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Dawood ZS, Brown ZJ, Alaimo L, Lima HA, Shaikh C, Katayama ES, Munir MM, Moazzam Z, Endo Y, Woldesenbet S, Pawlik TM. Comparison of tumor response and outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after multimodal treatment including immune checkpoint inhibitors - a systematic review and meta-analysis. HPB (Oxford) 2024; 26:618-629. [PMID: 38369433 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and radiotherapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well-defined. We performed a meta-analysis to characterize tumor response and survival associated with multimodal treatment of HCC. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched (1990-2022). Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to compare efficacy of treatment modalities. Odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were reported. RESULTS Thirty studies (4170 patients) met inclusion criteria. Triple therapy regimen (ICI + TKI + TACE) had the highest overall disease control rate (DCR) (87%, 95% CI 83-91), while ICI + radiotherapy had the highest objective response rate (ORR) (72%, 95% CI 54%-89%). Triple therapy had a higher DCR than ICI + TACE (OR 4.49, 95% CI 2.09-9.63), ICI + TKI (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.63-5.82), and TKI + TACE (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.61-5.20). Triple therapy demonstrated improved overall survival versus ICI + TKI (SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.37-1.07) and TKI + TACE (SMD 1.13, 95% CI 0.70-1.48) (both p < 0.05). Triple therapy had a greater incidence of adverse events (AEs) compared with ICI + TKI (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.29-0.91; p = 0.02), but no difference in AEs versus ICI + TACE or TKI + TACE (both p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of ICIs, TKIs and TACE demonstrated superior tumor response and survival and should be considered for select patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaiba S Dawood
- Medical College, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Zachary J Brown
- Department of Surgery, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Laura Alaimo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Henrique A Lima
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chanza Shaikh
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erryk S Katayama
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Muhammad M Munir
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zorays Moazzam
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Lasagna A, Sacchi P. The ABC of Immune-Mediated Hepatitis during Immunotherapy in Patients with Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Multidisciplinary Management. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:795. [PMID: 38398187 PMCID: PMC10886483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040795] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune-mediated hepatotoxicity (IMH) is not-so-rare complication during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This narrative review aims to report the current knowledge on hepatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during immunotherapy from pathogenesis to multidisciplinary management. The majority of cases of IMH are asymptomatic and only a few patients may have clinical conditions. The severity of IMH is usually stratified according to Common Terminology for Clinical Adverse Events (CTCAE) criteria, but these scores may overestimate the clinical severity of IMH compared to the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) scale. The differential diagnosis of IMH is challenging because the elevated liver enzymes can be due to a number of etiologies such as viral infection, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, liver metastases, biliary diseases, and other drugs. The cornerstones of IMH management are represented by withholding or delaying ICI administration and starting immunosuppressive therapy. A multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, hepatologists, internists, and emergency medicine physicians, is essential for the management of IMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angioletta Lasagna
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Sacchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases I, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Jungbauer F, Affolter A, Brochhausen C, Lammert A, Ludwig S, Merx K, Rotter N, Huber L. Risk factors for immune-related adverse effects during CPI therapy in patients with head and neck malignancies - a single center study. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1287178. [PMID: 38420014 PMCID: PMC10899674 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1287178] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD1 inhibitors, represent an important pillar in the therapy of advanced malignancies of the head and neck region. The most relevant complications are immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), which represent an immense burden for patients. Currently, no sufficient stratification measures are available to identify patients at increased risk of irAEs. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine whether demographic, histopathological, clinical, or laboratory values at the start of CPI therapy represent a risk factor for the later occurrence of autoimmune complications. Material and methods Data from 35 patients between 2018 and 2021 who received therapy with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for head and neck malignancy were analyzed and assessed for any associations with the subsequent occurrence of irAEs. Results IrAE developed in 37% of patients, with pneumonitis being the most common form (14%). Pneumonitis was found in patients with an average significantly lower T-stage of primary tumors. An increase in basophilic leukocytes was found in patients with dermatitis later in the course. When thyroiditis developed later, the patients had a higher CPS score and lower monocyte levels. Discussion Even though individual laboratory values at the beginning of therapy might show a statistical association with the later occurrence of irAEs, neither demographic, histopathological, nor laboratory chemistry values seem to be able to generate a sound and reliable risk profile for this type of complication. Therefore, patients need to be educated and sensitized to irAEs, and regular screening for irAEs should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Jungbauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head- and Neck-Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Annette Affolter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head- and Neck-Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Brochhausen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Lammert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head- and Neck-Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sonja Ludwig
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head- and Neck-Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kirsten Merx
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nicole Rotter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head- and Neck-Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lena Huber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head- and Neck-Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Podesta C, Kayani M, Goody R, Samson A. Combination treatment of HCC with SBRT and immune checkpoint inhibition. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104191. [PMID: 37865277 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104191] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of unresectable or metastatic HCC has been significantly advanced in recent years by developments in both radiotherapy and systemic cancer therapies. Independently, both Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) are licensed for the treatment of these tumours. Building on the successes seen in other solid tumours, there is significant interest in exploring combination treatments. In this review article we briefly present the evidence base for the use of these treatments in patients with HCC. With reference to our current understanding of the immuno-oncology and radiobiology of HCCs, we demonstrate why combining these two modalities is of interest. Finally, we discuss the clinical trials that are currently underway or planned and the direction that future research may take.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Podesta
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK
| | - Mahaz Kayani
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK.
