1
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Wilbur HC, Le DT, Agarwal P. Immunotherapy of MSI Cancer: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1438-1447. [PMID: 38015720 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a tumor molecular phenotype that evolves from loss of function in the mismatch repair (MMR) proteins through deleterious germline mutations, epigenetic inactivation, or somatic biallelic mutations. This phenotype is characterized by genomic hyper-mutability, increased neoantigen expression, and a favorable, immune-rich tumor microenvironment. These features confer a greater likelihood of response to treatment with the class of agents known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and, potentially, other immune-based therapeutics. MSI as a predictive biomarker for response to treatment with ICIs ultimately led to the first tissue-agnostic approval of pembrolizumab for advanced, previously treated MSI or deficient MMR (dMMR) tumors. Nevertheless, response to ICIs in dMMR/MSI tumors is not universal. Identifying predictors of response and elucidating mechanisms of immune escape will be crucial to continued successful treatment of this subset. In this review, we aim to describe the pathogenesis and key immunologic features of dMMR/MSI tumors, provide a brief overview of the currently approved treatments, and discuss promising novel immune-based therapeutics currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Catherine Wilbur
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dung T Le
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Parul Agarwal
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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2
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Lu C, Tan Y. Promising immunotherapy targets: TIM3, LAG3, and TIGIT joined the party. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200773. [PMID: 38596295 PMCID: PMC10905042 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown great promise as immunotherapy for restoring T cell function and reactivating anti-tumor immunity. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first immune checkpoint inhibitor, ipilimumab, in 2011 for advanced melanoma patients, leading to significant improvements in survival rates. Subsequently, other immune checkpoint-targeting antibodies were tested. Currently, seven ICIs, namely ipilimumab (anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 [CTLA4]), pembrolizumab, nivolumab (anti-programmed cell death protein 1 [PD-1]), atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and cemiplimab (anti-PD-L1), have been approved for various cancer types. However, the efficacy of antibodies targeting CTLA4 or PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) remains suboptimal. Consequently, ongoing studies are evaluating the next generation of ICIs, such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing 3 (TIM3), and T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT). Our review provides a summary of clinical trials evaluating these novel immune checkpoints in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Lu
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanyan Tan
- Institute of Advanced Biotechnology and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, Guangdong, China
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3
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Mock M, Langmead CJ, Grandsard P, Edavettal S, Russell A. Recent advances in generative biology for biotherapeutic discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:255-267. [PMID: 38378385 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Generative biology combines artificial intelligence (AI), advanced life sciences technologies, and automation to revolutionize the process of designing novel biomolecules with prescribed properties, giving drug discoverers the ability to escape the limitations of biology during the design of next-generation protein therapeutics. Significant hurdles remain, namely: (i) the inherently complex nature of drug discovery, (ii) the bewildering number of promising computational and experimental techniques that have emerged in the past several years, and (iii) the limited availability of relevant protein sequence-function data for drug-like molecules. There is a need to focus on computational methods that will be most practically effective for protein drug discovery and on building experimental platforms to generate the data most appropriate for these methods. Here, we discuss recent advances in computational and experimental life sciences that are most crucial for impacting the pace and success of protein drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Mock
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | | | - Peter Grandsard
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Suzanne Edavettal
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Alan Russell
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
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4
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Patwekar M, Sehar N, Patwekar F, Medikeri A, Ali S, Aldossri RM, Rehman MU. Novel immune checkpoint targets: A promising therapy for cancer treatments. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111186. [PMID: 37979454 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The immune system frequently comprises immunological checkpoints. They serve as a barrier to keep the immune system from overreacting and damaging cells that are robust. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are utilized in immunotherapy to prevent the synergy of partner proteins of checkpoint proteins with auxiliary proteins. Moreover, the T cells may target malignant cells since the "off" signal cannot be conveyed. ICIs, which are mostly composed of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and anti- programmed death-1/programmed ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1), might transform the context of cancer therapy. Further, more patients continued to exhibit adaptive resistance, even though several ICIs demonstrated convincing therapeutic benefits in selective tumor types. Immune checkpoint therapy's overall effectiveness is still lacking at this time. A popular area of study involves investigating additional immune checkpoint molecules. Recent research has found a number of fresh immune checkpoint targets, including NKG2A ligands, TIGIT, B7-H6 ligands, Galectin 3, TIM3, and so on. These targets have been focus of the study, and recent investigational approaches have shown encouraging outcomes. In this review article, we covered the development and present level understanding of these recently identified immune checkpoint molecules, its effectiveness and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nouroz Sehar
- Centre for Translational and Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Faheem Patwekar
- Luqman College of Pharmacy, Gulbarga, 585102, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Shafat Ali
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Rana M Aldossri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muneeb U Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Lv Y, Ma X, Ma Y, Du Y, Feng J. A new emerging target in cancer immunotherapy: Galectin-9 (LGALS9). Genes Dis 2023; 10:2366-2382. [PMID: 37554219 PMCID: PMC10404877 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, advances in immunological knowledge have led to the identification of novel immune checkpoints, reinvigorating cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors, has become the leader in the precision treatment of cancer, bringing a new dawn to the treatment of most cancer patients. Galectin-9 (LGALS9), a member of the galectin family, is a widely expressed protein involved in immune regulation and tumor pathogenesis, and affects the prognosis of various types of cancer. Galectin-9 regulates immune homeostasis and tumor cell survival through its interaction with its receptor Tim-3. In the review, based on a brief description of the signaling mechanisms and immunomodulatory activities of galectin-9 and Tim-3, we summarize the targeted expression patterns of galectin-9 in a variety of malignancies and the promising mechanisms of anti-galectin-9 therapy in stimulating anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lv
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Yuxin Ma
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Yuxin Du
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Jifeng Feng
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
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6
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Hiltbrunner S, Cords L, Kasser S, Freiberger SN, Kreutzer S, Toussaint NC, Grob L, Opitz I, Messerli M, Zoche M, Soltermann A, Rechsteiner M, van den Broek M, Bodenmiller B, Curioni-Fontecedro A. Acquired resistance to anti-PD1 therapy in patients with NSCLC associates with immunosuppressive T cell phenotype. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5154. [PMID: 37620318 PMCID: PMC10449840 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40745-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment has the potential to prolong survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, some of the patients develop resistance following initial response. Here, we analyze the immune phenotype of matching tumor samples from a cohort of NSCLC patients showing good initial response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, followed by acquired resistance at later time points. By using imaging mass cytometry and whole exome and RNA sequencing, we detect two patterns of resistance¨: One group of patients is characterized by reduced numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and reduced expression of PD-L1 after development of resistance, whereas the other group shows high CD8+ T cell infiltration and high expression of PD-L1 in addition to markedly elevated expression of other immune-inhibitory molecules. In two cases, we detect downregulation of type I and II IFN pathways following progression to resistance, which could lead to an impaired anti-tumor immune response. This study thus captures the development of immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance as it progresses and deepens our mechanistic understanding of immunotherapy response in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hiltbrunner
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Lena Cords
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8049, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Kasser
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandra N Freiberger
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Kreutzer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH and University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Nora C Toussaint
- NEXUS Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8952, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Linda Grob
- NEXUS Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8952, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Opitz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Michael Messerli
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Martin Zoche
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alex Soltermann
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Pathologie Länggasse, Ittigen, 3063, Switzerland
| | - Markus Rechsteiner
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maries van den Broek
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Bodenmiller
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8049, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Curioni-Fontecedro
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland.
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland.
- Clinic of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Fribourg, Fribourg, 1752, Switzerland.
