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Johansen AM, Forsythe SD, McGrath CT, Barker G, Jimenez H, Paluri RK, Pasche BC. TGFβ in Pancreas and Colorectal Cancer: Opportunities to Overcome Therapeutic Resistance. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3676-3687. [PMID: 38916900 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-0468] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
TGFβ is a pleiotropic signaling pathway that plays a pivotal role in regulating a multitude of cellular functions. TGFβ has a dual role in cell regulation where it induces growth inhibition and cell death; however, it can switch to a growth-promoting state under cancerous conditions. TGFβ is upregulated in colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer, altering the tumor microenvironment and immune system and promoting a mesenchymal state. The upregulation of TGFβ in certain cancers leads to resistance to immunotherapy, and attempts to inhibit TGFβ expression have led to reduced therapeutic resistance when combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here, we review the current TGFβ inhibitor drugs in clinical trials for pancreatic and colorectal cancer, with the goal of uncovering advances in improving clinical efficacy for TGFβ combinational treatments in patients. Furthermore, we discuss the relevance of alterations in TGFβ signaling and germline variants in the context of personalizing treatment for patients who show lack of response to current therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan M Johansen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Steven D Forsythe
- Neuroendocrine Therapy Section, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Callum T McGrath
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Grayson Barker
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Hugo Jimenez
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ravi K Paluri
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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2
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Majumder B, Nataraj NB, Maitreyi L, Datta S. Mismatch repair-proficient tumor footprints in the sands of immune desert: mechanistic constraints and precision platforms. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1414376. [PMID: 39100682 PMCID: PMC11294168 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1414376] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mismatch repair proficient (MMRp) tumors of colorectal origin are one of the prevalent yet unpredictable clinical challenges. Despite earnest efforts, optimal treatment modalities have yet to emerge for this class. The poor prognosis and limited actionability of MMRp are ascribed to a low neoantigen burden and a desert-like microenvironment. This review focuses on the critical roadblocks orchestrated by an immune evasive mechanistic milieu in the context of MMRp. The low density of effector immune cells, their weak spatiotemporal underpinnings, and the high-handedness of the IL-17-TGF-β signaling are intertwined and present formidable challenges for the existing therapies. Microbiome niche decorated by Fusobacterium nucleatum alters the metabolic program to maintain an immunosuppressive state. We also highlight the evolving strategies to repolarize and reinvigorate this microenvironment. Reconstruction of anti-tumor chemokine signaling, rational drug combinations eliciting T cell activation, and reprograming the maladapted microbiome are exciting developments in this direction. Alternative vulnerability of other DNA damage repair pathways is gaining momentum. Integration of liquid biopsy and ex vivo functional platforms provide precision oncology insights. We illustrated the perspectives and changing landscape of MMRp-CRC. The emerging opportunities discussed in this review can turn the tide in favor of fighting the treatment dilemma for this elusive cancer.
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Fasano M, Pirozzi M, Miceli CC, Cocule M, Caraglia M, Boccellino M, Vitale P, De Falco V, Farese S, Zotta A, Ciardiello F, Addeo R. TGF-β Modulated Pathways in Colorectal Cancer: New Potential Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7400. [PMID: 39000507 PMCID: PMC11242595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with 20% of patients presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis. TGF-β signaling plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), regulation of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and immune responses. TGF-β signals through SMAD proteins, which are intracellular molecules that transmit TGF-β signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Alterations in the TGF-β pathway and mutations in SMAD proteins are common in metastatic CRC (mCRC), making them critical factors in CRC tumorigenesis. This review first analyzes normal TGF-β signaling and then investigates its role in CRC pathogenesis, highlighting the mechanisms through which TGF-β influences metastasis development. TGF-β promotes neoangiogenesis via VEGF overexpression, pericyte differentiation, and other mechanisms. Additionally, TGF-β affects various elements of the tumor microenvironment, including T cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, promoting immunosuppression and metastasis. Given its strategic role in multiple processes, we explored different strategies to target TGF-β in mCRC patients, aiming to identify new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morena Fasano
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Mario Pirozzi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Chiara Carmen Miceli
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Mariateresa Cocule
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Contrada Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Vitale
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, ASLNA2NORD, Frattamaggiore, 80027 Naples, Italy; (P.V.); (V.D.F.); (R.A.)
| | - Vincenzo De Falco
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, ASLNA2NORD, Frattamaggiore, 80027 Naples, Italy; (P.V.); (V.D.F.); (R.A.)
| | - Stefano Farese
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessia Zotta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.); (C.C.M.); (M.C.); (S.F.); (A.Z.); (F.C.)
| | - Raffaele Addeo
- Oncology Operative Unit, Hospital of Frattamaggiore, ASLNA2NORD, Frattamaggiore, 80027 Naples, Italy; (P.V.); (V.D.F.); (R.A.)
