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Zeidan AM, Bewersdorf JP, Hasle V, Shallis RM, Thompson E, de Menezes DL, Rose S, Boss I, Halene S, Haferlach T, Fox BA. Integrated genetic, epigenetic, and immune landscape of TP53 mutant AML and higher risk MDS treated with azacitidine. Ther Adv Hematol 2024; 15:20406207241257904. [PMID: 38883163 PMCID: PMC11180421 DOI: 10.1177/20406207241257904] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background TP53 mutations are associated with an adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS). However, the integrated genetic, epigenetic, and immunologic landscape of TP53-mutated AML/HR-MDS is not well defined. Objectives To define the genetic, epigenetic, and immunologic landscape of TP53-mutant and TP53 wild-type AML and HR-MDS patients. Design Post hoc analysis of TP53-mutant and TP53 wild-type patients treated on the randomized FUSION trial with azacitidine ± the anti-PD-L1 antibody durvalumab. Methods We performed extensive molecular, epigenetic, and immunologic assays on a well-annotated clinical trial dataset of 61 patients with TP53-mutated disease (37 AML, 24 MDS) and 144 TP53 wild-type (89 AML, 55 MDS) patients, all of whom received azacitidine-based therapy. A 38 gene-targeted myeloid mutation analysis from screening bone marrow (BM) was performed. DNA methylation arrays, immunophenotyping and immune checkpoint expression by flow cytometry, and gene expression profiles by bulk RNA sequencing were assessed at baseline and serially during the trial. Results Global DNA methylation from peripheral blood was independent of TP53 mutation and allelic status. AZA therapy led to a statistically significant decrease in global DNA methylation scores independent of TP53 mutation status. In BM from TP53-mutant patients, we found both a higher T-cell population and upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint proteins such as PD-L1 compared to TP53 wild-type. RNA sequencing analyses revealed higher expression of the myeloid immune checkpoint gene LILRB3 in TP53-mutant samples suggesting a novel therapeutic target. Conclusion This integrated analysis of the genetic, epigenetic, and immunophenotypic landscape of TP53 mutant AML/HR-MDS suggests that differences in the immune landscape resulting in an immunosuppressive microenvironment rather than epigenetic differences contribute to the poor prognosis of TP53-mutant AML/HR-MDS with mono- or multihit TP53 mutation status. Trial registration FUSION trial (NCT02775903).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208028, New Haven, CT 06520-8028, USA
| | - Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Rory M Shallis
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Isaac Boss
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Stephanie Halene
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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2
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Russo S, Feola S, Feodoroff M, Chiaro J, Antignani G, Fusciello M, D’Alessio F, Hamdan F, Pellinen T, Mölsä R, Tripodi L, Pastore L, Grönholm M, Cerullo V. Low-dose decitabine enhances the efficacy of viral cancer vaccines for immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200766. [PMID: 38596301 PMCID: PMC10869747 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy requires a specific antitumor CD8+ T cell-driven immune response; however, upon genetic and epigenetic alterations of the antigen processing and presenting components, cancer cells escape the CD8+ T cell recognition. As a result, poorly immunogenic tumors are refractory to conventional immunotherapy. In this context, the use of viral cancer vaccines in combination with hypomethylating agents represents a promising strategy to prevent cancer from escaping immune system recognition. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of melanoma (B16-expressing ovalbumin) and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (4T1) cell lines to FDA-approved low-dose decitabine in combination with PeptiCRAd, an adenoviral anticancer vaccine. The two models showed different sensitivity to decitabine in vitro and in vivo when combined with PeptiCRAd. In particular, mice bearing syngeneic 4T1 cancer showed higher tumor growth control when receiving the combinatorial treatment compared to single controls in association with a higher expression of MHC class I on cancer cells and reduction in Tregs within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, remodeling of the CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells confirmed the effect of decitabine in enhancing anticancer vaccines in immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Russo
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Feola
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michaela Feodoroff
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jacopo Chiaro
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gabriella Antignani
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manlio Fusciello
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Federica D’Alessio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Firas Hamdan
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teijo Pellinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Mölsä
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lorella Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore s.c.a.r.l, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore s.c.a.r.l, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mikaela Grönholm
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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3
