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Leibovici J, Itzhaki O, Huszar M, Sinai J. Targeting the tumor microenvironment by immunotherapy: part 2. Immunotherapy 2011; 3:1385-408. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.11.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy was traditionally centered on the neoplastic cells. This included mainly surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, in some cases hormone therapy and to a lesser extent immunotherapy – all traditionally targeted to the highly proliferating mutated tumor cells. In view of our present understanding of the powerfull influence of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on cancer behavior and response – and lack of response – to treatment, this previously ignored constituent of cancer now has to be considered as an important, even indispensable target for therapy. The TME may be targeted both to its immune and to its nonimmune components. The various immune evasion elements of the TME should be targeted as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orit Itzhaki
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Monica Huszar
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Judith Sinai
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Di Giacomo AM, Danielli R, Calabrò L, Bertocci E, Nannicini C, Giannarelli D, Balestrazzi A, Vigni F, Riversi V, Miracco C, Biagioli M, Altomonte M, Maio M. Ipilimumab experience in heavily pretreated patients with melanoma in an expanded access program at the University Hospital of Siena (Italy). Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:467-77. [PMID: 21170646 PMCID: PMC11029675 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF STUDY To evaluate the feasibility of ipilimumab treatment for metastatic melanoma outside the boundaries of clinical trials, in a setting similar to that of daily practice. METHODS Ipilimumab was available upon physician request in the Expanded Access Programme for patients with life-threatening, unresectable stage III/IV melanoma who failed or did not tolerate previous treatments and for whom no therapeutic option was available. Induction treatment with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks, for a total of 4 doses, with maintenance doses every 12 weeks based on physicians' discretion and clinical judgment. Tumors were assessed at baseline, Week 12, and every 12 weeks thereafter per mWHO response criteria, and clinical response was scored as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), or progressive disease. Durable disease control (DC) was defined as SD at least 24 weeks from the first dose, CR, or PR. RESULTS Disease control rate at 24 and 60 weeks was 29.6% and 15%, respectively. Median overall survival at a median follow-up of 8.5 months was 9 months. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 34.8% and 23.5%, respectively. Changes in lymphocyte count slope and absolute number during ipilimumab treatment appear to correlate with clinical response and survival, respectively. Adverse events were predominantly immune related, manageable, and generally reversible. One patient died from pancytopenia, considered possibly treatment related. CONCLUSION Ipilimumab was a feasible treatment for malignant melanoma in heavily pretreated, progressing patients. A sizeable proportion of patients experienced durable DC, including benefits to long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Danielli
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luana Calabrò
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Erica Bertocci
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Nannicini
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Balestrazzi
- Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Vigni
- Radiology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Valentina Riversi
- Radiology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Clelia Miracco
- Pathology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Biagioli
- Dermatology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Maresa Altomonte
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
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Abstract
Anecdotal cases of partial or complete responses have been reported after ipilimumab therapy for stage IV melanoma with brain metastasis treated earlier by surgery or radiosurgery. We report the first case of ipilimumab monotherapy resulting in durable complete remission of untreated, progressive brain metastases in a patient with stage IV melanoma. This case and earlier reports provide support for the further evaluation of ipilimumab in melanoma patients with brain metastasis.
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Continuous systemic corticosteroids do not affect the ongoing regression of metastatic melanoma for more than two years following ipilimumab therapy. Med Oncol 2010; 28:1140-4. [PMID: 20593249 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-010-9606-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with no effective therapies currently approved for advanced disease. In the case presented, a 55-year-old female patient diagnosed with widespread disease from amelanotic desmoplastic melanoma was treated with 10 mg/kg ipilimumab as part of a phase II clinical trial (CA184-008). Prior to ipilimumab, three chemotherapeutic regimens had failed. Ipilimumab acts as a T-cell potentiator via blockade of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, a negative regulator of T-cell activation. Response to ipilimumab treatment was rapid, with a substantial drop in tumor volume within 12 weeks of treatment initiation. Based on the appearance of a new subcutaneous lesion, reinduction with ipilimumab was performed at Week 30. Following reinduction, the appearance of another small new lesion made the patient ineligible, as per protocol, for further dosing despite stabilization of her remaining lesions. Ipilimumab-associated immune-related adverse events were manageable with the use of treatment guidelines. It is of remarkable immunotherapeutic importance that no new lesions emerged and gradual tumor regression is still ongoing more than 2 years following the last dose of ipilimumab, despite daily administration of systemic corticosteroids to manage drug-induced AEs. The ongoing clinical response is maintained without any further antineoplastic treatment.
