ, Wang L, Li Z, Ku CL, Ho PC. Metabolic challenges and interventions in CAR T cell therapy. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabq3016. [PMID: 37058548 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq3016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have achieved true clinical success in treating hematological malignancy patients, laying the foundation of CAR T cells as a new pillar of cancer therapy. Although these promising effects have generated strong interest in expanding the treatment of CAR T cells to solid tumors, reproducible demonstration of clinical efficacy in the setting of solid tumors has remained challenging to date. Here, we review how metabolic stress and signaling in the tumor microenvironment, including intrinsic determinants of response to CAR T cell therapy and extrinsic obstacles, restrict the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in cancer treatment. In addition, we discuss the use of novel approaches to target and rewire metabolic programming for CAR T cell manufacturing. Last, we summarize strategies that aim to improve the metabolic adaptability of CAR T cells to enhance their potency in mounting antitumor responses and survival within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhan-Jie Peng
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Limei Wang
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Lung Ku
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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41
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Balsano R, Zanuso V, Pirozzi A, Rimassa L, Bozzarelli S. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: The Gray Curtain of Immunotherapy and Spikes of Lights. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:3871-3885. [PMID: 37185406 PMCID: PMC10136659 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30040293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a dismal disease with a poor 5-year overall survival rate (~10%). The revolution of immunotherapy in clinical oncology has not substantially changed clinical outcome for patients with PDAC. Despite outstanding efforts, neither immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone, nor in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapies have shown encouraging results. This failure mirrors the lack of knowledge about the real key players of immune system senescence and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC. However, some hope can be derived from PARP-inhibitor combinations, vaccines, and CAR-T-cells therapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the latest updates about the use of ICIs in PDAC, focusing on clinical evidence and ongoing studies highlighting explanations for the failure of immunotherapy and possible solutions.
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42
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Zhao LM, Shi AD, Yang Y, Liu ZL, Hu XQ, Shu LZ, Tang YC, Zhang ZL. Advances in molecular and cell therapy for immunotherapy of cholangiocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1140103. [PMID: 37064120 PMCID: PMC10090456 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1140103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly malignant tumor of the hepatobiliary system that has failed to respond to many traditional therapies to a certain extent, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In recent years, the new therapeutic schemes based on immunology have fundamentally changed the systemic treatment of various malignant tumors to a certain extent. In view of the immunogenicity of CCA, during the occurrence and development of CCA, some immunosuppressive substances are released from cells and immunosuppressive microenvironment is formed to promote the escape immune response of its own cells, thus enhancing the malignancy of the tumor and reducing the sensitivity of the tumor to drugs. Some immunotherapy regimens for cholangiocarcinoma have produced good clinical effects. Immunotherapy has more precise characteristics and less adverse reactions compared with traditional treatment approaches. However, due to the unique immune characteristics of CCA, some patients with CCA may not benefit in the long term or not benefit at all after current immunotherapy. At present, the immunotherapy of CCA that have been clinically studied mainly include molecular therapy and cell therapy. In this article, we generalized and summarized the current status of immunotherapy strategies including molecular therapy and cell therapy in CCA in clinical studies, and we outlined our understanding of how to enhance the clinical application of these immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-ming Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - An-da Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxian Central Hospital, Heze, China
| | - Zeng-li Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li-Zhuang Shu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yong-chang Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Yong-chang Tang, ; Zong-li Zhang,
| | - Zong-li Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Yong-chang Tang, ; Zong-li Zhang,
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43
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Queiroz MM, Lima NF, Biachi de Castria T. Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: Adding New Flavors to the Pizza. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1970. [PMID: 37046631 PMCID: PMC10093144 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a rare pathology and can be divided into four major subgroups: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer. In the era of precision oncology, the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) allowed a better understanding of molecular differences between these subgroups. Thus, the development of drugs that can target these alterations and inhibit the abnormal pathway activation has changed the prognosis of BTC patients. Additionally, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and a better understanding of tumor immunogenicity led to the development of clinical trials with immunotherapy for this scenario. The development of biomarkers that can predict how the immune system acts against the tumor cells, and which patients benefit from this activation, are urgently needed. Here, we review the most recent data regarding targeted treatment and immunotherapy in the scenario of BTC treatment, while also discussing the future perspectives for this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Moro Queiroz
- Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, 115 Dona Adma Jafet Street, São Paulo 01308-050, SP, Brazil
| | - Nildevande Firmino Lima
- Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, 115 Dona Adma Jafet Street, São Paulo 01308-050, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Biachi de Castria
- Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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44
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Skouteris N, Papageorgiou G, Fioretzaki R, Charalampakis N, Schizas D, Kykalos S, Tolia M. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and combinations with other agents in cholangiocarcinoma. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:487-502. [PMID: 36876442 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma consists of a heterogeneous group of malignancies with generally poor prognoses. Immunotherapy has emerged in the treatment landscape of many tumors, offering survival benefits, but data regarding the use of immunotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma remain vague. In this review, the authors analyze differences in the tumor microenvironment and various immune escape mechanisms and discuss available immunotherapy combinations with other agents among completed and ongoing clinical trials, such as chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiangiogenic drugs, local ablative therapies, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy and PARP and TGF-β inhibitors. Ongoing research to identify appropriate biomarkers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Skouteris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Georgios Papageorgiou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Rodanthi Fioretzaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Charalampakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, 185 37, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, 115 27, Greece
| | - Stylianos Kykalos
- Second Propedeutic Department of Surgery, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, 115 27, Greece
| | - Maria Tolia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece
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45
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Zhai X, Mao L, Wu M, Liu J, Yu S. Challenges of Anti-Mesothelin CAR-T-Cell Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051357. [PMID: 36900151 PMCID: PMC10000068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is a kind of adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) that has developed rapidly in recent years. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) that is highly expressed in various solid tumors and is an important target antigen for the development of new immunotherapies for solid tumors. This article reviews the clinical research status, obstacles, advancements and challenges of anti-MSLN CAR-T-cell therapy. Clinical trials on anti-MSLN CAR-T cells show that they have a high safety profile but limited efficacy. At present, local administration and introduction of new modifications are being used to enhance proliferation and persistence and to improve the efficacy and safety of anti-MSLN CAR-T cells. A number of clinical and basic studies have shown that the curative effect of combining this therapy with standard therapy is significantly better than that of monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Zhai
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ling Mao
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shicang Yu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
- Correspondence:
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Maher J, Davies DM. CAR Based Immunotherapy of Solid Tumours-A Clinically Based Review of Target Antigens. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:287. [PMID: 36829563 PMCID: PMC9953298 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with CAR-engineered immune cells has transformed the management of selected haematological cancers. However, solid tumours have proven much more difficult to control using this emerging therapeutic modality. In this review, we survey the clinical impact of solid tumour CAR-based immunotherapy, focusing on specific targets across a range of disease indications Among the many candidates which have been the subject of non-clinical CAR T-cell research, clinical data are available for studies involving 30 of these targets. Here, we map out this clinical experience, highlighting challenges such as immunogenicity and on-target off-tumour toxicity, an issue that has been both unexpected and devastating in some cases. We also summarise how regional delivery and repeated dosing have been used in an effort to enhance impact and safety. Finally, we consider how emerging armouring systems and multi-targeted CAR approaches might be used to enhance tumour access and better enable discrimination between healthy and transformed cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - David M. Davies
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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47