| | - Rebecca Goody
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK
| | - Adel Samson
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK
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Gao Z, Wu S, Yang Y, Sun M, Tian X, Jin X. Clinical characteristics of liver injury induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:719-726. [PMID: 37589864 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01391-2] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Immune-related liver injuries are closely associated with the liver's fundamental state. Patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) have poor liver function. We evaluated the clinical data of immune-related liver injury in patients with advanced BTC and gastric cancer (GC) during immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment between February 2019 and July 2022 at Peking University First Hospital. Twenty-five patients with advanced BTC were identified. Fifteen patients (60%) experienced immune-related liver injury during ICI treatment. We also evaluated the clinical status of patients with GC in another group receiving immunotherapy. The results demonstrated that the incidence of immune-related liver injury was higher in patients with BTC than in GC cancer (p=0.040). Multivariate analysis suggested that the type of malignant tumor and baseline liver function status were high-risk factors for grade 2 and higher immune-related liver injuries. Two patients were diagnosed with immune-related cholangitis. Both biliary enzymes can be decreased to a certain degree by corticosteroid and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy but are difficult to reduce to normal levels. Liver function normalized, and symptoms improved after local treatment for cholestasis (stent implantation or PTBD). We observed a higher incidence of immune-related liver injury after ICI treatment in patients with advanced BTC. Effect of baseline liver function on the incidence of liver injury associated with immunotherapy. Interventional therapy provides rapid relief from cholestasis and is an indispensable and effective approach to the treatment of immune-related cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8, Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Shikai Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8, Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, No.8, Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Mingxia Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8, Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, No.8, Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xuan Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8, Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Storm EM, Makrakis D, Lin GI, Talukder R, Bakaloudi DR, Shah EE, Liou IW, Hockenbery D, Grivas P, Khaki AR. Role of Underlying Liver Pathology in the Development of Immune-Related Hepatitis: A Case-Control Study. Target Oncol 2023; 18:601-610. [PMID: 37358780 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-00980-8] [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] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-related hepatitis (irH) is a serious immune-related adverse event (IRAE) that may result in morbidity, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy interruption and, rarely, mortality. The impact of underlying liver pathology, including liver metastasis, on the incidence of irH remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that the presence of underlying liver pathology increased the risk of irH in patients with cancer treated with ICI. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective case-control study of irH in patients with cancer receiving first ICI treatment from 2016-2020. Provider documented cases of ≥ grade 2 irH were identified and control matched in a 2:1 ratio based on age, sex, time of ICI initiation, and follow-up time. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between irH and liver metastasis at ICI initiation. RESULTS Ninety-seven cases of irH were identified, 29% of which had liver metastases at time of ICI initiation. Thirty-eight percent of patients developed grade 2, 47% grade 3, and 14% grade 4 irH. When adjusted for covariates/confounders, the presence of liver metastasis was associated with increased odds of irH (aOR 2.79 95% CI 1.37-5.66, p = 0.005). The presence of liver metastases did not correlate with irH grade or rate of irH recurrence after ICI rechallenge. CONCLUSIONS Presence of liver metastases increased the odds of irH in patients with first-time ICI therapy. Limitations include the retrospective nature, moderate sample size, possible selection bias and confounding. Our findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant external validation as well as tissue and circulating biomarker exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitrios Makrakis
- Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Petros Grivas
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Lee SK, Choi JY, Jung ES, Kwon JH, Jang JW, Bae SH, Yoon SK. An Immunological Perspective on the Mechanism of Drug Induced Liver Injury: Focused on Drugs for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Transplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055002. [PMID: 36902432 PMCID: PMC10003078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055002] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is frequently exposed to potentially toxic materials, and it is the primary site of clearance of foreign agents, along with many innate and adaptive immune cells. Subsequently, drug induced liver injury (DILI), which is caused by medications, herbs, and dietary supplements, often occurs and has become an important issue in liver diseases. Reactive metabolites or drug-protein complexes induce DILI via the activation of various innate and adaptive immune cells. There has been a revolutionary development of treatment drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver transplantation (LT), including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), that show high efficacy in patients with advanced HCC. Along with the high efficacy of novel drugs, DILI has become a pivotal issue in the use of new drugs, including ICIs. This review demonstrates the immunological mechanism of DILI, including the innate and adaptive immune systems. Moreover, it aims to provide drug treatment targets, describe the mechanisms of DILI, and detail the management of DILI caused by drugs for HCC and LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Kyu Lee
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
| | - Eun Sun Jung
- Department of Pathology, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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Sun LY, Zhang KJ, Xie YM, Liu JW, Xiao ZQ. Immunotherapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1138493. [PMID: 37025485 PMCID: PMC10070708 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1138493] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the second leading cause of tumor-related deaths in China, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for 80%-90% of these. Since there is a lack of symptoms in the early stages of HCC, a large proportion of patients were identified with unresectable HCC when diagnosed. Due to the severe resistance to chemotherapy, patients with advanced HCC were traditionally treated with systematic therapy in the past decades, and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib has remained the only treatment option for advanced HCC since 2008. Immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have shown a strong anti-tumor effect and have been supported by several guidelines recently. ICIs, for example programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors such as atezolizumab, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors such as ipilimumab, the ICI-based combination with TKIs, and VEGF-neutralizing antibody or systematic or local anti-tumor therapies, are being further studied in clinical trials. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including cutaneous toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and hepatotoxicity may lead to the termination of ICI treatment or even threaten patients' lives. This review aims to summarize currently available immunotherapies and introduce the irAEs and their managements in order to provide references for clinical application and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yang Sun
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kang-Jun Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya-Ming Xie
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Wei Liu
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Jun-Wei Liu, ; Zun-Qiang Xiao,
| | - Zun-Qiang Xiao
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Jun-Wei Liu, ; Zun-Qiang Xiao,
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Hercun J, Vincent C, Bilodeau M, Lapierre P. Immune-Mediated Hepatitis During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor cancer Immunotherapy: Lessons From Autoimmune Hepatitis and Liver Immunology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907591. [PMID: 35844534 PMCID: PMC9280269 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are being increasingly used to successfully treat several types of cancer. However, due to their mode of action, these treatments are associated with several immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including immune-mediated autoimmune-like hepatitis in 5 to 10% of cases. The specific immune mechanism responsible for the development of immune-mediated liver injury caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ILICI) is currently unknown. This review summarizes the current knowledge on hepatic irAEs during cancer immunotherapy. It also addresses the clinical management of ILICI and how it is becoming an increasingly important clinical issue. Clinical, histological, and laboratory features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and ILICI are compared, and their shared and distinctive traits are discussed in an effort to better understand the development of hepatic irAEs. Finally, based on the current knowledge of liver immunology and AIH pathogenesis, we propose a series of events that could trigger the observed liver injury in ICI-treated patients. This model could be useful in the design of future studies aiming to identify the specific immune mechanism(s) at play in ILICI and improve immune checkpoint inhibitor cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Hercun
- Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Vincent
- Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marc Bilodeau
- Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascal Lapierre
- Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Pascal Lapierre,
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10
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Safety, efficacy, and tolerability of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Surg Oncol 2022; 42:101748. [DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2022.101748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Brown ZJ, Hewitt DB, Pawlik TM. Experimental drug treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical trial failures 2015 to 2021. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:693-706. [PMID: 35580650 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2079491] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide with limited systemic therapy options. Since the approval of sorafenib in 2008, no systemic therapy has provided a sustained/robust/survival benefit for patients with advanced HCC until recently. Many initially promising therapies have been trialed, but survival outcomes remained stagnant. As such, knowledge concerning previous treatment failures may help guide further areas of study, as well inform future therapeutic approaches. AREA COVERED This article reviews recent advances in the treatment of HCC. Despite some recent success, many systemic and locoregional therapies have failed to produce significant improvements in outcome. These treatment failures are examined and insight into pathways for future success are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Combination atezolizumab and bevacizumab has changed the landscape of systemic treatment for patients with HCC when it became the first therapy after demonstrating improve outcomes over sorafenib. Clinical trials in patients with advanced HCC have inherent difficulty with challenges to determine if a patient's declining liver function is secondary to disease progression, worsening cirrhosis, or drug toxicity, which may skew results. As we gain more knowledge of underlying genetic alterations behind the pathophysiology of the development of HCC, molecular markers may be identified to assist in predicting which patients would respond to a specific therapy.
