1
|
Zhao J, Hu Z, Zheng X, Lin Y, Liu X, Zhang J, Peng J, Gao H. Blood biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma: a critical review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1489836. [PMID: 39650722 PMCID: PMC11621223 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1489836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, which represents a serious threat to human life, health and quality of life. Blood-based detection is essential for HCC screening, early diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and surveillance. Current non-invasive detection strategy including serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), ultrasound, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The limited specificity of an AFP and the dependence on operator experience and diagnostic personnel for ultrasound have constrained their utility in early HCC diagnosis. In recent years, with the development of various detection technologies, there has been an increasing focus on exploring blood-based detection markers for HCC. The types of markers include protein markers, DNA mutation, DNA epigenetic modification, mRNA, miRNA, and so on. However, numerous methodological and biological factors limit the clinical sensitivity and generalization performance of these new biomarkers. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art technologies for cfDNA analysis, and discuss outstanding biological and technical challenges that, if addressed, would substantially improve HCC diagnostics and patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zekai Hu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Zheng
- Hangzhou Tongchuang Medical Laboratory, Department of pathology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yajie Lin
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hainv Gao
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kuzuya T, Kawabe N, Muto H, Tachi Y, Ukai T, Wada Y, Komura G, Nakano T, Tanaka H, Nakaoka K, Ohno E, Funasaka K, Nagasaka M, Miyahara R, Hirooka Y. Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab Combination Therapy Who Achieved Complete Response. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:6218-6231. [PMID: 39451767 PMCID: PMC11506828 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31100463] [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: 09/01/2024] [Revised: 10/06/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) who achieved a complete response (CR) according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). METHODS A total of 120 patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0 or 1 and Child-Pugh A at the start of Atz/Bev treatment were included. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C was recorded in 59 patients. RESULTS The CR rate with Atz/Bev alone was 15.0%. The median time to CR was 3.4 months, and the median duration of CR was 15.6 months. A significant factor associated with achieving CR with Atz/Bev alone was an AFP ratio of 0.34 or less at 3 weeks. Adding transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the six patients who achieved a partial response increased the overall CR rate to 20%. Among the 24 patients who achieved CR, the median progression-free survival was 19.3 months, the median overall survival was not reached, and 14 patients (58.3%) were able to discontinue Atz/Bev and achieve a drug-free status. Twelve of these patients developed progressive disease (PD), but eleven successfully received post-PD treatments and responded well. CONCLUSIONS Achieving CR by mRECIST using Atz/Bev alone or with additional TACE can be expected to offer an extremely favorable prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teiji Kuzuya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Naoto Kawabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Hisanori Muto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital, Nagoya 454-8509, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Tachi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita Health University Okazaki Medical Center, Okazaki 444-0827, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ukai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yuryo Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Gakushi Komura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Takuji Nakano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Kazunori Nakaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Eizaburo Ohno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Kohei Funasaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Mitsuo Nagasaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Ryoji Miyahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yoshiki Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.T.); (T.U.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang H, Li YX, Lian JJ, Ng HY, Wang SSY. Personalized treatment using predictive biomarkers in solid organ malignancies: A review. TUMORI JOURNAL 2024; 110:386-404. [PMID: 39091157 DOI: 10.1177/03008916241261484] [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: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the influence of specific biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of solid organ malignancies has been increasingly prominent. The relevance of the use of predictive biomarkers, which predict cancer response to specific forms of treatment provided, is playing a more significant role than ever before, as it affects diagnosis and initiation of treatment, monitoring for efficacy and side effects of treatment, and adjustment in treatment regimen in the long term. In the current review, we explored the use of predictive biomarkers in the treatment of solid organ malignancies, including common cancers such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and cancers associated with high mortalities, such as pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer and cancers of the central nervous system. We additionally analyzed the goals and types of personalized treatment using predictive biomarkers, and the management of various types of solid organ malignancies using predictive biomarkers and their relative efficacies so far in the clinical settings.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fujii T, Kuzuya T, Kondo N, Funasaka K, Ohno E, Hirooka Y, Tochio T. Altered intestinal Streptococcus anginosus and 5α-reductase gene levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated Bacteroides stercoris in atezolizumab/bevacizumab non-responders. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 39240069 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001878] [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: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide.Gap statement. Monitoring of HCC and predicting its immunotherapy responses are challenging.Aim. This study explored the potential of the gut microbiome for HCC monitoring and predicting HCC immunotherapy responses.Methods. DNA samples were collected from the faeces of 22 patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) and 85 healthy controls. The gut microbiome was analysed using 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR).Results. The microbiomes of patients with HCC demonstrated significant enrichment of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus, notably Streptococcus anginosus. Comparative analysis between Atz/Bev responders (R) and non-responders (NR) revealed a higher abundance of Bacteroides stercoris in the NR group and Bacteroides coprocola in the R group. Using qPCR analysis, we observed elevated levels of S. anginosus and reduced levels of 5α-reductase genes, essential for the synthesis of isoallolithocholic acid, in HCC patients compared to controls. Additionally, the analysis confirmed a significantly lower abundance of B. stercoris in the Atz/Bev R group relative to the NR group.Conclusions. The gut microbiome analysis and specific gene quantification via qPCR could provide a rapid, less invasive, and cost-effective approach for assessing the increased risk of HCC, monitoring patient status, and predicting immunotherapy responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Fujii
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Medical Research on Prebiotics and Probiotics, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- BIOSIS Lab. Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan
| | - Teiji Kuzuya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Kohei Funasaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Eizaburo Ohno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Medical Research on Prebiotics and Probiotics, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- BIOSIS Lab. Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan
| | - Takumi Tochio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Medical Research on Prebiotics and Probiotics, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- BIOSIS Lab. Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hao L, Li S, Ye F, Wang H, Zhong Y, Zhang X, Hu X, Huang X. The current status and future of targeted-immune combination for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1418965. [PMID: 39161764 PMCID: PMC11330771 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1418965] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and the third leading cause of death worldwide. surgery, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), systemic therapy, local ablation therapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drug therapy with agents such as sorafenib. However, the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer has a strong immunosuppressive effect. Therefore, new treatments for liver cancer are still necessary. Immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), along with high levels of immunosuppressive cytokines, induce T cell inhibition and are key mechanisms of immune escape in HCC. Recently, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as monotherapy or in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis drugs, chemotherapy agents, and topical therapies has offered great promise in the treatment of liver cancer. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in ICIs combined with targeted drugs (targeted-immune combination) and other targeted-immune combination regimens for the treatment of patients with advanced HCC (aHCC) or unresectable HCC (uHCC), and provide an outlook on future prospects. The literature reviewed spans the last five years and includes studies identified using keywords such as "hepatocellular carcinoma," "immune checkpoint inhibitors," "targeted therapy," "combination therapy," and "immunotherapy".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fanghang Ye
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxin Zhong
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Huang
- Department of Urology/Andrology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kuzuya T, Kawabe N, Muto H, Wada Y, Komura G, Nakano T, Tanaka H, Nakaoka K, Ohno E, Funasaka K, Nagasaka M, Miyahara R, Hirooka Y. Early Changes in Alpha-Fetoprotein and Des-γ-Carboxy Prothrombin Are Useful Predictors of Antitumor Response to Durvalumab Plus Tremelimumab Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:4225-4240. [PMID: 39195298 PMCID: PMC11353012 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31080315] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between antitumor response and tumor marker changes was evaluated in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with durvalumab plus tremelimumab (Dur/Tre). Forty patients were enrolled in this retrospective evaluation of treatment outcomes. According to the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors version 1.1 at 8 weeks, the objective response (OR) rate was 25% and the disease control (DC) rate was 57.5%. The median alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ratio at 4 weeks was 0.39 in patients who achieved OR at 8 weeks (8W-OR group), significantly lower than the 1.08 in the non-8W-OR group (p = 0.0068); however, it was 1.22 in patients who did not achieve DC at 8 weeks (non-8W-DC group), significantly higher than the 0.53 in the 8W-DC group (p = 0.0006). Similarly, the median des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) ratio at 4 weeks was 0.15 in the 8W-OR group, significantly lower than the 1.46 in the non-8W-OR group (p < 0.0001); however, it was 1.23 in the non-8W-DC group, significantly higher than the 0.49 in the 8W-DC group (p = 0.0215). Early changes in tumor markers after Dur/Tre initiation were associated with antitumor response. In particular, changes in AFP and DCP at 4 weeks may offer useful biomarkers for early prediction of both response and progressive disease following Dur/Tre.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teiji Kuzuya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (N.K.); (H.M.); (Y.W.); (G.K.); (T.N.); (H.T.); (K.N.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (R.M.); (Y.H.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abdelrahim M, Esmail A, Divatia MK, Xu J, Kodali S, Victor DW, Brombosz E, Connor AA, Saharia A, Elaileh A, Kaseb AO, Ghobrial RM. Utilization of Immunotherapy as a Neoadjuvant Therapy for Liver Transplant Recipients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3068. [PMID: 38892779 PMCID: PMC11172993 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is widely recognized as the predominant type of primary liver malignancy. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has emerged as a highly effective treatment option for unresectable HCC. Immunotherapies as neoadjuvant options are now being actively investigated in the transplant oncology era to enhance outcomes in patients with HCC. Here, we report our experience with patients with HCC who had received Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICPI) prior to curative OLT. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort that included patients with HCC who received ICPI prior to OLT at a single institution from January 2019 to August 2023. Graft rejection was assessed and reported along with the type of ICPI, malignancy treated, and the timing of ICPI in association with OLT. Results: During this cohort period, six patients with HCC underwent OLT after neoadjuvant ICPI. All patients were male with a median age of 61 (interquartile range: 59-64) years at OLT. Etiology associated with HCC was viral (N = 4) or Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH (N = 2). Tumor focality was multifocal (N = 4) and unifocal (N = 2). Lymphovascular invasion was identified in four patients. No perineural invasion was identified in any of the patients. All patients received ICPI including atezolizumab/bevacizumab (N = 4), nivolumab/ipilimumab (N = 1), and nivolumab as monotherapy (N = 1). All patients received either single or combined liver-directed/locoregional therapy, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), Yttrium-90 (Y90), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The median washout period was 5 months. All patients responded to ICPI and achieved a safe and successful OLT. All patients received tacrolimus plus mycophenolate as immunosuppressant (IS) therapy post-OLT and one patient received prednisone as additional IS. No patient had clinical evidence of rejection. Conclusions: This cohort emphasizes the success of tumor downstaging by ICPI for OLT when employed as the neoadjuvant therapy strategy. In addition, this study illustrated the importance of timing for the administration of ICPI before OLT. Given the lack of conclusive evidence in this therapeutic area, we believe that our study lays the groundwork for prospective trials to further examine the impact of ICPI prior to OLT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maen Abdelrahim
- Section of GI Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Meth-Odist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.E.)
- Cockrell Center of Advanced Therapeutics Phase I Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Abdullah Esmail
- Section of GI Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Meth-Odist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.E.)
| | - Mukul K. Divatia
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiaqiong Xu
- Section of GI Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Meth-Odist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.E.)
| | - Sudha Kodali
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, JC Walter Jr. Center for Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David W. Victor
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, JC Walter Jr. Center for Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth Brombosz
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ashton A. Connor
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, JC Walter Jr. Center for Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ashish Saharia
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, JC Walter Jr. Center for Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ahmed Elaileh
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ahmed O. Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal (GI) Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rafik Mark Ghobrial
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, JC Walter Jr. Center for Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ma YN, Jiang X, Song P, Tang W. Neoadjuvant therapies in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Exploring strategies to improve prognosis. Biosci Trends 2024; 18:21-41. [PMID: 38382930 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2023.01436] [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: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a challenging malignancy, often necessitates surgical intervention, notably liver resection. However, the high recurrence rate, reaching 70% within 5 years post-resection, significantly impacts patient outcomes. Neoadjuvant therapies aim to preoperatively address this challenge, reducing lesion size, improving surgical resection rates, deactivating potential micro-metastases, and ultimately lowering postoperative recurrence rates. This review concentrates on advances in research on and clinical use of neoadjuvant therapies for HCC, with particular attention to the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4). Ongoing clinical studies exploring immunotherapy combined with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), interventional therapy, radiotherapy, and other modalities offer promising insights into overcoming resistance to monotherapies. In summary, neoadjuvant therapies hold significant promise in terms of improving the prognosis for patients with HCC and enhancing long-term survival, particularly through innovative combination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Ma
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Peipei Song
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wei Tang
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fortuny M, Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Reig M. Systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: A revolution? United European Gastroenterol J 2024; 12:252-260. [PMID: 38267015 PMCID: PMC10954433 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolution in systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) signifies a strategy of high-cost, high-gain innovation that originated with sorafenib, despite its limited impact on tumor response. This strategic approach paved the way for the emergence of a second wave of the short-lived competitive advantage, exemplified by the incorporation of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and tremelimumab plus durvalumab. In the context of safety concerns within the liver cancer domain, the IMBRAVE150 and HIMALAYA trials boldly incorporated bevacizumab and tremelimumab, respectively, demonstrating the continuation of the high-risk, high-reward innovation paradigm. This review delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis of systemic therapies in the field of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fortuny
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