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7
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Berclaz LM, Altendorf-Hofmann A, Lindner LH, Burkhard-Meier A, Di Gioia D, Dürr HR, Klein A, Albertsmeier M, Schmidt-Hegemann NS, Klauschen F, Knösel T. TIM-3 Qualifies as a Potential Immunotherapeutic Target in Specific Subsets of Patients with High-Risk Soft Tissue Sarcomas (HR-STS). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2735. [PMID: 37345075 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The expression of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), an immune checkpoint receptor on T cells, has been associated with dismal outcomes and advanced tumor stages in various solid tumors. The blockade of TIM-3 is currently under examination in several clinical trials. This study examines TIM-3 expression in high-risk soft tissue sarcomas (HR-STS). (2) Methods: Tumor cell expression of TIM-3 on protein level was analyzed in pre-treatment biopsies of patients with HR-STS. TIM-3 expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters including tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) counts, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL-1) expression in patients with HR-STS. Survival dependent on the expression of TIM-3 was analyzed. (3) Results: TIM-3 expression was observed in 101 (56%) out of 179 pre-treatment biopsies of patients with HR-STS. TIM-3 expression was significantly more often observed in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS) compared to other histological subtypes (p < 0.001), high TIL counts (p < 0.001), and high PD-1 (p < 0.001) and PD-L1 expression (p < 0.001). TIM-3 expression did not have a prognostic impact on survival in patients with HR-STS. (4) Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate a significant tumor cell expression of TIM-3 in specific subsets of patients with HR-STS. TIM-3 qualifies as a potential immunotherapeutic target in HR-STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc M Berclaz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Annelore Altendorf-Hofmann
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Lars H Lindner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anton Burkhard-Meier
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Dorit Di Gioia
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Roland Dürr
- Orthopaedic Oncology, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Klein
- Orthopaedic Oncology, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Albertsmeier
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nina-Sophie Schmidt-Hegemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Frederick Klauschen
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Knösel
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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8
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Zhong J, Bai H, Wang Z, Duan J, Zhuang W, Wang D, Wan R, Xu J, Fei K, Ma Z, Zhang X, Wang J. Treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with driver mutations: current applications and future directions. Front Med 2023; 17:18-42. [PMID: 36848029 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0976-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
With the improved understanding of driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), expanding the targeted therapeutic options improved the survival and safety. However, responses to these agents are commonly temporary and incomplete. Moreover, even patients with the same oncogenic driver gene can respond diversely to the same agent. Furthermore, the therapeutic role of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in oncogene-driven NSCLC remains unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to classify the management of NSCLC with driver mutations based on the gene subtype, concomitant mutation, and dynamic alternation. Then, we provide an overview of the resistant mechanism of target therapy occurring in targeted alternations ("target-dependent resistance") and in the parallel and downstream pathways ("target-independent resistance"). Thirdly, we discuss the effectiveness of ICIs for NSCLC with driver mutations and the combined therapeutic approaches that might reverse the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment. Finally, we listed the emerging treatment strategies for the new oncogenic alternations, and proposed the perspective of NSCLC with driver mutations. This review will guide clinicians to design tailored treatments for NSCLC with driver mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hua Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jianchun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Di Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Rui Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jiachen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Kailun Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zixiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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9
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Catalano M, Shabani S, Venturini J, Ottanelli C, Voltolini L, Roviello G. Lung Cancer Immunotherapy: Beyond Common Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6145. [PMID: 36551630 PMCID: PMC9777293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an ever-expanding field in lung cancer treatment research. Over the past two decades, there has been significant progress in identifying immunotherapy targets and creating specific therapeutic agents, leading to a major paradigm shift in lung cancer treatment. However, despite the great success achieved with programmed death protein 1/ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies and with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 plus anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), only a minority of lung cancer patients respond to treatment, and of these many subsequently experience disease progression. In addition, immune-related adverse events sometimes can be life-threatening, especially when anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 are used in combination. All of this prompted researchers to identify novel immune checkpoints targets to overcome these limitations. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Inhibitory Motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) are promising molecules now under investigation. This review aims to outline the current role of immunotherapy in lung cancer and to examine efficacy and future applications of the new immune regulating molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sonia Shabani
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo Venturini
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ottanelli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Voltolini
- Thoraco-Pulmonary Surgery Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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10
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Zeng PYF, Cecchini MJ, Barrett JW, Shammas-Toma M, De Cecco L, Serafini MS, Cavalieri S, Licitra L, Hoebers F, Brakenhoff RH, Leemans CR, Scheckenbach K, Poli T, Wang X, Liu X, Laxague F, Prisman E, Poh C, Bose P, Dort JC, Shaikh MH, Ryan SEB, Dawson A, Khan MI, Howlett CJ, Stecho W, Plantinga P, Daniela da Silva S, Hier M, Khan H, MacNeil D, Mendez A, Yoo J, Fung K, Lang P, Winquist E, Palma DA, Ziai H, Amelio AL, Li SSC, Boutros PC, Mymryk JS, Nichols AC. Immune-based classification of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer with implications for biomarker-driven treatment de-intensification. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104373. [PMID: 36442320 PMCID: PMC9706534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is significant interest in treatment de-escalation for human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients given the generally favourable prognosis. However, 15-30% of patients recur after primary treatment, reflecting a need for improved risk-stratification tools. We sought to develop a molecular test to risk stratify HPV+ OPSCC patients. METHODS We created an immune score (UWO3) associated with survival outcomes in six independent cohorts comprising 906 patients, including blinded retrospective and prospective external validations. Two aggressive radiation de-escalation cohorts were used to assess the ability of UWO3 to identify patients who recur. Multivariate Cox models were used to assess the associations between the UWO3 immune class and outcomes. FINDINGS A three-gene immune score classified patients into three immune classes (immune rich, mixed, or immune desert) and was strongly associated with disease-free survival in six datasets, including large retrospective and prospective datasets. Pooled analysis demonstrated that the immune rich group had superior disease-free survival compared to the immune desert (HR = 9.0, 95% CI: 3.2-25.5, P = 3.6 × 10-5) and mixed (HR = 6.4, 95% CI: 2.2-18.7, P = 0.006) groups after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and AJCC8 clinical stage. Finally, UWO3 was able to identify patients from two small treatment de-escalation cohorts who remain disease-free after aggressive de-escalation to 30 Gy radiation. INTERPRETATION With additional prospective validation, the UWO3 score could enable biomarker-driven clinical decision-making for patients with HPV+ OPSCC based on robust outcome prediction across six independent cohorts. Prospective de-escalation and intensification clinical trials are currently being planned. FUNDING CIHR, European Union, and the NIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y F Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew J Cecchini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John W Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Shammas-Toma
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Loris De Cecco
- Integrated Biology Platform, Department of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumouri, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara S Serafini
- Integrated Biology Platform, Department of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumouri, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Cavalieri
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumouri, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa Licitra
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumouri, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Frank Hoebers
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), Research Institute GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kathrin Scheckenbach
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tito Poli
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma-University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xinyi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francisco Laxague
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eitan Prisman
- Division of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catherine Poh
- Division of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pinaki Bose
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joseph C Dort
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mushfiq H Shaikh
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah E B Ryan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alice Dawson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed I Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J Howlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - William Stecho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Plantinga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Michael Hier
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Halema Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle MacNeil
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrian Mendez
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Fung
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pencilla Lang
- Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Winquist
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David A Palma
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hedyeh Ziai
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonio L Amelio
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shawn S-C Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Yu L, Sun M, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Wang Y. Harnessing the immune system by targeting immune checkpoints: Providing new hope for Oncotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982026. [PMID: 36159789 PMCID: PMC9498063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the goal of harnessing the host’s immune system to provide long-lasting remission and cures for various cancers, the advent of immunotherapy revolutionized the cancer therapy field. Among the current immunotherapeutic strategies, immune checkpoint blockades have greatly improved the overall survival rates in certain patient populations. Of note, CTLA4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are two major non-redundant immune checkpoints implicated in promoting cancer immune evasion, and ultimately lead to relapse. Antibodies or inhibitors targeting these two c+heckpoints have achieved some encouraging clinical outcomes. Further, beyond the canonical immune checkpoints, more inhibitory checkpoints have been identified. Herein, we will summarize recent progress in immune checkpoint blockade therapies, with a specific focus on key pre-clinical and clinical results of new immune checkpoint therapies for cancer. Given the crucial roles of immune checkpoint blockade in oncotherapy, drugs targeting checkpoint molecules expressed by both cancer and immune cells are in clinical trials, which will be comprehensively summarized in this review. Taken together, investigating combinatorial therapies targeting immune checkpoints expressed by cancer cells and immune cells will greatly improve immunotherapies that enhance host elimination of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghan Sun
- Central of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
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12
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Yu C, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wen ZF, Dong H, Mou Y. Current status and perspective of tumor immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:941750. [PMID: 36092724 PMCID: PMC9458968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.941750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a high incidence and mortality rate, and investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies of HNSCC is required for further progress. Immunotherapy is a considerable therapeutic strategy for HNSCC due to its potential to produce a broad and long-lasting antitumor response. However, immune escape, which involves mechanisms including dyregulation of cytokines, perturbation of immune checkpoints, and recruitment of inhibitory cell populations, limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, multiple immunotherapy strategies for HNSCC have been exploited, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, costimulatory agonists, antigenic vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy, adoptive T cell transfer (ACT), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. Each of these strategies has unique advantages, and the appropriate application of these immunotherapies in HNSCC treatment has significant value for patients. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms of immune escape and the characteristics of different immunotherapy strategies in HNSCC to provide a foundation and consideration for the clinical treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhang Yu
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Fa Wen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongbin Mou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Punekar SR, Shum E, Grello CM, Lau SC, Velcheti V. Immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: Past, present, and future directions. Front Oncol 2022; 12:877594. [PMID: 35992832 PMCID: PMC9382405 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.877594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many decades in the making, immunotherapy has demonstrated its ability to produce durable responses in several cancer types. In the last decade, immunotherapy has shown itself to be a viable therapeutic approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several clinical trials have established the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), particularly in the form of anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibodies, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies and anti-programmed death 1 ligand (PD-L1) antibodies. Many trials have shown progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) benefit with either ICB alone or in combination with chemotherapy when compared to chemotherapy alone. The identification of biomarkers to predict response to immunotherapy continues to be evaluated. The future of immunotherapy in lung cancer continues to hold promise with the development of combination therapies, cytokine modulating therapies and cellular therapies. Lastly, we expect that innovative advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, will begin to play a role in the future care of patients with lung cancer.