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Rai V, Mukherjee S. Targets of immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:140-157. [PMID: 35126844 PMCID: PMC8790386 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i1.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common primary liver cancer, in an immunogenic tumor with a poor prognosis because these tumors are diagnosed at late stages. Although, surgical resection, ablation, liver transplant, and locoregional therapies are available for early stages; however, there are yet no effective treatment for advanced and recurrent tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and adoptive cell transfer therapy has gained the popularity with some positive results because these therapies overcome anergy and systemic immune suppression. However, still there is a lack of an effective treatment and thus there is an unmet need of a novel treatment. At present, the focus of the research is on oncolytic viral therapy and combination therapy where therapies including radiotherapy, immune checkpoint therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy, and vaccines are combined to get an additive or synergistic effect enhancing the immune response of the liver with a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. This review discusses the recent key development, the basis of drug resistance, immune evasion, immune tolerance, the available therapies based on stage of the tumor, and the ongoing clinical trials on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy, oncolytic viral vaccine therapy, and combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States
| | - Sandeep Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68124, United States
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Delire B, De Martin E, Meunier L, Larrey D, Horsmans Y. Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy: New Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:786174. [PMID: 35126126 PMCID: PMC8807695 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.786174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 5 years, the landscape of oncologic treatment has been deeply modified with the development and use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that exert their antitumoral effect by reverting the exhausted phenotype of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. This innovative therapeutic strategy has widely changed the prognosis of some advanced neoplastic diseases such as melanoma and lung cancer, providing durable remission for a significant number of patients. Unfortunately, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), especially ICI-induced hepatitis, may be very severe in some cases, impairing the prognosis of the patient. Guidelines available today on the diagnosis and management of ICI-induced hepatitis are mainly based on expert opinions and case series. This lack of large data is explained not only by the low incidence of hepatic adverse events but also by their clinical heterogeneity and variable severity. In this article, we will review the clinical, biological, and histological characteristics of ICI-induced liver injury. We will discuss the current knowledge on their pathological mechanisms and their therapeutic strategy based on immunosuppressive treatment for more severe cases. Regarding severity assessment, we will discuss the gap between the oncologist and the hepatologist’s point of view, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary management. While initially developed for notably less frequent diseases than neoplastic ones, gene therapy is going to be a revolution for the treatment of diseases not responding to pharmacological therapy. Limited but growing data describe liver injury after the administration of such therapy whose exact physiopathology remains unknown. In this article, we will discuss the available data supporting the role of gene therapies in the onset of drug-induced liver injury and related mechanisms. We will describe the clinical context, the biological and histological features, and the management currently proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Delire
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc et Institut de Recherche Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eleonora De Martin
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, INSERM Unit 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Lucy Meunier
- Liver Unit, Saint-Eloi Hospital, INSERM 1183, Montpellier School of Medicine, Montpellier, France
| | - Dominique Larrey
- Liver Unit, Saint-Eloi Hospital, INSERM 1183, Montpellier School of Medicine, Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Horsmans
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc et Institut de Recherche Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Yves Horsmans,
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Sun N, Zhang J, Li B, Li A, Lv M, Zhang C. Favorable response to multimodal treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma with inferior vena cava and right atrial tumor thrombus and left adrenal gland metastasis: A case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27987. [PMID: 34889243 PMCID: PMC8663911 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths and the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer globally. Interdisciplinary and multimodal treatment strategies are essential for a successful therapy in HCC. Established therapies for HCC treatment include surgical resection, liver transplantation, local ablative therapies, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immunotherapy, and radiotherapy (RT). PATIENT CONCERNS A 52-year-old male patient did an ultrasound scan and found a large mass within the right lobe of the liver and gallstones in December 2018. He had a history of chronic hepatitis C virus infection (30 years) and was treated with sofosbuvir (400 mg, q.d.) for 1 year. The patient never had any symptoms of gallstones. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography of this patient showed a heterogeneous irregular mass with the largest measurement of up to 13.7 × 11.1 cm in size in the right lobe of the liver, meanwhile also had inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus, right atrial (RA) tumor thrombus, and left adrenal gland metastasis. The laboratory test data revealed that the serum tumor marker α-fetoprotein was 2.63 ng/mL, cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) was 34.40 U/mL, and protein induced by Vitamin K absence was 391.94 mAU/mL. DIAGNOSIS HCC with IVC tumor thrombus, RA tumor thrombus, and left adrenal gland metastasis, and gallstones. INTERVENTIONS He was hospitalized and received TACE treatment, oral TKIs, intravenous drip programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor and RT. OUTCOMES The patient showed a favorable response after consecutive treatment with TACE, TKIs, PD-1 inhibitor, and RT. Until now, the patient has survived 34 months since the diagnosis of the disease. LESSONS Our case suggests that TACE combined with TKIs, PD-1 inhibitor, and RT may be a suitable treatment option for advanced HCC patients with IVC tumor thrombus and/or RA tumor thrombus, and/or adrenal gland metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Baifeng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ailin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Mutian Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chengshuo Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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15
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Shojaie L, Ali M, Iorga A, Dara L. Mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated liver injury. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3727-3739. [PMID: 35024302 PMCID: PMC8727893 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoints, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) are vital contributors to immune regulation and tolerance. Recently immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy; however, they come with the cost of immune related adverse events involving multiple organs such as the liver. Due to its constant exposure to foreign antigens, the liver has evolved a high capacity for immune tolerance, therefore, blockade of the immune checkpoints can result in aberrant immune activation affecting the liver in up to 20% of patients depending on the agent(s) used and underlying factors. This type of hepatotoxicity is termed immune mediated liver injury from checkpoint inhibitors (ILICI) and is more common when CTLA4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are used in combination. The underlying mechanisms of this unique type of hepatotoxicity are not fully understood; however, the contribution of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, various CD4+ T cells populations, cytokines, and the secondary activation of the innate immune system leading to liver injury have all been suggested. This review summarizes our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of liver injury in immunotherapy using animal models of ILICI and available patient data from clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Shojaie
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Myra Ali
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Andrea Iorga
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
- UMBC Center for Accelerated Real Time Analytics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Lily Dara
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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16
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Personeni N, Pressiani T, D’Alessio A, Prete MG, Bozzarelli S, Terracciano L, Dal Buono A, Capogreco A, Aghemo A, Lleo A, Lutman RF, Roncalli M, Giordano L, Santoro A, Di Tommaso L, Rimassa L. Hepatotoxicity in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225665. [PMID: 34830823 PMCID: PMC8616285 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis is a relatively frequent immune-related adverse event in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving immunotherapy, but risk factors and clinical course are unclear. Herein, we show that the development of high-grade hepatitis is associated with increased baseline ALT levels and infectious etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (related to prior hepatitis B or C virus exposure). In addition, when resolved, high-grade hepatitis does not preclude treatment resumption and does not affect subsequent time to treatment failure. Analysis of baseline tumor specimens, at a preliminary level, suggests that biological features reminiscent of the hepatocellular carcinoma “immune class” could protect against high-grade hepatitis development, thereby warranting further investigation. Abstract Risk factors for hepatic immune-related adverse events (HIRAEs) in patients with advanced/unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are unclear. We investigated: (i) clinical and morpho-pathological predictors of HIRAEs in 27 pretreatment tumor specimens, including surrogate biomarkers of the HCC immune class (based on intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures, and glutamine synthase, CD3, and CD79 expression); and (ii) the relationship between HIRAE onset and subsequent treatment outcomes. Fifty-eight patients were included—20 (34%) received ICIs alone, and 38 (66%) received ICIs plus targeted agents as first- or further-line treatment. After a median time of 0.9 months (range, 0.4–2.7), nine patients (15.5%) developed grade ≥ 3 hepatitis, which was significantly associated with higher baseline ALT levels (p = 0.037), and an infectious HCC etiology (p = 0.023). ICIs were safely resumed in six out of nine patients. Time to treatment failure (TTF) was not significantly different in patients developing grade ≥ 3 hepatitis vs. lower grades (3.25 vs. 3.91 months, respectively; p = 0.81). Biomarker surrogates for the HCC immune class were not detected in patients developing grade ≥ 3 hepatitis. Grade ≥ 3 hepatitis has a benign course that does not preclude safe ICI reintroduction, without any detrimental effect on TTF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Personeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Maria Giuseppina Prete
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Silvia Bozzarelli
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Dal Buono
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Capogreco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Romano Fabio Lutman
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Giordano
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Armando Santoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.); (M.G.P.); (L.T.); (A.D.B.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (A.L.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (L.D.T.)
