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Ni L, Xu J, Li Q, Ge X, Wang F, Deng X, Miao L. Focusing on the Immune Cells: Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Biliary Tract Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:941-963. [PMID: 39099760 PMCID: PMC11296367 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s474348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) represents a challenging malignancy characterized by aggressive behavior, high relapse rates, and poor prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for various cancers, but its efficacy in BTC remains limited. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in preclinical and clinical studies of immunotherapy for BTC. We explore the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in reshaping the management of BTC. Despite disappointing results thus far, ongoing clinical trials are investigating the combination of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities. Furthermore, research on the tumor microenvironment has unveiled novel targets for immunotherapeutic interventions. By understanding the current state of immunotherapy in BTC and highlighting future directions, this article aims to fuel further exploration and ultimately improve patient outcomes in this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luohang Ni
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianing Xu
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quanpeng Li
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianxiu Ge
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueting Deng
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Miao
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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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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Yoo C, Hyung J, Chan SL. Recent Advances in Systemic Therapy for Advanced Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Liver Cancer 2024; 13:119-135. [PMID: 38638168 PMCID: PMC11023692 DOI: 10.1159/000531458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCCA) is rising around the world. The disease is becoming a major global health issue. Conventionally, most patients with cholangiocarcinoma present with advanced disease and systemic therapy is the mainstay of treatment. This review discusses recent advances in systemic treatments for patients with IHCCA. Summary The addition of durvalumab to a gemcitabine plus cisplatin regimen has significantly improved overall survival in the phase 3 TOPAZ-1 trial and is currently recommended as a standard first-line treatment. The phase 3 ABC-06 and phase 2b NIFTY trials have shown the benefit of second-line fluoropyrimidine plus oxaliplatin, and fluoropyrimidine plus nanoliposomal irinotecan, respectively. They have provided a treatment option for patients without actionable alterations who progressed to first-line therapy. For patients with actionable genomic alterations, including FGFR2 rearrangement, IDH1 mutation, BRAF mutation, and ERBB2 amplification, targeted agents have shown encouraging efficacy in several phase 2-3 trials, and are recommended as subsequent treatments. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being investigated for the treatment of previously treated patients, although only a small proportion of patients showed durable responses. Key Messages Recent advances in systemic treatments have improved clinical outcomes in patients with advanced IHCCA. However, most patients eventually show resistance to the treatment, and tumor progression occurs within a year. Indeed, there should be further efforts to improve the outcomes of patients with advanced IHCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhoon Yoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Hyung
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen L. Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Speckart J, Rasmusen V, Talib Z, GnanaDev DA, Rahnemai-Azar AA. Emerging Therapies in Management of Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:613. [PMID: 38339363 PMCID: PMC10854763 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030613] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a heterogeneous group of biliary tract cancers that has a poor prognosis and globally increasing incidence and mortality. While surgical resection remains the only curative option for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, the majority of cancers are unresectable at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma remains poor even with the current first-line systemic therapy regimens, highlighting the difficulty of treating locally advanced, metastatic, or unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. Through recent developments, targetable oncogenic driver mutations have been identified in the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma, leading to the utilization of molecular targeted therapeutics. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the latest molecular therapeutics for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, including emerging immunotherapies, highlighting promising developments and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Speckart
- School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (J.S.); (V.R.)
| | - Veronica Rasmusen
- School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (J.S.); (V.R.)