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14
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Mohsenzadegan M, Nowroozi MR, Fotovvat A, Bavandpour Baghshahi P, Bokaie S, Inanloo SH, Sharifi L. The prospect of targeting T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 in renal cell carcinoma immunotherapy. Scand J Immunol 2022; 96:e13197. [PMID: 35700044 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), it remains one of the most deadly urological cancers. At present, using immune checkpoint inhibition and their combination with antiangiogenic therapy is the standard of care in patients with advanced RCC. Unfortunately, a considerable part of tumour-bearing hosts does not benefit from this type of treatment. However, our knowledge about the detailed role of mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) in the RCC cells is little, and further studies are required in this field, but its significant expression in the RCC microenvironment makes this receptor a promising target for designing new monoclonal antibodies alone or in combination with other checkpoint inhibitors for RCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monireh Mohsenzadegan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirreza Fotovvat
- Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saied Bokaie
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hassan Inanloo
- Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laleh Sharifi
- Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Cui G. Towards a precision immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer: Strategies and perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112923. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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16
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Carlino F, Diana A, Piccolo A, Ventriglia A, Bruno V, De Santo I, Letizia O, De Vita F, Daniele B, Ciardiello F, Orditura M. Immune-Based Therapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: From Molecular Biology to Clinical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092102. [PMID: 35565233 PMCID: PMC9103968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been considered for many years an orphan disease in terms of therapeutic options, with conventional chemotherapy (CT) still representing the mainstay of treatment in the majority of patients. Although breast cancer (BC) has been historically considered a "cold tumor", exciting progress in the genomic field leading to the characterization of the molecular portrait and the immune profile of TNBC has opened the door to novel therapeutic strategies, including Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs), Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). In particular, compared to standard CT, the immune-based approach has been demonstrated to improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in metastatic PD-L1-positive TNBC and the pathological complete response rate in the early setting, regardless of PD-L1 expression. To date, PD-L1 has been widely used as a predictor of the response to ICIs; however, many patients do not benefit from the addition of immunotherapy. Therefore, PD-L1 is not a reliable predictive biomarker of the response, and its accuracy remains controversial due to the lack of a consensus about the assay, the antibody, and the scoring system to adopt, as well as the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the PD-L1 status. In the precision medicine era, there is an urgent need to identify more sensitive biomarkers in the BC immune oncology field other than just PD-L1 expression. Through the characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME), the analysis of peripheral blood and the evaluation of immune gene signatures, novel potential biomarkers have been explored, such as the Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), Microsatellite Instability/Mismatch Repair Deficiency (MSI/dMMR) status, genomic and epigenomic alterations and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). This review aims to summarize the recent knowledge on BC immunograms and on the biomarkers proposed to support ICI-based therapy in TNBC, as well as to provide an overview of the potential strategies to enhance the immune response in order to overcome the mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carlino
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.V.); (V.B.); (F.D.V.); (F.C.); (M.O.)
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale Ave Gratia Plena, San Felice a Cancello, 81027 Caserta, Italy; (I.D.S.); (O.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-349-5152216
| | - Anna Diana
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (B.D.)
| | - Antonio Piccolo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.V.); (V.B.); (F.D.V.); (F.C.); (M.O.)
| | - Anna Ventriglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.V.); (V.B.); (F.D.V.); (F.C.); (M.O.)
| | - Vincenzo Bruno
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.V.); (V.B.); (F.D.V.); (F.C.); (M.O.)
| | - Irene De Santo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale Ave Gratia Plena, San Felice a Cancello, 81027 Caserta, Italy; (I.D.S.); (O.L.)
| | - Ortensio Letizia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale Ave Gratia Plena, San Felice a Cancello, 81027 Caserta, Italy; (I.D.S.); (O.L.)
| | - Ferdinando De Vita
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.V.); (V.B.); (F.D.V.); (F.C.); (M.O.)
| | - Bruno Daniele
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (B.D.)
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.V.); (V.B.); (F.D.V.); (F.C.); (M.O.)
| | - Michele Orditura
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.V.); (V.B.); (F.D.V.); (F.C.); (M.O.)
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17
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Landscape of Immunotherapy Options for Colorectal Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives beyond Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020229. [PMID: 35207516 PMCID: PMC8878674 DOI: 10.3390/life12020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy in Western countries and a major cause of death despite recent improvements in screening programs and early detection methods. In the last decade, a growing effort has been put into better understanding how the immune system interacts with cancer cells. Even if treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA4) were proven effective for several cancer types, the benefit for colorectal cancer patients is still limited. However, a subset of patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite-instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer has been observed to have a prolonged benefit to immune checkpoint inhibitors. As a result, pembrolizumab and nivolumab +/− ipilimumab recently obtained the Food and Drug Administration approval. This review aims to highlight the body of knowledge on immunotherapy in the colorectal cancer setting, discussing the potential mechanisms of resistance and future strategies to extend its use.
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18
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Genova C, Dellepiane C, Carrega P, Sommariva S, Ferlazzo G, Pronzato P, Gangemi R, Filaci G, Coco S, Croce M. Therapeutic Implications of Tumor Microenvironment in Lung Cancer: Focus on Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Front Immunol 2022; 12:799455. [PMID: 35069581 PMCID: PMC8777268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.799455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been revolutionized by the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) directed against programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), or cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). In spite of these improvements, some patients do not achieve any benefit from ICI, and inevitably develop resistance to therapy over time. Tumor microenvironment (TME) might influence response to immunotherapy due to its prominent role in the multiple interactions between neoplastic cells and the immune system. Studies investigating lung cancer from the perspective of TME pointed out a complex scenario where tumor angiogenesis, soluble factors, immune suppressive/regulatory elements and cells composing TME itself participate to tumor growth. In this review, we point out the current state of knowledge involving the relationship between tumor cells and the components of TME in NSCLC as well as their interactions with immunotherapy providing an update on novel predictors of benefit from currently employed ICI or new therapeutic targets of investigational agents. In first place, increasing evidence suggests that TME might represent a promising biomarker of sensitivity to ICI, based on the presence of immune-modulating cells, such as Treg, myeloid derived suppressor cells, and tumor associated macrophages, which are known to induce an immunosuppressive environment, poorly responsive to ICI. Consequently, multiple clinical studies have been designed to influence TME towards a pro-immunogenic state and subsequently improve the activity of ICI. Currently, the mostly employed approach relies on the association of "classic" ICI targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and novel agents directed on molecules, such as LAG-3 and TIM-3. To date, some trials have already shown promising results, while a multitude of prospective studies are ongoing, and their results might significantly influence the future approach to cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Genova
- UO Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche (DIMI), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Dellepiane
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrega
- Dipartimento di Patologia Umana, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Sommariva
- SuPerconducting and Other INnovative Materials and Devices Institute, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR-SPIN), Genova, Italy
- Life Science Computational Laboratory (LISCOMP), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Dipartimento di Patologia Umana, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paolo Pronzato
- UO Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- UO Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche (DIMI), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
- UO Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Coco
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Croce
- UO Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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19
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Corke L, Sacher A. New Strategies and Combinations to Improve Outcomes in Immunotherapy in Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Oncol 2021; 29:38-55. [PMID: 35049678 PMCID: PMC8774728 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29010004] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer, yielding marked improvements in survival and the potential for durable clinical responses. Primary and acquired resistance to current immune checkpoint inhibitors constitute a key challenge despite the remarkable responses observed in a subset of patients. Multiple novel combination immunotherapy and adoptive cell therapy strategies are presently being developed to address treatment resistance. The success of these strategies hinges upon rational clinical trial design as well as careful consideration of the immunologic mechanisms within the variable tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) which underpin resistance to immunotherapy. Further research is needed to facilitate a deeper understanding of these complex mechanisms within the TIME, which may ultimately provide the key to restoring and enhancing an effective anti-tumor immune response. This review aims to provide an introduction to some of the recent and notable combination immunotherapy and cell therapy strategies used in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the rationale for their use based on current understanding of the anti-tumor immune response and mechanisms of resistance within the TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Corke
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada;
| | - Adrian Sacher
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada;
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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20
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Kürten CHL, Kulkarni A, Cillo AR, Santos PM, Roble AK, Onkar S, Reeder C, Lang S, Chen X, Duvvuri U, Kim S, Liu A, Tabib T, Lafyatis R, Feng J, Gao SJ, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA, Lu X, Bao R, Vujanovic L, Ferris RL. Investigating immune and non-immune cell interactions in head and neck tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7338. [PMID: 34921143 PMCID: PMC8683505 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27619-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by complex relations between stromal, epithelial, and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). To enable the development of more efficacious therapies, we aim to study the heterogeneity, signatures of unique cell populations, and cell-cell interactions of non-immune and immune cell populations in 6 human papillomavirus (HPV)+ and 12 HPV- HNSCC patient tumor and matched peripheral blood specimens using single-cell RNA sequencing. Using this dataset of 134,606 cells, we show cell type-specific signatures associated with inflammation and HPV status, describe the negative prognostic value of fibroblasts with elastic differentiation specifically in the HPV+ TME, predict therapeutically targetable checkpoint receptor-ligand interactions, and show that tumor-associated macrophages are dominant contributors of PD-L1 and other immune checkpoint ligands in the TME. We present a comprehensive single-cell view of cell-intrinsic mechanisms and cell-cell communication shaping the HNSCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius H L Kürten
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aditi Kulkarni
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anthony R Cillo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia M Santos
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anna K Roble
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sayali Onkar
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carly Reeder
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephan Lang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xueer Chen
- Deparment of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angen Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jian Feng
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shou-Jiang Gao