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-82244573; Fax: +39-02-82244590
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17
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Fulgenzi CAM, Talbot T, Murray SM, Silletta M, Vincenzi B, Cortellini A, Pinato DJ. Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:87. [PMID: 34424422 PMCID: PMC8382645 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00886-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been traditionally deprived from highly effective systemic therapy options in the past decades. The multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib, approved in 2008, remained the only treatment option for advanced HCC for over a decade. A number of molecularly targeted therapies such as lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab have significantly widened treatment options in patients with advanced HCC. However, emergence of resistance and long-term toxicity from treatment are barriers to long-term survivorship. Immunotherapy is at the focus of intense research efforts in HCC. Whilst targeting of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte 4 (CTLA-4) is associated with radiologically measurable disease-modulating effects in HCC, monotherapies fell short of demonstrating evidence of significant survival extension in advanced disease. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab were the first immunotherapy regimen to demonstrate clear superiority in improving the survival of patients with unresectable HCC compared to sorafenib, paving the way for immunotherapy combinations. As the treatment landscape of HCC rapidly evolves, with immunotherapy integrating within early- and intermediate-stage disease treatment algorithms, lack of level 1 evidence on sequencing of therapeutic strategies and lack of head-to-head comparisons across immunotherapy combinations will affect prescribing of immunotherapy in routine practice. In the absence of predictive biomarkers, choice of immunotherapy over kinase inhibitors will continue to remain an empirical exercise, guided by balancing anti-tumour efficacy with toxicity considerations in the individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A M Fulgenzi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Talbot
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W120HS, London, UK
| | - Sam M Murray
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Marianna Silletta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W120HS, London, UK
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - David J Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W120HS, London, UK.
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
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18
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Ramahi A, Chan KH, Lim SL, Shaaban HS. Cryoglobulinemia unmasked by nivolumab in a patient with hepatitis C-induced hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report and literature review. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci 2021; 11:95-97. [PMID: 34395211 PMCID: PMC8318163 DOI: 10.4103/ijciis.ijciis_11_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ranked the fifth-most common cancer in men and ninth most common cancer in women. Immunotherapy has been shown effective in malignancies refractory to chemotherapy and has been used as a second-line therapies in many advanced cancers, including HCC. The advent of immunotherapy has resulted in a brand-new set of side effects, and it has been proposed that it was related to over activated immune system. Herein, we presented the case of 59-year-old African American gentlemen who was diagnosed with HCC caused by Hepatitis C virus, for which he was started on chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, the patient developed cryoglobulinemia that prompted stopping both therapies and giving rituximab and steroids. We believe that the mixed cryoglobulinemia was unmasked by immunotherapy in our patient. To our knowledge, this is one of the few first cases to describe such adverse effect from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Ramahi
- Department of Medical Education, Saint Michael's Medical Centre, New York Medical College, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kok Hoe Chan
- Department of Medical Education, Saint Michael's Medical Centre, New York Medical College, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Su Lin Lim
- Department of Medical Education, Saint Michael's Medical Centre, New York Medical College, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hamid S Shaaban
- Department of Medical Education, Saint Michael's Medical Centre, New York Medical College, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Michael's Medical Centre, New York Medical College, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Hematology/Oncology, Saint Michael's Medical Centre, New York Medical College, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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19
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Dyhl-Polk A, Mikkelsen MK, Ladekarl M, Nielsen DL. Clinical Trials of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2662. [PMID: 34208788 PMCID: PMC8234948 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Several immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are under clinical development in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the field is advancing rapidly. In this comprehensive review, we discuss published results and report on ongoing clinical trials. Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed and EMBASE; data reported at international meetings and clinicaltrials.gov were included as well. The search was updated 5 March 2021. We evaluated studies with monotherapy CPI's, combinations of CPI's and combinations of CPI's with other treatment modalities separately. Only studies with at least 10 included patients were considered. Results: We identified 2649 records published in the English language literature. After review, 29 studies remained, including 12 studies with preliminary data only. The obtained overall response rate of PD-1/PDL-1 monotherapy in phase II studies in the second-line setting was 15-20% with disease control in approximately 60% of patients. The responses were of long duration in a subset of patients. Furthermore, the safety profiles were manageable. However, a phase III study comparing nivolumab with sorafenib in the first-line setting and a phase III study evaluating pembrolizumab versus best supportive care in the second-line setting did not meet their prespecified endpoints. More recently, a phase I/II study of nivolumab and ipilimumab has resulted in a response rate of approximately 30% with a median OS of 22 months in the second-line setting. Multiple trials have been initiated to evaluate CPIs in combination with molecularly targeted drugs, especially anti-angiogenic drugs or local therapy. A phase III study investigating atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib in the first-line setting showed significantly increased survival in the combination arm. Conclusions: The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab represents a new standard of care in the first-line setting for fit patients with preserved liver function. CPIs can produce durable tumor remission and induce long-standing anti-tumor immunity in a subgroup of patients with advanced HCC. Although phase III trials of CPI monotherapy have been negative, the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with other anti-angiogenic drugs, CTLA-4 inhibitors or other modalities may result in new treatment options for patients with HCC. Research on predictive biomarkers is crucial for further development of CPIs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Dyhl-Polk
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.K.M.); (D.L.N.)
| | - Marta Kramer Mikkelsen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.K.M.); (D.L.N.)
