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Tam A, Ladbury C, Kassardjian A, Modi B, McGee H, Melstrom L, Margolin K, Xing Y, Amini A. Combined Regional Approach of Talimogene laherparepvec and Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1951. [PMID: 38893072 PMCID: PMC11171111 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) is a genetically modified oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) that is used for the intralesional treatment of advanced or metastatic melanoma. Given that TVEC produces the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), recent reports have suggested that radiation treatment (RT) given in conjunction with TVEC may provide synergistic immune activation at the site, and possibly systemically. However, studies on combining RT with TVEC remain limited. We conducted a retrospective review of melanoma patients from a single cancer center who received TVEC and RT in the same region of the body and compared them to patients who received TVEC with RT at another site (other than the site of TVEC injection). Between January 2015 and September 2022, we identified twenty patients who were treated with TVEC and RT; fourteen patients received TVEC and RT in the same region, and six had treatments in separate regions. Regions were determined at the time of analysis and were based on anatomic sites (such as arm, leg, torso, etc.). Kaplan-Meier analysis of progression-free survival (PFS), analyses of time to distant metastasis (DM), overall survival (OS), and locoregional control (LRC), and the corresponding log-rank test were performed. With a median follow-up of 10.5 months [mos] (range 1.0-58.7 mos), we found an improvement in PFS with TVEC and RT in the same region compared to different regions, which were 6.4 mos (95% CI, 2.4-NR mos) and 2.8 mos (95% CI, 0.7-4.4 mos), respectively; p = 0.005. There was also a significant improvement in DM when TVEC and RT were used in the same region compared to different regions: 13.8 mos (95% CI, 4.6-NR mos) and 2.8 mos (95% CI, 0.7-4.4 mos), respectively (p = 0.001). However, we found no difference in overall survival (OS) between patients who had TVEC and RT in the same region (19.0 mos, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-not reached [NR] mos) and those who received treatments in different regions (18.5 mos, 95% CI, 1.0-NR mos); p = 0.366. There was no statistically significant improvement in locoregional control (LRC) in patients who had TVEC and RT in the same region was 26.0 mos (95% CI, 6.4-26.0 mos) compared to patients who received TVEC and RT in different regions (4.4 mos) (95% CI, 0.7-NR mos) (p = 0.115). No grade 3 or higher toxicities were documented in either group. Overall, there were improvements in PFS and DM when TVEC and RT were delivered to the same region of the body compared to when they were used in different regions. However, we did not find a significant difference in locoregional recurrence or OS. Future studies are needed to assess the sequence and timing of combining RT and TVEC to potentially enhance the immune response both locally and distantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Colton Ladbury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Ari Kassardjian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Badri Modi
- Department of Dermatology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Heather McGee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
| | - Laleh Melstrom
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kim Margolin
- St. John’s Cancer Institute, 2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Yan Xing
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arya Amini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.T.)
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Pavlick AC, Ariyan CE, Buchbinder EI, Davar D, Gibney GT, Hamid O, Hieken TJ, Izar B, Johnson DB, Kulkarni RP, Luke JJ, Mitchell TC, Mooradian MJ, Rubin KM, Salama AK, Shirai K, Taube JM, Tawbi HA, Tolley JK, Valdueza C, Weiss SA, Wong MK, Sullivan RJ. Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma, version 3.0. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006947. [PMID: 37852736 PMCID: PMC10603365 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006947] [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] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first approval for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma more than a decade ago, immunotherapy has completely transformed the treatment landscape of this chemotherapy-resistant disease. Combination regimens including ICIs directed against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) agents or, more recently, anti-lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) agents, have gained regulatory approvals for the treatment of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, with long-term follow-up data suggesting the possibility of cure for some patients with advanced disease. In the resectable setting, adjuvant ICIs prolong recurrence-free survival, and neoadjuvant strategies are an active area of investigation. Other immunotherapy strategies, such as oncolytic virotherapy for injectable cutaneous melanoma and bispecific T-cell engager therapy for HLA-A*02:01 genotype-positive uveal melanoma, are also available to patients. Despite the remarkable efficacy of these regimens for many patients with cutaneous melanoma, traditional immunotherapy biomarkers (ie, programmed death-ligand 1 expression, tumor mutational burden, T-cell infiltrate and/or microsatellite stability) have failed to reliably