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xinghua Lu
- Deparment of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Riyue Bao
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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21
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Mehmi I, Hamid O. Immunotherapy of cancer in the era of checkpoint inhibitor. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 39:231-237. [PMID: 34878618 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10132-9] [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: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Application of immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment of number of malignancies. We present a review of immunotherapy approaches, early-phase data of number of new immunotherapeutic targets in melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inderjit Mehmi
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Cedar Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Omid Hamid
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Cedar Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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22
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Luo W, Wang Z, Zhang T, Yang L, Xian J, Li Y, Li W. Immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: rationale, recent advances and future perspectives. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2021; 4:258-270. [PMID: 35692863 PMCID: PMC8982543 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the major type, is the second most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has been one of the greatest advances in recent years for the treatment of solid tumors including NSCLC. However, not all NSCLC patients experience an effective response to immunotherapy with the established selection criteria of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Furthermore, a considerable proportion of patients experience unconventional responses, including pseudoprogression or hyperprogressive disease (HPD), immune-related toxicities, and primary or acquired resistance during the immunotherapy process. To better understand the immune response in NSCLC and provide reference for clinical decision-making, we herein review the rationale and recent advances in using immunotherapy to treat NSCLC. Moreover, we discuss the current challenges and future strategies of this approach to improve its efficacy and safety in treating NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhoufeng Wang
- Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinghong Xian
- Department of Clinical Research Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yalun Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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23
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Hollebecque A, Chung HC, de Miguel MJ, Italiano A, Machiels JP, Lin CC, Dhani NC, Peeters M, Moreno V, Su WC, Chow KH, Galvao VR, Carlsen M, Yu D, Szpurka AM, Zhao Y, Schmidt SL, Gandhi L, Xu X, Bang YJ. Safety and Antitumor Activity of α-PD-L1 Antibody as Monotherapy or in Combination with α-TIM-3 Antibody in Patients with Microsatellite Instability-High/Mismatch Repair-Deficient Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6393-6404. [PMID: 34465599 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitors show high response rates and durable clinical benefit in microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient (MSI-H/dMMR) tumors. However, 50%-60% do not respond to single-agent anti-programmed death-1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies, and approximately 50% of responders relapse within 6-12 months. This phase Ib trial evaluated safety and antitumor activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody LY3300054 monotherapy or in combination with anti-TIM-3 antibody LY3321367 in patients with MSI-H/dMMR advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eligible patients ≥18 years without prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy received LY3300054 monotherapy (N = 40) or combination (N = 20); patients with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-resistant/refractory tumors received the combination (N = 22). LY3300054 (700 mg) and anti-TIM-3 antibody (cycles 1-2: 1,200 mg, cycle 3 onward: 600 mg) were administered intravenously every 2 weeks. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability. RESULTS Eighty-two patients were enrolled. Most had colorectal (n = 39, 47.6%) or endometrial (n = 14, 17.1%) tumors. More than 70% of patients in the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-resistant/refractory combination cohort had received ≥3 treatment lines. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) occurred in 22 patients (55.0%) receiving monotherapy, 13 (65.0%) in the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-naïve combination cohort, and 6 (27.3%) in the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-resistant/refractory combination cohort. A total of 2 patients (5.0%) receiving monotherapy and 3 (7.1%) receiving the combination experienced grade ≥3 TRAEs. Objective responses occurred in 13 patients (32.5%) with monotherapy, 9 (45.0%) in the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-naïve combination cohort, and 1 patient (4.5%) in the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-resistant/refractory combination cohort. CONCLUSIONS LY3300054 monotherapy and combined LY3300054/anti-TIM-3 had manageable safety profiles. Both regimens showed promising clinical activity against PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-naïve MSI-H/dMMR tumors. The combination had limited clinical benefit in patients with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-resistant/refractory MSI-H/dMMR tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyun C Chung
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | - Maria J de Miguel
- START Madrid, HM Sanchinarro Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jean-Pascal Machiels
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc and Institut de Recherche Clinique et Expérimentale (Pole MIRO), Institut Roi Albert II, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chia-Chi Lin
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Neesha C Dhani
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Peeters
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Victor Moreno
- START Madrid FJD, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wu-Chou Su
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Kay Hoong Chow
- Eli Lilly and Company, Windlesham, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Danni Yu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Yumin Zhao
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | | | - Yung-Jue Bang
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
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24
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Rietz TA, Teuscher KB, Mills JJ, Gogliotti RD, Lepovitz LT, Scaggs WR, Yoshida K, Luong K, Lee T, Fesik SW. Fragment-Based Discovery of Small Molecules Bound to T-Cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain-Containing Molecule 3 (TIM-3). J Med Chem 2021; 64:14757-14772. [PMID: 34597046 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3; HAVCR2) has emerged as an attractive immune checkpoint target for cancer immunotherapy. TIM-3 is a negative regulator of the systemic immune response to cancer and is expressed on several dysfunctional, or exhausted, immune cell subsets. Upregulation of TIM-3 is associated with tumor progression, poor survival rates, and acquired resistance to antibody-based immunotherapies in the clinic. Despite the potential advantages of small-molecule inhibitors over antibodies, the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors has lagged behind that of antibody therapeutics. Here, we describe the discovery of high-affinity small-molecule ligands for TIM-3 through an NMR-based fragment screen and structure-based lead optimization. These compounds represent useful tools to further study the biology of TIM-3 immune modulation in cancer and serve as a potentially useful starting point toward the discovery of TIM-3-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyson A Rietz
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Kevin B Teuscher
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Jonathan J Mills
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Rocco D Gogliotti
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Lance T Lepovitz
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - W Rush Scaggs
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Keisuke Yoshida
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Kelvin Luong
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, United States
| | - Taekyu Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Stephen W Fesik
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
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25
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Shen R, Postow MA, Adamow M, Arora A, Hannum M, Maher C, Wong P, Curran MA, Hollmann TJ, Jia L, Al-Ahmadie H, Keegan N, Funt SA, Iyer G, Rosenberg JE, Bajorin DF, Chapman PB, Shoushtari AN, Betof AS, Momtaz P, Merghoub T, Wolchok JD, Panageas KS, Callahan MK. LAG-3 expression on peripheral blood cells identifies patients with poorer outcomes after immune checkpoint blockade. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/608/eabf5107. [PMID: 34433638 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf5107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blocking antibodies are a cornerstone in cancer treatment; however, they benefit only a subset of patients and biomarkers to guide immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment choices are lacking. We designed this study to identify blood-based correlates of clinical outcome in ICB-treated patients. We performed immune profiling of 188 ICB-treated patients with melanoma using multiparametric flow cytometry to characterize immune cells in pretreatment peripheral blood. A supervised statistical learning approach was applied to a discovery cohort to classify phenotypes and determine their association with survival and treatment response. We identified three distinct immune phenotypes (immunotypes), defined in part by the presence of a LAG-3+CD8+ T cell population. Patients with melanoma with a LAG+ immunotype had poorer outcomes after ICB with a median survival of 22.2 months compared to 75.8 months for those with the LAG- immunotype (P = 0.031). An independent cohort of 94 ICB-treated patients with urothelial carcinoma was used for validation where LAG+ immunotype was significantly associated with response (P = 0.007), survival (P < 0.001), and progression-free survival (P = 0.004). Multivariate Cox regression and stratified analyses further showed that the LAG+ immunotype was an independent marker of outcome when compared to known clinical prognostic markers and previously described markers for the clinical activity of ICB, PD-L1, and tumor mutation burden. The pretreatment peripheral blood LAG+ immunotype detects patients who are less likely to benefit from ICB and suggests a strategy for identifying actionable immune targets for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronglai Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael A Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Matthew Adamow
- Immune Monitoring Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
| | - Arshi Arora
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Margaret Hannum
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Colleen Maher
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
| | - Phillip Wong
- Immune Monitoring Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Travis J Hollmann
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA.,Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Liwei Jia
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hikmat Al-Ahmadie
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Niamh Keegan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Samuel A Funt
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Gopa Iyer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jonathan E Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dean F Bajorin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Paul B Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alexander N Shoushtari
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Allison S Betof
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Parisa Momtaz
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Taha Merghoub
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA.,Swim Across America/Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Human Oncology Pathogenesis Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA.,Swim Across America/Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Human Oncology Pathogenesis Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katherine S Panageas
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Margaret K Callahan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY 10065, USA. .,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
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26
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer: Challenges and Future Prospects. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091075. [PMID: 34572263 PMCID: PMC8467932 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a new pillar of cancer therapy that provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors. In this context, the development of new drugs targeting immune checkpoints is considered a promising approach in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment because it can be induce specific and durable anti-cancer effects. Despite many advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still limitations and obstacles to successful treatment. The immunosuppressive function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is one of the causes of poor response to treatment in CRC patients. For this reason, checkpoint-blocking antibodies have shown promising outcomes in CRC patients by blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints and enhancing immune responses against tumors. This review summarizes recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, LAG-3, and TIM-3 in CRC, and it discusses various therapeutic strategies with ICIs, including the double blockade of ICIs, combination therapy of ICIs with other immunotherapies, and conventional treatments. This review also delineates a new hopeful path in the combination of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 with other ICIs such as anti-CTLA-4, anti-LAG-3, and anti-TIM-3 for CRC treatment.
