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Yu J, Du X, Zhang S, Long J, Wu P, Li Z, Lyu X, Hong Q, Chen P, Gao B. Galunisertib promotes bevacizumab-induced vascular normalization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Multi-parameter MRI evaluation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200858. [PMID: 39280586 PMCID: PMC11399656 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Tumor vascular normalization (TVN) is associated with antitumor therapeutic efficacy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the short time window of TVN is the biggest hindrance to its wide clinical application. We investigated whether targeting transforming growth factor beta can enhance the TVN effect of bevacizumab (BEV)-induced patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of NPC. We constructed mouse subcutaneous PDX models of NPC and classified the mice into four drug-treatment groups, namely placebo control, galunisertib, BEV, and galunisertib + BEV. We performed MRI multi-parameter examinations at different time points and evaluated the vascular density, vascular structure, and tumor hypoxia microenvironment by histopathology. The efficacy of chemotherapy and drug delivery was evaluated by administering cisplatin. We found that combined therapy with galunisertib and BEV significantly delayed tumor growth, enhanced the TVN effect, and improved chemotherapeutic efficacy compared with monotherapy. Mechanistically, galunisertib reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and inhibited the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor by downregulating LAMC2. Correlation analysis of MRI data and pathological indicators showed that there was a good correlation between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xia Du
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jinhua Long
- Department of Head & Neck, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Philips Healthcare, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zongxue Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xinyue Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qin Hong
- Department of Pathology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
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2
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Yang Y, Yu Y, Fan Y, Li H. Evolving treatment landscape in thymic epithelial tumors: From mechanism to therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189145. [PMID: 38942215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189145] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare neoplasms of the anterior mediastinum that arise from thymic epithelial cells. Although surgery is the preferred treatment for resectable TETs, the options for unresectable or recurrent advanced-stage TETs are limited beyond platinum-based chemotherapy. The evolving landscape of TET treatments is marked by significant advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, particularly with anti-angiogenic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While monotherapies demonstrated certain efficacy, the development of combination strategies is vital for improving patient outcomes. This review consolidates progress in anti-angiogenic therapies and ICIs, emphasizing the evolution of combination therapies of TETs. Furtherly, we particularly discuss new first-line strategies based on these advancements and emphasizes exploring novel treatments like antibody-drug conjugates, immunomodulatory drugs and cytokine-based agents for TETs. Mechanistically, the molecular features of TETs integrated with clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy, and immunophenotyping of TETs along with its impact on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy are discussed. Thus, this review systemizes the development in the treatment landscape of TETs, integrating the corresponding molecular and immune mechanisms, aiming to provide new references for the treatment of TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehao Yang
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yun Fan
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
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3
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Valdez-Salazar F, Jiménez-Del Rio LA, Padilla-Gutiérrez JR, Valle Y, Muñoz-Valle JF, Valdés-Alvarado E. Advances in Melanoma: From Genetic Insights to Therapeutic Innovations. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1851. [PMID: 39200315 PMCID: PMC11351162 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081851] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in melanoma research have unveiled critical insights into its genetic and molecular landscape, leading to significant therapeutic innovations. This review explores the intricate interplay between genetic alterations, such as mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and KIT, and melanoma pathogenesis. The MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways are highlighted for their roles in tumor growth and resistance mechanisms. Additionally, this review delves into the impact of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone changes, on melanoma progression. The tumor microenvironment, characterized by immune cells, stromal cells, and soluble factors, plays a pivotal role in modulating tumor behavior and treatment responses. Emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-Cas9, and AI-driven diagnostics are transforming melanoma research, offering precise and personalized approaches to treatment. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized mRNA vaccines, has revolutionized melanoma therapy by enhancing the body's immune response. Despite these advances, resistance mechanisms remain a challenge, underscoring the need for combined therapies and ongoing research to achieve durable therapeutic responses. This comprehensive overview aims to highlight the current state of melanoma research and the transformative impacts of these advancements on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Valdés-Alvarado
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (F.V.-S.)
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Kim NH, Lee J, Kim SH, Kang SH, Bae S, Yu CH, Seo J, Kim HT. ALK5/VEGFR2 dual inhibitor TU2218 alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors enhances immune-mediated antitumor effects. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:190. [PMID: 39105882 PMCID: PMC11303640 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03777-4] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is present in blood of patients who do not respond to anti-programmed cell death (ligand) 1 [PD-(L)1] treatment, and through synergy with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), it helps to create an environment that promotes tumor immune evasion and immune tolerance. Therefore, simultaneous inhibition of TGFβ/VEGF is more effective than targeting TGFβ alone. In this study, the dual inhibitory mechanism of TU2218 was identified through in vitro analysis mimicking the tumor microenvironment, and its antitumor effects were analyzed using mouse syngeneic tumor models. TU2218 directly restored the activity of damaged cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells inhibited by TGFβ and suppressed the activity and viability of regulatory T cells. The inactivation of endothelial cells induced by VEGF stimulation was completely ameliorated by TU2218, an effect not observed with vactosertib, which inhibits only TGFβ signaling. The combination of TU2218 and anti-PD1 therapy had a significantly greater antitumor effect than either drug alone in the poorly immunogenic B16F10 syngeneic tumor model. The mechanism of tumor reduction was confirmed by flow cytometry, which showed upregulated VCAM-1 expression in vascular cells and increased influx of CD8 + CTLs into the tumor. As another strategy, combination of anti-CTLA4 therapy and TU2218 resulted in high complete regression (CR) rates in CT26 and WEHI-164 tumor models. In particular, immunological memory generated by the combination of anti-CTLA4 and TU2218 in the CT26 model prevented the development of tumors after additional tumor cell transplantation, suggesting that the TU2218-based combination has therapeutic potential in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Hoon Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Lee
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Kang
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sowon Bae
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Hee Yu
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongmin Seo
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun-Taek Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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Aftabi S, Barzegar Behrooz A, Cordani M, Rahiman N, Sadeghdoust M, Aligolighasemabadi F, Pistorius S, Alavizadeh SH, Taefehshokr N, Ghavami S. Therapeutic targeting of TGF-β in lung cancer. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 39083441 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a complex role in lung cancer pathophysiology, initially acting as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting early-stage tumor growth. However, its role evolves in the advanced stages of the disease, where it contributes to tumor progression not by directly promoting cell proliferation but by enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and creating a conducive tumor microenvironment. While EMT is typically associated with enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities rather than proliferation per se, TGF-β's influence on this process facilitates the complex dynamics of tumor metastasis. Additionally, TGF-β impacts the tumor microenvironment by interacting with immune cells, a process influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes within tumor cells. This interaction highlights its role in immune evasion and chemoresistance, further complicating lung cancer therapy. This review provides a critical overview of recent findings on TGF-β's involvement in lung cancer, its contribution to chemoresistance, and its modulation of the immune response. Despite the considerable challenges encountered in clinical trials and the development of new treatments targeting the TGF-β pathway, this review highlights the necessity for continued, in-depth investigation into the roles of TGF-β. A deeper comprehension of these roles may lead to novel, targeted therapies for lung cancer. Despite the intricate behavior of TGF-β signaling in tumors and previous challenges, further research could yield innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Aftabi
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Canada
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Canada
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Niloufar Rahiman
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Mohammadamin Sadeghdoust
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Farnaz Aligolighasemabadi
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Stephen Pistorius
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Canada
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- Apoptosis Research Centre, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Canada
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Faculty Academy of Silesia, Faculty of Medicine, Katowice, Poland
- Children Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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6
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Berland L, Gabr Z, Chang M, Ilié M, Hofman V, Rignol G, Ghiringhelli F, Mograbi B, Rashidian M, Hofman P. Further knowledge and developments in resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384121. [PMID: 38903504 PMCID: PMC11188684 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384121] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a revolution in cancer treatment, shifting from conventional drugs (chemotherapies) towards targeted molecular therapies and immune-based therapies, in particular immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These immunotherapies release the host's immune system against the tumor and have shown unprecedented durable remission for patients with cancers that were thought incurable, such as metastatic melanoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), microsatellite instability (MSI) high colorectal cancer and late stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, about 80% of the patients fail to respond to these immunotherapies and are therefore left with other less effective and potentially toxic treatments. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms that enable cancerous cells to adapt to and eventually overcome therapy can help circumvent resistance and improve treatment. In this review, we describe the recent discoveries on the onco-immunological processes which govern the tumor microenvironment and their impact on the resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Berland
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zeina Gabr
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Life Science, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Chang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marius Ilié
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Véronique Hofman
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Guylène Rignol
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Tumors, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, Dijon, France
| | - Baharia Mograbi
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
| | - Mohamad Rashidian
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paul Hofman
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
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7
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Fan W, Chen Y, Zhou Z, Duan W, Yang C, Sheng S, Wang Y, Wei X, Liu Y, Huang Y. An innovative antibody fusion protein targeting PD-L1, VEGF and TGF-β with enhanced antitumor efficacies. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111698. [PMID: 38377856 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111698] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive pathways in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are inextricably linked to tumor progression. Mono-therapeutics of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs, e.g. antibodies against programmed cell death protein-1/programmed cell death ligand-1, PD-1/PD-L1) is prone to immune escape while combination therapeutics tends to cause high toxicity and side effects. Therefore, using multi-functional molecules to target multiple pathways simultaneously is becoming a new strategy for cancer therapies. Here, we developed a trifunctional fusion protein, DR30206, composed of Bevacizumab (an antibody against VEGF), and a variable domain of heavy chain of heavy chain antibody (VHH) against PD-L1 and the extracellular domain (ECD) protein of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-β RII), which are fused to the N- and C-terminus of Bevacizumab, respectively. The original intention of DR30206 design was to enhance the immune responses pairs by targeting PD-L1 while inhibiting VEGF and TGF-β in the TME. Our data demonstrated that DR30206 exhibits high antigen-binding affinities and efficient blocking capabilities, the principal drivers of efficacy in antibody therapy. Furthermore, the capability of eliciting antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) provides a greater possibility to enhance the immune response. Finally, in vivo experiments showed that the antitumor activity of DR30206 was superior to those of monoclonal antibody of PD-L1 or VEGF, PD-L1 and TGF-β bispecific antibody or the combination inhibition of PD-L1 and VEGF. Our findings suggest there is a great potential for DR30206 to become a therapeutic for the treatment of multiple cancer types, especially lung cancer, colon adenocarcinoma and breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlu Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonglu Chen
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhou
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Duan
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Yang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Shimei Sheng
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinru Wei
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanshan Huang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.