predict response. Furthermore, ICIs are associated with unique toxicity profiles, particularly for the highly active combination of anti-PD-1 plus anti-CTLA-4 agents. The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a panel of experts to develop this clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma, including rare subtypes of the disease (eg, uveal, mucosal), with the goal of improving patient care by providing guidance to the oncology community. Drawing from published data and clinical experience, the Expert Panel developed evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for healthcare professionals using immunotherapy to treat melanoma, with topics including therapy selection in the advanced and perioperative settings, intratumoral immunotherapy, when to use immunotherapy for patients with BRAFV600-mutated disease, management of patients with brain metastases, evaluation of treatment response, special patient populations, patient education, quality of life, and survivorship, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte E Ariyan
- Department of Surgery Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Diwakar Davar
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburg Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Gibney
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Omid Hamid
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tina J Hieken
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Benjamin Izar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rajan P Kulkarni
- Departments of Dermatology, Oncological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Center for Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Operative Care Division, VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason J Luke
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meghan J Mooradian
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Krista M Rubin
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - April Ks Salama
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, Carolina, USA
| | - Keisuke Shirai
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Janis M Taube
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - J Keith Tolley
- Patient Advocate, Melanoma Research Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Caressa Valdueza
- Cutaneous Oncology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah A Weiss
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael K Wong
- Patient Advocate, Melanoma Research Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Xu J, He J, He J, He Y, Zhang D, Kong R, Dan K. The abscopal effect of anti-CD95 and radiotherapy in melanoma. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:68. [PMID: 37191832 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) is frequently adopted to control cancer cell proliferation, which is achieved by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunogenicity. Apoptosis of cancer cells is the major effect of radiation on tumor tissues. Fas/APO-1(CD95) receptors on the cell membrane are death receptors that can be activated by diverse factors, including radiation and integration with CD95L on CD8+ T cells. The abscopal effect is defined as tumor regression out of the local RT field, and it is produced through anti-tumor immunity. The immune response against the radiated tumor is characterized by the cross-presentation between antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which includes cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and dendritic cells (DCs). METHODS The effect of activation and radiation of CD95 receptors on melanoma cell lines was examined in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, bilateral lower limbs were given a subcutaneous injection of a dual-tumor. Tumors in the right limb were radiated with a single dose of 10 Gy (primary tumor), while tumors in the left limb (secondary tumor) were spared. RESULTS The anti-CD95 treatment plus radiation (combination treatment) reduced growth rates of both primary and secondary tumors relative to the control or radiation groups. In addition, higher degrees of infiltrating CTLs and DCs were detected in the combination treatment compared to the other groups, but the immune response responsible for secondary tumor rejection was not proven to be tumor specific. In vitro, combination treatment combined with radiation resulted in further apoptosis of melanoma cells relative to controls or cells treated with radiation. CONCLUSIONS Targeting CD95 on cancer cells will induce tumor control and the abscopal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixiang Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zhongshan 319, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - JiangFeng He
- Nursing Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zhongshan 319, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - JiaJun He
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zhongshan 319, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yuanmin He
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zhongshan 319, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - DaoJun Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of ChongQing Medical University, ShuangHuZhiLu 1, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Rui Kong
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of ChongQing Medical University, ShuangHuZhiLu 1, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Kena Dan
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of ChongQing Medical University, ShuangHuZhiLu 1, Chongqing, 401120, China.