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Labanieh L, Mackall CL. CAR immune cells: design principles, resistance and the next generation. Nature 2023; 614:635-648. [PMID: 36813894 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 156.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies in B cell and plasma cell malignancies has validated the use of this therapeutic class for liquid cancers, but resistance and limited access remain as barriers to broader application. Here we review the immunobiology and design principles of current prototype CARs and present emerging platforms that are anticipated to drive future clinical advances. The field is witnessing a rapid expansion of next-generation CAR immune cell technologies designed to enhance efficacy, safety and access. Substantial progress has been made in augmenting immune cell fitness, activating endogenous immunity, arming cells to resist suppression via the tumour microenvironment and developing approaches to modulate antigen density thresholds. Increasingly sophisticated multispecific, logic-gated and regulatable CARs display the potential to overcome resistance and increase safety. Early signs of progress with stealth, virus-free and in vivo gene delivery platforms provide potential paths for reduced costs and increased access of cell therapies in the future. The continuing clinical success of CAR T cells in liquid cancers is driving the development of increasingly sophisticated immune cell therapies that are poised to translate to treatments for solid cancers and non-malignant diseases in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver cancer. Its incidence is low in the Western world but is rising globally. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been the only treatment options for decades. Progress in our molecular understanding of the disease and the identification of druggable targets, such as IDH1 mutations and FGFR2 fusions, has provided new treatment options. Immunotherapy has emerged as a potent strategy for many different types of cancer and has shown efficacy in combination with chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma. In this Review, we discuss findings related to key immunological aspects of cholangiocarcinoma, including the heterogeneous landscape of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment, the immunomodulatory effect of the microbiota and IDH1 mutations, and the association of immune-related signatures and patient outcomes. We introduce findings from preclinical immunotherapy studies, discuss future immune-mediated treatment options, and provide a summary of results from clinical trials testing immune-based approaches in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. This Review provides a thorough survey of our knowledge on immune signatures and immunotherapy in cholangiocarcinoma.
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49
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Zhang K, Chen H, Li F, Huang S, Chen F, Li Y. Bright future or blind alley? CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1045024. [PMID: 36761757 PMCID: PMC9902507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1045024] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells therapy has emerged as a significant breakthrough in adoptive immunotherapy for hematological malignancies with FDA approval. However, the application of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors remains challenging, mostly due to lack of suitable CAR-T target antigens, insufficient trafficking and extravasation to tumor sites, and limited CAR-T survival in the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we reviewed the development of CARs and the clinical trials in solid tumors. Meanwhile, a "key-and-lock" relationship was used to describe the recognition of tumor antigen via CAR T cells. Some strategies, including dual-targets and receptor system switches or filter, have been explored to help CAR T cells matching targets specifically and to minimize on-target/off-tumor toxicities in normal tissues. Furthermore, the complex TME restricts CAT T cells activity through dense extracellular matrix, suppressive immune cells and cytokines. Recent innovations in engineered CARs to shield the inhibitory signaling molecules were also discussed, which efficiently promote CAR T functions in terms of expansion and survival to overcome the hurdles in the TME of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fuqiang Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Cancer Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming, Yunnan, China,Graduate School, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Yi Li,
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50
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Any Role for Microbiota in Cholangiocarcinoma? A Comprehensive Review. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030370. [PMID: 36766711 PMCID: PMC9913249 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the human microbiota have been linked to carcinogenesis in several cancers. To date, few studies have addressed the role of the microbiota in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Our work aims to update the knowledge about the role of the microbiota in the CCA microenvironment, and to highlight possible novel insights for the development of new diagnostic, prognostic, or even therapeutic strategies. We thus conducted a review of the literature. In recent years, great progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis, the clinical and histological behavior, and the molecular profile of CCA. Much evidence suggests that the bile microbiota plays an essential role in biliary diseases, including CCA. Some studies have demonstrated that alterations in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the intestinal commensal bacteria lead to overall cancer susceptibility through various pathways. Other studies suggest that the gut microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis and/or progression of CCA. The clinical implications are far-reaching, and the role of the microbiota in the CCA microenvironment may lead to considering the exciting implications of implementing therapeutic strategies that target the microbiota-immune system axis.
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