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Strati A, Economopoulou P, Lianidou E, Psyrri A. Clinical Significance of PD-L1 Status in Circulating Tumor Cells for Cancer Management during Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1768. [PMID: 37371863 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061768] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of monoclonal antibodies against programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death protein (PD1) has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. To date, many immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic cancer as well as locally recurrent advanced cancer. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of ICIs highlight the need for biomarker analysis with strong predictive value. Liquid biopsy is an important tool for clinical oncologists to monitor cancer patients and administer or change appropriate therapy. CTCs frequently express PD-L1, and this constitutes a clinically useful and non-invasive method to assess PD-L1 status in real-time. This review summarizes all the latest findings about the clinical significance of CTC for the management of cancer patients during the administration of immunotherapy and mainly focuses on the assessment of PD-L1 expression in CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areti Strati
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Economopoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
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Fridrichova I, Kalinkova L, Ciernikova S. Clinical Relevancy of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer: Epithelial or Mesenchymal Characteristics, Single Cells or Clusters? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12141. [PMID: 36292996 PMCID: PMC9603393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is typically an incurable disease with high mortality rates; thus, early identification of metastatic features and disease recurrence through precise biomarkers is crucial. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) consisting of heterogeneous subpopulations with different morphology and genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression profiles represent promising candidate biomarkers for metastatic potential. The experimentally verified role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer dissemination has not been clearly described in BC patients, but the stemness features of CTCs strongly contributes to metastatic potency. Single CTCs have been shown to be protected in the bloodstream against recognition by the immune system through impaired interactions with T lymphocytes and NK cells, while associations of heterotypic CTC clusters with platelets, leucocytes, neutrophils, tumor-associated macrophages, and fibroblasts improve their tumorigenic behavior. In addition to single CTC and CTC cluster characteristics, we reviewed CTC evaluation methods and clinical studies in early and metastatic BCs. The variable CTC tests were developed based on specific principles and strategies. However, CTC count and the presence of CTC clusters were shown to be most clinically relevant in existing clinical trials. Despite the known progress in CTC research and sampling of BC patients, implementation of CTCs and CTC clusters in routine diagnostic and treatment strategies still requires improvement in detection sensitivity and precise molecular characterizations, focused predominantly on the role of CTC clusters for their higher metastatic potency.
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Magbanua MJM, Gumusay O, Kurzrock R, van ‘t Veer LJ, Rugo HS. Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer and the Potential Role of Liquid Biopsy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:802579. [PMID: 35372077 PMCID: PMC8964955 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.802579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy biomarkers, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), are noninvasive diagnostics that could complement predictive and prognostic tools currently used in the clinic. Recent trials of immunotherapy have shown promise in improving outcomes in a subset of breast cancer patients. Biomarkers could improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors by identifying patients whose cancers are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the current applications of liquid biopsy and emerging technologies for evaluation of immunotherapy response and outcomes in breast cancer. We also provide an overview of the status of immunotherapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Jesus M. Magbanua
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ozge Gumusay
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) for Personalized Cancer Therapy Consortium, Villejuif, France
| | - Laura J. van ‘t Veer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hope S. Rugo
- Division of Hematology Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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You Z, Zhou W, Weng J, Feng H, Liang P, Li Y, Shi F. Application of HER2 peptide vaccines in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:489. [PMID: 34526020 PMCID: PMC8442296 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The E75 and GP2 vaccines are the few therapeutic vaccines targeting HER2 currently under clinical research for patients with breast cancer. Methods Databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science, were used to retrieve clinical studies on E75 and GP2 vaccines. Retrieval time was from the beginning of database construction until May 31st, 2021. Results A total of 24 clinical studies were included in this analysis, including 1704 patients in the vaccinated group and 1248 patients in the control group. For the E75 vaccine, there were significant differences between the vaccinated group and the control group in the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (SMD = 0.685 95% CI 0.52–0.85, PHeterogeneity = 0.186, PDTH < 0.05) and the change in CD8+ T-cell numbers (SMD = − 0.864, 95% CI − 1.02 to − 0.709, PHeterogeneity = 0.085, PCD8+ T cell < 0.05) before and after injection. For the GP2 vaccine, there was a significant difference between the vaccinated group and the control group in the change in CD8+ T-cell numbers (SMD = − 0.584, 95% CI − 0.803 to − 0.294, PHeterogeneity = 0.397, PCD8+ T cell < 0.05) before and after injection. In addition, the clinical outcomes, including recurrence rate (RR = 0.568, 95% CI 0.444–0.727, PHeterogeneity = 0.955, PRecurrence < 0.05) and disease-free survival rate (RR = 1.149, 95% CI 1.050–1.256, PHeterogeneity = 0.003, PDFS < 0.05), of the E75-vaccinated group were different from those of the control group. However, we found that the overall survival rate with the E75 vaccine (RR = 1.032, 95% CI 0.998–1.067, PHeterogeneity = 0.476, POS > 0.05) was not different between the two groups. Local and systemic toxicity assessments of the two vaccines showed minimal side effects. Conclusions The E75 vaccine was effective and safe in patients with breast cancer. The GP2 vaccine could elicit a strong immune response, but more trials are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicong You