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Bewersdorf JP, Shallis RM, Sharon E, Park S, Ramaswamy R, Roe CE, Irish JM, Caldwell A, Wei W, Yacoub A, Madanat YF, Zeidner JF, Altman JK, Odenike O, Yerrabothala S, Kovacsovics T, Podoltsev NA, Halene S, Little RF, Piekarz R, Gore SD, Kim TK, Zeidan AM. A multicenter phase Ib trial of the histone deacetylase inhibitor entinostat in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms or acute myeloid leukemia refractory to hypomethylating agents. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:105-116. [PMID: 38036712 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05552-4] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with hypomethylating agent failure have a poor prognosis. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can contribute to MDS progression and mediate resistance to anti-PD1 therapy. As histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) decrease MDSCs in preclinical models, we conducted an investigator-initiated, NCI-Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program-sponsored, multicenter, dose escalation, and expansion phase Ib trial (NCT02936752) of the HDACi entinostat and the anti-PD1 antibody pembrolizumab. Twenty-eight patients (25 MDS and 3 AML) were enrolled. During dose escalation (n=13 patients), there was one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) on dose level (DL) 1 (G5 pneumonia/bronchoalveolar hemorrhage) and two DLTs at DL 2 (G3 pharyngeal mucositis and G3 anorexia). Per the 3 + 3 dose escalation design, DL 1 (entinostat 8 mg PO days 1 and 15 + pembrolizumab 200 mg IV day 1 every 21 days) was expanded and another 15 patients were enrolled. Hematologic adverse events (AEs) were common. The most common non-hematologic ≥G3 AEs were infection (32%), hypoxia/respiratory failure (11%), and dyspnea (11%). There were no protocol-defined responses among the 28 patients enrolled. Two patients achieved a marrow complete remission (mCR). Using a systems immunology approach with mass cytometry and machine learning analysis, mCR patients had increased classical monocytes and macrophages but there was no significant change of MDSCs. In conclusion, combining entinostat with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced MDS and AML was associated with limited clinical efficacy and substantial toxicity. Absence of an effect on MDSCs could be a potential explanation for the limited efficacy of this combination. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT02936752.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Rory M Shallis
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elad Sharon
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Silvia Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rahul Ramaswamy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Caroline E Roe
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan M Irish
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anne Caldwell
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Abdulraheem Yacoub
- The Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics (HMCT), The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Westwood, KS, USA
| | - Yazan F Madanat
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joshua F Zeidner
- Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jessica K Altman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nikolai A Podoltsev
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephanie Halene
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard F Little
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven D Gore
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tae Kon Kim
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Hematology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208028, New Haven, CT, 06520-8028, USA.
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4
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Stahl M, DeZern AE. Is there a path forward for immunotherapy in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes? Lancet Haematol 2024; 11:e5-e7. [PMID: 38065202 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(23)00343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy E DeZern
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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5
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Sallman DA. Frontline treatment options for higher-risk MDS: can we move past azacitidine? HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2023; 2023:65-72. [PMID: 38066872 PMCID: PMC10727006 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2023000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Although remarkable international efforts have been ongoing for over 17 years to improve upon azacitidine, representing the standard of care therapy for higher-risk myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), there still has not been a positive randomized trial in comparison to azacitidine. Real-world data from numerous trials have shown similar results with a median overall survival of 14-18 months, a 40%-50% overall response rate, and a complete remission rate close to 20%. Despite these outcomes, 6 randomized controlled trials have failed to improve outcomes in this patient population, although relevant issues in some of these studies included improper dose adjustments of the hypomethylating agent, lack of placebo- controlled studies, and lack of overall survival (OS) as a primary endpoint, among others. Critical updates in MDS management include the development of molecular prognostication models (eg, the molecular international prognostic scoring system), updates in classification systems highlighting significant overlap in patients with MDS-increased blasts and acute myeloid leukemia (most relevant to TP53 mutations), and refinement of response criteria. Although these paradigm-shifting studies have had great impact in MDS management, the current ongoing randomized phase 3 trials were initiated prior, and prognostic stratification remains via the revised international prognostic scoring system) and with bone marrow blast counts of <20%. Notably, azacitidine + venetoclax, azacitidine + sabatolimab, and azacitidine + magrolimab have shown exciting results in large, single-arm studies and have completed accrual in placebo-controlled, double-blind studies with OS as a primary endpoint. We all eagerly await the results of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Sallman
- Malignant Hematology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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6