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Averbuch I, Stoff R, Miodovnik M, Fennig S, Bar-Sela G, Yakobson A, Daliot J, Asher N, Fenig E. Avelumab for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma-A multicenter real-world experience in Israel. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37012213 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the skin, affecting predominantly the fair-skinned older population exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light. Immune suppression is considered a significant risk factor. With the recent advances in the field of immunotherapy, the treatment paradigm for advanced MCC, traditionally based on chemotherapy, has largely shifted to anti-PD-L1 and PD-1 agents such as avelumab and pembrolizumab, respectively. However, real-world data remain sparse. The aim of this study was to assess real-world evidence of the effectiveness of avelumab in a diverse group of patients with MCC in Israel. METHODS The electronic databases of five university hospitals in Israel were searched for all consecutive patients with MCC treated with at least one dose of avelumab in 2018-2022. Data on baseline, disease-related, treatment-related, and outcome parameters were collected and analyzed. RESULTS The cohort included 62 patients of whom 22% were immune-suppressed. The overall response rate to avelumab was 59%. The median progression-free survival was 8.1 months, and the median overall survival, 23.5 months, with no differences between immune-competent and immune-suppressed patients. Treatment was well tolerated; any-grade toxicity developed in 34% of patients, and grade 3-4 toxicity, in 14%. CONCLUSIONS Avelumab was found to be effective and safe for the treatment of advanced MCC in a diverse group of patients, including some with immune suppression. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the optimal sequence and duration of treatment and to assess the potential role of avelumab for earlier stages of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itamar Averbuch
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronen Stoff
- Ella Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mor Miodovnik
- Department of Dermatology, Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomit Fennig
- Institute of Oncology, Kaplan Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gil Bar-Sela
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Israel Institute of Technology-Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alexander Yakobson
- The Legacy Heritage Oncology Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center, School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Jonathan Daliot
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Natan Asher
- Ella Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eyal Fenig
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Cerbon D, Moya-Brown K, Mihaylov IB, Spieler B. Abscopal effect observed in visceral and osseous metastases after liver SBRT in combination with nivolumab and relatlimab for sinonasal mucosal melanoma-a case report. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1143335. [PMID: 37182135 PMCID: PMC10174457 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a rare, aggressive histology usually diagnosed at advanced stages and associated with poor prognosis. Evidence regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment mainly derives from case reports, retrospective series, and national databases. In the treatment of metastatic melanoma, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade increased 5-year overall survival from ~10% (prior to 2011) to ~50% (between 2011 and 2016). In March of 2022, the FDA approved the use of relatlimab, a novel anti-LAG3 immune checkpoint inhibitor, for the treatment of melanoma. Case presentation A 67-year-old woman with locally advanced SNMM underwent debulking surgery, adjuvant RT, and first-line immunotherapy (ImT) with nivolumab but developed local progression. The patient started a second course of ImT with nivolumab and ipilimumab, but this was discontinued after two cycles due to an immune-related adverse event (irAE, hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes). Interval imaging identified visceral and osseous metastases including multiple lesions in the liver and in the lumbar spine. She went on to receive a third course of ImT with nivolumab and the novel agent relatlimab with concurrent stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the largest liver tumor only, delivered in five 10-Gy fractions using MRI guidance. A PET/CT performed 3 months after SBRT demonstrated complete metabolic response (CMR) of all disease sites including non-irradiated liver lesions and spinal metastatic sites. After two cycles of the third course of ImT, the patient developed severe immune-related keratoconjunctivitis and ImT was discontinued. Conclusion This case report describes the first complete abscopal response (AR) in an SNMM histology and the first report of AR following liver SBRT with the use of relatlimab/nivolumab combination ImT for metastatic melanoma in the setting of both visceral and osseous lesions. This report suggests that the combination of SBRT with ImT potentiates the adaptive immune response and is a viable path for immune-mediated tumor rejection. The mechanisms behind this response are hypothesis-generating and remain an area of active research with exceedingly promising potential.