| | - Zohray Talib
- Department of Medicine, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA;
| | - Dev A. GnanaDev
- Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, CA 92324, USA
| | - Amir A. Rahnemai-Azar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Cancer Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA
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Zhu XX, Li JH, Fang P, Qu XF, Liang LJ, Lai JM, Yin XY. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors improve the survival of cholangiocarcinoma: a propensity score-matched cohort study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:826. [PMID: 37670280 PMCID: PMC10478452 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11152-2] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The effect of anti-hypertensive drugs on the prognosis of CCA is not clear. METHODS This is a retrospective study of 102 patients (56.9% males, median age 66 years) diagnosed with CCA and hypertension concurrently and received radical surgery (R0), with a median follow-up of 36.7 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox regressions, and propensity score (PS) matching were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS Results of multivariable cox analysis showed that renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASis) usage was a protective factor for progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.32-0.96) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20-0.79), respectively. Calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and β-blockers didn't show significant associations. The association of RASis usage and PFS and OS was derived by PS matching, with a cohort of 28 RASis users and 56 RASis non-users. The median PFS and OS of RASis users (PFS, 17.6 months (9.2-34.4); OS, 24.8 months (16.5-42.3)) were longer than RASis non-users (PFS, 10.5 months (4.1-24.1); OS, 14.6 months (10.6-28.4)). The 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years' survival rates of RASis users (89.1%, 77.0%, and 65.5%) were higher than RASis non-users (70.9%, 54.0%, and 40.0%). CONCLUSIONS RASis usage improves the survival of patients with CCA and hypertension concurrently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xu Zhu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Jian-Hui Li
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Peng Fang
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Qu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Li-Jian Liang
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Jia-Ming Lai
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Yin
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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Zhu C, Ma J, Zhu K, Yu L, Zheng B, Rao D, Zhang S, Dong L, Gao Q, Zhang X, Xie D. Spatial immunophenotypes predict clinical outcome in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100762. [PMID: 37360908 PMCID: PMC10285646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a severe malignant tumour that shows only modest responses to immunotherapy. We aimed to identify the spatial immunophenotypes of iCCA and delineate potential immune escape mechanisms. Method Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was performed to quantitatively evaluate the distribution of 16 immune cell subsets in intratumour, invasive margin and peritumour areas in a cohort of 192 treatment-naïve patients with iCCA. Multiregion unsupervised clustering was used to determine three spatial immunophenotypes, and multiomics analyses were carried out to explore functional differences.Results: iCCA displayed a region-specific distribution of immune cell subsets with abundant CD15+ neutrophil infiltration in intratumour areas. Three spatial immunophenotypes encompassing inflamed (35%), excluded (35%) and ignored (30%) phenotypes were identified. The inflamed phenotype showed characteristics of abundant immune cell infiltration in intratumour areas, increased PD-L1 expression and relatively favourable overall survival. The excluded phenotype with a moderate prognosis was characterized by immune cell infiltration restricted to the invasive margin or peritumour areas and upregulation of activated hepatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix and Notch signalling pathways. The ignored phenotype, with scarce immune cell infiltration across all subregions, was associated with MAPK signalling pathway elevation and a poor prognosis. The excluded and ignored phenotypes, constituting non-inflamed phenotypes, shared features of an increased angiogenesis score, TGF-β and Wnt-β catenin pathway upregulation and were enriched for BAP1 mutations and FGFR2 fusions. Conclusion We identified three spatial immunophenotypes with different overall prognoses in iCCA. Tailored therapies based on the distinct immune evasion mechanisms of the spatial immunophenotypes are needed. Impact and implications The contribution of immune cell infiltration in the invasive margin and peritumour areas has been proved. We explored the multiregional immune contexture of 192 patients to identify three spatial immunophenotypes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). By integrating genomic and transcriptomic data, phenotype-specific biological behaviours and potential immune escape mechanisms were analysed. Our findings provide a rationale to develop personalized therapies for iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunbin Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaqiang Ma
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bohao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dongning Rao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Liangqing Dong
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200540, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Diyang Xie
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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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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Deng L, Wang L, Zhang J, Zhao L, Meng Y, Zheng J, Xu W, Zhu Z, Huang H. The mechanism of action and biodistribution of a novel EGFR/VEGF bispecific fusion protein that exhibited superior antitumor activities. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16922. [PMID: 37484224 PMCID: PMC10360952 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16922] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising clinical benefits of therapies targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with antibodies in various cancers, resistance to these therapies will inevitably develop following treatment. Recent studies suggest that crosstalk between the EGFR and VEGF signaling pathways might be involved in the development of resistance. Therefore, simultaneous blockade of EGFR and VEGF signaling may be able to counteract this resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Here, we devised a fusion protein with two copies of VEGFR1 domain 2 connected to the C-terminus of cetuximab that can simultaneously bind to EGFR and VEGF and effectively inhibit target cell growth mediated by these two pathways. Furthermore, the fusion protein could bring soluble VEGF into target cells for degradation through internalization upon binding to EGFR. Tissue distribution in mice confirmed that the fusion protein effectively accumulated in tumors compared to its mAb counterpart cetuximab. These features resulted in stronger antitumor efficacies in vivo than the combination of bevacizumab and cetuximab. Thus, we provide a promising new strategy for the treatment of EGFR-overexpressing cancers.