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Xiong D, Zhang L, Sun ZJ. Targeting the epigenome to reinvigorate T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:59. [PMID: 38044445 PMCID: PMC10694991 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment; however, ICI efficacy is constrained by progressive dysfunction of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which is termed T cell exhaustion. This process is driven by diverse extrinsic factors across heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Simultaneously, tumorigenesis entails robust reshaping of the epigenetic landscape, potentially instigating T cell exhaustion. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumor microenvironmental cues leading to T cell exhaustion, and discuss therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for immunotherapies. Finally, we outline conceptual and technical advances in developing potential treatment paradigms involving immunostimulatory agents and epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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7
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Tsumura A, Levis D, Tuscano JM. Checkpoint inhibition in hematologic malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1288172. [PMID: 37920162 PMCID: PMC10619902 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1288172] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor therapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy for many types of malignancies, especially in solid tumors. Within the last two decades, numerous monoclonal antibody drugs targeting the CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathways have seen FDA approval. Within hematologic malignancies, Hodgkin Lymphoma has seen the greatest clinical benefits thus far with more recent data showing efficacy in the front-line setting. As our understanding of checkpoint inhibition expands, using these pathways as a therapeutic target has shown some utility in the treatment of other hematologic malignancies as well, primarily in the relapsed/refractory settings. Checkpoint inhibition also appears to have a role as a synergistic agent to augment clinical responses to other forms of therapy such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Moreover, alternative checkpoint molecules that bypass the well-studied CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways have emerged as exciting new therapeutic targets. Most excitingly is the use of anti-CD47 blockade in the treatment of high risk MDS and TP-53 mutated AML. Overall, there has been tremendous progress in understanding the benefits of checkpoint inhibition in hematologic malignancies, but further studies are needed in all areas to best utilize these agents. This is a review of the most recent developments and progress in Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Hematologic Malignancies in the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Tsumura
- Division of Malignant Hematology/Cellular Therapy and Transplantation, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Levis
- School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Joseph M. Tuscano
- Division of Malignant Hematology/Cellular Therapy and Transplantation, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
- School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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8
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Sekeres MA, Kim N, DeZern AE, Norsworthy KJ, Garcia JS, de Claro RA, Theoret MR, Jen EY, Ehrlich LA, Zeidan AM, Komrokji RS. Considerations for Drug Development in Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2573-2579. [PMID: 36688922 PMCID: PMC10349686 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3348] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have historically been challenging diseases for drug development due to their biology, preclinical modeling, and the affected patient population. In April 2022, the FDA convened a panel of regulators and academic experts in MDS to discuss approaches to improve MDS drug development. The panel reviewed challenges in MDS clinical trial design and endpoints and outlined considerations for future trial design in MDS to facilitate drug development to meaningfully meet patient needs. Challenges for defining clinical benefit in patients with MDS include cumbersome response criteria, standardized transfusion thresholds, and application and validation of patient reported outcome instruments. Clinical trials should reflect the biology of disease evolution, the advanced age of patients with MDS, and how patients are treated in real-world settings to maximize the likelihood of identifying active drugs. In patients with lower-risk disease, response criteria for anemic patients should be based on baseline transfusion dependency, improvement in symptoms, and quality of life. For higher-risk patients with MDS, trials should include guidance to prevent dose reductions or delays that could limit efficacy, specify minimal durations of treatment (in the absence of toxicity or progression), and have endpoints focused on overall survival and durable responses. MDS trials should be designed from the outset to allow the practicable application of new therapies in this high-needs population, with drugs that can be administered and tolerated in community settings, and with endpoints that meaningfully improve patients' lives over existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkael A. Sekeres
- Division of Hematology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Nina Kim
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Kelly J. Norsworthy
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | | | - R. Angelo de Claro
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Marc R. Theoret
- Oncology Center of Excellence, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Emily Y. Jen
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Lori A. Ehrlich
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Amer M. Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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9