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8
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Pan D, Liu HN, Qu PF, Ma X, Ma LY, Chen XX, Wang YQ, Qin XB, Han ZX. Progress in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with immune combination therapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:273-286. [PMID: 38425407 PMCID: PMC10900147 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i2.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe malignancy that poses a serious threat to human health. Owing to challenges in early diagnosis, most patients lose the opportunity for radical treatment when diagnosed. Nonetheless, recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy provide new directions for the treatment of HCC. For instance, monoclonal antibodies against immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as programmed cell death protein 1/death ligand-1 inhibitors and cytotoxic t-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 significantly improved the prognosis of patients with HCC. However, tumor cells can evade the immune system through various mechanisms. With the rapid development of genetic engineering and molecular biology, various new immunotherapies have been used to treat HCC, including ICIs, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, engineered cytokines, and certain cancer vaccines. This review summarizes the current status, research progress, and future directions of different immunotherapy strategies in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao-Nan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng-Fei Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lu-Yao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Qin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Xiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
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9
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Luo X, He X, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Hua S. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e474. [PMID: 38318160 PMCID: PMC10838672 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.474] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. It is regarded as a significant public health issue because of its complicated pathophysiology, high metastasis, and recurrence rates. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Traditional treatment methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and interventional therapies have limited therapeutic effects for HCC patients with recurrence or metastasis. With the development of molecular biology and immunology, molecular signaling pathways and immune checkpoint were identified as the main mechanism of HCC progression. Targeting these molecules has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. At present, the combination of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors is the first choice for advanced HCC patients. In this review, we mainly focus on the cutting-edge research of signaling pathways and corresponding targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC. It is of great significance to comprehensively understand the pathogenesis of HCC, search for potential therapeutic targets, and optimize the treatment strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Luo
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xin He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xingmei Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yuzhe Zhang
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yusheng Shi
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Shengni Hua
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
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Peng R, Huang Y, Huang P, Liu L, Cheng L, Peng X. The paradoxical role of transforming growth factor-β in controlling oral squamous cell carcinoma development. Cancer Biomark 2024; 40:241-250. [PMID: 39213051 PMCID: PMC11380267 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a vital role in regulating cell growth, differentiation and survival in various tissues. It participates in a variety of cellular processes, including cell apoptosis, cell migration and evasion, and plays a paradoxical role in tumor genesis and development. In the early stage of tumor, TGF-β inhibits the occurrence of tumor by inhibiting cell proliferation and regulating cell apoptosis. In the advanced stage of tumor, TGF-β promotes tumor development and affects prognosis by promoting cell survival and proliferation, cell migration and invasion, participates in immune escape, etc. In this article, we will review the paradoxical role of TGF-β on the occurrence and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiting Peng
- Department of Stomatology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Stomatology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Stomatology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Linyi Liu
- Maine Health Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontic, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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He M, Huang Y, Du Z, Lai Z, Ouyang H, Shen J, Wen D, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wei W, Chen M, Xu L, Kan A, Shi M. Lenvatinib, Toripalimab plus FOLFOX Chemotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Extrahepatic Metastasis: A Biomolecular Exploratory, Phase II Trial (LTSC). Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:5104-5115. [PMID: 37819944 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the efficacy, safety, and biomarkers of systemic chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX) in combination with lenvatinib and toripalimab as the first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with extrahepatic metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this biomolecular exploratory, phase II trial, eligible patients underwent the triple combination therapy of lenvatinib, toripalimab, plus FOLFOX chemotherapy. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months by RECIST v1.1. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of tumor biopsy samples was performed for exploratory biomarker analyses. RESULTS Between November 19, 2019, and July 4, 2021, 30 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was a 6-month PFS rate of 66.7%, with a median PFS of 9.73 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.89-16.58]. The median overall survival (OS) was 14.63 months (95% CI, 11.77-17.50), with an objective response rate of 43.3%. Twenty-four (80.0%) patients exhibited high-risk features, among whom the median OS and PFS were 13.7 months (95% CI, 9.24-18.16) and 8.3 months (95% CI, 3.02-13.58), respectively. The most common adverse events were neutropenia, and increased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. Exploratory analyses of snRNA-seq profiles suggested that patients with higher abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells were more likely to benefit from this combination. In addition, two subtypes of hepatocytes (AKR1C2+ and CFHR4+ malignant hepatocytes) were associated with reduced clinical benefits. CONCLUSIONS FOLFOX chemotherapy in combination with lenvatinib and toripalimab showed promising antitumor activity with manageable toxicities in advanced HCC with extrahepatic metastasis. AKR1C2+ and CFHR4+ hepatocyte subtypes may be predictive biomarkers of resistance to the combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- MinKe He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - YeXing Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - ZeFeng Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - ZhiCheng Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanyue Ouyang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - JingXian Shen
- Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - DongSheng Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - QiJiong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - YaoJun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - MinShan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anna Kan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Wang B, Ou Z, Zhong W, Huang L, Liao W, Sheng Y, Guo Z, Chen J, Yang W, Chen K, Huang X, Yang T, Lin T, Huang J. Effective Antitumor Immunity Can Be Triggered by Targeting VISTA in Combination with a TLR3-Specific Adjuvant. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1656-1670. [PMID: 37847894 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is often associated with accumulation of intratumoral inhibitory macrophages. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a nonredundant immune checkpoint that can induce both T-cell and myeloid-cell immunosuppression. In this study, we found that high levels of VISTA+ immune cells were associated with advanced stage bladder cancer and predicted poor survival in patients. A combination of high infiltration of VISTA+ immune cells and PD-L1+ immune cells or PD-1+ T cells predicted the worst survival. Flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence analyses confirmed that VISTA expression was higher in macrophages than in T cells or neutrophils, and only VISTA+CD163+ macrophage density predicted poor prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are known to trigger the innate immune response in macrophages. We found that the VISTA-specific mAb 13F3 augmented the ability of a TLR3-specific adjuvant to induce macrophage activation in vitro. In the MB49 syngeneic mouse model of bladder cancer, treatment with 13F3 curbed tumor growth and prolonged survival when combined with a TLR3-specific adjuvant. The combination treatment reduced the intratumoral frequency of CD206+ anti-inflammatory macrophages and levels of the immunosuppressive molecule TGFβ1, but it upregulated expression of immunostimulatory molecules (Ifna, Ifnb, and Trail) and increased the CD8+ T cell/regulatory T-cell ratio. These findings indicate that elevated VISTA expression in immune cells, particularly macrophages, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with bladder cancer and suggest that targeting VISTA in combination with a TLR3-specific adjuvant has translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Ou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenlong Zhong
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjian Liao
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yiyu Sheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhixing Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tenghao Yang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Allemailem KS, Alsahli MA, Almatroudi A, Alrumaihi F, Al Abdulmonem W, Moawad AA, Alwanian WM, Almansour NM, Rahmani AH, Khan AA. Innovative Strategies of Reprogramming Immune System Cells by Targeting CRISPR/Cas9-Based Genome-Editing Tools: A New Era of Cancer Management. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:5531-5559. [PMID: 37795042 PMCID: PMC10547015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s424872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent developments in the study of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system have revolutionized the art of genome-editing and its applications for cellular differentiation and immune response behavior. This technology has further helped in understanding the mysteries of cancer progression and possible designing of novel antitumor immunotherapies. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing is now often used to engineer universal T-cells, equipped with recombinant T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In addition, this technology is used in cytokine stimulation, antibody designing, natural killer (NK) cell transfer, and to overcome immune checkpoints. The innovative potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in preparing the building blocks of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy has opened a new window of antitumor immunotherapy and some of them have gained FDA approval. The manipulation of immunogenetic regulators has opened a new interface for designing, implementation and interpretation of CRISPR/Cas9-based screening in immuno-oncology. Several cancers like lymphoma, melanoma, lung, and liver malignancies have been treated with this strategy, once thought to be impossible. The safe and efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system within the immune cells for the genome-editing strategy is a challenging task which needs to be sorted out for efficient immunotherapy. Several targeting approaches like virus-mediated, electroporation, microinjection and nanoformulation-based methods have been used, but each procedure offers some limitations. Here, we elaborate the recent updates of cancer management through immunotherapy in partnership with CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Further, some innovative methods of targeting this genome-editing system within the immune system cells for reprogramming them, as a novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy is elaborated. In addition, future prospects and clinical trials are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alsahli