- Barcelona University, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Takada H, Yamashita K, Osawa L, Komiyama Y, Muraoka M, Suzuki Y, Sato M, Kobayashi S, Yoshida T, Takano S, Maekawa S, Enomoto N. Significance of the autoantibody assay in predicting the development of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:162-173. [PMID: 37740643 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13969] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (AB) combination therapy is the first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC). The management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is an important issue associated with achieving a good therapeutic response in patients receiving AB therapy. However, few studies have reported irAE development in patients receiving AB therapy. This study focused on the association between irAE development and autoantibodies at baseline in patients receiving AB therapy. METHODS Sixty-one patients receiving AB therapy were enrolled. For autoantibodies, the following antibodies were tested before the start of AB therapy: antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, anti-thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, and acetylcholine receptor antibodies. A patient was considered to have pre-existing antibodies if any of the listed antibodies were present at baseline. RESULTS Ten patients (16%) developed irAEs during the observation period. The irAEs included liver injury, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency, and rhabdomyolysis. Patients with irAE (n = 10) were more likely to be positive for any autoantibody (hazard ratio [HR] 3.7, p = 0.047) and RF at baseline (HR 5.4, p = 0.035) and to achieve complete response (HR 5.8, p = 0.027) than those without. The presence of autoantibodies at baseline was an independent factor associated with irAE development. CONCLUSION In the real world, 16% of patients receiving AB therapy for u-HCC developed irAEs. Patients with autoantibodies at baseline are at high risk of developing irAEs and require cautious follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Takada
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Koji Yamashita
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Leona Osawa
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Komiyama
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masaru Muraoka
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Suzuki
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Sato
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Shoji Kobayashi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshida
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takano
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Shinya Maekawa
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McEneaney LJ, Vithayathil M, Khan S. Screening, Surveillance, and Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. GASTROINTESTINAL ONCOLOGY ‐ A CRITICAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM APPROACH 2E 2024:271-290. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119756422.ch16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
|
12
|
Kulkarni AV, Tevethia H, Kumar K, Premkumar M, Muttaiah MD, Hiraoka A, Hatanaka T, Tada T, Kumada T, Kakizaki S, Vogel A, Finn RS, Rao PN, Pillai A, Reddy DN, Singal AG. Effectiveness and safety of atezolizumab-bevacizumab in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 63:102179. [PMID: 37680945 PMCID: PMC10480543 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atezolizumab-bevacizumab (atezo-bev) is recommended as first-line therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, its effectiveness and safety in other populations, including those with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class B cirrhosis, is unclear. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were searched from 1st May, 2020 till 5th October, 2022; the last date of access was January 31, 2023. Pooled progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and radiological response rate among patients receiving atezo-bev were compared between patients with CTP-A and CTP-B cirrhosis, with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and among those receiving the drug as first-line and later line therapy. The protocol was registered in Prospero (CRD42022364430). Findings Among 47 studies (n = 5400 patients), pooled PFS and OS were 6.86 (95% CI, 6.31-7.41) and 13.8 months (95% CI, 11.81-15.8), respectively. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate were 26.7% (24.6-29.1) and 75.3% (73.1-77.4) using RECIST criteria, and 34% (30.3-37.8) and 73.6% (68.8-78) using mRECIST criteria, respectively. Among those receiving atezo-bev, patients with CTP-B cirrhosis had similar ORRs by RECIST (odds ratio [OR], 1.42 [0.77-2.6]; P = 0.25) and mRECIST criteria (OR, 1.33 [0.52-3.39]; P = 0.53) but shorter PFS (mean difference [MD]:3.83 months [1.81-5.84]) than those with CTP-A cirrhosis. Compared to patients receiving TKIs, those receiving atezo-bev had longer PFS (MD: 2.27 months [0.94-3.5]) and higher ORR (RECIST: OR, 1.44 [1.01-2.04] and mRECIST: OR, 1.33 [1.01-1.75]). Compared to first-line therapy, later-line therapy had lower ORR (RECIST: OR, 1.82 [1.3-2.53]; P < 0.001 and mRECIST: OR, 2.02 [1.34-3.05]) but comparable PFS (MD: 0.58 months [-0.18 to 1.35]) among nine studies. The incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events among patients with CTP-A and CTP-B cirrhosis was comparable (OR, 0.89 [0.45-1.74]) as it was for patients receiving atezo-bev and TKIs (OR, 0.86 [0.61-1.2]). Interpretation Our findings suggest that atezo-bev is safe and effective as first-line systemic therapy for patients with uHCC and CTP-A or CTP-B cirrhosis. Funding An unsolicited grant from ROCHE Products India Pvt Ltd. was received for publication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anand V. Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Karan Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Jaipur, India
| | | | - Mark D. Muttaiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Atsushi Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Centre, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hatanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Satoru Kakizaki
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Centre, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Richard S. Finn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Padaki Nagaraja Rao
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Amit G. Singal
- Department of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Han JW, Jang JW. Predicting Outcomes of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab Treatment in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11799. [PMID: 37511558 PMCID: PMC10380709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A combination of atezolizumab with bevacizumab (AB) is the first regimen that has shown superiority compared to sorafenib and is now being used as the systemic treatment of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Barcelona Liver Cancer Clinic stage C. However, a considerable number of patients do not achieve survival or significant responses, indicating the need to identify predictive biomarkers for initial and on-treatment decisions in HCC patients receiving AB. In this manuscript, we summarized the current data from both experimental and clinical studies. This review will be beneficial for both clinicians and researchers in clinical practice as well as those designing experimental, translational, or clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gao X, Zhao R, Ma H, Zuo S. Efficacy and safety of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the real world: a single-arm meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:635. [PMID: 37415136 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was approved in 2020 as a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to assess the curative effect and