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Testa U, Castelli G, Pelosi E. TP53-Mutated Myelodysplasia and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2023; 15:e2023038. [PMID: 37435040 PMCID: PMC10332352 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2023.038] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
TP53-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) form a distinct and heterogeneous group of myeloid malignancies associated with poor outcomes. Studies carried out in the last years have in part elucidated the complex role played by TP53 mutations in the pathogenesis of these myeloid disorders and in the mechanisms of drug resistance. A consistent number of studies has shown that some molecular parameters, such as the presence of a single or multiple TP53 mutations, the presence of concomitant TP53 deletions, the association with co-occurring mutations, the clonal size of TP53 mutations, the involvement of a single (monoallelic) or of both TP53 alleles (biallelic) and the cytogenetic architecture of concomitant chromosome abnormalities are major determinants of outcomes of patients. The limited response of these patients to standard treatments, including induction chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents and venetoclax-based therapies and the discovery of an immune dysregulation have induced a shift to new emerging therapies, some of which being associated with promising efficacy. The main aim of these novel immune and nonimmune strategies consists in improving survival and in increasing the number of TP53-mutated MDS/AML patients in remission amenable to allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome Italy
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10
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Bewersdorf JP, Xie Z, Bejar R, Borate U, Boultwood J, Brunner AM, Buckstein R, Carraway HE, Churpek JE, Daver NG, Porta MGD, DeZern AE, Fenaux P, Figueroa ME, Gore SD, Griffiths EA, Halene S, Hasserjian RP, Hourigan CS, Kim TK, Komrokji R, Kuchroo VK, List AF, Loghavi S, Majeti R, Odenike O, Patnaik MM, Platzbecker U, Roboz GJ, Sallman DA, Santini V, Sanz G, Sekeres MA, Stahl M, Starczynowski DT, Steensma DP, Taylor J, Abdel-Wahab O, Xu ML, Savona MR, Wei AH, Zeidan AM. Current landscape of translational and clinical research in myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS): Proceedings from the 1 st International Workshop on MDS (iwMDS) Of the International Consortium for MDS (icMDS). Blood Rev 2023; 60:101072. [PMID: 36934059 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Biological events that contribute to the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) are becoming increasingly characterized and are being translated into rationally designed therapeutic strategies. Herein, we provide updates from the first International Workshop on MDS (iwMDS) of the International Consortium for MDS (icMDS) detailing recent advances in understanding the genetic landscape of MDS, including germline predisposition, epigenetic and immune dysregulation, the complexities of clonal hematopoiesis progression to MDS, as well as novel animal models of the disease. Connected to this progress is the development of novel therapies targeting specific molecular alterations, the innate immune system, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. While some of these agents have entered clinical trials (e.g., splicing modulators, IRAK1/4 inhibitors, anti-CD47 and anti-TIM3 antibodies, and cellular therapies), none have been approved for MDS. Additional preclinical and clinical work is needed to develop a truly individualized approach to the care of MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhuoer Xie
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Rafael Bejar
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Uma Borate
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer/ James Cancer Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jacqueline Boultwood
- Blood Cancer UK Molecular Haematology Unit, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew M Brunner
- Leukemia Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rena Buckstein
- Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hetty E Carraway
- Leukemia Program, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jane E Churpek
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Carbone Cancer Center, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Naval G Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matteo Giovanni Della Porta
- IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center & Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano - Milan, Italy
| | - Amy E DeZern
- Division of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pierre Fenaux
- Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris and Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Maria E Figueroa
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Steven D Gore
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Halene
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and Myeloid Malignancies Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tae Kon Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rami Komrokji
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan F List
- Precision BioSciences, Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute, and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olatoyosi Odenike
- Leukemia Program, University of Chicago Medicine and University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mrinal M Patnaik
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Gail J Roboz
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - David A Sallman
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Guillermo Sanz
- Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain; CIBERONC, IS Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mikkael A Sekeres
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel T Starczynowski
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Justin Taylor
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mina L Xu
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael R Savona
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Department of Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA.