| | - Morten Ladekarl
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 19-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark;
| | - Dorte Lisbet Nielsen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.K.M.); (D.L.N.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Chen D, Chen Y, Yang D, Zheng Z, Zhou Z. Synthesis and
antitumor
activity of novel pyridino[2,3‐
d
]pyrimidine urea derivatives. J Heterocycl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.4287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
| | - Yumei Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
| | - Di Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
| | - Zhaopeng Zheng
- Department of Oncology Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital Guiyang PR China
| | - Zhixu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
- Department of Dermatology Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Guiyang PR China
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21
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Dong ZR, Chen ZQ, Yang XY, Ding ZN, Liu KX, Yan LJ, Meng GX, yang YF, Yan YC, Yao SY, Yang CC, Zhi XT, Li T. RECK expression is associated with angiogenesis and immunogenic Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and is a prognostic factor for better survival. J Cancer 2021; 12:3827-3840. [PMID: 34093791 PMCID: PMC8176247 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56167] [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: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis and immunosuppression have been described as closely related processes that can occur in parallel. As an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, whether the level of reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) reflects a link between angiogenesis and immunosuppression is still unknown. We analyzed RNA expression, immune infiltration and survival of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Immune scores and stromal scores were calculated based on the ESTIMATE algorithm to quantify the immune and stromal components in HCC. The association between RECK and clinicopathological features was further investigated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray. We found that the prognosis of patients with high RECK expression was significantly better than that of patients with low RECK expression. High RECK expression was associated with high ESTIMATE Score, recruitment of more tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, low tumor purity, and high PD-L1 expression. In addition, positive RECK expression was associated with a lower incidence of vascular invasion and recurrence, a lower level of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and microvessel density and a better tumor differentiation. Multivariate analyses revealed that reduced RECK expression was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and poor prognosis. In conclusion, high RECK expression reflects an immunogenic and hypovascularity status in HCC. RECK is a promising prognostic marker for survival of HCC and may act as a complementary indicator for patients to receive anti-angiogenic therapy or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Kai-Xuan Liu
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Guang-Xiao Meng
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ya-Fei yang
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Yao
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chun-Cheng Yang
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xu-Ting Zhi
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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22
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Chhabra N, Kennedy J. A Review of Cancer Immunotherapy Toxicity: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. J Med Toxicol 2021; 17:411-424. [PMID: 33826117 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-021-00833-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, which leverages features of the immune system to target neoplastic cells, has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. The use of these therapies has rapidly expanded in the past two decades. Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent one drug class within immunotherapy with its first agent FDA-approved in 2011. Immune checkpoint inhibitors act by disrupting inhibitory signals from neoplastic cells to immune effector cells, allowing activated T-cells to target these neoplastic cells. Unique adverse effects associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are termed immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) and are usually immunostimulatory in nature. Almost all organ systems may be affected by irAEs including the dermatologic, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. These effects range from mild to life-threatening, and their onset can be delayed several weeks or months. For mild irAEs, symptomatic care is usually sufficient. For higher grade irAEs, discontinuation of therapy and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy may be necessary. The management of patients with irAEs involves multidisciplinary care coordination with respect to the long-term goals the individual patient. Clinicians must be aware of the unique and sometimes fatal toxicologic profiles associated with immunotherapies to ensure prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Chhabra
- Cook County Health, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, 1950 W Polk Street, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA. .,Toxikon Consortium, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Joseph Kennedy
- Cook County Health, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, 1950 W Polk Street, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.,Toxikon Consortium, Chicago, IL, USA
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23
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Jee A, Sernoskie SC, Uetrecht J. Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Mechanistic and Clinical Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062954. [PMID: 33799477 PMCID: PMC7998339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) remains a significant problem for patients and drug development. The idiosyncratic nature of IDILI makes mechanistic studies difficult, and little is known of its pathogenesis for certain. Circumstantial evidence suggests that most, but not all, IDILI is caused by reactive metabolites of drugs that are bioactivated by cytochromes P450 and other enzymes in the liver. Additionally, there is overwhelming evidence that most IDILI is mediated by the adaptive immune system; one example being the association of IDILI caused by specific drugs with specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes, and this may in part explain the idiosyncratic nature of these reactions. The T cell receptor repertoire likely also contributes to the idiosyncratic nature. Although most of the liver injury is likely mediated by the adaptive immune system, specifically cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, adaptive immune activation first requires an innate immune response to activate antigen presenting cells and produce cytokines required for T cell proliferation. This innate response is likely caused by either a reactive metabolite or some form of cell stress that is clinically silent but not idiosyncratic. If this is true it would make it possible to study the early steps in the immune response that in some patients can lead to IDILI. Other hypotheses have been proposed, such as mitochondrial injury, inhibition of the bile salt export pump, unfolded protein response, and oxidative stress although, in most cases, it is likely that they are also involved in the initiation of an immune response rather than representing a completely separate mechanism. Using the clinical manifestations of liver injury from a number of examples of IDILI-associated drugs, this review aims to summarize and illustrate these mechanistic hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Jee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | | | - Jack Uetrecht
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada;
- Correspondence:
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24
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Winters AC, Bedier F, Saab S. Management of Side Effects of Systemic Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Guide for the Hepatologist. Clin Liver Dis 2020; 24:755-769. [PMID: 33012457 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Historically, systemic treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma was limited to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib. With the recent approval of several new agents the armamentarium of treatment options available to providers and patients has expanded. Although these promising advances offer hope for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, they also present new and challenging adverse effects that threaten to limit their efficacy. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors introduce immune-related adverse events, which may affect a wide array of organ systems. With prompt recognition, however, common side effects of systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma are predictable, manageable, and many improve with appropriate intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Winters
- Pfleger Liver Institute, 200 Medical Plaza Driveway, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fatima Bedier
- Pfleger Liver Institute, 200 Medical Plaza Driveway, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Pfleger Liver Institute, 200 Medical Plaza Driveway, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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25
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Yuan H, Mao J, Liu C, Fu H, Guo W, Ding G. Risk of adverse events in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with immune checkpoint therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2020; 44:845-854. [PMID: 32307332 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate risk of adverse events (AEs) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (AHCC) with immune checkpoint therapy in this setting. METHODS A systematic search of original articles published until November 2019 was performed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. And a meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS A total of eight studies, including 597 patients, met the eligibility criteria. The median cohort size of patients was 75 (range: 18-267). The pooled incidence rates of grade≥3 AEs and fatal adverse events (FAEs) at last follow-up were 20.87 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 11.00-39.59, I2=91.0%) and 4.98 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 1.83-13.56, I2=82.8%). Subgroup analyses showed that pembrolizumab had a lower risk of grade≥3 AEs, but a higher risk of FAEs, when compared with nivolumab and tremelimumab. Meta-regression showed significant correlation between grade≥3 AEs rate and proportion of Child-Pugh A stage. Fatigue (16.9%), adrenal insufficiency (8.5%) and rash (6.8%) were involved in common non-laboratory AEs. CONCLUSIONS Immune checkpoint therapy significantly increases the risk of AEs in AHCC patients. And the risk of grade≥3 AEs is associated with Child-Pugh classification. Future retrospective analyses and prospective cohort studies are warranted to evaluate the safety of immune checkpoint therapy in AHCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yuan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Naval Medical University, Changzheng Hospital, 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, 200003 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jiaxi Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Naval Medical University, Changzheng Hospital, 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, 200003 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Naval Medical University, Changzheng Hospital, 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, 200003 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hong Fu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Naval Medical University, Changzheng Hospital, 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, 200003 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wenyuan Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Naval Medical University, Changzheng Hospital, 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, 200003 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Guoshan Ding
- Department of Liver Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Naval Medical University, Changzheng Hospital, 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu District, 200003 Shanghai, PR China.