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Nasr D, Kumar PA, Zerdan MB, Ghelani G, Dutta D, Graziano S, Lim SH. Radioimmunoconjugates in the age of modern immuno-oncology. Life Sci 2022; 310:121126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Grynberg S, Stoff R, Asher N, Shapira-Frommer R, Schachter J, Haisraely O, Lawrence Y, Ben-Betzalel G. Radiotherapy may augment response to immunotherapy in metastatic uveal melanoma patients. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221131521. [PMCID: PMC9629551 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221131521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a subtype of melanoma arising from the ocular region. Despite various local therapies available, a significant portion of patients develop distant metastases, primarily to the liver. While cutaneous melanoma is very sensitive to immunotherapy, UM is known to be less responsive and patients were excluded from pivotal clinical trials. To date, there is no standard first line therapy for metastatic UM and clinical trial participation is encouraged. While UM is considered a radio-resistant tumor, there is a role for radiotherapy (RT) as palliative treatment and possibly for immune sensitization. This a retrospective analysis aimed at addressing the role of combination checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) with RT as a synergistic treatment in metastatic UM patient. We hypothesized that concurrent RT would improve the clinical response to immunotherapy. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with metastatic UM treated with ICI at Ella Lemelbaum Institute between 2015 and 2021. Patients’ electronic medical records were analyzed for baseline characteristics, response rate and survival data. Patients were grouped according to receipt of concomitant RT. Study was approved by local IRB and statistical analyses done using Stata V.17 Results: Thirty-nine patients were treated with immunotherapy. Fifty percent were treated with anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1 and 50% with anti-PD1– anti CTLA4 combination therapy. Nine patients were treated concomitantly with immunotherapy and external beam RT or with stereotactic body RT (group A) and 29 patients were treated with immunotherapy alone (group B). Overall response rate was significantly higher in group A (44% versus 10%, p = 0.004). Median progression-free survival was longer for patients in group A (22 months versus 3 m, Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.37, p = 0.036). Median overall survival was also longer for group A (26 months versus 7.5 m, HR = 0.34, p = 0.03). Toxicity was comparable between the groups. Conclusions: RT may improve response to immunotherapy with ICI in metastatic UM patients and may confer an advantage in survival. Further prospective, larger studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nethanel Asher
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute of Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Jacob Schachter
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute of Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ory Haisraely
- Department Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yaacov Lawrence
- Department Radiation Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Abscopal Response in Metastatic Melanoma: Real-World Data of a Retrospective, Multicenter Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174213. [PMID: 36077747 PMCID: PMC9454568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the incidence of the abscopal response (AR) in patients with metastatic melanoma requiring palliative radiotherapy (RT). Patients and methods: Patients treated for metastatic melanoma between January 1998 and February 2020 in four oncology departments were screened. Patients with progression under immune checkpoint inhibitors or without ongoing systemic treatment, and requiring palliative RT were considered. The AR was defined as an objective response according to RECIST and/or iRECIST for at least one non-irradiated metastasis at distance (≥10 cm) from the irradiated lesion. Primary endpoint was the rate of AR. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local control (LC) of the irradiated lesion, and toxicity as assessed by CTCAE v5. Results: Over the period considered, 118 patients were included and analyzed. Fifteen patients (12.7%) had an AR. With a median follow-up of 7.7 months (range, 0.2−242.2), median OS and PFS after RT were significantly longer in patients with an AR compared to those without: 28 vs. 6.6 months (p < 0.01) and not reached vs. 3.2 months, respectively. No grade ≥2 toxicity was reported. Patients who developed an AR were more likely to be treated with immunotherapy (93.3% vs. 55.9%, p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, they had a higher number of irradiated metastases treated concomitantly (HR = 16.9, p < 0.01) and a higher rate of mild infections during RT (HR = 403.5, p < 0.01). Conclusions: AR in metastatic melanoma seems to be highly prognostic of overall survival, although it is a rare phenomenon. It may be promoted by multiple concomitant treatments with RT and immunotherapy and by acute inflammatory events such as infection.