tolerability of the combination treatment in advanced HCC. METHODS Web of Science, PubMed and Embase were retrieved for qualified literatures on the treatment of advanced HCC with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab until September 1, 2022. The outcomes included pooled overall response (OR), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), median overall survival (mOS), median progression-free survival (mPFS), and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS Twenty-three studies, comprising 3168 patients, were enrolled. The pooled OR, CR, and PR rates of the long-term (more than six weeks) therapy response based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) were 26%, 2%, and 23%, respectively. The pooled OR, CR, and PR rates of the short-term (six weeks) therapeutic response evaluated with RECIST were 13%, 0%, and 15%, respectively. The pooled mOS and mPFS were 14.7 months and 6.66 months, respectively. During the treatment, 83% and 30% of patients experienced any grade AEs and grade 3 and above AEs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab showed good efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of advanced HCC. Compared with short-term, non-first-line, and low-dose therapy, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in long-term, first-line, and standard-dose treatment for advanced HCC showed a better tumor response rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guizhou, 550000, Guiyang, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guizhou, 550000, Guiyang, China
| | - Huaxing Ma
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shi Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guizhou, 550000, Guiyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kuzuya T, Kawabe N, Ariga M, Ohno E, Funasaka K, Nagasaka M, Nakagawa Y, Miyahara R, Shibata T, Takahara T, Kato Y, Hirooka Y. Clinical Outcomes of Cabozantinib in Patients Previously Treated with Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Importance of Good Liver Function and Good Performance Status. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2952. [PMID: 37296914 PMCID: PMC10251863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes for cabozantinib in clinical practice in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev), with a focus on whether patients met criteria of Child-Pugh Class A and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) score 0/1 at baseline. (2) Methods: Eleven patients (57.9%) met the criteria of both Child-Pugh class A and ECOG-PS score 0/1 (CP-A+PS-0/1 group) and eight patients (42.1%) did not (Non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group); efficacy and safety were retrospectively evaluated. (3) Results: Disease control rate was significantly higher in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (81.1%) than in the non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (12.5%). Median progression-free survival, overall survival and duration of cabozantinib treatment were significantly longer in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (3.9 months, 13.4 months, and 8.3 months, respectively) than in the Non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (1.2 months, 1.7 months, and 0.8 months, respectively). Median daily dose of cabozantinib was significantly higher in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (22.9 mg/day) than in the non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (16.9 mg/day). (4) Conclusions: Cabozantinib in patients previously treated with Atz/Bev has potential therapeutic efficacy and safety if patients have good liver function (Child-Pugh A) and are in good general condition (ECOG-PS 0/1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teiji Kuzuya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Naoto Kawabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Mizuki Ariga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Eizaburo Ohno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Kohei Funasaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Mitsuo Nagasaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Yoshihito Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Ryoji Miyahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomoyuki Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Takeshi Takahara
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (T.T.)
| | - Yutaro Kato
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (T.T.)
| | - Yoshiki Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan; (N.K.); (M.A.); (E.O.); (K.F.); (M.N.); (Y.N.); (R.M.); (T.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ji JH, Ha SY, Lee D, Sankar K, Koltsova EK, Abou-Alfa GK, Yang JD. Predictive Biomarkers for Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment Response in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7640. [PMID: 37108802 PMCID: PMC10144688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has one of the highest mortality rates among solid cancers. Late diagnosis and a lack of efficacious treatment options contribute to the dismal prognosis of HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy has presented a new milestone in the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy has yielded remarkable treatment responses in a range of cancer types including HCC. Based on the therapeutic effect of ICI alone (programmed cell death (PD)-1/programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L)1 antibody), investigators have developed combined ICI therapies including ICI + ICI, ICI + tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and ICI + locoregional treatment or novel immunotherapy. Although these regimens have demonstrated increasing treatment efficacy with the addition of novel drugs, the development of biomarkers to predict toxicity and treatment response in patients receiving ICI is in urgent need. PD-L1 expression in tumor cells received the most attention in early studies among various predictive biomarkers. However, PD-L1 expression alone has limited utility as a predictive biomarker in HCC. Accordingly, subsequent studies have evaluated the utility of tumor mutational burden (TMB), gene signatures, and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) as predictive biomarkers. In this review, we aim to discuss the current state of immunotherapy for HCC, the results of the predictive biomarker studies, and future direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Ji
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon 51353, Republic of Korea
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Sang Yun Ha
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Kamya Sankar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ekaterina K. Koltsova