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26
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Galati G, Massimo Vainieri AF, Maria Fulgenzi CA, Di Donato S, Silletta M, Gallo P, Onorato A, Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Picardi A. Current Treatment Options for HCC: From Pharmacokinetics to Efficacy and Adverse Events in Liver Cirrhosis. Curr Drug Metab 2020; 21:866-884. [PMID: 32957880 DOI: 10.2174/1389200221999200918141239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the world's most common cancers. For over ten years, the only medical treatment for it has been the multikinase inhibitor Sorafenib. Currently, however, other first or second-line therapeutic options have also shown efficacy against HCC, such as multikinase inhibitors (Regorafenib, Lenvatinib, and Cabozantinib), a monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Ramucirumab), and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Ipilimumab). AIM The aim of this paper is to review the metabolic pathways of drugs that have been tested for the treatment of HCC and the potential influence of liver failure over those pathways. METHODS The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s and European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s datasheets, results from clinical trials and observational studies have been reviewed. RESULTS This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding targets, metabolic pathways, drug interactions, and adverse events of medical treatments for HCC in cirrhotic patients. CONCLUSION The new scenario of systemic HCC therapy includes more active drugs with different metabolic pathways and different liver adverse events. Clinical and pharmacological studies providing more data on the safety of these molecules are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Galati
- Unit of Clinical Medicine and Hepatology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Di Donato
- Unit of Clinical Medicine and Hepatology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Gallo
- Unit of Clinical Medicine and Hepatology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Onorato
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Picardi
- Unit of Clinical Medicine and Hepatology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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27
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De Martin E, Michot JM, Rosmorduc O, Guettier C, Samuel D. Liver toxicity as a limiting factor to the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. JHEP Rep 2020; 2:100170. [PMID: 33205034 PMCID: PMC7648167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve clinical outcomes in patients suffering from different types of cancer. Liver toxicity is one of the immune-related adverse events associated with immunotherapy; although not common, its management is challenging as it is extremely heterogeneous in terms of presentation and severity. Differences in the development and evolution of ICI-related toxicity in healthy or cirrhotic livers have not yet been elucidated. Assessing causality is key to diagnosing ICI-induced liver toxicity; liver biopsies can assist not only in the differential diagnosis but also in assessing the severity of histological liver damage. The current classification of severity overestimates the grade of liver injury and needs to be revised to reflect the views of hepatologists. Spontaneous improvements in ICI-related liver toxicity have been reported, so corticosteroid therapy should probably be individualised not systematic. The reintroduction of ICIs in a patient with previous immune-mediated hepatitis may be possible, but the risk/benefit ratio should be considered, as the risk factors for hepatitis recurrence are currently unclear. The management of these patients, requiring a balance between efficacy, toxicity and specific treatments, necessitates multidisciplinary collaboration. The incidence of immune-related liver toxicity will continue to rise based on the increasing use of ICIs for most cancers, mandating improved understanding and management of this complication.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AMA, anti-mitochondrial antibodies
- ANA, anti-nuclear antibodies
- ASMA, anti-smooth muscles antibodies
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4
- Corticosteroid therapy
- DCR, disease control rate
- DILI, drug-induced liver injury
- GGT, gamma-glutamyltransferase
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- INR, international normalised ratio
- Immune-mediated hepatitis
- Immunotherapy
- Liver biopsy
- MMF, mycophenolate mofetil
- ORR, objective response rate
- OS, overall survival
- PD-1, programmed cell death 1
- PD-L1-2, programmed cell death ligands 1-2
- PFS, progression-free survival
- TKI, tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- anti-LC1, anti-liver cytosol type-1 antibodies
- anti-LKM, anti-liver-kidney microsomal antibodies
- anti-SLA, anti-soluble liver antigen antibodies
- irAE, immune-related adverse event
- trAE, treatment-related adverse event
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora De Martin
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, INSERM Unit 1193, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France
| | - Jean-Marie Michot
- Département d'innovation thérapeutique et d'Essais Précoces (DITEP), Institut Gustave-Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier Rosmorduc
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, INSERM Unit 1193, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France.,Sorbonne-Université
| | - Catherine Guettier
- AP-HP Hôpital Bicêtre, Laboratoire Anatomie Pathologique, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France, Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, INSERM Unit 1193, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, FHU Hépatinov, Villejuif, F-94800, France
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28
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Zeng P, Shen D, Zeng CH, Chang XF, Teng GJ. Emerging Opportunities for Combining Locoregional Therapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol Rep 2020; 22:76. [PMID: 32596779 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-020-00943-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Immunotherapy shows great promises in solid tumors. Locoregional therapy can promote systemic immune response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The combination of locoregional therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) activates a synergistic effect that can enhance the potency of anti-tumor immunity. This review aims to summarize the underlying mechanisms of locoregional therapy combined with ICIs and their applications in clinical settings. RECENT FINDINGS The characteristics of high invasiveness and refractoriness of HCC are what limit the outcomes of treatments. Sorafenib provides an additional treatment option for extrahepatic spread and vascular invasion, making long-term survival possible for patients with advanced HCC to some degree. However, its shortcomings of low response rate and high toxicity result in limited applications in clinical practice. Immunotherapy is a promising emerging therapy with great prospect in HCC, but the self-tolerance of HCC constrains the effectiveness of ICIs. Consequently, the efficacy of single immunotherapy is unsatisfactory. Locoregional therapy can not only destroy primary tumors but also stimulate the release of neoplasm antigens to increase the efficiency of immune response in HCC. Locoregional therapy combined with ICIs may have an amplification effect on immune response. Locoregional therapy plays a vital role in stimulating anti-tumor immune response. The combination of locoregional therapy and ICIs has a synergistic effect on anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Rd., Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Duo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Rd., Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chu-Hui Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Rd., Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Chang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Rd, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Gao-Jun Teng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Rd., Nanjing, 210009, China.
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29
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a deadly disease with poor prognosis in patients with unresectable cancer. Trans-arterial chemoembolization is the primary locoregional therapy for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, with an estimated median overall survival of less than two years. For almost a decade, sorafenib has been the only standard systemic treatment for metastatic disease or tumors which progress or are considered unsuitable for locoregional therapy. Major breakthroughs have been made over the past few years in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in medical therapies for advanced disease. In this article, recent advances in intra-arterial therapy, multi-kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapy will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan-Lung Ko
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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30
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Onuma AE, Zhang H, Huang H, Williams TM, Noonan A, Tsung A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Cancer: Current Understanding on Mechanisms of Resistance and Biomarkers of Response to Treatment. Gene Expr 2020; 20:53-65. [PMID: 32340652 PMCID: PMC7284108 DOI: 10.3727/105221620x15880179864121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy worldwide and a leading cause of death worldwide. Its incidence continues to increase in the US due to hepatitis C infection and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver transplantation and resection remain the best therapeutic options for cure, but these are limited by the shortage of available organs for transplantation, diagnosis at advanced stage, and underlying chronic liver disease found in most patients with HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been shown to be an evolving novel treatment option in certain advanced solid tumors and have been recently approved for inoperable, advanced, and metastatic HCC. Unfortunately, a large cohort of patients with HCC fail to respond to immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the ICIs currently approved for HCC treatment and their various mechanisms of action. We will highlight current understanding of mechanism of resistance and limitations to ICIs. Finally, we will describe emerging biomarkers of response to ICIs and address future direction on overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amblessed E. Onuma
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hongji Zhang
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- †Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai Huang
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Terence M. Williams
- ‡Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anne Noonan
- §Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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31
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Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in the fields of genomics and biology have resulted in a better understanding of diseases and their underlying biology. New targeted and immune-based therapies take advantage of these new discoveries to treat the patient individually. This scientific revolution toward personalized medicine reflects osteopathic medicine's emphasis on patient-centered care and its tenets, which go against the "one-size-fits-all" approach. The authors discuss the importance of applying osteopathic philosophy to the delivery of patient-directed cancer care revolutionized by scientific advances.