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Alexander H, Wen D, Chu M, Han C, Hadden P, Thomas R, Bartlett A. Selective internal radiation therapy for hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma: a systematic review. Br J Radiol 2022; 95:20210200. [PMID: 34757824 PMCID: PMC8722257 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20210200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uveal melanoma (UM) commonly metastasizes to the liver. Treatment usually consists of liver-directed therapies, such as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). This review aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of SIRT for hepatic metastases from UM. METHODS The study protocol is available at OSF (https://osf.io/vhyct/). EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched until July 2020, using terms related to SIRT and hepatic metastases from UM. Studies reporting outcomes of SIRT in patients with UM and at least one hepatic metastasis were included. Data on overall survival (OS), hepatic progression free survival (hPFS) or tumor response were collected. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS 11 studies were included, reporting outcomes for 268 patients with hepatic metastases from UM. Most studies (n = 9, 81.8%) were retrospective. Disease control was achieved in 170 patients (67.5%) and the median OS from time of SIRT was 12.3 months. Median hPFS was 5.4 months. Low-grade side-effects were common but serious complications were infrequent. There were two treatment-related deaths. The median NOS score was 6 (moderate risk of bias). CONCLUSION SIRT appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from UM. The certainty of our results is unclear due to predominantly retrospective data with moderate risk of bias. Further prospective studies are required to explore the role of SIRT in UM. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE SIRT appears to be a safe treatment for patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from UM. Further prospective work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Alexander
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Wen
- Department of Surgery, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Chu
- Department of Surgery, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Catherine Han
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Hadden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robert Thomas
- Department of Radiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
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Lymphoid Organ Proteomes Identify Therapeutic Efficacy Biomarkers Following the Intracavitary Administration of Curcumin in a Highly Invasive Rat Model of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168566. [PMID: 34445271 PMCID: PMC8395293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the proteomic changes produced by curcumin treatment following stimulation of the host immune system in a rat model of malignant mesothelioma. We analyzed the proteomes of secondary lymphoid organs from four normal rats, four untreated tumor-bearing rats, and four tumor-bearing rats receiving repeated intraperitoneal administrations of curcumin. Cross-comparing proteome analyses of histological sections of the spleen from the three groups first identified a list of eighty-three biomarkers of interest, thirteen of which corresponded to proteins already reported in the literature and involved in the anticancer therapeutic effects of curcumin. In a second step, comparing these data with proteomic analyses of histological sections of mesenteric lymph nodes revealed eight common biomarkers showing a similar pattern of changes in both lymphoid organs. Additional findings included a partial reduction of the increase in spleen-circulating biomarkers, a decrease in C-reactive protein and complement C3 in the spleen and lymph nodes, and an increase in lymph node purine nucleoside phosphorylase previously associated with liver immunodeficiency. Our results suggest some protein abundance changes could be related to the systemic, distant non-target antitumor effects produced by this phytochemical.
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Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a singularly important determinant of survival in most cancers. Historically, radiation therapy (RT) directed at a primary tumor mass was associated infrequently with remission of metastasis outside the field of irradiation. This away-from-target or "abscopal effect" received fringe attention because of its rarity. With the advent of immunotherapy, there are now increasing reports of abscopal effects upon RT in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition. This sparked investigation into underlying mechanisms and clinical trials aimed at enhancement of this effect. While these studies clearly attribute the abscopal effect to an antitumor immune response, the initial molecular triggers for its onset and specificity remain enigmatic. Here, we propose that DNA damage-induced inflammation coupled with neoantigen generation is essential during this intriguing phenomenon of systemic tumor regression and discuss the implications of this model for treatment aimed at triggering the abscopal effect in metastatic cancer.
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Sezen D, Patel RR, Tang C, Onstad M, Nagarajan P, Patel SP, Welsh JW, Lin LL. Immunotherapy combined with high- and low-dose radiation to all sites leads to complete clearance of disease in a patient with metastatic vaginal melanoma. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 161:645-652. [PMID: 33795130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A 73-year-old woman with metastatic vaginal mucosal melanoma that had progressed on ipilimumab and nivolumab experienced clinical and radiographic complete response to dual checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy given in combination with high-dose plus low-dose radiation. General characteristics and treatment options in this disease are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Sezen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Roshal R Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Christine Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michaela Onstad
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Priyadharsini Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sapna P Patel