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11
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Spillane DR, Assouline S. Immunotherapy for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia: where do we stand? Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:819-834. [PMID: 37819154 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2268273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are generally characterized by a poor prognosis with currently available therapies. Immunotherapies have already seen success in treating a variety of malignant disorders, and their role in managing myeloid cancers is evolving rapidly. AREAS COVERED This is a review of the immunotherapies tested in MDS and AML, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and cell therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, with a focus on clinical trials conducted to date and future directions. EXPERT OPINION Initial clinical trials exploring checkpoint inhibitors in MDS and AML have demonstrated high toxicity and disappointing efficacy. However, ongoing trials adding novel checkpoint inhibitors to standard therapy are more promising. Technological advances are improving the outlook for bispecific antibodies, and cellular therapies like adoptive NK cell infusion have favorable efficacy and tolerability in early trials. As our understanding of the immune microenvironment in MDS and AML improves, the role for immunotherapy in the treatment of these diseases will become clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Spillane
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarit Assouline
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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12
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Sallman DA, Al Malki MM, Asch AS, Wang ES, Jurcic JG, Bradley TJ, Flinn IW, Pollyea DA, Kambhampati S, Tanaka TN, Zeidner JF, Garcia-Manero G, Jeyakumar D, Komrokji R, Lancet J, Kantarjian HM, Gu L, Zhang Y, Tan A, Chao M, O'Hear C, Ramsingh G, Lal I, Vyas P, Daver NG. Magrolimab in Combination With Azacitidine in Patients With Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Final Results of a Phase Ib Study. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:2815-2826. [PMID: 36888930 PMCID: PMC10414740 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Magrolimab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks cluster of differentiation 47, a don't-eat-me signal overexpressed on cancer cells. Cluster of differentiation 47 blockade by magrolimab promotes macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells and is synergistic with azacitidine, which increases expression of eat-me signals. We report final phase Ib data in patients with untreated higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) treated with magrolimab and azacitidine (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03248479). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with previously untreated Revised International Prognostic Scoring System intermediate-/high-/very high-risk MDS received magrolimab intravenously as a priming dose (1 mg/kg) followed by ramp-up to a 30 mg/kg once-weekly or once-every-2-week maintenance dose. Azacitidine 75 mg/m2 was administered intravenously/subcutaneously once daily on days 1-7 of each 28-day cycle. Primary end points were safety/tolerability and complete remission (CR) rate. RESULTS Ninety-five patients were treated. Revised International Prognostic Scoring System risk was intermediate/high/very high in 27%, 52%, and 21%, respectively. Fifty-nine (62%) had poor-risk cytogenetics and 25 (26%) had TP53 mutation. The most common treatment-emergent adverse effects included constipation (68%), thrombocytopenia (55%), and anemia (52%). Median hemoglobin change from baseline to first postdose assessment was -0.7 g/dL (range, -3.1 to +2.4). CR rate and overall response rate were 33% and 75%, respectively. Median time to response, duration of CR, duration of overall response, and progression-free survival were 1.9, 11.1, 9.8, and 11.6 months, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached with 17.1-month follow-up. In TP53-mutant patients, 40% achieved CR with median OS of 16.3 months. Thirty-four patients (36%) had allogeneic stem-cell transplant with 77% 2-year OS. CONCLUSION Magrolimab + azacitidine was well tolerated with promising efficacy in patients with untreated higher-risk MDS, including those with TP53 mutations. A phase III trial of magrolimab/placebo + azacitidine is ongoing (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04313881 [ENHANCE]).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam S. Asch
- Stephenson Cancer Center-University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | | | | | - Terrence J. Bradley
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | | | | | | | - Tiffany N. Tanaka
- University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Joshua F. Zeidner
- University of North Carolina, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lin Gu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA
| | | | | | - Mark Chao
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA
| | | | | | - Indu Lal
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Oxford BRC, Department of Hematology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Naval G. Daver
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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13
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Lee SE, Wang F, Grefe M, Trujillo-Ocampo A, Ruiz-Vasquez W, Takahashi K, Abbas HA, Borges P, Antunes DA, Al-Atrash G, Daver N, Molldrem JJ, Futreal A, Garcia-Manero G, Im JS. Immunologic Predictors for Clinical Responses during Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1938-1951. [PMID: 36988276 PMCID: PMC10192218 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2601] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine immune-related biomarkers to predict effective antitumor immunity in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) during immunotherapy (IMT, αCTLA-4, and/or αPD-1 antibodies) and/or hypomethylating agent (HMA). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Peripheral blood samples from 55 patients with MDS were assessed for immune subsets, T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, mutations in 295 acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/MDS-related genes, and immune-related gene expression profiling before and after the first treatment. RESULTS Clinical responders treated with IMT ± HMA but not HMA alone showed a significant expansion of central memory (CM) CD8+ T cells, diverse TCRβ repertoire pretreatment with increased clonality and emergence of novel clones after the initial treatment, and a higher mutation burden pretreatment with subsequent reduction posttreatment. Autophagy, TGFβ, and Th1 differentiation pathways were the most downregulated in nonresponders after treatment, while upregulated in responders. Finally, CTLA-4 but not PD-1 blockade attributed to favorable changes in immune landscape. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of tumor-immune landscape in MDS during immunotherapy provides clinical response biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Hematology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Maison Grefe