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510282, China.,Department of Thoracic and Breast Surgery, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.6,Qinren Road,Chancheng District, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Weijun Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Junyan Weng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Haizhan Feng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Peiqiao Liang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
| | - Fujun Shi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
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5
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The Interplay between Circulating Tumor Cells and the Immune System: From Immune Escape to Cancer Immunotherapy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2018; 8:diagnostics8030059. [PMID: 30200242 PMCID: PMC6164896 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics8030059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have aroused increasing interest not only in mechanistic studies of metastasis, but also for translational applications, such as patient monitoring, treatment choice, and treatment change due to tumor resistance. In this review, we will assess the state of the art about the study of the interactions between CTCs and the immune system. We intend to analyze the impact that the cells of the immune system have in limiting or promoting the metastatic capability of CTCs. To this purpose, we will examine studies that correlate CTCs, immune cells, and patient prognosis, and we will also discuss relevant animal models that have contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms of immune-mediated metastasis. We will then consider some studies in which CTCs seem to play a promising role in monitoring cancer patients during immunotherapy regimens. We believe that, from an accurate and profound knowledge of the interactions between CTCs and the immune system, new immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer might emerge in the future.
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6
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Application of E75 peptide vaccine in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 831:87-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Riethdorf S, O'Flaherty L, Hille C, Pantel K. Clinical applications of the CellSearch platform in cancer patients. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 125:102-121. [PMID: 29355669 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The CellSearch® system (CS) enables standardized enrichment and enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that are repeatedly assessable via non-invasive "liquid biopsy". While the association of CTCs with poor clinical outcome for cancer patients has clearly been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies, utilizing CTCs for the identification of therapeutic targets, stratification of patients for targeted therapies and uncovering mechanisms of resistance is still under investigation. Here, we comprehensively review the current benefits and drawbacks of clinical CTC analyses for patients with metastatic and non-metastatic tumors. Furthermore, the review focuses on approaches beyond CTC enumeration that aim to uncover therapeutically relevant antigens, genomic aberrations, transcriptional profiles and epigenetic alterations of CTCs at a single cell level. This characterization of CTCs may shed light on the heterogeneity and genomic landscapes of malignant tumors, an understanding of which is highly important for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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8
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Swennenhuis JF, van Dalum G, Zeune LL, Terstappen LWMM. Improving the CellSearch® system. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2016; 16:1291-1305. [PMID: 27797592 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2016.1255144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The CellSearch® CTC test enumerates tumor cells present in 7.5 ml blood of cancer patients. improvements, extensions and different utilities of the cellsearch system are discussed in this paper. Areas covered: This paper describes work performed with the CellSearch system, which go beyond the normal scope of the test. All results from searches with the search term 'CellSearch' from Web of Science and PubMed were categorized and discussed. Expert commentary: The CellSearch Circulating Tumor Cell test captures and identifies tumor cells in blood that are associated with poor clinical outcome. How to best use CTC in clinical practice is being explored in many clinical trials. The ability to extract information from the CTC to guide therapy will expand the potential clinical utility of CTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Swennenhuis
- a Medical Cell BioPhysics , University of Twente , Enschede , The Netherlands
| | - G van Dalum
- a Medical Cell BioPhysics , University of Twente , Enschede , The Netherlands
| | - L L Zeune
- a Medical Cell BioPhysics , University of Twente , Enschede , The Netherlands
| | - L W M M Terstappen
- a Medical Cell BioPhysics , University of Twente , Enschede , The Netherlands
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9