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Weil Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dosoden N, Kuzuya T, Ito Y, Nishino J, Ohno E, Kawabe N, Hashimoto S, Hirooka Y, Yasuoka H. Polymyalgia rheumatica during combination therapy with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023:10.1007/s12328-023-01800-2. [PMID: 37071371 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01800-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The combination therapy of atezolizumab, an anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 antibody, plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) is widely used to treat patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The development of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for patients with HCC has not been reported to date. Two patients who developed PMR during Atz/Bev therapy for advanced HCC are reported. Both patients developed fever, bilateral symmetrical shoulder pain, morning stiffness, and an elevated C-reactive protein level. Their symptoms improved rapidly with prednisolone (PSL) 15-20 mg/d, and their C-reactive protein levels decreased. In PMR, long-term low-dose PSL should be administered. In the present patients who developed PMR as immune-related adverse events, starting with a small dose of PSL resulted in rapid improvement of symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Dosoden
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Teiji Kuzuya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Yumi Ito
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Jo Nishino
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Eizaburo Ohno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Naoto Kawabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Senju Hashimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Hidekata Yasuoka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yamauchi R, Ito T, Yoshio S, Yamamoto T, Mizuno K, Ishigami M, Kawashima H, Yasuda S, Shimose S, Iwamoto H, Yamazoe T, Mori T, Kakazu E, Kawaguchi T, Toyoda H, Kanto T. Serum osteopontin predicts the response to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:565-574. [PMID: 36991155 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01985-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination therapy with anti-programmed death-ligand 1 and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies has become the standard treatment for un-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). We aimed to identify predictive circulating biomarkers for the outcome/response of the combination therapy in uHCC patients. METHODS This prospective multicenter study enrolled 70 patients with uHCC who received atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atez/Bev). We evaluated 47 circulating proteins in sera before and after 1 and 6 weeks of Atez/Bev therapy by multiplex bead-based immunoassay and ELISA. As controls, we analyzed the sera from 62 uHCC patients before treatment of lenvatinib (LEN) and healthy volunteers (HVs). RESULTS The disease control rate was 77.1%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.8-9.5). The pretreatment levels of osteopontin (OPN), angiopoietin-2, VEGF, S100-calcium-binding protein A8/S100-calcium-binding protein A9, soluble programmed cell death-1, soluble CD163, and 14 cytokines/chemokines were higher in patients with uHCC than in HVs. Among these, pretreatment OPN levels were higher in PD group than in non-PD group for Atez/Bev. The PD rate was higher in high OPN group than in low OPN group. Multivariate analysis identified high pretreatment OPN and high α-fetoprotein levels as independent predictors of PD. In the sub-analysis of Child-Pugh class A patients, PFS was also shorter in the high OPN group than in the low OPN group. Pretreatment OPN level was not associated with treatment response for LEN. CONCLUSION High serum OPN levels were associated with poor response to Atez/Bev in patients with uHCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reika Yamauchi
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Takanori Ito
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Yoshio
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, 272-8516, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Yamamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Mizuno
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Shigeo Shimose
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hideki Iwamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Taiji Yamazoe
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Taizo Mori
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Eiji Kakazu
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kanto
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, 272-8516, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hatanaka T, Kakizaki S, Hiraoka A, Tada T, Hirooka M, Kariyama K, Tani J, Atsukawa M, Takaguchi K, Itobayashi E, Fukunishi S, Tsuji K, Ishikawa T, Tajiri K, Ochi H, Yasuda S, Toyoda H, Ogawa C, Nishimura T, Shimada N, Kawata K, Kosaka H, Tanaka T, Ohama H, Nouso K, Morishita A, Tsutsui A, Nagano T, Itokawa N, Okubo T, Arai T, Imai M, Naganuma A, Koizumi Y, Nakamura S, Joko K, Kaibori M, Iijima H, Hiasa Y, Kumada T. Comparative efficacy and safety of atezolizumab and bevacizumab between hepatocellular carcinoma patients with viral and non-viral infection: A Japanese multicenter observational study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:5293-5303. [PMID: 36226511 PMCID: PMC10028018 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study compared the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) in patients with viral and non-viral infection in clinical settings. METHODS We conducted the retrospective cohort study of 323 BCLC stage B or C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Child-Pugh class A, and a performance status of 0 or 1 who started Atez/Bev from September 2020 to December 2021 at 22 institutions in Japan. Patients with viral infection was defined as those who were either serum anti-HCV- Ab or HBs-Ag-positive, while patients with non-viral infection was defined as those who were both serum anti-HCV Ab- and HBs-Ag-negative. We constructed a propensity-score-matched cohort to minimize the risk of observable potential confounders. RESULTS Propensity score matching produced 126 matched pairs for patients with viral versus non-viral infection. After matching, the significant differences in baseline demographic features did not exist between the two groups. The objective response rate was 20.6% and 24.6% in viral- and non-viral-related HCC patients, respectively, without a significant difference (p = 0.55). The disease control rate was not also significantly different (68.3% vs 69.0%, p = 1.00). The median progression-free survival was 7.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0-9.6) and 6.2 months (95% CI 5.1-7.8) in patients with viral and non-viral infection, and the 12-month survival rates were 65.5% (95% CI 50.8-76.8) and 71.7% (95% CI 57.3-81.9) in those with viral and non-viral infection, respectively, which were not significantly different (p = 0.33, p = 0.38). No significant difference in treatment-related adverse events was found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Our etiology-based study demonstrated that Atez/Bev showed good efficacy and safety for HCC patient with non-viral infection as well as those with viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hatanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Satoru Kakizaki