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D, Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Abel Trujillo-Ocampo
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D, Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Wilfredo Ruiz-Vasquez
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D, Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Koichi Takahashi
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Hussein A. Abbas
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Pamella Borges
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, The University of Houston
| | | | - Gheath Al-Atrash
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D, Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Navel Daver
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Jeffrey J. Molldrem
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D, Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Guillermo Garcia-Manero
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D, Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Jin S. Im
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D, Anderson Cancer Center
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
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14
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Ball S, Loghavi S, Zeidan AM. TP53-altered higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia: a distinct genetic entity with unique unmet needs. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:540-550. [PMID: 36323304 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2136969] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic alterations of TP53 are an independent poor prognostic factor in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Clinical course of TP53- altered myeloid neoplasms is dictated by genetic characteristics, such as TP53 allelic state and variant allele frequency (VAF), and not the blast count. Hence, it was recently proposed that MDS (with increased blasts) and AML with TP53 alterations may be best classified as a single molecular disease entity, TP53-mutated higher-risk (HR)-MDS/AML. TP53 mutations drive resistance to intensive chemotherapies and less intensive hypomethylating agents (HMA). Novel combinations incorporating BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax improve response rates for TP53-mutated subgroup, but the survival is not improved. Early clinical studies combining HMA with investigational agents demonstrated activity in TP53-mutated HR-MDS/AML, but updated results with larger samples, longer follow-up, or randomized trials were less impressive to date. Future research should focus on finding novel, potentially disease-modifying therapies to improve outcomes in patients with TP53-mutated HR-MDS/AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somedeb Ball
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of South Florida/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- Department of Hematopathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Wang C, Sallman DA. Therapeutic approaches for the management of higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:511-524. [PMID: 36433645 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2140287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneous nature of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) demands a risk-adapted therapeutic approach, and higher risk MDS, characterized by an increased risk of transformation into acute myeloid leukemia and inferior survival, is typically defined based on an integrated assessment of cytopenias, bone marrow blast percentage, and cytogenetic findings using the revised International Prognostic Scoring System. Incorporating mutational data could further refine the risk assessment and identify those with higher-than-expected disease risk. The principal therapeutic goal in this disease subset is to modify the natural history and prolong survival. Allogeneic stem cell transplant, the only potentially curative treatment, should be offered to eligible patients. Hypomethylating agents are the only approved treatment with unsatisfactory response rates and duration, and patients who failed prior hypomethylating agents unfortunately have dismal outcomes with urgent need of novel therapeutic agents. In this review, we provide the therapeutic landscape in higher risk MDS based on the current evidence and discuss the investigational treatment options under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - David A Sallman
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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16
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Assouline S, Michaelis LC, Othus M, Hay AE, Walter RB, Jacoby MA, Schroeder MA, Uy GL, Law LY, Cheema F, Sweet KL, Asch AS, Liu J(J, Moseley AB, Maher T, Kingsbury LL, Fang M, Radich J, Little RF, Erba HP. A randomized phase II/III study of 'novel therapeutics' versus azacitidine in newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), age 60 or older: a report of the comparison of azacitidine and nivolumab to azacitidine: SWOG S1612. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:473-477. [PMID: 36517990 PMCID: PMC10652187 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2148212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/drug therapy
- Azacitidine/adverse effects
- Nivolumab/therapeutic use
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/diagnosis
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/chemically induced
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Assouline
- McGill University – Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Megan Othus
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tracy Maher
- SWOG Data Operations Center/ Cancer Research And Biostatistics, Seattle, WA
| | - Laura L. Kingsbury
- SWOG Data Operations Center/ Cancer Research And Biostatistics, Seattle, WA
| | - Min Fang
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Richard F. Little
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy and Evaluation Program (CTEP), Bethesda, MD
| | - Harry P. Erba
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
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17
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Zeidan AM, Bewersdorf JP, Hasle V, Shallis RM, Thompson E, de Menezes DL, Rose S, Boss I, Halene S, Haferlach T, Fox B. Prognostic implications of mono-hit and multi-hit TP53 alterations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes treated with azacitidine-based therapy. Leukemia 2023; 37:240-243. [PMID: 36437356 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01766-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Rory M Shallis
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Isaac Boss
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Stephanie Halene
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Brian Fox
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
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18