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Mohme M, Riethdorf S, Pantel K. Circulating and disseminated tumour cells - mechanisms of immune surveillance and escape. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2016; 14:155-167. [PMID: 27644321 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2016.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic spread of tumour cells is the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Understanding the mechanisms of tumour-cell dissemination has, therefore, become an important focus for cancer research. In patients with cancer, disseminated cancer cells are often detectable in the peripheral blood as circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and in the bone marrow or lymph nodes as disseminated tumour cells (DTCs). The identification and characterization of CTCs and DTCs has yielded important insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, resulting in a better understanding of the molecular alterations and profiles underlying drug resistance. Given the expanding role of immunotherapies in the treatment of cancer, interactions between tumour cells and immune cells are the subject of intense research. Theoretically, cancer cells that exit the primary tumour site - leaving the protection of the typically immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment - will be more vulnerable to attack by immune effector cells; thus, the survival of tumour cells after dissemination might be the 'Achilles' heel' of metastatic progression. In this Review, we discuss findings relating to the interactions of CTCs and DTCs with the immune system, in the context of cancer immuno-editing, evasion from immune surveillance, and formation of metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Mohme
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Schneble EJ, Berry JS, Trappey FA, Clifton GT, Ponniah S, Mittendorf E, Peoples GE. The HER2 peptide nelipepimut-S (E75) vaccine (NeuVax™) in breast cancer patients at risk for recurrence: correlation of immunologic data with clinical response. Immunotherapy 2015; 6:519-31. [PMID: 24896623 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nelipepimut-S (formerly known as E75) is an immunogenic peptide from the HER2 protein that is highly expressed in breast cancer. The NeuVax™ (Galena, OR, USA) vaccine, nelipepimut-S plus granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, is designed for the prevention of clinical recurrences in high risk, disease-free breast cancer patients. Although cancer vaccines such as NeuVax represent promising approaches to cancer immunotherapy, much remains to be elucidated regarding their mechanisms of action: particularly given that multiple cancer vaccine trials have failed to demonstrate a correlation between immunologic data and clinical outcome. Here, we briefly discuss our clinical trial experience with NeuVax focusing on immunologic response data and its implication on how the immune system may be affected by this peptide vaccine. Most importantly, we demonstrate the potential capability of certain immunologic assays to predict clinical benefit in our trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J Schneble
- San Antonio Military Medical Center, Department of General Surgery, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Gorges TM, Pantel K. Circulating tumor cells as therapy-related biomarkers in cancer patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:931-9. [PMID: 23314304 PMCID: PMC11028833 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1387-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Carcinomas (tumors of epithelial origin) are responsible for most of all new cancers in the industrialized countries. Due to the high mortality rate caused by the metastatic spread of aggressive cancer cells, there is an urgent demand in finding new biomarkers, which should detect early formation of metastases and monitor efficacy of systemic adjuvant therapy in a timely manner. It has been considered that the molecular analysis of cells which are shed from tumors into the blood system (circulating tumor cells (CTCs)) might provide new insights for the clinical management of cancer, probably far earlier than using traditional high-resolution imaging technologies. Clinical trials indicated that CTCs can be deployed for diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic purposes. Furthermore, these cells are discussed to be suitable as predictive markers. In any case, identification of CTCs requires innovative and challenging technologies as detection methods should be specific, sensitive, standardized, and highly reproducible. Although many different approaches have been developed until now, only the CellSearch™ method has been cleared by the American Food and Drug Administration. Although the detection of CTCs has already shown to have a prognostic impact in many tumor entities including breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer, ongoing and future studies are aimed to explore whether CTCs can be used for an individual therapy decision making including novel immunotherapeutic approaches. This review discusses (1) different detection strategies for CTCs, (2) their clinical impact, and (3) the potential use of CTCs guiding the treatment of individual cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias M Gorges
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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12
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Morse MA, Osada T, Hobeika A, Patel S, Lyerly HK. Biomarkers and correlative endpoints for immunotherapy trials. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2013:0011300287. [PMID: 23714525 DOI: 10.14694/edbook_am.2013.33.e287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies for lung cancer are reaching phase III clinical trial, but the ultimate success likely will depend on developing biomarkers to guide development and choosing patient populations most likely to benefit. Because the immune response to cancer involves multiple cell types and cytokines, some spatially and temporally separated, it is likely that multiple biomarkers will be required to fully characterize efficacy of the vaccine and predict eventual benefit. Peripheral blood markers of response, such as the ELISPOT assay and cytokine flow cytometry analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells following immunotherapy, remain the standard approach, but it is increasingly important to obtain tissue to study the immune response at the site of the tumor. Earlier clinical endpoints such as response rate and progression-free survival do not correlate with overall survival demonstrated for some immunotherapies, suggesting the need to develop other intermediary clinical endpoints. Insofar as all these biomarkers and surrogate endpoints are relevant in multiple malignancies, it may be possible to extrapolate findings to immunotherapy of lung cancer.