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira A Moawad
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Wanian M Alwanian
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahlah Makki Almansour
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Husain Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Tian Y, Jin W, Sun H, Jin D, Kang D, Li Z, Piao L. Modified Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Combined with Lenvatinib and Camrelizumab for Advanced HCC: Two Case Reports. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1587-1593. [PMID: 37791067 PMCID: PMC10542216 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s426174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially huge HCC or portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT), is difficult to treat, and the prognosis is poor. The advantages of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy for this complex disease are gradually becoming apparent. However, HAIC still has some inevitable disadvantages, such as arterial perfusion therapy requiring a long time, which results in many patients having difficulty completing the procedure. Modified HAIC (mHAIC)-based oxaliplatin and S-1 is a new treatment option for huge HCC or PVTT that can reduce complications and improve patient compliance. We report two cases of huge HCC or PVTT that were successfully treated with mHAIC combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab. The clinical presentations, treatment strategies, and outcomes of these cases are presented. Case Presentation Case 1: A 52-year-old female was found to have a huge HCC with a size of 14×11 cm. She was treated with one cycle of mHAIC combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), lenvatinib and camrelizumab and 3 cycles of mHAIC in combination with lenvatinib and camrelizumab. The patient's follow-up maintenance therapy with lenvatinib and camrelizumab has been evaluated for efficacy in achieving complete response (CR). Case 2: A 57-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced HCC in combination with PVTT. He achieved partial remission (PR) after four cycles of mHAIC combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab. This was followed by treatment with lenvatinib and camrelizumab with an efficacy assessment for CR, and progression-free survival (PFS) was 7 months. Conclusion For advanced HCC with a large mass or PVTT, mHAIC combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab is a safe and effective treatment with good patient compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenbiao Jin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honghua Sun
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dehao Jin
- Department of Radiology, Yanbian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yanji, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongxu Kang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Longzhen Piao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
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Hasselbalch HC, Junker P, Skov V, Kjær L, Knudsen TA, Larsen MK, Holmström MO, Andersen MH, Jensen C, Karsdal MA, Willumsen N. Revisiting Circulating Extracellular Matrix Fragments as Disease Markers in Myelofibrosis and Related Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4323. [PMID: 37686599 PMCID: PMC10486581 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) arise due to acquired somatic driver mutations in stem cells and develop over 10-30 years from the earliest cancer stages (essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera) towards the advanced myelofibrosis stage with bone marrow failure. The JAK2V617F mutation is the most prevalent driver mutation. Chronic inflammation is considered to be a major pathogenetic player, both as a trigger of MPN development and as a driver of disease progression. Chronic inflammation in MPNs is characterized by persistent connective tissue remodeling, which leads to organ dysfunction and ultimately, organ failure, due to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Considering that MPNs are acquired clonal stem cell diseases developing in an inflammatory microenvironment in which the hematopoietic cell populations are progressively replaced by stromal proliferation-"a wound that never heals"-we herein aim to provide a comprehensive review of previous promising research in the field of circulating ECM fragments in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of MPNs. We address the rationales and highlight new perspectives for the use of circulating ECM protein fragments as biologically plausible, noninvasive disease markers in the management of MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Carl Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Peter Junker
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Lasse Kjær
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Trine A. Knudsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Kranker Larsen
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (V.S.); (L.K.); (T.A.K.); (M.K.L.)
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.O.H.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Christina Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
| | - Morten A. Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (C.J.); (M.A.K.); (N.W.)
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Niu M, Yi M, Wu Y, Lyu L, He Q, Yang R, Zeng L, Shi J, Zhang J, Zhou P, Zhang T, Mei Q, Chu Q, Wu K. Synergistic efficacy of simultaneous anti-TGF-β/VEGF bispecific antibody and PD-1 blockade in cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:94. [PMID: 37573354 PMCID: PMC10423429 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01487-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, therapeutic antibodies against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have exerted potent anticancer effect in a variety of tumors. However, blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis alone is not sufficient to restore normal immune response. Other negative regulators of antitumor immunity, like TGF-β and VEGFA, are also involved in immune escape of tumor cells and induce immunotherapy resistance. METHODS We developed a novel anti-TGF-β/VEGF bispecific antibody Y332D based on the Nano-YBODY™ technology platform. The CCK-8, flow cytometry, SBE4 luciferase reporter assay, western blotting and transwell assays were used to measure the biological activities of the anti-TGF-β moiety. The NFAT luciferase reporter assay, luminescent cell viability assay and tube formation assay were used to measure the biological activities of the anti-VEGF moiety. The in vivo anticancer efficacy of Y332D alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade was evaluated in H22, EMT-6, 4T1, and AKT/Ras-driven murine hepatocellular carcinoma tumor models. Immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, RNA-seq and quantitative RT-PCR were adopted to analyze the alterations in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS Y332D could maintain specific binding affinities for TGF-β and VEGFA. Y332D almost entirely counteracted the in vitro biological functions of TGF-β and VEGFA, including immunosuppression, activated TGF-β signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), activated VEGF/VEGFR signaling, HUVEC proliferation and tube formation. The in vivo experiment data demonstrated that Y332D was more effective in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis than anti-TGF-β and anti-VEGF monotherapies. In combination therapies, Y332D plus PD-1 blockade exhibited the most potent and durable anticancer effect. Mechanistically, Y332D plus PD-1 blockade upregulated the density and function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and exerted reinvigorated antitumor immunity. CONCLUSION Y332D could simultaneously block TGF-β and VEGF signalings. In comparison with the monotherapies, Y332D combined with PD-1 blockade exerts superior antitumor effect through improving immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lijuan Lyu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710000 China
| | - Qing He
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zeng
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Shi
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake, C2-1, No.666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, 430075 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
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Martin SD, Bhuiyan I, Soleimani M, Wang G. Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Renal Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4987. [PMID: 37568390 PMCID: PMC10419620 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized renal cell carcinoma treatment. Patients previously thought to be palliative now occasionally achieve complete cures from ICI. However, since immunotherapies stimulate the immune system to induce anti-tumor immunity, they often lead to adverse autoimmunity. Furthermore, some patients receive no benefit from ICI, thereby unnecessarily risking adverse events. In many tumor types, PD-L1 expression levels, immune infiltration, and tumor mutation burden predict the response to ICI and help inform clinical decision making to better target ICI to patients most likely to experience benefits. Unfortunately, renal cell carcinoma is an outlier, as these biomarkers fail to discriminate between positive and negative responses to ICI therapy. Emerging biomarkers such as gene expression profiles and the loss of pro-angiogenic proteins VHL and PBRM-1 show promise for identifying renal cell carcinoma cases likely to respond to ICI. This review provides an overview of the mechanistic underpinnings of different biomarkers and describes the theoretical rationale for their use. We discuss the effectiveness of each biomarker in renal cell carcinoma and other cancer types, and we introduce novel biomarkers that have demonstrated some promise in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer D. Martin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada;
| | - Ishmam Bhuiyan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Maryam Soleimani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
- British Columbia Cancer Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada;
- British Columbia Cancer Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
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18
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Watabe T, Takahashi K, Pietras K, Yoshimatsu Y. Roles of TGF-β signals in tumor microenvironment via regulation of the formation and plasticity of vascular system. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:130-138. [PMID: 37068553 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells evolve in tumor microenvironment composed of multiple cell types. Among these, endothelial cells (ECs) are the major players in tumor angiogenesis, which is a driver of tumor progression and metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that ECs also contribute to tumor progression and metastasis as they modify their phenotypes to differentiate into mesenchymal cells through a process known as endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). This plasticity of ECs is mediated by various cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and modulated by other stimuli depending on the cellular contexts. Recent lines of evidence have shown that EndoMT is involved in various steps of tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, intravasation and extravasation of cancer cells, formation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and cancer therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize current updates on EndoMT, highlight the roles of EndoMT in tumor progression and metastasis, and underline targeting EndoMT as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Watabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshimatsu
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
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19