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Madanat YF, Xie Z, Zeidan AM. Advances in myelodysplastic syndromes: promising novel agents and combination strategies. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:51-63. [PMID: 36620919 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2166923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell neoplasms that have limited approved treatment options. Multiple novel agents are currently being tested in a clinical trial setting. From a therapeutic perspective, MDS is generally divided into lower-risk and higher-risk disease. In this review, we summarize some of the most prominent novel agents currently in development. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on select clinical trials in both lower- and higher-risk MDS, elucidating the mechanisms of action and rationale for drug combinations and summarizing early safety and efficacy data using novel agents in MDS. EXPERT OPINION Advances in understanding the innate immune system, telomere biology, as well as genomic drivers of the disease have led to the development of multiple novel agents that are currently in late stages of clinical development in MDS. Imetelstat is being tested in lower-risk disease and the phase III clinical trial recently completed accrual. Magrolimab, sabatolimab, and venetoclax in addition to novel oral hypomethylating agents (HMA) are being investigated in higher-risk MDS. These advances will hopefully bring better treatment options to patients and lead to a shift in the treatment paradigm. Post HMA therapy remains an area of dire unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazan F Madanat
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Zhuoer Xie
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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19
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Targeting DNA Methylation in Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, and Lymphoma: A Potential Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Tool. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010633. [PMID: 36614080 PMCID: PMC9820560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation represents a crucial mechanism of epigenetic regulation in hematologic malignancies. The methylation process is controlled by specific DNA methyl transferases and other regulators, which are often affected by genetic alterations. Global hypomethylation and hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes are associated with hematologic cancer development and progression. Several epi-drugs have been successfully implicated in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including the hypomethylating agents (HMAs) decitabine and azacytidine. However, combinations with other treatment modalities and the discovery of new molecules are still the subject of research to increase sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we summarized the main functions of DNA methylation regulators and genetic events leading to changes in methylation landscapes. We provide current knowledge about target genes with aberrant methylation levels in leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and malignant lymphomas. Moreover, we provide an overview of the clinical trials, focused mainly on the combined therapy of HMAs with other treatments and its impact on adverse events, treatment efficacy, and survival rates among hematologic cancer patients. In the era of precision medicine, a transition from genes to their regulation opens up the possibility of an epigenetic-based approach as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool.
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Daver NG, Maiti A, Kadia TM, Vyas P, Majeti R, Wei AH, Garcia-Manero G, Craddock C, Sallman DA, Kantarjian HM. TP53-Mutated Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Biology, Current Therapy, and Future Directions. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2516-2529. [PMID: 36218325 PMCID: PMC9627130 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
TP53-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) form a distinct group of myeloid disorders with dismal outcomes. TP53-mutated MDS and AML have lower response rates to either induction chemotherapy, hypomethylating agent-based regimens, or venetoclax-based therapies compared with non-TP53-mutated counterparts and a poor median overall survival of 5 to 10 months. Recent advances have identified novel pathogenic mechanisms in TP53-mutated myeloid malignancies, which have the potential to improve treatment strategies in this distinct clinical subgroup. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the biology of TP53-mutated MDS/AML, current treatments, and emerging therapies, including immunotherapeutic and nonimmune-based approaches for this entity. SIGNIFICANCE Emerging data on the impact of cytogenetic aberrations, TP53 allelic burden, immunobiology, and tumor microenvironment of TP53-mutated MDS and AML are further unraveling the complexity of this disease. An improved understanding of the functional consequences of TP53 mutations and immune dysregulation in TP53-mutated AML/MDS coupled with dismal outcomes has resulted in a shift from the use of cytotoxic and hypomethylating agent-based therapies to novel immune and nonimmune strategies for the treatment of this entity. It is hoped that these novel, rationally designed combinations will improve outcomes in this area of significant unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naval G. Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Abhishek Maiti
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tapan M. Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Andrew H. Wei
- Peter MacCallum Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Charles Craddock
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit, Centre for Clinical Haematology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Sallman
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hagop M. Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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21
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Peng X, Zhu X, Di T, Tang F, Guo X, Liu Y, Bai J, Li Y, Li L, Zhang L. The yin-yang of immunity: Immune dysregulation in myelodysplastic syndrome with different risk stratification. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994053. [PMID: 36211357 PMCID: PMC9537682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of myeloid clonal diseases with diverse clinical courses, and immune dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MDS. However, immune dysregulation is complex and heterogeneous in the development of MDS. Lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) is mainly characterized by immune hyperfunction and increased apoptosis, and the immunosuppressive therapy shows a good response. Instead, higher-risk MDS (HR-MDS) is characterized by immune suppression and immune escape, and the immune activation therapy may improve the survival of HR-MDS. Furthermore, the immune dysregulation of some MDS changes dynamically which is characterized by the coexistence and mutual transformation of immune hyperfunction and immune suppression. Taken together, the authors think that the immune dysregulation in MDS with different risk stratification can be summarized by an advanced philosophical thought “Yin-Yang theory” in ancient China, meaning that the opposing forces may actually be interdependent and interconvertible. Clarifying the mechanism of immune dysregulation in MDS with different risk stratification can provide the new basis for diagnosis and clinical treatment. This review focuses on the manifestations and roles of immune dysregulation in the different risk MDS, and summarizes the latest progress of immunotherapy in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Peng