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Lowes LE, Goodale D, Keeney M, Allan AL. Image Cytometry Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells. Methods Cell Biol 2011; 102:261-90. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-374912-3.00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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14
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Goodale D, Phay C, Postenka CO, Keeney M, Allan AL. Characterization of tumor cell dissemination patterns in preclinical models of cancer metastasis using flow cytometry and laser scanning cytometry. Cytometry A 2009; 75:344-55. [PMID: 18855920 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The inability to sensitively detect metastatic cells in preclinical models of cancer has created challenges for studying metastasis in experimental systems. We previously developed a flow cytometry (FCM) method for quantifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in mouse models of breast cancer. We have adapted this methodology for analysis of tumor dissemination to bone marrow (BM) and lymph node (LN), and for analysis of these samples by laser scanning cytometry (LSC). Our objective was to implement these methodologies for characterization of tumor cell dissemination in preclinical models of cancer metastasis. Human cancer cells were injected into mice via mammary fat pad (MFP; spontaneous metastasis), tail vein (TV; targets lung), or intracardiac (IC; targets bone) routes. At several time points postinjection (4 h to 8 weeks), mice were sacrificed and blood, LNs, and BM were collected. Samples were immunomagnetically enriched and labeled with human leukocytic antigen-fluorescein isothiocyanate and CD45-PE antibodies (FCM/LSC), and propidium iodide (FCM) prior to quantitative analysis. Following MFP injection, CTCs increased over time, as did disseminated cells to the LN. Interestingly, tumor cells also spontaneously disseminated to BM, peaking at 2 weeks postinjection. Following TV injection, CTCs were initially high but decreased rapidly by 1 week before increasing to peak at endpoint. Combined with an observed concurrent increase in disseminated cells to LN and BM, this suggests that tumor cells may shed into the circulation from lung metastases that establish following initial cell delivery. Following IC injection, CTCs increased over time, peaking at 4 weeks. Tumor cells in the BM (most prevalent site of metastasis after IC injection) remained at moderate levels until peaking at endpoint. Combined use of FCM and LSC allows sensitive quantification of disseminated tumor cells in preclinical models of metastasis. These methods will be valuable for future studies aimed at testing new therapeutics in the metastatic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Goodale
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Phase II trial of Belagenpumatucel-L, a TGF-beta2 antisense gene modified allogeneic tumor vaccine in advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Cancer Gene Ther 2009; 16:620-4. [PMID: 19287371 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2009.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In a previous dose escalation trial we demonstrated dose related survival correlation to Belagenpumatucel-L. In order to further evaluate safety and response at the previously defined optimal dose and schedule and to gain preliminary evidence on a hypothesis that the level of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood may correlate with the overall survival of patients with stage IV NSCLC, we initiated a phase II trial. Patients received intradermal immunization of 2.5 x 10(7) transfected allogeneic tumor cells (Belagenpumatucel-L, supplied by NovaRx) 1 x every month for a total of 16 months. Circulating tumor cells (Veridex, Raritan, NJ) were measured every 4 weeks. Twenty-one advanced NSCLC patients were enrolled on this study. No significant toxic effect was observed. Overall survival was 562 days. The median survival was 660 days in patients having less than 2 CTCs at baseline compared to 150 days in patients with 2 or more CTCs (P=0.025). Phase II results of safety and response are consistent with prior experience following treatment with Belagenpumatucel-L and there is a suggestion that the number of circulating tumor cells at baseline appears to correlate with overall survival. A larger clinical trial is warranted to further explore this observation.