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Ghalehbandi S, Yuzugulen J, Pranjol MZI, Pourgholami MH. The role of VEGF in cancer-induced angiogenesis and research progress of drugs targeting VEGF. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175586. [PMID: 36906141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a double-edged sword; it is a mechanism that defines the boundary between health and disease. In spite of its central role in physiological homeostasis, it provides the oxygen and nutrition needed by tumor cells to proceed from dormancy if pro-angiogenic factors tip the balance in favor of tumor angiogenesis. Among pro-angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a prominent target in therapeutic methods due to its strategic involvement in the formation of anomalous tumor vasculature. In addition, VEGF exhibits immune-regulatory properties which suppress immune cell antitumor activity. VEGF signaling through its receptors is an integral part of tumoral angiogenic approaches. A wide variety of medicines have been designed to target the ligands and receptors of this pro-angiogenic superfamily. Herein, we summarize the direct and indirect molecular mechanisms of VEGF to demonstrate its versatile role in the context of cancer angiogenesis and current transformative VEGF-targeted strategies interfering with tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jale Yuzugulen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
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20
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Giovannini C, Suzzi F, Tovoli F, Bruccoleri M, Marseglia M, Alimenti E, Fornari F, Iavarone M, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Low-Baseline PD1+ Granulocytes Predict Responses to Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1661. [PMID: 36980547 PMCID: PMC10045974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune check point inhibitors have recently entered the armamentarium of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Among them, the combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has pushed it a step forward; however, a number of patients still present primary non-responses without any biomarker to predict responses to different options. Here, we aimed to identify a putative baseline biomarker to predict the response to atezolizumab-bevacizumab, by investigating whether baseline PD1+ and PD-L1+ peripheral granulocyte percentages might offer a non-invasive, cheap, and easily feasible assay. METHODS A prospective Italian cohort of 34 patients treated by atezolizumab-bevacizumab was tested to assay the baseline percentage of peripheral granulocytes and their PD1 and PD-L1 expression. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was also considered, and all data were compared with the clinical course of patients. RESULTS A low-baseline PD1+ peripheral granulocyte percentage turned out to predict responder patients (mean ±SD of PD1+ granulocyte percentage in responders versus non-responders: 9.9 ± 9.1 vs. 29.2 ± 17.6; student's t-test, p < 0.01). In line, patients identified by a low PD1+ granulocyte percentage displayed a longer TTP (log-rank test, p < 0.0001). A lower granulocyte percentage on total white blood cells, irrespective of PD1 or PD-L1 expression, is also associated with responses to atezolizumab-bevacizumab (log-rank test, p < 0.05). No predictive value was observed for either the PD-L1+ granulocyte percentage or NLR. CONCLUSIONS A low-baseline PD1+ peripheral granulocyte percentage is associated with responses to atezolizumab-bevacizumab treatment in advanced HCC. These findings encourage evaluating this minimally invasive, cheap, and easy test in further independent cohorts and outlining the relevance of innate immunity in the response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Giovannini
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research-CRBA, University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna University, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Suzzi
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research-CRBA, University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna University, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna University, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariangela Bruccoleri
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Marseglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Alimenti
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fornari
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research-CRBA, University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Massimo Iavarone
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna University, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research-CRBA, University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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21
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Diagnostic Predictors of Immunotherapy Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13050862. [PMID: 36900006 PMCID: PMC10001329 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) binds PD-1 on CD8+ lymphocytes, inhibiting their cytotoxic action. Its aberrant expression by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells leads to immune escape. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, two humanized monoclonal antibodies against PD-1, have been approved in HNSCC treatment, but ~60% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC fail to respond to immunotherapy and only 20 to 30% of treated patients have long-term benefits. The purpose of this review is to analyze all the fragmentary evidence present in the literature to identify what future diagnostic markers could be useful for predicting, together with PD-L1 CPS, the response to immunotherapy and its durability. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and we summarize the evidence collected in this review. We confirmed that PD-L1 CPS is a predictor of response to immunotherapy, but it should be measured across multiple biopsies and repeatedly over time. PD-L2, IFN-γ, EGFR, VEGF, TGF-β, TMB, blood TMB, CD73, TILs, alternative splicing, tumor microenvironment, and some macroscopic and radiological features are promising predictors worthy of further studies. Studies comparing predictors appear to give greater potency to TMB and CXCR9.
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22
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Chen C, Wang Z, Ding Y, Qin Y. Tumor microenvironment-mediated immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133308. [PMID: 36845131 PMCID: PMC9950271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, the emergency of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has revolutionized the management of HCC. Especially, the combination of atezolizumab (anti-PD1) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) has been approved by the FDA as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. Despite great breakthrough in systemic therapy, HCC continues to portend a poor prognosis owing to drug resistance and frequent recurrence. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC is a complex and structured mixture characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, collectively contributing to the immunosuppressive milieu that in turn prompts HCC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment coexists and interacts with various immune cells to maintain the development of HCC. It is widely accepted that a dysfunctional tumor-immune ecosystem can lead to the failure of immune surveillance. The immunosuppressive TME is an external cause for immune evasion in HCC consisting of 1) immunosuppressive cells; 2) co-inhibitory signals; 3) soluble cytokines and signaling cascades; 4) metabolically hostile tumor microenvironment; 5) the gut microbiota that affects the immune microenvironment. Importantly, the effectiveness of immunotherapy largely depends on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Also, the gut microbiota and metabolism profoundly affect the immune microenvironment. Understanding how TME affects HCC development and progression will contribute to better preventing HCC-specific immune evasion and overcoming resistance to already developed therapies. In this review, we mainly introduce immune evasion of HCC underlying the role of immune microenvironment, describe the dynamic interaction of immune microenvironment with dysfunctional metabolism and the gut microbiome, and propose therapeutic strategies to manipulate the TME in favor of more effective immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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23
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Gkegka AG, Koukourakis MI, Katotomichelakis M, Giatromanolaki A. Cancer Microenvironment Defines Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Density and Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Formation in Laryngeal Cancer. Head Neck Pathol 2022:10.1007/s12105-022-01517-7. [PMID: 36586079 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-022-01517-7] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence and activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a key parameter related to the antitumor immune response. A large number of studies reveal TIL density as a prognostic marker and predictor of response to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. METHODS We examined the TIL and tertiary lymphoid structure TLS density in the invading front and inner tumor stroma, in a 33 squamous cell laryngeal carcinomas (LSCC) treated with laryngectomy. TIL and TLS densities were in parallel examined with markers of anaerobic metabolism, vascular density (VD), vascular survival ability (VSA), and histopathological parameters. RESULTS TIL and TLS densities significantly decreased in inner tumor areas (p < 0.0001). TIL density in the invading tumor front was inversely related with lymph node involvement (p = 0.03), HIF1α expression (p = 0.008), vessel density (p = 0.02), and MIB1 (p = 0.006). TIL density in inner stroma was inversely linked to local invasion (marginal p = 0.05), tumor budding (TB) (p = 0.005), MIB1 (p = 0.02), and HIF1α expression (p = 0.02). Low-TLS density in the invading front and in inner tumor areas was related to high TB (p = 0.02 and 0.002, respectively), HIF1α (p = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively), and LDH5 expression (p = 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). CD4+, FOXP3+ TIL density, and FOXP3+/CD8+ ratio were directly associated with VSA (p = 0.008, 0.02, and 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION Poor immune response is related to hypoxic background and anaerobic metabolism, as well as increased invasive and metastatic ability. Regulatory TIL markers are linked with increased angiogenic potential. The prognostic, predictive, and therapy-guiding value of TILs in clinical practice demands thorough investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia G Gkegka
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy / Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael Katotomichelakis
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace-General, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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24
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Regulatory T Cells in Ovarian Carcinogenesis and Future Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225488. [PMID: 36428581 PMCID: PMC9688690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225488] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play a role in the development of solid tumors. A better understanding of the biology of Tregs, immune suppression by Tregs, and how cancer developed with the activity of Tregs has facilitated the development of strategies used to improve immune-based therapy. In ovarian cancer, Tregs have been shown to promote cancer development and resistance at different cancer stages. Understanding the various Treg-mediated immune escape mechanisms provides opportunities to establish specific, efficient, long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. Here, we review the evidence of Treg involvement in various stages of ovarian cancer. We further provide an overview of the current and prospective therapeutic approaches that arise from the modulation of Treg-related tumor immunity at those specific stages. Finally, we propose combination strategies of Treg-related therapies with other anti-tumor therapies to improve clinical efficacy and overcome tumor resistance in ovarian cancer.