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Deutsch E, Levy A. Eradicating gross tumor disease: a prerequisite for efficient radioimmunotherapy? J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:1008-1011. [PMID: 38539049 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae071] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy may induce off-target antitumor "abscopal" immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects. Several preclinical and early clinical studies revealed promising results when combining radiation therapy with immunostimulatory agents. Most radioimmunotherapy randomized trials showed disappointing results in patients with advanced tumors. In contrast, outcomes were encouraging when immunotherapy was delivered on top of gross disease elimination with curative-intent radiation therapy. In this review, we highlight available results from randomized trials and discuss the potential impact of overall tumor burden on the observed efficacy of radioimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Deutsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antonin Levy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Mouillet-Richard S, Cazelles A, Sroussi M, Gallois C, Taieb J, Laurent-Puig P. Clinical Challenges of Consensus Molecular Subtype CMS4 Colon Cancer in the Era of Precision Medicine. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2351-2358. [PMID: 38564259 PMCID: PMC11145159 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3964] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, our understanding of the diversity of colorectal cancer has expanded significantly, raising hopes of tailoring treatments more precisely for individual patients. A key achievement in this direction was the establishment of the consensus molecular classification, particularly identifying the challenging consensus molecular subtype (CMS) CMS4 associated with poor prognosis. Because of its aggressive nature, extensive research is dedicated to the CMS4 subgroup. Recent years have unveiled molecular and microenvironmental features at the tissue level specific to CMS4 colorectal cancer. This has paved the way for mechanistic studies and the development of preclinical models. Simultaneously, efforts have been made to easily identify patients with CMS4 colorectal cancer. Reassessing clinical trial results through the CMS classification lens has improved our understanding of the therapeutic challenges linked to this subtype. Exploration of the biology of CMS4 colorectal cancer is yielding potential biomarkers and novel treatment approaches. This overview aims to provide insights into the clinico-biological characteristics of the CMS4 subgroup, the molecular pathways driving this subtype, and available diagnostic options. We also emphasize the therapeutic challenges associated with this subtype, offering potential explanations. Finally, we summarize the current tailored treatments for CMS4 colorectal cancer emerging from fundamental and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- Team “Personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic optimization”, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Cazelles
- Team “Personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic optimization”, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marine Sroussi
- Team “Personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic optimization”, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Claire Gallois
- Team “Personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic optimization”, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, APHP, Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology Department, APHP.Centre - Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Européen G. Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Julien Taieb
- Team “Personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic optimization”, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, APHP, Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology Department, APHP.Centre - Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Européen G. Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Laurent-Puig
- Team “Personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic optimization”, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, APHP, Department of Biology, APHP.Centre - Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Européen G. Pompidou, Paris, France
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6
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Han YJ, Shao CY, Yao Y, Zhang Z, Fang MZ, Gong T, Zhang YJ, Li M. Immunotherapy of microsatellite stable colorectal cancer: resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies. Postgrad Med J 2024; 100:373-381. [PMID: 38211949 DOI: 10.1093/postmj/qgad136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy strategies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors have yielded good efficacy in colorectal cancer (CRC)especially in colorectal cancer with microsatellite instability-high. However, microsatellite-stable (MSS) CRCs account for about 85% of CRCs and are resistant to immunotherapy. Previous studies have shown that compared with MSS CRC, high microsatellite instability CRC possesses a higher frequency of mutations and can generate more neoantigens. Therefore, improving the sensitivity of immunotherapy to MSS CRC is a hot topic which is crucial for the treatment of MSS CRC. This review aims to discuss the factors contributing to MSS CRC insensitivity to immunotherapy and explored potential solutions to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Han
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Chi-Yun Shao
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Ying Yao
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Ming-Zhi Fang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
| | - Ya-Jie Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing, University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