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Zhou Y, Yuan K, Yang Y, Ji Z, Zhou D, Ouyang J, Wang Z, Wang F, Liu C, Li Q, Zhang Q, Li Q, Shan X, Zhou J. Gallbladder cancer: current and future treatment options. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1183619. [PMID: 37251319 PMCID: PMC10213899 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1183619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgery remains the preferred treatment option for early-stage gallbladder cancer (GBC). According to the anatomical position of the primary tumor, accurate preoperative stage and strict control of surgical indications, appropriate surgical strategies are selected to achieve the optimal surgical effect. However, most patients have already been at the locally advanced stage or the tumor has metastasized at the initial diagnosis. The postoperative recurrence rate and 5-year survival rate remain unsatisfactory even after radical resection for gallbladder cancer. Hence, there is an urgent need for more treatment options, such as neoadjuvant therapy, postoperative adjuvant therapy and first-line and second-line treatments of local progression and metastasis, in the whole-course treatment management of gallbladder cancer patients. In recent years, the application of molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapy has brought greater hope and broader prospects for the treatment of gallbladder cancer, but their effects in improving the prognosis of patients still lack sufficient evidence-based medicine evidence, so many problems should be addressed by further research. Based on the latest progress in gallbladder cancer research, this review systematically analyzes the treatment trends of gallbladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhao Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Kun Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zemin Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dezheng Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingzhong Ouyang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhengzheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuqiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingjun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao Shan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinxue Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Serrano Uson Junior PL, Bekaii-Saab T. Moving beyond single-agent checkpoint inhibition in biliary tract cancers: what is the next frontier? Immunotherapy 2023; 15:531-540. [PMID: 37096922 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Immunotherapy has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with cancer. Biliary tract cancers are a group of lethal diseases, and immunotherapy is an exciting new strategy to treat patients in advanced stages. Role of immunotherapy in biliary cancers: Durvalumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, is a new immunotherapy option for patients with advanced biliary cancers. In a randomized phase III trial, the combination of durvalumab and chemotherapy improved disease outcomes, including overall survival, in patients with advanced biliary cancers regardless of PD-L1 expression. Future perspective: Promising new combinations with new and potent antibodies or antiangiogenics are under development. Combinations with new immunotherapy agents targeting CTLA-4 or OX40 can enhance T-cell activation and improve outcomes compared with single anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. Furthermore, ctDNA is being used as an alternative to tissue genomic analysis and can be used to identify actionable targets. In this review, we will discuss the most important studies involving immunotherapy in biliary cancers as well as future perspectives in the field.