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25
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Cassese G, Han HS, Lee B, Lee HW, Cho JY, Panaro F, Troisi RI. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A promising therapeutic option for advanced disease. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1862-1874. [PMID: 36340753 PMCID: PMC9627435 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i10.1862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence continues to increase. Despite improvements in both medical and surgical therapies, HCC remains associated with poor outcomes due to its high rates of recurrence and mortality. Approximately 50% of patients require systemic therapies that traditionally consist of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Recently, however, immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized HCC management, providing new therapeutic options. Despite these major advances, the different factors involved in poor clinical responses and molecular pathways leading to resistance following use of these therapies remain unclear. Alternative strategies, such as adoptive T cell transfer, vaccination, and virotherapy, are currently under evaluation. Combinations of immunotherapies with other systemic or local treatments are also being investigated and may be the most promising opportunities for HCC treatment. The aim of this review is to provide updated information on currently available immunotherapies for HCC as well as future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Cassese
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Division of Minimally Invasive and Robotic HPB Surgery, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, South Korea
| | - Ho-Seong Han
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, South Korea
| | - Boram Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, South Korea
| | - Hae Won Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, South Korea
| | - Jai Young Cho
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, South Korea
| | - Fabrizio Panaro
- Department of Surgery, Division of HBP Surgery and Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital - School of Medicine, Montpellier 34000, France
| | - Roberto Ivan Troisi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Division of Minimally Invasive and Robotic HPB Surgery, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
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26
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Vadaq N, van de Wijer L, van Eekeren LE, Koenen H, de Mast Q, Joosten LAB, Netea MG, Matzaraki V, van der Ven AJAM. Targeted plasma proteomics reveals upregulation of distinct inflammatory pathways in people living with HIV. iScience 2022; 25:105089. [PMID: 36157576 PMCID: PMC9494231 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLHIV) display persistent inflammation leading to non-AIDS-related co-morbidities. To better understand underlying mechanisms, we compared targeted plasma inflammatory protein concentration (n = 92) between a cohort of 192 virally suppressed PLHIV, who were followed-up for five years, and 416 healthy controls (HC). Findings were validated in an independent cohort of 649 virally suppressed PLHIV and 98 HC. Compared to HC, PLHIV exhibited distinctively upregulated inflammatory proteins, including mucosal defense chemokines, CCR5 and CXCR3 ligands, and growth factors. Unsupervised clustering of inflammatory proteins clearly differentiated PLHIV with low (n = 123) and high inflammation (n = 65), the latter having a 3.4 relative risk (95% confidence interval 1.2-9.8) to develop malignancies and trend for cardiovascular events during a 5-year follow-up. The best protein predictors discriminating the two inflammatory endotypes were PD-L1, VEGFA, LAP TGF β-1, and TNFRSF9. Our data provide insights into co-morbidities associated inflammatory changes in PLHIV on long-term ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadira Vadaq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases (CENTRID), Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Lisa van de Wijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Louise E van Eekeren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Koenen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Quirijn de Mast
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Immunology and Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Vasiliki Matzaraki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - André J A M van der Ven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute of Health Science (RIHS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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27
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Rimini M, Rimassa L, Ueshima K, Burgio V, Shigeo S, Tada T, Suda G, Yoo C, Cheon J, Pinato DJ, Lonardi S, Scartozzi M, Iavarone M, Di Costanzo GG, Marra F, Soldà C, Tamburini E, Piscaglia F, Masi G, Cabibbo G, Foschi FG, Silletta M, Pressiani T, Nishida N, Iwamoto H, Sakamoto N, Ryoo BY, Chon HJ, Claudia F, Niizeki T, Sho T, Kang B, D'Alessio A, Kumada T, Hiraoka A, 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, Nishimur T, Hatanaka T, Kakizaki S, Shimada N, Kawata K, 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, Iijima H, Hiasa Y, Pedica F, De Cobelli F, Ratti F, Aldrighetti L, Kudo M, Cascinu S, Casadei-Gardini A. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib or sorafenib in non-viral unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: an international propensity score matching analysis. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100591. [PMID: 36208496 PMCID: PMC9808460 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence suggests that non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) might benefit less from immunotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We carried out a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive patients with non-viral advanced HCC, treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, lenvatinib, or sorafenib, in 36 centers in 4 countries (Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, and UK). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib, and OS and PFS with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib. For the primary and secondary endpoints, we carried out the analysis on the whole population first, and then we divided the cohort into two groups: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) population and non-NAFLD/NASH population. RESULTS One hundred and ninety patients received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, 569 patients received lenvatinib, and 210 patients received sorafenib. In the whole population, multivariate analysis showed that treatment with lenvatinib was associated with a longer OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.95; P = 0.0268] and PFS (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.51-0.86; P = 0.002) compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In the NAFLD/NASH population, multivariate analysis confirmed that lenvatinib treatment was associated with a longer OS (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26-0.84; P = 0.0110) and PFS (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.38-0.82; P = 0.031) compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In the subgroup of non-NAFLD/NASH patients, no difference in OS or PFS was observed between patients treated with lenvatinib and those treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. All these results were confirmed following propensity score matching analysis. By comparing patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib, no statistically significant difference in survival was observed. CONCLUSIONS The present analysis conducted on a large number of advanced non-viral HCC patients showed for the first time that treatment with lenvatinib is associated with a significant survival benefit compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, in particular in patients with NAFLD/NASH-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rimini
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - L Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - K Ueshima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - V Burgio
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - S Shigeo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - T Tada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - G Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido, Japan; University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - C Yoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - J Cheon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - D J Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK; Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - S Lonardi
- Oncology Unit 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - M Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology, University and University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Iavarone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - F Marra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - C Soldà
- Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - E Tamburini
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Cardinale Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - F Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Disease, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Masi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - F G Foschi
- Internal Medicine, Infermi Hospital, Faenza (AUSL ROMAGNA), Ravenna, Italy
| | - M Silletta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - T Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - N Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - H Iwamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - N Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido, Japan; University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - B-Y Ryoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - H J Chon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - F Claudia
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK; Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - T Niizeki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - T Sho
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido, Japan; University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - B Kang
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - A D'Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK; Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - T Kumada
- Department of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | - A Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - M Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - K Kariyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - J Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - M Atsukawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - E Itobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahi General Hospital, Asahi, Japan
| | - S Fukunishi
- Premier Departmental Research of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Shinya Fukunishi, Osaka, Japan
| | - K Tsuji
- Center of Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - T Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - K Tajiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - H Ochi
- Hepato-biliary Center, Japanese Red Cross Matsuyama Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - S Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - H Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - C Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Takamatsu Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - T Nishimur
- Department of Internal medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - T Hatanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Maebashi, Japan
| | - S Kakizaki
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
| | - N Shimada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Otakanomori Hospital, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - K Kawata
- Department of Hepatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - T Tanaka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - H Ohama
- Premier Departmental Research of Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Shinya Fukunishi, Osaka, Japan
| | - K Nouso
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - A Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - A Tsutsui
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - T Nagano
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - N Itokawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Okubo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - A Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Y Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - S Nakamura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - K Joko
- Hepato-biliary Center, Japanese Red Cross Matsuyama Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - H Iijima
- Department of Internal medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Y Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - F Pedica
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - F De Cobelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - F Ratti
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Division, Liver Center, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - L Aldrighetti
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Division, Liver Center, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - M Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - S Cascinu
- Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - A Casadei-Gardini
- Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Milan, Italy.
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Zhu Y, Qin LX. Strategies for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:420-429. [PMID: 35977874 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Recently, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the systemic treatment of HCC. However, anti-PD-1 therapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab as a single agent did not meet their predefined end points of overall survival in the KEYNOTE-240 and CheckMate 459 trials. It is urgent to understand the immunological rationale and explore novel ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. The combination of ICIs with other therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), monoclonal antibodies, or local therapy, has been demonstrated to improve overall response rate and survival. In addition, modulating tumor microenvironment is a potential way to overcome the primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapies. In this review, we summarized the latest findings in the immune microenvironment, the mechanisms of their synergistic effects when combined with anti-VEGF agents or TKIs, as well as other kinds of immune treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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29
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Jiang Y, Guo K, Wang P, Zhu Y, Huang J, Ruan S. The antitumor properties of atractylenolides: Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113699. [PMID: 36116253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs that exhibit a high degree of tumor cell selectivity while minimizing normal cell toxicity are an area of active research interest as a means of designing novel antitumor agents. The pharmacological benefits of Chinese herbal medicine-based treatments have been the focus of growing research interest in recent years. Sesquiterpenoids derived from the Atractylodes macrocephala volatile oil preparations exhibit in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. Atracylenolides exhibit anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, and immunomodulatory activity in a range of tumor cell lines in addition to being capable of regulating metabolic activity such that it is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of diverse cancers. The present review provides a summary of recent advances in Atractylenolide-focused antitumor research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Kaibo Guo
- Department of Oncology, Affilited Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Peipei Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of postgraduate, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Shanming Ruan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China.