- Department of Biobank, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Damin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210001, China
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Levy A, Morel D, Texier M, Sun R, Durand-Labrunie J, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Racadot S, Supiot S, Magné N, Cyrille S, Louvel G, Massard C, Verlingue L, Bouquet F, Bustillos A, Bouarroudj L, Quevrin C, Clémenson C, Mondini M, Meziani L, Tselikas L, Bahleda R, Hollebecque A, Deutsch E. An international phase II trial and immune profiling of SBRT and atezolizumab in advanced pretreated colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:61. [PMID: 38519913 PMCID: PMC10960440 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01970-8] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immuno-radiotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with advanced solid tumors, although optimized combination modalities remain unclear. Here, we report the colorectal (CRC) cohort analysis from the SABR-PDL1 trial that evaluated the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab in combination with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in advanced cancer patients. METHODS Eligible patients received atezolizumab 1200 mg every 3 weeks until progression or unmanageable toxicity, together with ablative SBRT delivered concurrently with the 2nd cycle (recommended dose of 45 Gy in 3 fractions, adapted upon normal tissue tolerance constraint). SBRT was delivered to at least one tumor site, with at least one additional measurable lesion being kept from the radiation field. The primary efficacy endpoint was one-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate from the start of atezolizumab. Sequential tumor biopsies were collected for deep multi-feature immune profiling. RESULTS Sixty pretreated (median of 2 prior lines) advanced CRC patients (38 men [63%]; median age, 59 years [range, 20-81 years]; 77% with liver metastases) were enrolled in five centers (France: n = 4, Spain: n = 1) from 11/2016 to 04/2019. All but one (98%) received atezolizumab and 54/60 (90%) received SBRT. The most frequently irradiated site was lung (n = 30/54; 56.3%). Treatment-related G3 (no G4-5) toxicity was observed in 3 (5%) patients. Median OS and PFS were respectively 8.4 [95%CI:5.9-11.6] and 1.4 months [95%CI:1.2-2.6], including five (9%) patients with PFS > 1 year (median time to progression: 19.2 months, including 2/5 MMR-proficient). Best overall responses consisted of stable disease (n = 38; 64%), partial (n = 3; 5%) and complete response (n = 1; 2%). Immune-centric multiplex IHC and RNAseq showed that SBRT redirected immune cells towards tumor lesions, even in the case of radio-induced lymphopenia. Baseline tumor PD-L1 and IRF1 nuclear expression (both in CD3 + T cells and in CD68 + cells) were higher in responding patients. Upregulation of genes that encode for proteins known to increase T and B cell trafficking to tumors (CCL19, CXCL9), migration (MACF1) and tumor cell killing (GZMB) correlated with responses. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new data on the feasibility, efficacy, and immune context of tumors that may help identifying advanced CRC patients most likely to respond to immuno-radiotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT N°: 2015-005464-42; Clinicaltrial.gov number: NCT02992912.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonin Levy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue E. Vaillant, 94850, Villejuif, France.
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire, Villejuif, France.
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Daphné Morel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue E. Vaillant, 94850, Villejuif, France
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire, Villejuif, France
| | - Matthieu Texier
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Office, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Oncostat 1018 INSERM, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Roger Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue E. Vaillant, 94850, Villejuif, France
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jerome Durand-Labrunie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue E. Vaillant, 94850, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Severine Racadot
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Supiot
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de L'Ouest-Centre Rene Gauducheau, St Herblain, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Magné
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stacy Cyrille
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Office, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Oncostat 1018 INSERM, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Guillaume Louvel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue E. Vaillant, 94850, Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Massard
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy-Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Loic Verlingue
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy-Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Fanny Bouquet
- Product Development Medical Affairs, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Bustillos
- Product Development Medical Affairs, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Bouarroudj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue E. Vaillant, 94850, Villejuif, France
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire, Villejuif, France
- Bioinformatic Platform, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | | | - Lydia Meziani
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire, Villejuif, France
| | - Lambros Tselikas
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Rastilav Bahleda
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy-Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Antoine Hollebecque
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy-Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue E. Vaillant, 94850, Villejuif, France.