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Novel immunotherapies as potential therapeutic partners for traditional or targeted agents: cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 blockade in advanced melanoma. Melanoma Res 2010; 20:1-10. [PMID: 19952852 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e328333bbc8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The successful management of advanced melanoma remains an unmet need because of a resolutely poor prognosis and therapeutic options with limited effectiveness. Dacarbazine and fotemustine are the only approved chemotherapeutic agents for advanced melanoma, yet neither alone or in combination regimens has been shown to extend survival in randomized clinical trials. The only agent to be approved for advanced melanoma in the US in more than 30 years is high-dose bolus interleukin-2, but its use is associated with high toxicity and cost, and it has also failed to show a survival benefit. Our expanding knowledge of the complex factors and pathways regulating immune function has led to the advent of novel immunotherapeutic agents. Among these are ipilimumab and tremelimumab - fully human, monoclonal antibodies directed against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). The pivotal role of CTLA-4 in regulating T-cell function is established, and a series of preclinical studies provided proof-of-concept evidence of the antitumor activity of anti-CLTA-4 antibodies in combination with vaccines or chemotherapy. Subsequently, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies have shown encouraging results in clinical trials in advanced melanoma. Recent progress in the understanding of melanoma genetics and tumorigenesis has led to potential new therapeutic targets. Molecular targeted agents that inhibit the proliferation and survival of metastatic melanoma cells offer potential partners for anti-CTLA-4 antibodies in combined modality regimens. Novel combinations are reviewed in the context of creating an immunosupportive environment in the host.
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Page DB, Yuan J, Wolchok JD. Targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 in immunotherapies for melanoma and other cancers. Immunotherapy 2010; 2:367-79. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system can simultaneously protect against tumor growth and sculpt resistant tumor strains. By a variety of mechanisms, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 therapy may shift such opposing forces towards tumor elimination. In recent clinical trials, anti-CTLA-4 therapy induces durable responses that correlate with markers of immune activity, such as antigen-specific CD4+ or CD8+ cytokine release, antitumor antibody formation or cellular phenotype differentiation. However, some patients exhibit atypical responses to anti-CTLA-4 therapy, demonstrating transient/delayed responses or heterogeneity by lesion site. Such atypical responses may offer insight into the mechanism of anti-CTLA-4 therapy. The immunogram – a newly described graphical synthesis of treatment data and immune correlates in individual patients – may help us to confirm, reject or formulate new hypotheses regarding the mechanism of anti-CTLA-4 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Page
- Melanoma/Sarcoma Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, NY, USA
| | - Jianda Yuan
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sloan-Kettering Institute, NY, USA; 1275 York Avenue, Box #340, NY 10065, USA
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Avogadri F, Yuan J, Yang A, Schaer D, Wolchok JD. Modulation of CTLA-4 and GITR for cancer immunotherapy. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 344:211-44. [PMID: 20563707 DOI: 10.1007/82_2010_49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The rational manipulation of antigen-specific T cells to reignite a tumor-specific immune response in cancer patients is a challenge for cancer immunotherapy. Targeting coinhibitory and costimulatory T cell receptors with specific antibodies in cancer patients is an emerging approach to T cell manipulation, namely "immune modulation." Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor family receptor (GITR) are potential targets for immune modulation through anti-CTLA-4 blocking antibodies and anti-GITR agonistic antibodies, respectively. In this review, we first discuss preclinical findings key to the understanding of the mechanisms of action of these immunomodulatory antibodies and the preclinical evidence of antitumor activity which preceded translation into the clinic. We next describe the outcomes and immune related adverse effects associated with anti-CTLA-4 based clinical trials with particular emphasis on specific biomarkers used to elucidate the mechanisms of tumor immunity in patients. The experience with anti-CTLA-4 therapy and the durable clinical benefit observed provide proof of principle to effective antitumor immune modulation and the promise of future clinical immune modulatory antibodies.
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