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32
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Buonaguro L, Mauriello A, Cavalluzzo B, Petrizzo A, Tagliamonte M. Immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:291-297. [PMID: 31047849 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered an immunogenic tumor that arises in chronically inflamed livers due to underlying chronic liver disease caused by viral and non-viral pathogenesis. This inflammation leads to tumor development and is associated to higher tumor immunogenicity. For this reason immunotherapeutic approaches may be suitable therapeutic strategies for HCC. Indeed, several preclinical and clinical data support this hypothesis showing that immunotherapy and even more their combination may be a good alternative candidate for the treatment of HCC patients. However, considering that the liver plays a central role in host defense as well as in the maintenance of self-tolerance, it is characterized by a strong intrinsic immune suppressive microenvironment as well as by a high immune evasion, which may represent a major impediment for an effective immune response against tumor. Furthermore, the low expression of tumor antigens on liver cancer cells leads to a lower T-cell activation and tumor infiltration, resulting in a less efficient control of the tumor growth and, consequently, in a worse clinical outcome. For this reason, strategies should be developed to counteract the different factors in the HCC tumor microenvironment playing a major role in reducing the effects of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Buonaguro
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Mauriello
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cavalluzzo
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Annacarmen Petrizzo
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Tagliamonte
- Cancer Immunoregulation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy.
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33
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Tan B, Li Y, Xu Y, Chen M, Wang M, Qian J. Recognition and management of the gastrointestinal and hepatic immune-related adverse events. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2020; 16:95-102. [PMID: 32077625 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing the treatment paradigm for a broad spectrum of malignancies. However, the immune checkpoint inhibitors also cause a unique set of toxicities. In the digestive system, this has consisted for the most part as colitis and hepatotoxicity, but also include less-common manifestations. Baseline screening, early identification, timely diagnosis, rapid and adequate treatment can significantly minimize the toxicity of immunotherapy and improve prognosis. This article provides a comprehensive review of gastrointestinal and hepatic immune-related toxicities, including incidence, mechanism, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment, and guidelines for resumption of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaming Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
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Huang D, Fan Q, Liu Z, Zhang S, Huang W, Li H, Liang C, Sun F. An Epitope on EGFR Loading Catastrophic Internalization Serve as a Novel Oncotarget for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E456. [PMID: 32079107 PMCID: PMC7072198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020456] [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: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is unknown and EGFR inhibitors have not achieved positive clinical results. The rapid and drastic internalization of EGFR has been proved to successfully treat EGFR inhibitor-resistant patients in recent clinical trials. Here, the anti-tumor efficacy of a protein (rLZ-8) from Ganoderma lucidum was evaluated, it was demonstrated that rLZ-8 could bind to EGFR specifically, drastically enter into Hepatoma cells, abrogate endosomal recycling and induce HCC cell death. Surprisingly, we screened a monoclonal antibody which possesses competitive binding site with rLZ-8, it also trigger catastrophic EGFR internalization. This result suggests that it is necessary to investigate the interface of EGFR and rLZ-8 complex. An internalization related epitope (S222/K269) was identified on the dimerization arm of EGFR extracellular domain (ECD). These results suggest vulnerability of HCC cells to catastrophic EGFR internalization that can be targeted by a novel epitope and point to the possible exploitation in the design of anti-EGFR therapeutic biologics for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianshuai Huang
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China; (D.H.); (Z.L.); (S.Z.); (W.H.); (H.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Qingjie Fan
- Department of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China;
| | - Zhiyi Liu
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China; (D.H.); (Z.L.); (S.Z.); (W.H.); (H.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Shuqin Zhang
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China; (D.H.); (Z.L.); (S.Z.); (W.H.); (H.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Wei Huang
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China; (D.H.); (Z.L.); (S.Z.); (W.H.); (H.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Hongrui Li
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China; (D.H.); (Z.L.); (S.Z.); (W.H.); (H.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Chongyang Liang
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China; (D.H.); (Z.L.); (S.Z.); (W.H.); (H.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China; (D.H.); (Z.L.); (S.Z.); (W.H.); (H.L.); (C.L.)
- Department of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China;
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35
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Marquardt JU, Saborowski A, Czauderna C, Vogel A. The Changing Landscape of Systemic Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Targeted Agents and Immunotherapies. Target Oncol 2020; 14:115-123. [PMID: 30805831 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-019-00624-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide with a rising incidence in the Western world. HCCs are characterized by high resistance to systemic therapies induced by phenotypic and molecular heterogeneity. For almost 10 years, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib was the only approved treatment for advanced HCCs in patients with preserved liver function, and until 2016, no new compounds tested in large phase III studies have led to a survival benefit. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor regorafenib, a fluorinated sorafenib analog, was the first substance that showed a significant improvement in overall survival after failure of sorafenib treatment, which subsequently led to its regulatory approval in a second-line setting in 2017. In addition, the non-inferiority of lenvatinib in comparison with sorafenib opened another therapeutic first-line option in the same year. Furthermore, several other compounds showed promising results in recent phase III studies, including ramucirumab in patients with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels as well as cabozantinib in second- and third-line settings. In addition, promising early reports of the immune checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab, with objective response rates of 15-20%, paved the way for immuno-oncological interventions for HCC and these will probably gain increasing attention as mono- and combination therapies. In summary, following the approval of sorafenib in 2007 and almost 10 years of therapeutic stagnation, results from recent clinical trials in first- and further-line settings for the first time demonstrated efficacy of several active compounds in advanced HCCs. Thus, a sequential approach should now be implemented in HCC treatment and will improve the survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna Saborowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany.
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36
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Keenan BP, Fong L, Kelley RK. Immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: the complex interface between inflammation, fibrosis, and the immune response. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:267. [PMID: 31627733 PMCID: PMC6798343 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0749-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and confers a poor prognosis. Beyond standard systemic therapy with multikinase inhibitors, recent studies demonstrate the potential for robust and durable responses from immune checkpoint inhibition in subsets of HCC patients across disease etiologies. The majority of HCC arises in the context of chronic inflammation and from within a fibrotic liver, with many cases associated with hepatitis virus infections, toxins, and fatty liver disease. Many patients also have concomitant cirrhosis which is associated with both local and systemic immune deficiency. Furthermore, the liver is an immunologic organ in itself, which may enhance or suppress the immune response to cancer arising within it. Here, we explore the immunobiology of the liver from its native state to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and then to cancer, and summarize how this unique microenvironment may affect the response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget P Keenan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Room M1286, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Room M1286, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robin K Kelley
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Room M1286, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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37
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Brown ZJ, Greten TF, Heinrich B. Adjuvant Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prospect of Immunotherapy. Hepatology 2019; 70:1437-1442. [PMID: 30927283 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although patients undergo procedures with curative intent for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), up to 70% of patients may have disease recurrence in the liver at 5 years. Thus far, no therapy has proven to be effective in the adjuvant setting. Here, we discuss the application of immune-based therapies in the adjuvant setting for HCC, focusing on the underlying rationale for immunotherapies, which patients may benefit from an immune-based therapy, and what type of immune therapy should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Brown
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.,Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Tim F Greten
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.,National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Bernd Heinrich
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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38
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Abstract
Idiosyncratic (unpredictable) drug-induced liver injury is one of the most challenging liver disorders faced by hepatologists, because of the myriad of drugs used in clinical practice, available herbs and dietary supplements with hepatotoxic potential, the ability of the condition to present with a variety of clinical and pathological phenotypes and the current absence of specific biomarkers. This makes the diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury an uncertain process, requiring a high degree of awareness of the condition and the careful exclusion of alternative aetiologies of liver disease. Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity can be severe, leading to a particularly serious variety of acute liver failure for which no effective therapy has yet been developed. These Clinical Practice Guidelines summarize the available evidence on risk factors, diagnosis, management and risk minimization strategies for drug-induced liver jury.