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire, Villejuif, France.
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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8
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Li K, Liu W, Yu H, Chen J, Tang W, Wang J, Qi M, Sun Y, Xu X, Zhang J, Li X, Guo W, Li X, Song S, Tang S. 68Ga-FAPI PET imaging monitors response to combined TGF-βR inhibition and immunotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e170490. [PMID: 38175716 PMCID: PMC10866654 DOI: 10.1172/jci170490] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDImproving and predicting tumor response to immunotherapy remains challenging. Combination therapy with a transforming growth factor-β receptor (TGF-βR) inhibitor that targets cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is promising for the enhancement of efficacy of immunotherapies. However, the effect of this approach in clinical trials is limited, requiring in vivo methods to better assess tumor responses to combination therapy.METHODSWe measured CAFs in vivo using the 68Ga-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-04 (68Ga-FAPI-04) for PET/CT imaging to guide the combination of TGF-β inhibition and immunotherapy. One hundred thirty-one patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) underwent 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT imaging. The relationship between uptake of 68Ga-FAPI and tumor immunity was analyzed in patients. Mouse cohorts of metastatic CRC were treated with the TGF-βR inhibitor combined with KN046, which blocks programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and CTLA-4, followed by 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-FDG micro-PET/CT imaging to assess tumor responses.RESULTSPatients with metastatic CRC demonstrated high uptake rates of 68Ga-FAPI, along with suppressive tumor immunity and poor prognosis. The TGF-βR inhibitor enhanced tumor-infiltrating T cells and significantly sensitized metastatic CRC to KN046. 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT imaging accurately monitored the dynamic changes of CAFs and tumor response to combined the TGF-βR inhibitor with immunotherapy.CONCLUSION68Ga-FAPI PET/CT imaging is powerful in assessing tumor immunity and the response to immunotherapy in metastatic CRC. This study supports future clinical application of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT to guide precise TGF-β inhibition plus immunotherapy in CRC patients, recommending 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-FDG dual PET/CT for CRC management.TRIAL REGISTRATIONCFFSTS Trial, ChiCTR2100053984, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.FUNDINGNational Natural Science Foundation of China (82072695, 32270767, 82272035, 81972260).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Wei Liu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Hang Yu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Jiwei Chen
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxuan Tang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianpeng Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Yuyun Sun
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Ji Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Oncology and
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Oncology and
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shaoli Song
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
| | - Shuang Tang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging Probes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology and
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9
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Lote H, Chau I. Immunotherapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Cancer Treat Res 2024; 192:277-303. [PMID: 39212926 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61238-1_14] [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] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment over the past decade. Long-term durable responses can be achieved in some cancer patient populations that were previously facing terminal disease. In this chapter, we summarise current phase 3 clinical trial evidence for the use of immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancers (oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, biliary cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and squamous cell cancer of the anus). We discuss meaningful biomarkers used in clinical trials to select patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy, such as mismatch-repair deficiency (MMRd)/microsatellite instability (MSI) and programmed-death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) expression. Clinical questions are arising regarding the role of immunotherapy in the adjuvant/perioperative setting, optimal timing of surgery in patients who respond to immunotherapy, and toxicities specific to patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. We outline the current landscape and future horizon of immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancers, such as strategies to increase effectiveness of checkpoint blockade through combinations with other checkpoint inhibitors, cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted agents, radiotherapy, CAR-T therapy, and cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Lote
- The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London and Sutton, UK
- Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Ian Chau
- The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London and Sutton, UK.