- Department of Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James W Welsh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lilie L Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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Eddy K, Chen S. Overcoming Immune Evasion in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8984. [PMID: 33256089 PMCID: PMC7730443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and dangerous form of skin cancer that develops from transformed melanocytes. It is crucial to identify melanoma at its early stages, in situ, as it is "curable" at this stage. However, after metastasis, it is difficult to treat and the five-year survival is only 25%. In recent years, a better understanding of the etiology of melanoma and its progression has made it possible for the development of targeted therapeutics, such as vemurafenib and immunotherapies, to treat advanced melanomas. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms that mediate melanoma development and progression, with a special focus on the immune evasion strategies utilized by melanomas, to evade host immune surveillances. The proposed mechanism of action and the roles of immunotherapeutic agents, ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab, adoptive T- cell therapy plus T-VEC in the treatment of advanced melanoma are discussed. In this review, we implore that a better understanding of the steps that mediate melanoma onset and progression, immune evasion strategies exploited by these tumor cells, and the identification of biomarkers to predict treatment response are critical in the design of improved strategies to improve clinical outcomes for patients with this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevinn Eddy
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suzie Chen
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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14
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Metastasis-directed therapy for oligometastasis and beyond. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:136-141. [PMID: 33204024 PMCID: PMC7782796 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01128-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-directed therapy (MDT)-local therapy that is intended to eradicate specific metastatic lesions-has hitherto been used with varying degrees of clinical efficacy and acceptance as a meaningful therapy for metastatic disease. Over the past 25 years, however, the momentum for using MDT to manage patients with metastatic solid tumours has increased, driven by several factors. Among these factors is the recognition that patients with limited metastatic burden could potentially derive survival benefits from MDT. Furthermore, although current systemic therapies are increasingly effective, they are infrequently curative. In addition, technological advances have broadened the spectrum of metastatic lesions that can be treated with ablative intent. Here we aim to briefly review the status of evidence for the clinical benefit of MDT based on current data mainly from trials in patients with oligometastatic disease, discuss the myriad of clinical states that might fall under and beyond the definition of oligometastasis, review technological advances in MDT and their applications beyond oligometastasis, and discuss the need for the continued co-evolution of MDT and systemic therapy as we seek to understand which patients with metastatic cancer can achieve durable remission and how to optimally manage those who cannot.
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15
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Weishaupt C, Goerge T, Loser K. Activated melanoma vessels: A sticky point for successful immunotherapy. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:1046-1054. [PMID: 32998178 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14203] [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: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a devastating disease with a marginal-albeit increasing-hope for cure. Melanoma has a high mutation rate which correlates to the expression of numerous neo-antigens and thus is associated with the potential to induce and strengthen effective antitumoral immunity. However, the incomplete and potentially insufficient response to established immunotherapies (response rates usually do not markedly exceed 60%) already points to the need of further studies to improve treatment strategies. Multiple tumor escape mechanisms that allow melanoma to evade from antitumoral immune responses have been characterized and must be overcome to achieve a better clinical efficacy of immunotherapies. Recently, promising progress has been made in targeting tumor vasculature to control and increase the infiltration of tumors with effector lymphocytes. It has been hypothesized that amplified lymphocytic infiltrates in melanoma metastases result in a switch of the tumor microenvironment from a non-inflammatory to an inflammatory state. In this view point essay, we discuss the requirements for successful homing of lymphocytes to melanoma tissue and we present a mouse melanoma xenograft model that allows the investigation of human tumor vessels in vivo. Furthermore, current clinical studies dealing with the activation of melanoma vasculature for enhanced effectiveness of immunotherapy protocols are presented and open questions for routine clinical application are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Weishaupt
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Tobias Goerge
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Karin Loser
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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16
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Griffin RJ, Prise KM, McMahon SJ, Zhang X, Penagaricano J, Butterworth KT. History and current perspectives on the biological effects of high-dose spatial fractionation and high dose-rate approaches: GRID, Microbeam & FLASH radiotherapy. Br J Radiol 2020; 93:20200217. [PMID: 32706989 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20200217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of various forms of ionising radiation are known to be mediated by interactions with cellular and molecular targets in irradiated and in some cases non-targeted tissue volumes. Despite major advances in advanced conformal delivery techniques, the probability of normal tissue complication (NTCP) remains the major dose-limiting factor in escalating total dose delivered during treatment. Potential strategies that have shown promise as novel delivery methods in achieving effective tumour control whilst sparing organs at risk involve the modulation of critical dose delivery parameters. This has led to the development of techniques using high dose spatial fractionation (GRID) and ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) which have translated to the clinic. The current review discusses the historical development and biological basis of GRID, microbeam and FLASH radiotherapy as advanced delivery modalities that have major potential for widespread implementation in the clinic in future years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Griffin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston University Medical Centre, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose Penagaricano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Centre, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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