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Grieb BC, Goff LW, Goyal L, Denlinger CS. Evolving Landscape of Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Breakthroughs, Toxicities, and Future Frontiers. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2019; 39:248-260. [PMID: 31099615 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_237555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and death rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rising. For more than a decade, the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib was the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved systemic therapy for HCC. However, since 2017, five additional agents have been approved in the first- or second-line setting. Although this represents an incredible victory for the field, there are no clear guidelines for agent selection on the basis of either patient or tumor characteristics. Here, we review the available systemic therapy options for advanced HCC and reported clinical data for each. We outline each agent's unique toxicity profile, potential impact on patient quality of life, monitoring recommendations, and supportive strategies. Last, we review molecular and immunologic classifications of HCC as well as preclinical data that may serve as a basis for future biomarker enriched clinical trials to enable precision oncology care in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Grieb
- 1 Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Laura W Goff
- 1 Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Lipika Goyal
- 2 Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Crystal S Denlinger
- 3 Department of Hematology/Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
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40
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Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis in hepatocellular carcinoma: prognostic and therapeutic perspectives. Clin Transl Oncol 2018; 21:702-712. [PMID: 30387047 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-018-1975-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary neoplasia of the liver. There have been tremendous efforts in the development of therapeutic strategies in the last decades. As opposed to other cancer entities immunotherapy has just recently gained popularity in HCC. Among various immunotherapy approaches, programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and its ligand programmed death receptor ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis became one of the most promising pathway of the decade. The scientific interest in PD-1/PD-L1 axis is definitely justified due to: ability to detect PD-L1 expression in patients that underwent resection for HCC with prognostic values; the role of serum PD-L1 as a tool to identify early recurrences and to monitor treatment outcome; PD-1/PDL1 is a highly targetable pathway, with possible predictive markers, and with high clinical applicability that might help us in selecting a subgroup of HCC patients who are most likely to benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. In this review we will first discuss the prognostic role of PD-1/PD-L1 as a bio-marker in various clinical scenarios. Afterwards we will critically analyse the recently published trials with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in HCC either alone or in combination with other treatment modalities. The higher focus will be on clinical rather than preclinical studies. Nevertheless, the strengths and limits of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in both prognosis and therapy of HCC will be highlighted.
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41
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Finkelmeier F, Czauderna C, Perkhofer L, Ettrich TJ, Trojan J, Weinmann A, Marquardt JU, Vermehren J, Waidmann O. Feasibility and safety of nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: real-life experience from three German centers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 145:253-259. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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42
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Brar G, Greten TF, Brown ZJ. Current frontline approaches in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma: the evolving role of immunotherapy. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018; 11:1756284818808086. [PMID: 30377451 PMCID: PMC6202741 DOI: 10.1177/1756284818808086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide and is expected to rise. Patients with early-stage disease may have a good prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of greater than 70%. However, the majority of patients are diagnosed with late-stage disease with a dismal overall survival rate of less than 16%. Therefore, there is a great need for advances in the treatment of advanced HCC, which for approximately the past decade, has been sorafenib. Immunotherapy is an evolving cancer treatment and has shown promise in treating patients with advanced HCC. In this review, we discuss the current standard of care for advanced HCC and then discuss the evolving role of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Brar
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F. Greten
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zachary J. Brown
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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43
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Brown ZJ, Yu SJ, Heinrich B, Ma C, Fu Q, Sandhu M, Agdashian D, Zhang Q, Korangy F, Greten TF. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase provides adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1305-1315. [PMID: 29959458 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2190-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Immune checkpoint blockade with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies has shown promising results in the treatment of patients with advanced HCC. The anti-PD-1 antibody, nivolumab, is now approved for patients who have had progressive disease on the current standard of care. However, a subset of patients with advanced HCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors failed to respond to therapy. Here, we provide evidence of adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors through upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in HCC. Anti-CTLA-4 treatment promoted an induction of IDO1 in resistant HCC tumors but not in tumors sensitive to immune checkpoint blockade. Using both subcutaneous and hepatic orthotopic models, we found that the addition of an IDO inhibitor increases the efficacy of treatment in HCC resistant tumors with high IDO induction. Furthermore, in vivo neutralizing studies demonstrated that the IDO induction by immune checkpoint blockade was dependent on IFN-γ. Similar findings were observed with anti-PD-1 therapy. These results provide evidence that IDO may play a role in adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with HCC. Therefore, inhibiting IDO in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors may add therapeutic benefit in tumors which overexpress IDO and should be considered for clinical evaluation in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Brown
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Su Jong Yu
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bernd Heinrich
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Chi Ma
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Qiong Fu
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Milan Sandhu
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David Agdashian
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Qianfei Zhang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Firouzeh Korangy
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3B43, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA. .,National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Liver Cancer Program, Bethesda, USA.
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44
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Huang H, Chen J, Ding CM, Jin X, Jia ZM, Peng J. LncRNA NR2F1-AS1 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma oxaliplatin resistance by targeting ABCC1 via miR-363. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:3238-3245. [PMID: 29602203 PMCID: PMC5980138 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has validated the vital role of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) in the chemoresistance of cancer treatment. In the present study, we investigate the function of lncRNA NR2F1‐AS1 on oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and discover the underlying molecular mechanism. Results revealed that lncRNA NR2F1‐AS1 was up‐regulated in oxaliplatin‐resistant HCC tissue and cells using microarray analysis and RT‐PCR. Meanwhile, ABCC1 protein was overexpressed in OXA‐resistant HCC cells (Huh7/OXA and HepG2/OXA). In vitro, NR2F1‐AS1 knockdown reduced the invasion, migration, drug‐resistant gene (MDR1, MRP5, LRP1) and IC50 value in Huh7/OXA and HepG2/OXA cells. In vivo, NR2F1‐AS1 knockdown decreased the tumour weight of HCC cells. Bioinformatics tools and luciferase reporter assay confirmed miR‐363 targeted the 3′‐UTR of NR2F1‐AS1 and ABCC1 mRNA, presenting that NR2F1‐AS1 promoted ABCC1 expression through endogenous sponging miR‐363. In summary, results conclude that NR2F1‐AS1 regulates HCC OXA resistance through targeting miR‐363‐ABCC1 pathway, providing a vital theoretic mechanism and therapeutic target for HCC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- General Surgery of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Chen
- General Surgery of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Ding
- General Surgery of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Jin
- General Surgery of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ze-Ming Jia
- General Surgery of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Peng
- General Surgery of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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