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30
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O'Melia MJ, Rohner NA, Thomas SN. Tumor Vascular Remodeling Affects Molecular Dissemination to Lymph Node and Systemic Leukocytes. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:781-794. [PMID: 35442085 PMCID: PMC9508451 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2022.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenic and lymphangiogenic remodeling has long been accepted as a hallmark of cancer development and progression; however, the impacts of this remodeling on immunological responses, which are paramount to the responses to immunotherapeutic treatments, are underexplored. As immunotherapies represent one of the most promising new classes of cancer therapy, in this study, we explore the effects of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization on dissemination of molecules injected into the tumor microenvironment to immune cells in lymph nodes draining the tumor as well as in systemically distributed tissues. A system of fluorescent tracers, size-matched to biomolecules of interest, was implemented to track different mechanisms of tumor transport and access to immune cells. This revealed that the presence of a tumor, and either angiogenic or lymphangiogenic remodeling, altered local retention of model biomolecules, trended toward normalizing dissemination to systemic organs, and modified access to lymph node-resident immune cells in manners dependent on mechanism of transport. More specifically, active cell migration by skin-derived antigen presenting cells was enhanced by both the presence of a tumor and lymphangiogenic normalization, while both angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization restored patterns of immune cell access to passively draining species. As a whole, this work uncovers the potential ramifications of tumor-induced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, along with impacts of interrogation into these pathways, on access of tumor-derived species to immune cells. Impact Statement Angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization strategies have been utilized clinically to interrogate tumor vasculature with some success. In the age of immunotherapy, the impacts of these therapeutic interventions on immune remodeling are unclear. This work utilizes mouse models of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic normalization, along with a system of fluorescently tagged tracers, to uncover the impacts of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis on access of tumor-derived species to immune cell subsets within various organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan J. O'Melia
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nathan A. Rohner
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan Napier Thomas
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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31
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Protein Regulator of Cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) Upregulation Promotes Immune Suppression in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7073472. [PMID: 35983074 PMCID: PMC9381293 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7073472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a malignant cancer with widespread prevalence. The suppressive immune environment causes largely refractory to current treatment. The protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) is an essential gene for cytokinesis and is involved in cancer pathogenesis. However, the functions of PRC1 have been barely clarified, especially in LIHC. Here, we investigated the expression, prognostic value, and functions of PRC1 in LIHC. Pan-cancer analysis revealed the overexpression of PRC1 in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Four LIHC datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database confirmed the PRC1 overexpression in LIHC. The mRNA and protein levels of PRC1 in LIHC cells were higher than in normal liver cells. The overexpression of PRC1 predicted progressed clinical stage and poor prognosis of LIHC. We further investigated the functions of PRC1 by performing the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of its coexpressing genes. High PRC1 expression was associated with increased genome instability of LIHC. Moreover, PRC1 was positively correlated with the infiltration of suppressive immune cells like T regulatory cells (Tregs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and was negatively correlated with the effector immune cells' infiltration, including B cells and CD8+ T cells. In addition, PRC1 was positively correlated with the expression of tumor immune checkpoint molecules. Taken together, PRC1 overexpression contributes to the genome instability and the suppressive immune microenvironment of LIHC. Thus, PRC1 has the potential to be a prognostic marker and therapeutic target of LIHC.
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32
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Elebiyo TC, Rotimi D, Evbuomwan IO, Maimako RF, Iyobhebhe M, Ojo OA, Oluba OM, Adeyemi OS. Reassessing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 32:100620. [PMID: 35964475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Vascularization is fundamental to the growth and spread of tumor cells to distant sites. As a consequence, angiogenesis, the sprouting of new blood vessels from existing ones, is a characteristic trait of cancer. In 1971, Judah Folkman postulated that tumour growth is angiogenesis dependent and that by cutting off blood supply, a neoplastic lesion could be potentially starved into remission. Decades of research have been devoted to understanding the role that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays in tumor angiogenesis, and it has been identified as a significant pro-angiogenic factor that is frequently overexpressed within a tumor mass. Today, anti-VEGF drugs such as Sunitinib, Sorafenib, Axitinib, Tanibirumab, and Ramucirumab have been approved for the treatment of advanced and metastatic cancers. However, anti-angiogenic therapy has turned out to be more complex than originally thought. The failure of this therapeutic option calls for a reevaluation of VEGF as the major target in anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. The call for reassessment is based on two rationales: first, tumour blood vessels are abnormal, disorganized, and leaky; this not only prevents optimal drug delivery but it also promotes hypoxia and metastasis; secondly, tumour growth or regrowth might be blood vessel dependent and not angiogenesis dependent as tumour cells can acquire blood vessels via non-angiogenic mechanisms. Therefore, a critical assessment of VEGF, VEGFRs, and their inhibitors could glean newer options such as repurposing anti-VEGF drugs as vascular normalizing agents to enhance drug delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damilare Rotimi
- Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo
- Phytomedicine, Molecular Toxicology, and Computational Biochemistry Research Laboratory (PMTCB-RL), Department of Biochemistry, Bowen University, Iwo, 232101, Nigeria..
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33
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Li L, Wen Q, Ding R. Therapeutic targeting of VEGF and/or TGF-β to enhance anti-PD-(L)1 therapy: The evidence from clinical trials. Front Oncol 2022; 12:905520. [PMID: 35957885 PMCID: PMC9360509 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.905520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Normalizing the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a potential strategy to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathways play an important role in the development and function of the TME, contributing to the immunosuppressive status of TME. To inhibit VEGF and/or TGF-β pathways can restore TME from immunosuppressive to immune-supportive status and enhance sensitivity to immunotherapy such as programmed death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. In this review, we described the existing preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of anti-VEGF and/or anti-TGF-β therapies to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Encouragingly, adopting anti-VEGF and/or anti-TGF-β therapies as a combination treatment with anti-PD-(L)1 therapy have been demonstrated as effective and tolerable in several solid tumors in clinical trials. Although several questions need to be solved, the clinical value of this combination strategy is worthy to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwei Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglian Wen, ; Ruilin Ding,
| | - Ruilin Ding
- Institute of Drug Clinical Trial/GCP Center, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglian Wen, ; Ruilin Ding,
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34
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Strasenburg W, Jóźwicki J, Durślewicz J, Kuffel B, Kulczyk MP, Kowalewski A, Grzanka D, Drewa T, Adamowicz J. Tumor Cell-Induced Platelet Aggregation as an Emerging Therapeutic Target for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:909767. [PMID: 35814405 PMCID: PMC9259835 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.909767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have the ability to induce platelet activation and aggregation. This has been documented to be involved in tumor progression in several types of cancers, such as lung, colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and brain. During the process, platelets protect circulating tumor cells from the deleterious effects of shear forces, shield tumor cells from the immune system, and provide growth factors, facilitating metastatic spread and tumor growth at the original site as well as at the site of metastasis. Herein, we present a wider view on the induction of platelet aggregation by specific factors primarily developed by cancer, including coagulation factors, adhesion receptors, growth factors, cysteine proteases, matrix metalloproteinases, glycoproteins, soluble mediators, and selectins. These factors may be presented on the surface of tumor cells as well as in their microenvironment, and some may trigger more than just one simple receptor-ligand mechanism. For a better understanding, we briefly discuss the physiological role of the factors in the platelet activation process, and subsequently, we provide scientific evidence and discuss their potential role in the progression of specific cancers. Targeting tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) by antiplatelet drugs may open ways to develop new treatment modalities. On the one hand, it may affect patients' prognosis by enhancing known therapies in advanced-stage tumors. On the other hand, the use of drugs that are mostly easily accessible and widely used in general practice may be an opportunity to propose an unparalleled antitumor prophylaxis. In this review, we present the recent discoveries of mechanisms by which cancer cells activate platelets, and discuss new platelet-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Strasenburg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Jakub Jóźwicki
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Błażej Kuffel
- Department of General and Oncological Urology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Martyna Parol Kulczyk
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Adam Kowalewski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Tomasz Drewa
- Department of General and Oncological Urology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Jan Adamowicz