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27
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Shi H, Li K, Ni Y, Liang X, Zhao X. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: Implications in the Resistance of Malignant Tumors to T Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:707198. [PMID: 34336860 PMCID: PMC8317971 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.707198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes function as major players in antigen-mediated cytotoxicity and have become powerful tools for exploiting the immune system in tumor elimination. Several types of T cell-based immunotherapies have been prescribed to cancer patients with durable immunological response. Such strategies include immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus, and modulatory cytokines. However, the majority of cancer patients still failed to take the advantage of these kinds of treatments. Currently, extensive attempts are being made to uncover the potential mechanism of immunotherapy resistance, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been identified as one of vital interpretable factors. Here, we discuss the immunosuppressive mechanism of MDSCs and their contributions to failures of T cell-based immunotherapy. Additionally, we summarize combination therapies to ameliorate the efficacy of T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houhui Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanghong Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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28
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Curigliano G, Gelderblom H, Mach N, Doi T, Tai D, Forde PM, Sarantopoulos J, Bedard PL, Lin CC, Hodi FS, Wilgenhof S, Santoro A, Sabatos-Peyton CA, Longmire TA, Xyrafas A, Sun H, Gutzwiller S, Manenti L, Naing A. Phase I/Ib Clinical Trial of Sabatolimab, an Anti-TIM-3 Antibody, Alone and in Combination with Spartalizumab, an Anti-PD-1 Antibody, in Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3620-3629. [PMID: 33883177 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sabatolimab (MBG453) and spartalizumab are mAbs that bind T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) and programmed death-1 (PD-1), respectively. This phase I/II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of sabatolimab, with or without spartalizumab, in patients with advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Primary objectives of the phase I/Ib part were to characterize the safety and estimate recommended phase II dose (RP2D) for future studies. Dose escalation was guided by a Bayesian (hierarchical) logistic regression model. Sabatolimab was administered intravenously, 20 to 1,200 mg, every 2 or 4 weeks (Q2W or Q4W). Spartalizumab was administered intravenously, 80 to 400 mg, Q2W or Q4W. RESULTS Enrolled patients (n = 219) had a range of cancers, most commonly ovarian (17%) and colorectal cancer (7%); patients received sabatolimab (n = 133) or sabatolimab plus spartalizumab (n = 86). The MTD was not reached. The most common adverse event suspected to be treatment-related was fatigue (9%, sabatolimab; 15%, combination). No responses were seen with sabatolimab. Five patients receiving combination treatment had partial responses (6%; lasting 12-27 months) in colorectal cancer (n = 2), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), malignant perianal melanoma, and SCLC. Of the five, two patients had elevated expression of immune markers in baseline biopsies; another three had >10% TIM-3-positive staining, including one patient with NSCLC who received prior PD-1 therapy. CONCLUSIONS Sabatolimab plus spartalizumab was well tolerated and showed preliminary signs of antitumor activity. The RP2D for sabatolimab was selected as 800 mg Q4W (alternatively Q3W or Q2W schedules, based on modeling), with or without 400 mg spartalizumab Q4W.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Curigliano
- Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, IRCCS, and Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | | | - Nicolas Mach
- Oncology Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Toshihiko Doi
- National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - David Tai
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patrick M Forde
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John Sarantopoulos
- Institute for Drug Development, Mays Cancer Center at University of Texas Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Chia-Chi Lin
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Armando Santoro
- Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tyler A Longmire
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Haiying Sun
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Luigi Manenti
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey
| | - Aung Naing
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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29
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Lee WHS, Ye Z, Cheung AMS, Goh YPS, Oh HLJ, Rajarethinam R, Yeo SP, Soh MK, Chan EHL, Tan LK, Tan SY, Chuah C, Chng WJ, Connolly JE, Wang CI. Effective Killing of Acute Myeloid Leukemia by TIM-3 Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1702-1712. [PMID: 34158344 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease with poor outcomes, overwhelmingly due to relapse. Minimal residual disease (MRD), defined as the persistence of leukemic cells after chemotherapy treatment, is thought to be the major cause of relapse. The origins of relapse in AML have been traced to rare therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) that are already present at diagnosis. Effective treatment strategies for long-term remission are lacking, as it has been difficult to eliminate LSCs with conventional therapy. Here, we proposed a new approach based on the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-directed T lymphocytes, targeting T-cell immunoglobulin, and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) to treat MRD in patients with AML. TIM-3 is selected as the target because it is highly expressed on AML blasts and LSCs in most subtypes regardless of the patient's genetic characteristics and treatment course. Moreover, it is absent in the normal hematopoietic stem cells, granulocytes, naïve lymphocytes, and most normal nonhematopoietic tissues. Using a naïve human Fab phage display library, we isolated an anti-human TIM-3 antibody and designed a second-generation anti-TIM-3. Our anti-TIM-3 CAR T cells exhibit potent antileukemic activity against AML cell lines and primary AML blasts, and in the mouse models. More importantly, we demonstrate efficient killing of the primary LSCs directly isolated from the patients. Hence, eradication of the LSCs present in the MRD by anti-TIM-3 CAR T-cell therapy following the first-line treatment may improve the clinical outcomes of patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsin Sandy Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Zhiyong Ye
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Alice M S Cheung
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Y P Sharon Goh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Hsueh Ling Janice Oh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Ravisankar Rajarethinam
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Siok Ping Yeo
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Mun Kuen Soh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Esther Hian Li Chan
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health Systems, Singapore
| | - Lip Kun Tan
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Soo-Yong Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.,Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
| | - Charles Chuah
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Wee Joo Chng
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health Systems, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - John E Connolly
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.,Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco
| | - Cheng-I Wang
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.
