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Saeidi V, Doudican N, Carucci JA. Understanding the squamous cell carcinoma immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1084873. [PMID: 36793738 PMCID: PMC9922717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1084873] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common human cancer with a rising incidence of about 1.8 million in the United States annually. Primary cSCC is usually curable by surgery; however, in some cases, cSCC eventuates in nodal metastasis and death from disease specific death. cSCC results in up to 15,000 deaths each year in the United States. Until recently, non-surgical options for treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cSCC were largely ineffective. With the advent of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, including cemiplimab and pembrolizumab, response rates climbed to 50%, representing a vast improvement over chemotherapeutic agents used previously. Herein, we discuss the phenotype and function of SCC associated Langerhans cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, myeloid derived suppressor cells and T cells as well as SCC-associated lymphatics and blood vessels. Possible role(s) of SCC-associated cytokines in progression and invasion are reviewed. We also discuss the SCC immune microenvironment in the context of currently available and pipeline therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahide Saeidi
- Section of Dermatologic Surgery, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicole Doudican
- Section of Dermatologic Surgery, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - John A Carucci
- Section of Dermatologic Surgery, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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2
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Vaishampayan P, Curiel-Lewandrowski C, Dickinson SE. Review: PD-L1 as an emerging target in the treatment and prevention of keratinocytic skin cancer. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:52-61. [PMID: 36121318 PMCID: PMC9771956 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the understanding and targeting of immune checkpoints have led to great progress in immune therapies against many forms of cancer. While many types of immune checkpoints are currently targeted in the clinic, this review will focus on recent research implicating the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis as an emerging focus for the treatment of keratinocytic tumors. PD-L1 is of particular interest in nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), as it is not only upregulated in these tumors but is stimulated by environmental ultraviolet exposure. This response may also make PD-L1 an excellent target for photochemoprevention using topically applied small molecule inhibitors. Here, we summarize recent investigations on PD-L1 expression and clinically relevant immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, as well as small molecule agents targeting PD-L1 that may be useful for clinical development aiming at treatment or prevention of NMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Division of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sally E Dickinson
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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3
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Galambus J, Tsai KY. Molecular and immune targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:38-51. [PMID: 36000298 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer and often confers a good prognosis. Though surgery is the gold standard of treatment, unresectable or metastatic disease can necessitate systemic therapy. Of systemic agents, there is increasing interest in the use of immunotherapies and targeted therapy. Further study into the driver mutations in cSCC has identified opportunities for targeted therapy. In this review, we discuss both current and investigational immune and molecular targets of therapy for cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Galambus
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Donald A. Adam Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Villani A, Potestio L, Fabbrocini G, Scalvenzi M. New Emerging Treatment Options for Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1164-1178. [PMID: 35089534 PMCID: PMC8918118 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancers, also known as keratinocyte tumors, have an increasing incidence worldwide, with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma being the most represented ones. Although surgery represents the gold-standard treatment for both tumors, some cases can progress to an advanced or a metastatic state and targeted therapy is required. Hedgehog signaling pathway has an important role in the development of basal cell carcinoma, and its inhibition is the key to new treatment options available for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most frequent malignant skin cancer; when presenting in advanced or metastatic stage, alternative treatments are required; cemiplimab is a human monoclonal antibody directed against programmed cell death-1 receptor that acts by blocking T-cell inactivation and is the first drug approved for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Studies evaluating pembrolizumab, ipilimumab and nivolumab as alternative treatments for advanced squamous cell carcinoma are still underway. Objective of this review is to analyze and discuss the novel therapies for advanced basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma to obtain a sharper perspective of the available treatment options.
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García-Sancha N, Corchado-Cobos R, Bellido-Hernández L, Román-Curto C, Cardeñoso-Álvarez E, Pérez-Losada J, Orfao A, Cañueto J. Overcoming Resistance to Immunotherapy in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5134. [PMID: 34680282 PMCID: PMC8533861 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most frequent cancer in humans, and is now responsible for as many deaths as melanoma. Immunotherapy has changed the therapeutic landscape of advanced CSCC after the FDA approval of anti-PD1 molecules for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic CSCC. However, roughly 50% of patients will not respond to this systemic treatment and even those who do respond can develop resistance over time. The etiologies of primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapy involve changes in the neoplastic cells and the tumor microenvironment. Indirect modulation of immune system activation with new therapies, such as vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and new immunotherapeutic agents, and direct modulation of tumor immunogenicity using other systemic treatments or radiotherapy are now under evaluation in combined regimens. The identification of predictors of response is an important area of research. In this review, we focus on the features associated with the response to immunotherapy, and the evaluation of combination treatments and new molecules, a more thorough knowledge of which is likely to improve the survival of patients with advanced CSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García-Sancha
- IBMCC-CSIC, Laboratory 7, Campus Miguel de Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.G.-S.); (R.C.-C.); (J.P.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.B.-H.); (C.R.-C.); (A.O.)
| | - Roberto Corchado-Cobos
- IBMCC-CSIC, Laboratory 7, Campus Miguel de Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.G.-S.); (R.C.-C.); (J.P.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.B.-H.); (C.R.-C.); (A.O.)
| | - Lorena Bellido-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.B.-H.); (C.R.-C.); (A.O.)
- Departament of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Concepción Román-Curto
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.B.-H.); (C.R.-C.); (A.O.)
- Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Esther Cardeñoso-Álvarez
- Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Jesús Pérez-Losada
- IBMCC-CSIC, Laboratory 7, Campus Miguel de Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.G.-S.); (R.C.-C.); (J.P.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.B.-H.); (C.R.-C.); (A.O.)
| | - Alberto Orfao
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.B.-H.); (C.R.-C.); (A.O.)
- IBMCC-CSIC, Laboratory 11, Campus Miguel de Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Cytometry Service (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC) (CB16/12/00400, CB16/12/00233, CB16/12/00369, CB16/12/00489 and CB16/12/00480), Instituto Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Cañueto
- IBMCC-CSIC, Laboratory 7, Campus Miguel de Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.G.-S.); (R.C.-C.); (J.P.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.B.-H.); (C.R.-C.); (A.O.)
- Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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Lebas E, Marchal N, Rorive A, Nikkels AF. Cemiplimab for locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: safety, efficacy, and position in therapy panel. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:355-363. [PMID: 33554680 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1876567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (lacSCC) is rare. Approximately one-fourth of the cases are observed among immunocompromised patients, in particular in solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs). LacSCC has a very poor prognosis. Surgery with or without radiotherapy remains the golden standard of treatment for cSCC. However, in advanced cases, there is a medical need for alternative treatment options. Classic systemic treatments include chemotherapy and/or EGFR inhibitors. Recently the effectiveness of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors has been demonstrated for lacSCC. Cemiplimab is a recombinant IgG4 human monoclonal antibody against the PD-1 protein for the intravenous treatment of lacSCC. AREAS COVERED The principal studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of cemiplimab for lacSCC are presented. EXPERT OPINION Cemiplimab is the first anti-PD-1 antibody that was FDA (2018) and EMA (2019) approved as a systemic treatment for lacSCC and/or metastatic cSCC when curative surgery or radiotherapy is no longer amenable. For this situation, experts currently recommend cemiplimab as a first-line systemic alternative. As cemiplimab therapy is potentially associated with a risk of organ graft rejection, pros and cons should be evaluated for every individual OTR patient with lacSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Lebas
- Departments of Dermatology and Medical Oncology Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Centre, CHU Du Sart Tilman, Liège, BELGIUM
| | - Nathalie Marchal
- Departments of Dermatology and Medical Oncology Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Centre, CHU Du Sart Tilman, Liège, BELGIUM
| | - Andrée Rorive
- Departments of Dermatology and Medical Oncology Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Centre, CHU Du Sart Tilman, Liège, BELGIUM
| | - Arjen F Nikkels
- Departments of Dermatology and Medical Oncology Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Centre, CHU Du Sart Tilman, Liège, BELGIUM
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Koukourakis IM, Giakzidis AG, Kouroupi M, Giatromanolaki A, Abatzoglou I, Karpouzis A, Koukourakis MI. Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma of the head-neck area refractory to chemo-radiotherapy: benefit from anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. BJR Case Rep 2021; 7:20200170. [PMID: 34131497 PMCID: PMC8171141 DOI: 10.1259/bjrcr.20200170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Radiotherapy provides excellent results in locally advanced cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck area (cSCC-HN), with a 2-year local progression-free interval obtained for about 80% of patients. Overexpression of immune checkpoint co-inhibitory molecules, like PD-L1 (programmed death ligand 1), by cancer cells may define local immunosuppression, tumour escape from immune surveillance and reduced radiotherapy efficacy. Methods: A 65-year-old female, with a large exophytic cSCC-HN invading adjacent soft tissues, was treated with hypofractionated accelerated chemo-radiotherapy. The patient received four bi-weekly cycles of chemotherapy concurrently with eight fractions of 5.5 Gy (two fractions per week). Two months after the end of chemo-radiotherapy, the tumour was stable in dimensions, without any signs of symptomatic relief. The patient was, after that, treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy (nivolumab). The tumour gradually regressed, reaching partial response after four cycles and complete response after 16 cycles of nivolumab. No side-effects related to immunotherapy were recorded. The patient is alive and without evidence of disease 28 months after radiotherapy. Conclusions: Treatment of patients with chemo- and radio-resistant cSCC-HN with immunotherapy may optimize the efficacy of radiotherapy by stimulating immunological tumour rejection mechanisms. cSCC-HN patients who fail to respond to chemo-radiotherapy completely are expected to benefit the most from immunotherapy because of the radio-vaccination effect expected from the preceded radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy - Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Axiotis G Giakzidis
- Department of Radiotherapy - Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Kouroupi
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Abatzoglou
- Department of Radiotherapy - Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Antonios Karpouzis
- Department of Dermatology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy - Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What Do We Currently Know in 2020? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239300. [PMID: 33291277 PMCID: PMC7730197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer that predominantly arises in chronically sun-damaged skin. Immunosuppression, genetic disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), exposure to certain drugs and environmental noxae have been identified as major risk factors. Surgical removal of cSCC is the therapy of choice and mostly curative in early stages. However, a minority of patients develop locally advanced tumors or distant metastases that are still challenging to treat. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting CTLA-4, PD-L1 and PD-1 has tremendously changed the field of oncological therapy and especially the treatment of skin cancers as tumors with a high mutational burden. In this review, we focus on the differences between cSCC and cutaneous melanoma (CM) and their implications on therapy, summarize the current evidence on ICB for the treatment of advanced cSCC and discuss the chances and pitfalls of this therapy option for this cancer entity. Furthermore, we focus on special subgroups of interest such as organ transplant recipients, patients with hematologic malignancies, XP and field cancerization.
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