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Guven DC, Yildirim HC, Chalabiyev E, Kus F, Yilmaz F, Yasar S, Akyildiz A, Aktas BY, Yalcin S, Dizdar O. Emerging treatment strategies in hepatobiliary cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:243-256. [PMID: 36803258 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2183844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There have been significant advances in the treatment of hepatobiliary cancers, especially for advanced-stage disease. However, data is limited for optimal therapy selection in the first line and sequencing of available options. AREAS COVERED This review covers the systemic treatment of hepatobiliary cancers with an emphasis on the advanced stage. The previously published and ongoing trials will be discussed to create an algorithm for the current practice and to give future perspectives on how the field could go forward. EXPERT OPINION While there is no standard-of-care option in the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular cancer, capecitabine is the standard of care for biliary tract cancer. The efficacy of adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin and the added benefit of radiotherapy to chemotherapy are yet to be defined. For the advanced stage, immunotherapy-based combinations became the standard of care for both hepatocellular and biliary tract cancers. The molecularly targeted therapy has profoundly changed the second-line and later treatment for biliary tract cancers, while the optimal second-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular cancer is yet to be defined due to rapid advances in the first-line setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Cagri Yildirim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elvin Chalabiyev
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kus
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feride Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Yasar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arif Akyildiz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burak Yasin Aktas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suayib Yalcin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Omer Dizdar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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12
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Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common cancer of the biliary tract, characterized by a very poor prognosis when diagnosed at advanced stages owing to its aggressive behaviour and limited therapeutic options. Early detection at a curable stage remains challenging because patients rarely exhibit symptoms; indeed, most GBCs are discovered incidentally following cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder stones. Long-standing chronic inflammation is an important driver of GBC, regardless of the lithiasic or non-lithiasic origin. Advances in omics technologies have provided a deeper understanding of GBC pathogenesis, uncovering mechanisms associated with inflammation-driven tumour initiation and progression. Surgical resection is the only treatment with curative intent for GBC but very few cases are suitable for resection and most adjuvant therapy has a very low response rate. Several unmet clinical needs require to be addressed to improve GBC management, including discovery and validation of reliable biomarkers for screening, therapy selection and prognosis. Standardization of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesion nomenclature, as well as surgical specimen processing and sampling, now provides reproducible and comparable research data that provide a basis for identifying and implementing early detection strategies and improving drug discovery. Advances in the understanding of next-generation sequencing, multidisciplinary care for GBC, neoadjuvant and adjuvant strategies, and novel systemic therapies including chemotherapy and immunotherapies are gradually changing the treatment paradigm and prognosis of this recalcitrant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Roa
- Department of Pathology, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Patricia García
- Department of Pathology, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vinay K Kapoor
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) Surgery, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (MGMCH), Jaipur, India
| | - Shishir K Maithel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Milind Javle
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jill Koshiol
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Scott AJ, Sharman R, Shroff RT. Precision Medicine in Biliary Tract Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:2716-2734. [PMID: 35839428 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine has become a dominant theme in the treatment of biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Although prognosis remains poor, technologies for improved molecular characterization along with the US Food and Drug Administration approval of several targeted therapies have changed the therapeutic landscape of advanced BTC. The hallmark of BTC oncogenesis is chronic inflammation of the liver and biliary tract regardless of the anatomical subtype. Subtypes of BTC correspond to distinct molecular characteristics, making BTC a molecularly heterogenous collection of tumors. Collectively, up to 40% of BTCs harbor a potentially targetable molecular abnormality, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend molecular profiling for all patients with advanced BTC. Use of circulating tumor DNA, immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing continues to expand the utility for biomarker-driven management and molecular monitoring of BTC. Improving outcomes using biomarker-agnostic treatment for nontargetable tumors also remains a priority, and combinational treatment strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibition plus chemotherapy hold promise for this subgroup of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Scott
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Reya Sharman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Rachna T Shroff
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
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14
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Woods E, Le D, Jakka BK, Manne A. Changing Landscape of Systemic Therapy in Biliary Tract Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2137. [PMID: 35565266 PMCID: PMC9105885 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are often diagnosed at advanced stages and have a grave outcome due to limited systemic options. Gemcitabine and cisplatin combination (GC) has been the first-line standard for more than a decade. Second-line chemotherapy (CT) options are limited. Targeted therapy or TT (fibroblast growth factor 2 inhibitors or FGFR2, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or IDH-1, and neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase or NTRK gene fusions inhibitors) have had reasonable success, but <5% of total BTC patients are eligible for them. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) such as pembrolizumab is restricted to microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) patients in the first line. The success of the TOPAZ-1 trial (GC plus durvalumab) is promising, with numerous trials underway that might soon bring targeted therapy (pemigatinib and infrigatinib) and ICI combinations (with CT or TT in microsatellite stable cancers) in the first line. Newer targets and newer agents for established targets are being investigated, and this may change the BTC management landscape in the coming years from traditional CT to individualized therapy (TT) or ICI-centered combinations. The latter group may occupy major space in BTC management due to the paucity of targetable mutations and a greater toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Woods
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 432120, USA;
| | - Dat Le
- Department of Pharmacy, The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Institute at The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Bharath Kumar Jakka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baptist Medical Center South, Montgomery, AL 36116, USA;
| | - Ashish Manne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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