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Masashi Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kariyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Ei Itobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahi General Hospital, Asahi, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukunishi
- Premier Departmental Research of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Tsuji
- Center of Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toru Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuto Tajiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hironori Ochi
- Center for Liver-Biliary-Pancreatic Disease, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Chikara Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Takamatsu Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishimura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Noritomo Shimada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Otakanomori Hospital, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kosaka
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Takaaki Tanaka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hideko Ohama
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nouso
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Akemi Tsutsui
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Takuya Nagano
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Norio Itokawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Okubo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taeang Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michitaka Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsushi Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Yohei Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakamura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Kouji Joko
- Center for Liver-Biliary-Pancreatic Disease, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Masaki Kaibori
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Hiroko Iijima
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tamaki N, Tada T, Kurosaki M, Yasui Y, Ochi H, Mashiba T, Sakamoto A, Marusawa H, Narita R, Uchida Y, Akahane T, Kondo M, Mori N, Takaki S, Tsuji K, Kobashi H, Kusakabe A, Furuta K, Arai H, Nonogi M, Ogawa C, Sato T, Tamada T, Nakamura S, Hasebe C, Tsuchiya K, Izumi N. Optimal threshold of alpha-fetoprotein response in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:1290-1297. [PMID: 36152108 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response (relative decline in AFP) is associated with imaging response evaluated by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors ver1.1 (RECIST) and survival in treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the optimal threshold of AFP response is still unknown, especially in atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) treatment. In this prospective multicenter study, we aimed to investigate an optimal threshold of AFP response in Atez/Bev treatment. Out of 284 patients with unresectable HCC who were treated with Atez/Bev, 91 patients with AFP ≥ 10 ng/ml were enrolled in the multicenter study. We investigated the relationship between various AFP response thresholds (relative decline ≥ 20%, ≥ 50%, and ≥ 75%) and treatment response and progression-free survival (PFS). An AFP relative decrease of ≥ 50% was associated with an overall response rate (ORR) with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 5.7 (1.9-17). Disease control rate (DCR) was associated with an AFP relative decrease of ≥ 20%, with a 100% positive predictive value and a 52.0% sensitivity. AFP relative decreases of ≥ 50% and ≥ 20% were significantly associated with PFS with a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.60 (95% CI: 1.6-19, p = 0.006) and a HR of 4.44 (95% CI: 1.9-10, p < 0.001), respectively. AFP response of ≥ 50% and ≥ 20% were related to ORR and DCR, respectively, and both of these responses were also associated with PFS. AFP can be used as a real-time monitor during Atez/Bev treatment and is helpful for treatment optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuharu Tamaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Himeji Red Cross Hospital, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Ochi
- Center for Liver-Biliary-Pancreatic Disease, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, Ehime, Japan
| | - Toshie Mashiba
- Center for Liver-Biliary-Pancreatic Disease, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, Ehime, Japan
| | - Azusa Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Marusawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Narita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oita Red Cross Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Yasushi Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology, Matsue Red Cross Hospital, Shimane, Japan
| | - Takehiro Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ishinomaki Red Cross Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kondo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Otsu Red Cross Hospital, Shiga, Japan
| | - Nami Mori
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-Bomb Survivors Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shintaro Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-Bomb Survivors Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Keiji Tsuji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-Bomb Survivors Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Kobashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsunori Kusakabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daini Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koichiro Furuta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Masuda Red Cross Hospital, Shimane, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Arai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Maebashi Red Cross Hospital, Gunma, Japan