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianning Di
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojia Guo
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Li, ; Liansheng Zhang,
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Li, ; Liansheng Zhang,
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22
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Mohty R, Al Hamed R, Bazarbachi A, Brissot E, Nagler A, Zeidan A, Mohty M. Treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes in the era of precision medicine and immunomodulatory drugs: a focus on higher-risk disease. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:124. [PMID: 36045390 PMCID: PMC9429775 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous clonal disease of myeloid neoplasms characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, variable degree of cytopenias, and an increased risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Molecular and genetic characterization of MDS has led to a better understanding of the disease pathophysiology and is leading to the development of novel therapies. Targeted and immune therapies have shown promising results in different hematologic malignancies. However, their potential use in MDS is yet to be fully defined. Here, we review the most recent advances in therapeutic approaches in MDS, focusing on higher-risk disease. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is beyond the scope of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Mohty
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Rama Al Hamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Eolia Brissot
- Department of Clinical Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, and INSERM, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Arnon Nagler
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Amer Zeidan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohamad Mohty
- Department of Clinical Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, and INSERM, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, 75012, Paris, France.
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23
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Geng S, Xu R, Huang X, Li M, Deng C, Lai P, Wang Y, Wu P, Chen X, Weng J, Du X. Dynamics of PD-1 expression are associated with treatment efficacy and prognosis in patients with intermediate/high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes under hypomethylating treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950134. [PMID: 36003379 PMCID: PMC9393298 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) are widely used in patients with higher-risk MDS not eligible for stem cell transplantation. However, the general response rate by HMAs is lesser than 50% in MDS patients, while the relapse rate is high. Emerging evidence indicates that demethylating effects committed by HMAs may facilitate the up-regulation of a range of immune checkpoints or cancer suppressor genes in patients with MDS, among which the programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligands are demonstrated to be prominent and may contribute to treatment failure and early relapse. Although results from preliminary studies with a limited number of enrolled patients indicate that combined administration of PD-1 inhibitor may yield extra therapeutic benefit in some MDS patients, identifications of this subgroup of patients and optimal timing for the anti-PD-1 intervention remain significant challenges. Dynamics of immune checkpoints and associated predictive values during HMA-treatment cycles remained poorly investigated. In this present study, expression levels of immune checkpoints PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 were retrospectively analyzed by quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) in a total of 135 myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) cohort with higher-risk stratification. The prognostic value of dynamics of these immune checkpoints during HMA cycles was validated in two independent prospective cohorts in our center (NCT01599325 and NCT01751867). Our data revealed that PD-1 expression was significantly higher than that in younger MDS patients (age ≤ 60) and MDS with lower IPSS risk stratification (intermediate risk-1). A significantly up-regulated expression of PD-1 was seen during the first four HMA treatment cycles in MDS patients, while similar observation was not seen concerning the expression of PD-L1 or PD-L2. By utilizing binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) models, we further identified that higher or equal to 75.9 PD-1 expressions after 2 cycles of HMA treatment is an independent negative prognostic factor in predicting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation and survival. Collectively, our data provide rationales for monitoring the expression of PD-1 during HMA treatment cycles, a higher than 75.9 PD-1 expression may identify patients who will potentially benefit from the combined therapy of HMA and PD-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Du
- *Correspondence: Xin Du, ; ; Jianyu Weng,
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Abaza Y, Zeidan AM. Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142249. [PMID: 35883692 PMCID: PMC9318025 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of many solid tumors, with limited progress made in the area of myeloid malignancies. The low mutational burden of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one potential reason behind the lack of activity of T-cell harnessing ICIs, particularly CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. Innate immune checkpoints play a critical role in the immune escape of AML and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The CD47 targeting agent, magrolimab, has shown promising activity when combined with azacitidine in early phase trials conducted in AML and higher-risk MDS, especially among patients harboring a TP53 mutation. Similarly, sabatolimab (an anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody) plus hypomethylating agents have shown durable responses in higher-risk MDS and AML in early clinical trials. Randomized trials are currently ongoing to confirm the efficacy of these agents. In this review, we will present the current progress and future directions of immune checkpoint inhibition in AML and MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Abaza
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Amer M. Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Smilow Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Correspondence:
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