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30
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Cao Y, Li Q, Liu H, He X, Huang F, Wang Y. Role of Tim-3 in regulating tumorigenesis, inflammation, and antitumor immunity therapy. Cancer Biomark 2021; 32:237-248. [PMID: 34092621 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, cancer immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICRs), has attained considerable progresses in clinical practice. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) act as next ICRs, and originally function as a co-inhibitory receptor expressed on interferon (IFN)-γ producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. Furthermore, Tim-3 has also been found to express on innate immune cells and several types of tumors, signifying the pivotal role that Tim-3 plays in chronic viral infections and cancer. In addition, Tim-3 and multiple ICRs are concurrently expressed and regulated on dysfunctional or exhausted T-cells, leading to improved antitumor immune responses in preclinical or clinical cancer therapy through co-blockade of Tim-3 and other ICRs such as programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). In this review, the biological characteristics of Tim-3 and the function of Tim-3 in regulating tumorigenesis and inflammation have been summarized. The usage of a single blockade of Tim-3 or in combination with multiple immunotherapy regimens have drawn attention to antitumor potential as a target for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cao
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihui Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianglei He
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yigang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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31
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Hu M, Li Y, Lu Y, Wang M, Li Y, Wang C, Li Q, Zhao H. The regulation of immune checkpoints by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11306. [PMID: 34012727 PMCID: PMC8109006 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences the occurrence and progression of tumors, and hypoxia is an important characteristic of the TME. The expression of programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), and other immune checkpoints in hypoxic malignant tumors is often significantly increased, and is associated with poor prognosis. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for treating lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and gynecological tumors has achieved encouraging efficacy; however, the rate of efficacy of ICI single-drug treatment is only about 20%. In the present review, we discuss the possible mechanisms by which the hypoxic TME regulates immune checkpoints. By activating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), regulating the adenosine (Ado)-A2aR pathway, regulating the glycolytic pathway, and driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and other biological pathways, hypoxia regulates the expression levels of CTLA4, PD1, PDL1, CD47, lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3), and other immune checkpoints, which interfere with the immune effector cell anti-tumor response and provide convenient conditions for tumors to escape immune surveillance. The combination of HIF-1α inhibitors, Ado-inhibiting tumor immune microenvironment regulatory drugs, and other drugs with ICIs has good efficacy in both preclinical studies and phase I-II clinical studies. Exploring the effects of TME hypoxia on the expression of immune checkpoints and the function of infiltrating immune cells has greatly clarified the relationship between the hypoxic TME and immune escape, which is of great significance for the development of new drugs and the search for predictive markers of the efficacy of immunotherapy for treating malignant tumors. In the future, combination therapy with hypoxia pathway inhibitors and ICIs may be an effective anti-tumor treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongfu Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yuting Lu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingrui Li
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoying Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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32
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Tien TZ, Lee JNLW, Lim JCT, Chen XY, Thike AA, Tan PH, Yeong JPS. Delineating the breast cancer immune microenvironment in the era of multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Histopathology 2021; 79:139-159. [PMID: 33400265 DOI: 10.1111/his.14328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Treatment is challenging, especially for those who are triple-negative. Increasing evidence suggests that diverse immune populations are present in the breast tumour microenvironment, which opens up avenues for personalised drug targets. Historically, our investigations into the immune constitution of breast tumours have been restricted to analyses of one or two markers at a given time. Recent technological advances have allowed simultaneous labelling of more than 35 markers and detailed profiling of tumour-immune infiltrates at the single-cell level, as well as determining the cellular composition and spatial analysis of the entire tumour architecture. In this review, we describe emerging technologies that have contributed to the field of breast cancer diagnosis, and discuss how to interpret the vast data sets obtained in order to effectively translate them for clinically relevant use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Z Tien
- Integrative Biology for Theranostics, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justina N L W Lee
- Integrative Biology for Theranostics, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeffrey C T Lim
- Integrative Biology for Theranostics, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiao-Yang Chen
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aye Aye Thike
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Puay Hoon Tan
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joe P S Yeong
- Integrative Biology for Theranostics, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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33
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Lee JB, Ha SJ, Kim HR. Clinical Insights Into Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:681320. [PMID: 34025438 PMCID: PMC8139127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.681320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), notably anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) as well as inhibitors of CTLA-4, programmed death 1 (PD-1), and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), has revolutionized treatment options for solid tumors. However, the lack of response to treatment, in terms of de novo or acquired resistance, and immune related adverse events (IRAE) remain as hurdles. One mechanisms to overcome the limitations of ICIs is to target other immune checkpoints associated with tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoints such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3), inducible T cell costimulatory (ICOS), and B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) are feasible and promising options for treating solid tumors, and clinical trials are currently under active investigation. This review aims to summarize the clinical aspects of the immune checkpoints and introduce novel agents targeting these checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jii Bum Lee
- Division of Hemato-oncology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Jun Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Ryun Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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34
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Yap TA, Parkes EE, Peng W, Moyers JT, Curran MA, Tawbi HA. Development of Immunotherapy Combination Strategies in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:1368-1397. [PMID: 33811048 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing the immune system to treat cancer through inhibitors of CTLA4 and PD-L1 has revolutionized the landscape of cancer. Rational combination strategies aim to enhance the antitumor effects of immunotherapies, but require a deep understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of the immune system and robust preclinical and clinical drug development strategies. We review the current approved immunotherapy combinations, before discussing promising combinatorial approaches in clinical trials and detailing innovative preclinical model systems being used to develop rational combinations. We also discuss the promise of high-order immunotherapy combinations, as well as novel biomarker and combinatorial trial strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: Although immune-checkpoint inhibitors are approved as dual checkpoint strategies, and in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy and angiogenesis inhibitors for multiple cancers, patient benefit remains limited. Innovative approaches are required to guide the development of novel immunotherapy combinations, ranging from improvements in preclinical tumor model systems to biomarker-driven trial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Yap
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. .,Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Eileen E Parkes
- Oxford Institute of Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Weiyi Peng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Justin T Moyers
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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35
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Braun DA, Bakouny Z, Hirsch L, Flippot R, Van Allen EM, Wu CJ, Choueiri TK. Beyond conventional immune-checkpoint inhibition - novel immunotherapies for renal cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:199-214. [PMID: 33437048 PMCID: PMC8317018 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-00455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The management of advanced-stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been transformed by the development of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nonetheless, most patients do not derive durable clinical benefit from these agents. Importantly, unlike other immunotherapy-responsive solid tumours, most RCCs have only a moderate mutational burden, and paradoxically, high levels of tumour CD8+ T cell infiltration are associated with a worse prognosis in patients with this disease. Building on the successes of antibodies targeting the PD-1 and CTLA4 immune checkpoints, multiple innovative immunotherapies are now in clinical development for the treatment of patients with RCC, including ICIs with novel targets, co-stimulatory pathway agonists, modified cytokines, metabolic pathway modulators, cell therapies and therapeutic vaccines. However, the successful development of such novel immune-based treatments and of immunotherapy-based combinations will require a disease-specific framework that incorporates a deep understanding of RCC immunobiology. In this Review, using the structure provided by the well-described cancer-immunity cycle, we outline the key steps required for a successful antitumour immune response in the context of RCC, and describe the development of promising new immunotherapies within the context of this framework. With this approach, we summarize and analyse the most encouraging targets of novel immune-based therapies within the RCC microenvironment, and review the landscape of emerging antigen-directed therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Braun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ziad Bakouny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laure Hirsch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Ronan Flippot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Eliezer M Van Allen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Toni K Choueiri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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36
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Rohatgi A, Kirkwood JM. Beyond PD-1: The Next Frontier for Immunotherapy in Melanoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:640314. [PMID: 33732652 PMCID: PMC7958874 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.640314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of first and second-generation immune checkpoint blockade (ICI) has resulted in improved survival of patients with metastatic melanoma over the past decade. However, the majority of patients ultimately progress despite these treatments, which has served as an impetus to consider a range of subsequent therapies. Many of the next generation of immunotherapeutic agents focus on modifying the immune system to overcome resistance to checkpoint blockade. ICI resistance can be understood as primary, or acquired-where the latter is the most common scenario. While there are several postulated mechanisms by which resistance, particularly acquired resistance, occurs, the predominant escape mechanisms include T cell exhaustion, upregulation of alternative inhibitory checkpoint receptors, and alteration of the tumor microenvironment (TME) into a more suppressive, anti-inflammatory state. Therapeutic agents in development are designed to work by combating one or more of these resistance mechanisms. These strategies face the added challenge of minimizing immune-related toxicities, while improving antitumor efficacy. This review focuses upon the following categories of novel therapeutics: 1) alternative inhibitory receptor pathways; 2) damage- or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs/PAMPs); and 3) immune cell signaling mediators. We present the current state of these therapies, including preclinical and clinical data available for these targets under development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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37
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Sun J, Lu Q, Sanmamed MF, Wang J. Siglec-15 as an Emerging Target for Next-generation Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:680-688. [PMID: 32958700 PMCID: PMC9942711 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory agents blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have shown a new way to treat cancer. The explanation underlying the success of these agents may be the selective expression of PD-L1 with dominant immune-suppressive activities in the tumor microenvironment (TME), supporting a more favorable tumor response-to-toxicity ratio. However, despite the big success of these drugs, most patients with cancer show primary or acquired resistance, calling for the identification of new immune modulators in the TME. Using a genome-scale T-cell activity array in combination with bioinformatic analysis of human cancer databases, we identified Siglec-15 as a critical immune suppressor with broad upregulation on various cancer types and a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Siglec-15 has unique molecular features compared with many other known checkpoint inhibitory ligands. It shows prominent expression on macrophages and cancer cells and a mutually exclusive expression with PD-L1, suggesting that it may be a critical immune evasion mechanism in PD-L1-negative patients. Interestingly, Siglec-15 has also been identified as a key regulator for osteoclast differentiation and may have potential implications in bone disorders not limited to osteoporosis. Here, we provide an overview of Siglec-15 biology, its role in cancer immune regulation, the preliminary and encouraging clinical data related to the first-in-class Siglec-15 targeting mAb, as well as many unsolved questions in this pathway. As a new player in the cancer immunotherapeutic arena, Siglec-15 may represent a novel class of immune inhibitors with tumor-associated expression and divergent mechanisms of action to PD-L1, with potential implications in anti-PD-1/PD-L1-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Sun
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Qiao Lu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- The Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York.