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10
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Pérez-González A, Bévant K, Blanpain C. Cancer cell plasticity during tumor progression, metastasis and response to therapy. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1063-1082. [PMID: 37537300 PMCID: PMC7615147 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Cell plasticity represents the ability of cells to be reprogrammed and to change their fate and identity, enabling homeostasis restoration and tissue regeneration following damage. Cell plasticity also contributes to pathological conditions, such as cancer, enabling cells to acquire new phenotypic and functional features by transiting across distinct cell states that contribute to tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Here, we review the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving cell plasticity that promote tumor growth and proliferation as well as metastasis and drug tolerance. Finally, we discuss how cell plasticity could be exploited for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pérez-González
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Bévant
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric Blanpain
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
- WELBIO, ULB, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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11
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Jácome AA, Johnson B. Minimal Residual Disease in Colorectal Cancer: Are We Finding the Needle in a Haystack? Cells 2023; 12:cells12071068. [PMID: 37048141 PMCID: PMC10092948 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the surgical and systemic therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC) in recent decades, recurrence rates remain high. Apart from microsatellite instability status, the decision to offer adjuvant chemotherapy to patients with CRC is solely based on clinicopathologic factors, which offer an inaccurate risk stratification of patients who derive benefit from adjuvant therapy. Owing to the recent improvements of molecular techniques, it has been possible to detect small allelic fractions of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and therefore, to identify patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) after curative-intent therapies. The incorporation of ctDNA identifying MRD in clinical practice may dramatically change the standard of care of CRC, refining the selection of patients who are candidates for escalation and de-escalation of adjuvant chemotherapy, and even for organ-preservation strategies in rectal cancer. In the present review, we describe the current standard of care and the DNA sequencing methodologies and assays, present the data from completed clinical studies and list ongoing potential landmark clinical trials whose results are eagerly awaited, as well as the impact and perspectives for the near future. The discussed data bring optimism for the future of oncologic care through the hope of refined utilization of adjuvant therapies with higher efficacy and safety for patients with both localized and advanced CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A. Jácome
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclinicas, Belo Horizonte 30360-680, Brazil
| | - Benny Johnson
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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San-Román-Gil M, Torres-Jiménez J, Pozas J, Esteban-Villarrubia J, Albarrán-Fernández V, Álvarez-Ballesteros P, Chamorro-Pérez J, Rosero-Rodríguez D, Orejana-Martín I, Martínez-Delfrade Í, Reguera-Puertas P, Fuentes-Mateos R, Ferreiro-Monteagudo R. Current Landscape and Potential Challenges of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Microsatellite Stable Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030863. [PMID: 36765821 PMCID: PMC9913409 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Europe. High microsatellite instability (MSI-H) due to a deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) system can be found in 5% of metastatic CRC (mCRC) and has been established as a biomarker of response to immunotherapy in these tumors. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in mCRC with these characteristics were evaluated with results showing remarkable response rates and durations of response. The majority of mCRC cases have high levels of DNA mismatch repair proteins (pMMR) with consequent microsatellite stability or low instability (MSS or MSI-low), associated with an inherent resistance to ICIs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the possible approaches to overcome the mechanisms of resistance and evaluates potential biomarkers to establish the role of ICIs in pMMR/MSS/MSI-L (MSS) mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- María San-Román-Gil
- Medical Oncology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.-G.); (J.T.-J.)
| | - Javier Torres-Jiménez
- Medical Oncology Department, Clínico San Carlos University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.-G.); (J.T.-J.)
| | - Javier Pozas
- Medical Oncology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Jesús Chamorro-Pérez
- Medical Oncology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, 28034 Madrid, Spain
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13
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Metropulos AE, Munshi HG, Principe DR. The difficulty in translating the preclinical success of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint inhibition to clinical trial. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104380. [PMID: 36455409 PMCID: PMC9706619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment paradigm for solid tumors. However, even in cancers generally considered ICI-sensitive, responses can vary significantly. Thus, there is an ever-increasing interest in identifying novel means of improving therapeutic responses, both for cancers in which ICIs are indicated and those for which they have yet to show significant anti-tumor activity. To this end, Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) signaling is emerging as an important barrier to the efficacy of ICIs. Accordingly, several preclinical studies now support the use of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade, with near-uniform positive results across a wide range of tumor types. However, as these approaches have started to emerge in clinical trials, the addition of TGFβ inhibitors has often failed to show a meaningful benefit beyond the current generation of ICIs alone. Here, we summarize landmark clinical studies exploring combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade. These studies not only reinforce the difficulty in translating results from rodents to clinical trials in immune-oncology but also underscore the need to re-evaluate the design of trials exploring this approach, incorporating both mechanism-driven combination strategies and novel, predictive biomarkers to identify the patients most likely to derive clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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14
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Lote H, Starling N, Pihlak R, Gerlinger M. Advances in immunotherapy for MMR proficient colorectal cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 111:102480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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