- Department of General and Oncological Urology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
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Foerster F, Gairing SJ, Ilyas SI, Galle PR. Emerging immunotherapy for HCC: A guide for hepatologists. Hepatology 2022; 75:1604-1626. [PMID: 35253934 PMCID: PMC9117522 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HCC is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC comprises nearly 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer. Approximately half of all patients with HCC receive systemic therapy during their disease course, particularly in the advanced stages of disease. Immuno-oncology has been paradigm shifting for the treatment of human cancers, with strong and durable antitumor activity in a subset of patients across a variety of malignancies including HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibition with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, an antivascular endothelial growth factor neutralizing antibody, has become first-line therapy for patients with advanced HCC. Beyond immune checkpoint inhibition, immunotherapeutic strategies such as oncolytic viroimmunotherapy and adoptive T-cell transfer are currently under investigation. The tumor immune microenvironment of HCC has significant immunosuppressive elements that may affect response to immunotherapy. Major unmet challenges include defining the role of immunotherapy in earlier stages of HCC, evaluating combinatorial strategies that use targeting of the immune microenvironment plus immune checkpoint inhibition, and identifying treatment strategies for patients who do not respond to the currently available immunotherapies. Herein, we review the rationale, mechanistic basis and supporting preclinical evidence, and available clinical evidence for immunotherapies in HCC as well as ongoing clinical trials of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Foerster
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sumera Irie Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Peter Robert Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Zhang Y, Brekken RA. Direct and indirect regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by VEGF. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:1269-1286. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru0222-082r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Department of Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Department of Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
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Zhu S, Sun F, Zhao P, Liang G, Sun X, Zeng L, Huang Y. Brain-targeting biomimetic nanoparticles for codelivery of celastrol and LY2157299 for reversing glioma immunosuppression. Int J Pharm 2022; 619:121709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Li X, Zhong J, Deng X, Guo X, Lu Y, Lin J, Huang X, Wang C. Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to Enhance the Antitumor Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 12:754196. [PMID: 35003065 PMCID: PMC8727744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.754196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that are activated under pathological conditions, such as cancer, or mature myeloid cells that are converted immune-suppressive cells via tumor-derived exosomes, and potently support the tumor processes at different levels. Currently, multiple studies have demonstrated that MDSCs induce immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy resistance through their contribution to the immunosuppressive network in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, non-immunosuppressive mechanisms of MDSCs such as promotion of angiogenesis and induction of cancer stem cells also exert a powerful role in tumor progression. Thus, MDSCs are potential therapeutic targets to enhance the antitumor efficacy of ICB therapy in cases of multiple cancers. This review focuses on the tumor-promoting mechanism of MDSCs and provides an overview of current strategies that target MDSCs with the objective of enhancing the antitumor efficacy of ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Zhong
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Guo
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yantong Lu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juze Lin
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuhui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changjun Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, China
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39
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Suzuki S, Haratani K, Hayashi H, Chiba Y, Tanizaki J, Kato R, Mitani S, Kawanaka Y, Kurosaki T, Hasegawa Y, Okabe T, Tanaka K, Akashi Y, Ozaki T, Nishio K, Ito A, Nakagawa K. Association of tumour burden with the efficacy of programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 inhibitors for treatment-naïve advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Eur J Cancer 2022; 161:44-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling controls multiple cell fate decisions during development and tissue homeostasis; hence, dysregulation of this pathway can drive several diseases, including cancer. Here we discuss the influence that TGFβ exerts on the composition and behaviour of different cell populations present in the tumour immune microenvironment, and the context-dependent functions of this cytokine in suppressing or promoting cancer. During homeostasis, TGFβ controls inflammatory responses triggered by exposure to the outside milieu in barrier tissues. Lack of TGFβ exacerbates inflammation, leading to tissue damage and cellular transformation. In contrast, as tumours progress, they leverage TGFβ to drive an unrestrained wound-healing programme in cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as to suppress the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. In consonance with this key role in reprogramming the tumour microenvironment, emerging data demonstrate that TGFβ-inhibitory therapies can restore cancer immunity. Indeed, this approach can synergize with other immunotherapies - including immune checkpoint blockade - to unleash robust antitumour immune responses in preclinical cancer models. Despite initial challenges in clinical translation, these findings have sparked the development of multiple therapeutic strategies that inhibit the TGFβ pathway, many of which are currently in clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele V F Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Elena Sancho
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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Gulley JL, Schlom J, Barcellos-Hoff MH, Wang XJ, Seoane J, Audhuy F, Lan Y, Dussault I, Moustakas A. Dual inhibition of TGF-β and PD-L1: a novel approach to cancer treatment. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:2117-2134. [PMID: 34854206 PMCID: PMC9168966 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) initiate signaling pathways with complementary, nonredundant immunosuppressive functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, dysregulated TGF-β signaling suppresses antitumor immunity and promotes cancer fibrosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis. Meanwhile, PD-L1 expression inactivates cytotoxic T cells and restricts immunosurveillance in the TME. Anti-PD-L1 therapies have been approved for the treatment of various cancers, but TGF-β signaling in the TME is associated with resistance to these therapies. In this Review, we discuss the importance of the TGF-β and PD-L1 pathways in cancer, as well as clinical strategies using combination therapies that block these pathways separately or approaches with dual-targeting agents (bispecific and bifunctional immunotherapies) that may block them simultaneously. Currently, the furthest developed dual-targeting agent is bintrafusp alfa. This drug is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein that consists of the extracellular domain of the TGF-βRII receptor (a TGF-β "trap") fused to a human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody blocking PD-L1. Given the immunosuppressive effects of the TGF-β and PD-L1 pathways within the TME, colocalized and simultaneous inhibition of these pathways may potentially improve clinical activity and reduce toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joan Seoane
- ICREA, Vall D'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Yan Lan
- EMD Serono, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Isabelle Dussault
- EMD Serono, Billerica, MA, USA.,Current affiliation: Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Lainé A, Labiad O, Hernandez-Vargas H, This S, Sanlaville A, Léon S, Dalle S, Sheppard D, Travis MA, Paidassi H, Marie JC. Regulatory T cells promote cancer immune-escape through integrin αvβ8-mediated TGF-β activation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6228. [PMID: 34711823 PMCID: PMC8553942 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26352-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Presence of TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment is one of the most relevant cancer immune-escape mechanisms. TGFβ is secreted in an inactive form, and its activation within the tumor may depend on different cell types and mechanisms than its production. Here we show in mouse melanoma and breast cancer models that regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the β8 chain of αvβ8 integrin (Itgβ8) are the main cell type in the tumors that activates TGFβ, produced by the cancer cells and stored in the tumor micro-environment. Itgβ8 ablation in Treg cells impairs TGFβ signalling in intra-tumoral T lymphocytes but not in the tumor draining lymph nodes. Successively, the effector function of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes strengthens, leading to efficient control of tumor growth. In cancer patients, anti-Itgβ8 antibody treatment elicits similar improved cytotoxic T cell activation. Thus, this study reveals that Treg cells work in concert with cancer cells to produce bioactive-TGFβ and to create an immunosuppressive micro-environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lainé
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Claude Bernard Université Lyon 1, 69373, Lyon, France
| | - Ossama Labiad
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Claude Bernard Université Lyon 1, 69373, Lyon, France
| | - Hector Hernandez-Vargas
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Claude Bernard Université Lyon 1, 69373, Lyon, France
| | - Sébastien This
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Amélien Sanlaville
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Claude Bernard Université Lyon 1, 69373, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Léon
- Plateforme Ex-Vivo, Département de Recherche Translationnelle et d'Innovation, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Dalle
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Claude Bernard Université Lyon 1, 69373, Lyon, France
- Department of Dermatology, Claude Bernard Université Lyon 1, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 69495, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Dean Sheppard
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Travis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Helena Paidassi
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Julien C Marie
- Tumor Escape Resistance and Immunity department, Cancer Research Center of Lyon INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Claude Bernard Université Lyon 1, 69373, Lyon, France.