- The Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
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38
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Hu-Lieskovan S, Malouf GG, Jacobs I, Chou J, Liu L, Johnson ML. Addressing resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: an urgent unmet need. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1401-1439. [PMID: 33475012 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers by reversing the immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by tumors to restore anticancer immunity. Although ICIs have demonstrated substantial clinical efficacy, patient response can vary in depth and duration, and many do not respond at all or eventually develop resistance. ICI resistance mechanisms can be tumor-intrinsic, related to the tumor microenvironment or patient-specific factors. Multiple resistance mechanisms may be present within one tumor subtype, or heterogeneity exists among patients with the same tumor type. Consequently, designing effective combination treatment strategies is challenging. This review will discuss ICI resistance mechanisms, and summarize findings from key preclinical and clinical trials of ICIs, to identify potential treatment strategies or pathways to overcome ICI resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute / University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Gabriel G Malouf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg & Department of Functional Genomics & Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, Illkirch Cedex, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Li Liu
- Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Melissa L Johnson
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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39
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Zeidan AM, Komrokji RS, Brunner AM. TIM-3 pathway dysregulation and targeting in cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:523-534. [PMID: 33334180 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1865814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysfunction of the immune system is a hallmark of cancer. Through increased understanding of the complex interactions between immunity and cancer, immunotherapy has emerged as a treatment modality for different types of cancer. Promising activity with immunotherapy has been reported in numerous malignancies, but challenges such as limited response rates and treatment resistance remain. Furthermore, outcomes with this therapeutic approach in hematologic malignancies are even more limited than in solid tumors. T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) has emerged as a potential immune checkpoint target in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. TIM-3 has been shown to promote immune tolerance, and overexpression of TIM-3 is associated with more aggressive or advanced disease and poor prognosis. AREAS COVERED This review examines what is currently known regarding the biology of TIM-3 and clinical implications of targeting TIM-3 in cancer. Particular focus is given to myeloid malignancies. EXPERT OPINION The targeting of TIM-3 is a promising therapeutic approach in cancers, including hematologic cancers such as myeloid malignancies which have not benefited much from current immunotherapeutic treatment approaches. We anticipate that with further clinical evaluation, TIM-3 blockade will emerge as an important treatment strategy in myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rami S Komrokji
- Malignant Hematology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Andrew M Brunner
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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40
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Hellmann MD, Bivi N, Calderon B, Shimizu T, Delafontaine B, Liu ZT, Szpurka AM, Copeland V, Hodi FS, Rottey S, Aftimos P, Piao Y, Gandhi L, Galvao VR, Leow CC, Doi T. Safety and Immunogenicity of LY3415244, a Bispecific Antibody Against TIM-3 and PD-L1, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:2773-2781. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Armitage JD, Newnes HV, McDonnell A, Bosco A, Waithman J. Fine-Tuning the Tumour Microenvironment: Current Perspectives on the Mechanisms of Tumour Immunosuppression. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010056. [PMID: 33401460 PMCID: PMC7823446 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to eradicate malignant tissue. However, it is well recognised that some cancers are highly resistant to these therapies, which is in part attributed to the immunosuppressive landscape of the tumour microenvironment (TME). The contexture of the TME is highly heterogeneous and contains a complex architecture of immune, stromal, vascular and tumour cells in addition to acellular components such as the extracellular matrix. While understanding the dynamics of the TME has been instrumental in predicting durable responses to immunotherapy and developing new treatment strategies, recent evidence challenges the fundamental paradigms of how tumours can effectively subvert immunosurveillance. Here, we discuss the various immunosuppressive features of the TME and how fine-tuning these mechanisms, rather than ablating them completely, may result in a more comprehensive and balanced anti-tumour response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Armitage
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Hannah V. Newnes
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Alison McDonnell
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Anthony Bosco
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Jason Waithman
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (J.W.)
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Salik B, Smyth MJ, Nakamura K. Targeting immune checkpoints in hematological malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:111. [PMID: 32787882 PMCID: PMC7425174 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00947-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies such as anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) and anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4) have dramatically transformed treatment in solid tumor oncology. While immunotherapeutic approaches such as stem cell transplantation and anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies have made critical contributions to improve outcomes in hematological malignancies, clinical benefits of ICB are observed in only limited tumor types that are particularly characterized by a high infiltration of immune cells. Importantly, even patients that initially respond to ICB are unable to achieve long-term disease control using these therapies. Indeed, primary and acquired resistance mechanisms are differentially orchestrated in hematological malignancies depending on tumor types and/or genotypes, and thus, an in-depth understanding of the disease-specific immune microenvironments will be essential in improving efficacy. In addition to PD-1 and CTLA-4, various T cell immune checkpoint molecules have been characterized that regulate T cell responses in a non-redundant manner. Several lines of evidence suggest that these T cell checkpoint molecules might play unique roles in hematological malignancies, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. Targeting innate checkpoint molecules on natural killer cells and/or macrophages has also emerged as a rational approach against tumors that are resistant to T cell-mediated immunity. Given that various monoclonal antibodies against tumor surface proteins have been clinically approved in hematological malignancies, innate checkpoint blockade might play a key role to augment antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. In this review, we discuss recent advances and emerging roles of immune checkpoint blockade in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basit Salik
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, 4006, Australia
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, 4006, Australia
| | - Kyohei Nakamura
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, 4006, Australia.
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Carretero-González A, Lora D, Martín Sobrino I, Sáez Sanz I, Bourlon MT, Anido Herranz U, Martínez Chanzá N, Castellano D, de Velasco G. The Value of PD-L1 Expression as Predictive Biomarker in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1945. [PMID: 32709062 PMCID: PMC7409133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are soluble antibodies that have dramatically changed the outcomes including overall survival in a subset of kidney tumors, specifically in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To date, there is no a single predictive biomarker approved to be used to select the patients that achieve benefit from ICIs targeting. It seems reasonable to analyze whether the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression could be useful. To assess the role of PD-L1 expression as a potential predictive biomarker for benefit of ICIs in RCC patients, we performed a search of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing ICIs (monotherapy or in combination with other therapies) to standard of care in metastatic RCC patients according to PRISMA guidelines. Trials must have included subgroup analyses evaluating the selected outcomes (progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)) in different subsets of patients according to PD-L1 expression on tumor samples. Hazard ratios with confidence intervals were used as the measure of efficacy between groups. A total of 4635 patients (six studies) were included (ICIs arm: 2367 patients; standard of care arm: 2268 patients). Globally, PFS and OS results favored ICIs. Differential expression of PD-L1 on tumor samples could select a subset of patients who could benefit more in terms of PFS (those with higher levels; p-value for difference between subgroups: <0.0001) but it did not seem to impact in OS results (p-value for difference: 0.63). As different methods to assess PD-L1 positivity were used among trials, this heterogeneity could have an influence on the results. PD-L1 could represent a biomarker to test PFS in clinical trials but its value for OS is less clear. In this meta-analysis, the usefulness of PD-L1 expression as a predictive biomarker to select treatment in metastatic RCC patients was not clearly shown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Lora
- Clinical Research Unit, IMAS12-CIBERESP, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Isabel Martín Sobrino
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.M.S.); (I.S.S.)
| | - Irene Sáez Sanz
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.M.S.); (I.S.S.)
| | - María T. Bourlon
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico;
| | - Urbano Anido Herranz
- Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15076 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Nieves Martínez Chanzá
- Medical Oncology Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Daniel Castellano
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.-G.); (D.C.)
| | - Guillermo de Velasco
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.-G.); (D.C.)