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16
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Sieuwerts AM, Kraan J, Bolt J, van der Spoel P, Elstrodt F, Schutte M, Martens JWM, Gratama JW, Sleijfer S, Foekens JA. Anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibodies and the detection of circulating normal-like breast tumor cells. J Natl Cancer Inst 2008; 101:61-6. [PMID: 19116383 PMCID: PMC2639293 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djn419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of specific subtypes of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood of cancer patients can provide information about the biology of metastasis and improve patient management. However, to be effective, the method used to identify circulating tumor cells must detect all tumor cell types. We investigated whether the five subtypes of human breast cancer cells that have been defined by global gene expression profiling—normal-like, basal, HER2-positive, and luminal A and B—were identified by CellSearch, a US Food and Drug Administration–approved test that uses antibodies against the cell surface–expressed epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) to isolate circulating tumor cells. We used global gene expression profiling to determine the subtypes of a well-defined panel of 34 human breast cancer cell lines (15 luminal, nine normal-like, five basal-like, and five Her2-positive). We mixed 50-150 cells from 10 of these cell lines with 7.5 mL of blood from a single healthy human donor, and the mixtures were subjected to the CellSearch test to isolate the breast cancer cells. We found that the CellSearch isolation method, which uses EpCAM on the surface of circulating tumor cells for cell isolation, did not recognize, in particular, normal-like breast cancer cells, which in general have aggressive features. New tests that include antibodies that specifically recognize normal-like breast tumor cells but not cells of hematopoietic origin are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anieta M Sieuwerts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Cancer Genomics Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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17
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Mittendorf EA, Holmes JP, Ponniah S, Peoples GE. The E75 HER2/neu peptide vaccine. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 57:1511-21. [PMID: 18536917 PMCID: PMC11029853 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
E75 (HER2/neu 369-377) is an immunogenic peptide from the HER2/neu protein which is overexpressed in many breast cancer patients. A large amount of preclinical work and a small number of Phase I trials have been completed evaluating the vaccine potential of the E75 peptide mixed with an immunoadjuvant. Our group has performed two concurrent E75 + GM-CSF Phase II trials in node-positive and node-negative disease-free breast cancer patients. These trials, totaling 186 patients, were designed to assess the ability of the E75 vaccine to prevent disease recurrence in these high risk patients. In this review article, we discuss the safety of the vaccine, the immunologic response to the peptide, and most importantly, the potential clinical benefit of the vaccine. The recurrence rate, mortality associated with recurrence, and the distribution of recurrences are presented and discussed. Additionally, the lessons learned from these trials to include optimal dosing and the need for booster inoculations are addressed. We also present data exploring possible explanations and mechanisms behind the potential clinical utility of this simple single epitope vaccine. Finally, we present some of the future directions for our Cancer Vaccine Development Program assessing multi-epitope peptide vaccines and combination immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jarrod P. Holmes
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA USA
- Cancer Vaccine Development Program, Department of Surgery, United States Military Cancer Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Sathibalan Ponniah
- Cancer Vaccine Development Program, Department of Surgery, United States Military Cancer Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - George E. Peoples
- Cancer Vaccine Development Program, Department of Surgery, United States Military Cancer Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
- Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3851 Roger Brooke Drive, Ft. Sam, Houston, TX 78234 USA
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Peoples GE, Holmes JP, Hueman MT, Mittendorf EA, Amin A, Khoo S, Dehqanzada ZA, Gurney JM, Woll MM, Ryan GB, Storrer CE, Craig D, Ioannides CG, Ponniah S. Combined clinical trial results of a HER2/neu (E75) vaccine for the prevention of recurrence in high-risk breast cancer patients: U.S. Military Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Group Study I-01 and I-02. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:797-803. [PMID: 18245541 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE E75 is an immunogenic peptide from the HER2/neu protein, which is overexpressed in many breast cancer patients. We have conducted two overlapping E75 vaccine trials to prevent recurrence in node-positive (NP) and node-negative (NN) breast cancer patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN E75 (HER2/neu 369-377) + granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor was given intradermally to previously treated, disease-free NP breast cancer patients in a dose escalation safety trial and to NN breast cancer patients in a dose optimization study. Local and systemic toxicity was monitored. Immunologic responses were assessed using in vitro assays and in vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. Clinical recurrences were documented. RESULTS One hundred and eighty-six patients were enrolled in the two studies (NP, 95; NN, 91). Human leucocyte antigen A2 (HLA-A2) and HLA-A3 patients were vaccinated (n = 101), whereas all others (n = 85) were followed prospectively as controls. Toxicities were minimal, and a dose-dependent immunologic response to the vaccine was shown. Planned primary analysis revealed a recurrence rate of 5.6% in vaccinated patients compared with 14.2% in the controls (P = 0.04) at a median of 20 months follow-up. As vaccine-specific immunity waned over time, the difference in recurrence lost significance at 26 months median follow-up (8.3% versus 14.8%); however, a significant difference in the pattern of recurrence persisted. CONCLUSIONS E75 is safe and effective in raising a dose-dependent HER2/neu immunity in HLA-A2 and HLA-A3 NP and NN breast cancer patients. More importantly, E75 may reduce recurrences in disease-free, conventionally treated, high-risk breast cancer patients. These findings warrant a prospective, randomized phase III trial of the E75 vaccine with periodic booster to prevent breast cancer recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Peoples
- Department of Surgery, General Surgery Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78234, USA.
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