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Liukkonen MPK, Paterno JJ, Kivinen N, Siintamo L, Koskela AKJ, Kaarniranta K. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related serum markers ET-1, IL-8 and TGF-β2 are elevated in a Finnish wet age-related macular degeneration cohort. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 100:e1153-e1162. [PMID: 34699684 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been hypothesized that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may occur in the retinal pigment epithelium of advanced stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Various serum and plasma growth factors and inflammatory mediators have been linked to AMD. We were interested in finding out whether systemic levels of EMT-associated markers were altered in the serum of wet AMD patients. Serum biomarkers associated with the various pathological processes of AMD may present an avenue towards identifying and characterizing the birth mechanisms of wet AMD, its progression and severity, paving the way towards the application of precision medicine. METHODS We chose to measure the serum levels of known biomarkers of EMT - EGF (epidermal growth factor), ET-1 (endothelin 1), IL-8 (interleukin 8), TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 (transforming growth factor-beta 1 and 2) and VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) - using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We measured them from 71 Finnish wet AMD patients who were receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF-A injection treatments, as well as 64 age-adjusted controls. RESULTS We found significantly elevated levels of ET-1, IL-8 and TGF-β2 in the serums of wet AMD patients. CONCLUSIONS ET-1, IL-8 and TGF-β2 appear to be useful serum biomarkers in understanding active wet AMD. However, we cannot conclude that local retinal EMT-processes could be observed from the corresponding systemic serum biomarkers in patients undergoing anti-VEGF-A treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko P. K. Liukkonen
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| | - Jussi J. Paterno
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| | - Niko Kivinen
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| | - Leea Siintamo
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| | - Ali K. J. Koskela
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
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Chu PY, Chan SH. Cure the Incurable? Recent Breakthroughs in Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5295. [PMID: 34771459 PMCID: PMC8582442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HCC usually arises from a chronic inflammation background, driven by several factors including fatty liver, HBV/HCV viral infection and metabolic syndrome. Systemic treatment for advanced HCC remains disappointing due to its strong resistance to chemotherapy and even to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Recently, the use of ICI therapy has revolutionized the systemic treatment of advanced HCC. For the first time, clinical trials testing ICIs, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD1/PDL1 reported a survival benefit in patients with sorafenib resistance. However, it took four more years to find the right combination regimen to use ICI in combination with the anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab to substantially prolong overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced HCC after sorafenib. This review provides a comprehensive history of ICI therapy in HCC, up-to-date information on the latest ICI clinical trials, and discusses the recent development of novel ICIs that would potentially lead to a new checkpoint blockade therapy for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yi Chu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei 242, Taiwan
- Department of Health Food, Chung Chou University of Science and Technology, Changhua 510, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsuan Chan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medial University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Ruhland MK, Alspach E. Senescence and Immunoregulation in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:754069. [PMID: 34692707 PMCID: PMC8529213 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.754069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, but despite the many lives that have been extended by these therapies many patients do not respond for reasons that are not well understood. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is comprised of heterogeneous cells that regulate tumor immune responses and likely influence immunotherapy response. Senescent (e.g., aged) stroma within the TME, and its expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype induces chronic inflammation that encourages tumor development and disease progression. Senescent environments also regulate the function of immune cells in ways that are decidedly protumorigenic. Here we discuss recent developments in senescence biology and the immunoregulatory functions of senescent stroma. Understanding the multitude of cell types present in the TME, including senescent stroma, will aid in the development of combinatorial therapeutic strategies to increase immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Ruhland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Elise Alspach
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Systemic therapy is used in the advanced stage and until 2017 consisted only of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown strong anti-tumour activity in a subset of patients and the combination of the anti-PDL1 antibody atezolizumab and the VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab has or will soon become the standard of care as a first-line therapy for HCC, whereas the anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used after TKIs in several regions. Other immune strategies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination or virotherapy have not yet demonstrated consistent clinical activity. Major unmet challenges in HCC checkpoint immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers, advancing treatment to earlier stages of the disease, applying the treatment to patients with liver dysfunction and the discovery of more effective combinatorial or sequential approaches. Combinations with other systemic or local treatments are perceived as the most promising opportunities in HCC and some are already under evaluation in large-scale clinical trials. This Review provides up-to-date information on the best use of currently available immunotherapies in HCC and the therapeutic strategies under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit and HPB Oncology Area, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
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Alves E, Taifour S, Dolcetti R, Chee J, Nowak AK, Gaudieri S, Blancafort P. Reprogramming the anti-tumor immune response via CRISPR genetic and epigenetic editing. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:592-606. [PMID: 34095343 PMCID: PMC8142043 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Precise clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genetic and epigenetic manipulation of the immune response has become a promising immunotherapeutic approach toward combating tumorigenesis and tumor progression. CRISPR-based immunologic reprograming in cancer therapy comprises the locus-specific enhancement of host immunity, the improvement of tumor immunogenicity, and the suppression of tumor immunoevasion. To date, the ex vivo re-engineering of immune cells directed to inhibit the expression of immune checkpoints or to express synthetic immune receptors (chimeric antigen receptor therapy) has shown success in some settings, such as in the treatment of melanoma, lymphoma, liver, and lung cancer. However, advancements in nuclease-deactivated CRISPR-associated nuclease-9 (dCas9)-mediated transcriptional activation or repression and Cas13-directed gene suppression present novel avenues for the development of tumor immunotherapies. In this review, the basis for development, mechanism of action, and outcomes from recently published Cas9-based clinical trial (genetic editing) and dCas9/Cas13-based pre-clinical (epigenetic editing) data are discussed. Lastly, we review cancer immunotherapy-specific considerations and barriers surrounding use of these approaches in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Alves
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Shahama Taifour
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chee
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Anna K. Nowak
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Tanimura K, Yamada T, Omura A, Shiotsu S, Kataoka N, Takeda T, Taniguchi R, Yamada T, Takeuchi M, Chihara Y, Morimoto Y, Iwasaku M, Kaneko Y, Uchino J, Takayama K. The Impact of VEGF Inhibition on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Immunotherapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Oncol 2021; 11:663612. [PMID: 34123822 PMCID: PMC8194394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.663612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in combination with chemotherapy have increased survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis, is an immunological modulator; therefore, it is expected that anti-VEGF therapy in combination with ICIs enhances the antitumor effect of ICIs. In the present study, we investigated the impact of VEGF inhibition on clinical outcomes of NSCLC patients, including the efficacy of ICI treatment. Methods A total of 105 patients with advanced NSCLC who had been treated with ICIs were retrospectively analyzed to examine the relationship between the history of treatment with anti-VEGF agents and the clinical outcomes with ICI monotherapy. Results Patients who had received anti-VEGF therapy prior to ICIs showed shortened progression-free survival of ICI treatment and a decreased overall response rate to ICI treatment. By contrast, anti-VEGF therapy after ICI treatment was associated with increased survival, especially in patients who had also received anti-VEGF therapy prior to ICI therapy. Conclusions These retrospective observations suggest that anti-VEGF therapy prior to ICIs might be a negative predictor of response to ICIs. The sequence of anti-VEGF therapy might play a role in its ability to predict survival in NSCLC patients. Further investigation is warranted to identify the role of VEGF inhibition in altering clinical outcomes after immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Tanimura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Yamada
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ayaka Omura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daiichi Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shiotsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daiichi Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Kataoka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Taniguchi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamada
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayumi Takeuchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Uji-Tokushukai Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Chihara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Uji-Tokushukai Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshie Morimoto
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiro Iwasaku
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Kaneko
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junji Uchino
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Takayama
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Geindreau M, Ghiringhelli F, Bruchard M. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, a Key Modulator of the Anti-Tumor Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4871. [PMID: 34064508 PMCID: PMC8124522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During tumor growth, angiogenesis is required to ensure oxygen and nutrient transport to the tumor. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the major inducer of angiogenesis and appears to be a key modulator of the anti-tumor immune response. Indeed, VEGF modulates innate and adaptive immune responses through direct interactions and indirectly by modulating protein expressions on endothelial cells or vascular permeability. The inhibition of the VEGF signaling pathway is clinically approved for the treatment of several cancers. Therapies targeting VEGF can modulate the tumor vasculature and the immune response. In this review, we discuss the roles of VEGF in the anti-tumor immune response. In addition, we summarize therapeutic strategies based on its inhibition, and their clinical approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mannon Geindreau
- Faculté des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France;
- Team “CAdIR”, CRI INSERM UMR1231 “Lipids, Nutrition and Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
- LipSTIC LabEx, 21000 Dijon, France;
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- LipSTIC LabEx, 21000 Dijon, France;
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Mélanie Bruchard
- Faculté des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France;
- Team “CAdIR”, CRI INSERM UMR1231 “Lipids, Nutrition and Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
- LipSTIC LabEx, 21000 Dijon, France;
- Centre Georges François Leclerc, 21000 Dijon, France
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50
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Harding JJ, Do RK, Yaqubie A, Cleverly A, Zhao Y, Gueorguieva I, Lahn M, Benhadji KA, Kelley RK, Abou‐Alfa GK. Phase 1b study of galunisertib and ramucirumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:3059-3067. [PMID: 33811482 PMCID: PMC8085979 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical data suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling interact to stimulate angiogenesis and suppress antitumor immune responses. Thus, combined inhibition of both pathways may offer greater antitumor activity compared with VEGF-targeted antiangiogenic monotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS This is a multicenter, open-label, phase 1b study of galunisertib, an inhibitor of TGF-β receptor 1, and ramucirumab, an anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody, in patients with advanced HCC aiming to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), antitumor efficacy, and plasma alpha-fetoprotein and TGF-β kinetics. Dose escalation employed a 3 + 3 design. Patients received galunisertib at 80 mg (cohort 1) or 150 mg (cohort 2) orally twice a day on days 1-14 of a 28-day cycle combined with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. RESULTS Eight patients were enrolled: three in cohort 1 and five in cohort 2 (two patients were unevaluable due to rapid disease progression and replaced). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade in ≥2 patients included nausea (25%) and vomiting (25%). There was one Grade 3 treatment-related AE, a cerebrovascular accident possibly related to ramucirumab. Galunisertib exposure was dose-proportional and not affected by ramucirumab. The RECIST version 1.1 objective response rate and disease control rate were 0% and 12.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION Combination therapy was safe and tolerable and displayed favorable PK. The MTD was established at galunisertib at 150 mg orally twice a day and ramucirumab 8 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. The results do not support the preclinical hypothesis that blocking TGFβ signaling enhances efficacy of VEGF-targeted therapy; thus further clinical development was halted for the combination of galunisertib and ramucirumab.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Female
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Maximum Tolerated Dose
- Middle Aged
- Nausea/chemically induced
- Prospective Studies
- Pyrazoles/administration & dosage
- Pyrazoles/adverse effects
- Pyrazoles/pharmacokinetics
- Quinolines/administration & dosage
- Quinolines/adverse effects
- Quinolines/pharmacokinetics
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/antagonists & inhibitors
- Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vomiting/chemically induced
- alpha-Fetoproteins/analysis
- Ramucirumab
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Harding
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Richard K. Do
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Amin Yaqubie
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robin K. Kelley
- Helen Diller Cancer CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Ghassan K. Abou‐Alfa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
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