| | - Michiko Nonogi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tokushima Red Cross Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Chikara Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nasu Red Cross Hospital, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takashi Tamada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Takatsuki Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Chitomi Hasebe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Asahikawa Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cammarota A, Zanuso V, Pressiani T, Personeni N, Rimassa L. Assessment and Monitoring of Response to Systemic Treatment in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Insights. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1011-1027. [PMID: 36128575 PMCID: PMC9482774 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s268293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management has become more complex as novel therapies have been proven effective. After sorafenib, the approval of other multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) and immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) has considerably increased the number of systemic therapies available. Therefore, careful assessment and monitoring of response to systemic treatment are essential to identify surrogate endpoints of overall survival (OS) in clinical trials and reliable tools to gauge treatment benefit in clinical practice. Progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) are early informative parameters of efficacy that are not influenced by further lines of therapy. However, none of them has shown sufficient surrogacy to be recommended in place of OS in phase 3 trials. With such a wealth of therapeutic options, the prime intent of tumor assessments is no longer limited to identifying progressive disease to spare ineffective treatments to non-responders. Indeed, the early detection of responders could also help tailor treatment sequencing. Tumor assessment relies on the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (RECIST), which are easy to interpret - being based on dimensional principles - but could misread the activity of targeted agents. The HCC-specific modified RECIST (mRECIST), considering both the MKI-induced biological modifications and some of the cirrhosis-induced liver changes, better capture tumor response. Yet, mRECIST could not be considered a standard in advanced HCC. Further prognosticators including progression patterns, baseline and on-treatment liver function deterioration, and baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and AFP response have been extensively evaluated for MKIs. However, limited information is available for patients receiving ICIs and regarding their predictive role. Finally, there is increasing interest in incorporating novel imaging techniques which go beyond sizes and novel serum biomarkers in the advanced HCC framework. Hopefully, multiparametric models grouping dimensional and functional radiological parameters with biochemical markers will most precisely reflect treatment response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cammarota
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Valentina Zanuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Nicola Personeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tanaka T, Hiraoka A, Tada T, Hirooka M, Kariyama K, Tani J, Atsukawa M, Takaguchi K, Itobayashi E, Fukunishi S, Tsuji K, Ishikawa T, Tajiri K, Ochi H, Yasuda S, Toyoda H, Ogawa C, Nishimura T, Hatanaka T, Kakizaki S, Shimada N, Kawata K, Naganuma A, Kosaka H, Ohama H, Nouso K, Morishita A, Tsutsui A, Nagano T, Itokawa N, Okubo T, Arai T, Imai M, Koizumi Y, Nakamura S, Joko K, Iijima H, Kaibori M, Hiasa Y, Kudo M, Kumada T. Therapeutic efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Child-Pugh class A or B liver function in real-world clinical practice. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:773-783. [PMID: 35633504 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) treatment is recommended for unresechepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC) patients classified as Child-Pugh A (CP-A). This study aimed to elucidate the prognosis of patients treated with Atez/Bev, especially CP-A and -B cases. MATERIALS/METHODS From September 2020 to March 2022, 457 u-HCC patients treated with Atez/Bev were enrolled (median age 74 years, male:female = 368:89, CP-A:CP-B = 427:30, Child-Pugh score [CPS] 5:6:7:8:9 = 271:156:21:8:1). Therapeutic response was evaluated using RECIST ver.1.1. Clinical features and prognosis were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS There were no significant differences between CP-A and -B patients in regard to best response (CR:PR:SD:PD = 16:91:194:81 vs. 0:7:13:8, p = 0.739; objective response rate/disease control rate = 28.0%/78.8% vs. 25.0%/71.4%). Analysis performed using inverse probability weighting adjustments of clinical factors other than those related to hepatic reserve function with a p value < 0.10 for comparisons between patients with CP-A and -B showed that the progression-free survival (PFS) rate for CP-A cases was better (6-/12-/18-month: 58.2%/36.1%/27.8% vs. 49.6%/8.7%/non-estimable [NE], p < 0.001), as was overall survival (OS) rate (6-/12-/18-month: 89.9%/71.7%/51.4% versus 63.6%/18.4%/NE; p < 0.001). Median PFS (mPFS) and median OS (mOS) for the CPS-5 were 9.5 months/NE, and 5.1/14.0 months for the CPS-6 (both p < 0.001). Furthermore, for modified albumin-bilirubin grade (mALBI)-1/2a/2b, mPFS was 9.4/8.5/5.3 months (p < 0.001) and mOS was NE/17.8/13.4 months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Better hepatic function, such as mALBI grade 1 or 2a are thought to indicate a better condition for obtaining sufficient prognosis with Atez/Bev treatment for u-HCC patients, whereas for CP-B patients, who mainly shown an mALBI grade of 2b or 3, Atez/Bev might have less therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Tanaka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Masashi Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kariyama
- Department of Hepatology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Ei Itobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahi General Hospital, Asahi, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukunishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Tsuji
- Center of Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toru Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuto Tajiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hironori Ochi
- Hepato-biliary Center, Japanese Red Cross Matsuyama Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Chikara Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Takamatsu Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hatanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Gunma, Japan
| | - Satoru Kakizaki
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Noritomo Shimada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Otakanomori Hospital, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kosaka
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Hideko Ohama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nouso
- Department of Hepatology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Akemi Tsutsui
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Takuya Nagano
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Norio Itokawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Okubo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taeang Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michitaka Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yohei Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakamura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Kouji Joko
- Hepato-biliary Center, Japanese Red Cross Matsuyama Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hiroko Iijima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Masaki Kaibori
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|