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44
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Barbari C, Fontaine T, Parajuli P, Lamichhane N, Jakubski S, Lamichhane P, Deshmukh RR. Immunotherapies and Combination Strategies for Immuno-Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5009. [PMID: 32679922 PMCID: PMC7404041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of novel immunotherapies in the treatment of cancers has dramatically changed the landscape of the oncology field. Recent developments in checkpoint inhibition therapies, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapies, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, and cancer vaccines have shown immense promise for significant advancements in cancer treatments. Immunotherapies act on distinct steps of immune response to augment the body's natural ability to recognize, target, and destroy cancerous cells. Combination treatments with immunotherapies and other modalities intend to activate immune response, decrease immunosuppression, and target signaling and resistance pathways to offer a more durable, long-lasting treatment compared to traditional therapies and immunotherapies as monotherapies for cancers. This review aims to briefly describe the rationale, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy of common immunotherapies and highlight promising combination strategies currently approved or under clinical development. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits and limitations of these immunotherapy approaches as monotherapies as well as in combination with other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Barbari
- OMS Students, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (C.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Tyler Fontaine
- OMS Students, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (C.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Priyanka Parajuli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL 62702, USA;
| | - Narottam Lamichhane
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Silvia Jakubski
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Purushottam Lamichhane
- School of Dental Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), 4800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Rahul R. Deshmukh
- School of Pharmacy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
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45
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Roy S, Sethi TK, Taylor D, Kim YJ, Johnson DB. Breakthrough concepts in immune-oncology: Cancer vaccines at the bedside. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1455-1489. [PMID: 32557857 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5bt0420-585rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical approval of the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents for multiple cancer types has reinvigorated the long-standing work on cancer vaccines. In the pre-ICB era, clinical efforts focused on the Ag, the adjuvants, the formulation, and the mode of delivery. These translational efforts on therapeutic vaccines range from cell-based (e.g., dendritic cells vaccine Sipuleucel-T) to DNA/RNA-based platforms with various formulations (liposome), vectors (Listeria monocytogenes), or modes of delivery (intratumoral, gene gun, etc.). Despite promising preclinical results, cancer vaccine trials without ICB have historically shown little clinical activity. With the anticipation and expansion of combinatorial immunotherapeutic trials with ICB, the cancer vaccine field has entered the personalized medicine arena with recent advances in immunogenic neoantigen-based vaccines. In this article, we review the literature to organize the different cancer vaccines in the clinical space, and we will discuss their advantages, limits, and recent progress to overcome their challenges. Furthermore, we will also discuss recent preclinical advances and clinical strategies to combine vaccines with checkpoint blockade to improve therapeutic outcome and present a translational perspective on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Roy
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tarsheen K Sethi
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Taylor
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Young J Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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46
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Chew HY, Dolcetti R, Simpson F. Scientifically based combination therapies with immuno-oncology checkpoint inhibitors. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:1711-1725. [PMID: 32372470 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints and their role in modulating immune response have revolutionised cancer treatment in recent years. The immune checkpoints, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand, programmed cell death-ligand 1, have been extensively studied. Currently 7 monoclonal antibodies targeting these immune checkpoints are approved for treatment of various cancers. Inhibiting immune checkpoints has shown some success in clinic, however, a proportion of patients do not benefit from this treatment. Several other inhibitory molecules, in addition to lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and programmed cell death protein 1, are known to be involved in regulating immune response. To further improve patient outcomes, studies have examined targeting these inhibitory molecules through combination therapies. This review discusses the current landscape of combination therapies of checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yi Chew
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Simpson
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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47
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Acharya N, Sabatos-Peyton C, Anderson AC. Tim-3 finds its place in the cancer immunotherapy landscape. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e000911. [PMID: 32601081 PMCID: PMC7326247 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The blockade of immune checkpoint receptors has made great strides in the treatment of major cancers, including melanoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, renal, and lung cancer. However, the success rate of immune checkpoint blockade is still low and some cancers, such as microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer, remain refractory to these treatments. This has prompted investigation into additional checkpoint receptors. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is a checkpoint receptor expressed by a wide variety of immune cells as well as leukemic stem cells. Coblockade of Tim-3 and PD-1 can result in reduced tumor progression in preclinical models and can improve antitumor T-cell responses in cancer patients. In this review, we will discuss the basic biology of Tim-3, its role in the tumor microenvironment, and the emerging clinical trial data that point to its future application in the field of immune-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Acharya
- Department of Neurology, Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine Sabatos-Peyton
- Exploratory Immuno-oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana Carrizosa Anderson
- Department of Neurology, Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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48
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Zhang D, Jiang F, Zaynagetdinov R, Huang H, Sood VD, Wang H, Zhao X, Jenkins MH, Ji Q, Wang Y, Nannemann DP, Musil D, Wesolowski J, Paoletti A, Bartholomew T, Derner MG, An Q, Iffland C, Halle JP. Identification and characterization of M6903, an antagonistic anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1744921. [PMID: 32313722 PMCID: PMC7153820 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1744921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) is an immune checkpoint that regulates normal immune responses but can be exploited by tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. TIM-3 is primarily expressed on immune cells, particularly on dysfunctional and exhausted T cells, and engagement of TIM-3 with its ligands promotes TIM-3-mediated T cell inhibition. Antagonistic ligand-blocking anti-TIM-3 antibodies have the potential to abrogate T cell inhibition, activate antigen-specific T cells, and enhance anti-tumor immunity. Here we describe M6903, a fully human anti-TIM-3 antibody without effector function and with high affinity and selectivity to TIM-3. We demonstrate that M6903 blocks the binding of TIM-3 to three of its ligands, phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion-related molecule 1 (CEACAM1), and galectin 9 (Gal-9). These results are supported by an atomic resolution crystal structure and functional assays, which demonstrate that M6903 monotherapy enhanced T cell activation. This activation was further enhanced by the combination of M6903 with bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein that simultaneously blocks the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathways. M6903 and bintrafusp alfa combination therapy also enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in huTIM-3 knock-in mice, relative to either monotherapy. These in vitro and in vivo data, along with favorable pharmacokinetics in marmoset monkeys, suggest that M6903 as a monotherapy warrants further pre-clinical assessment and that M6903 and bintrafusp alfa may be a promising combination therapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Rinat Zaynagetdinov
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Vanita D Sood
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Molly H Jenkins
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Qingyong Ji
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Youbin Wang
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - David P Nannemann
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Djordje Musil
- Discovery and Development Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - John Wesolowski
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Paoletti
- Discovery and Development Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Colleretto Giacosa, Italy
| | - Tin Bartholomew
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Melissa G Derner
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Qi An
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Christel Iffland
- Discovery and Development Technologies, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Joern-Peter Halle
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, MA, USA.,Department of Immuno-Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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49
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Vafaizadeh V, Barekati Z. Immuno-Oncology Biomarkers for Personalized Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:162. [PMID: 32258038 PMCID: PMC7089925 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint blockade therapy has drastically advanced treatment of different types of cancer over the past few years. Female breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in the overall burden of cancers worldwide that is encouraging healthcare professionals to improve cancer care management. The checkpoint blockade therapies combined with novel agents become the recent focus of various clinical trials in breast cancer. However, identification of the patients who are responsive to these therapeutic strategies remained as a major issue for enhancing the efficacy of these treatments. This highlights the unmet need in discovery and development of novel biomarkers to add predictive values for prosperous personalized medicine. In this review we summarize the advances done in the era of biomarker studies and highlight their link in supporting breast cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Vafaizadeh
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zeinab Barekati
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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50
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Picard E, Verschoor CP, Ma GW, Pawelec G. Relationships Between Immune Landscapes, Genetic Subtypes and Responses to Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:369. [PMID: 32210966 PMCID: PMC7068608 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly heterogeneous at the genetic and molecular level, which has major repercussions on the efficacy of immunotherapy. A small subset of CRCs exhibit microsatellite instability (MSI), a molecular indicator of defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR), but the majority are microsatellite-stable (MSS). The high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and neoantigen load in MSI tumors favors the infiltration of immune effector cells, and antitumor immune responses within these tumors are strong relative to their MSS counterparts. MSI has emerged as a major predictive marker for the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade over the last few years and nivolumab or pembrolizumab targeting PD-1 has been approved for patients with MSI refractory or metastatic CRC. However, some MSS tumors show DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) mutations that also confer a very high TMB and may also be heavily infiltrated by immune cells making them amenable to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In this review we discuss the role of the different immune landscapes in CRC and their relationships with defined CRC genetic subtypes. We discuss potential reasons why immune checkpoint blockade has met with limited success for the majority of CRC patients, despite the finding that immune cell infiltration of primary non-metastatic tumors is a strong predictive, and prognostic factor for relapse and survival. We then consider in which ways CRC cells develop mechanisms to resist ICI. Finally, we address the latest advances in CRC vaccination and how a personalized neoantigen vaccine strategy might overcome the resistance of MSI and MSS tumors in patients for whom immune checkpoint blockade is not a treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Picard
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | | | - Grace W Ma
- Department of Surgery, Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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