1
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Rodems TS, Heninger E, Stahlfeld CN, Gilsdorf CS, Carlson KN, Kircher MR, Singh A, Krueger TEG, Beebe DJ, Jarrard DF, McNeel DG, Haffner MC, Lang JM. Reversible epigenetic alterations regulate class I HLA loss in prostate cancer. Commun Biol 2022; 5:897. [PMID: 36050516 PMCID: PMC9437063 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03843-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Downregulation of HLA class I (HLA-I) impairs immune recognition and surveillance in prostate cancer and may underlie the ineffectiveness of checkpoint blockade. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating HLA-I loss in prostate cancer have not been fully explored. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of HLA-I genomic, epigenomic and gene expression alterations in primary and metastatic human prostate cancer. Loss of HLA-I gene expression was associated with repressive chromatin states including DNA methylation, histone H3 tri-methylation at lysine 27, and reduced chromatin accessibility. Pharmacological DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition decreased DNA methylation and increased H3 lysine 27 acetylation and resulted in re-expression of HLA-I on the surface of tumor cells. Re-expression of HLA-I on LNCaP cells by DNMT and HDAC inhibition increased activation of co-cultured prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)27-38-specific CD8+ T-cells. HLA-I expression is epigenetically regulated by functionally reversible DNA methylation and chromatin modifications in human prostate cancer. Methylated HLA-I was detected in HLA-Ilow circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which may serve as a minimally invasive biomarker for identifying patients who would benefit from epigenetic targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara S Rodems
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Erika Heninger
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Charlotte N Stahlfeld
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Cole S Gilsdorf
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Kristin N Carlson
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Madison R Kircher
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Anupama Singh
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Timothy E G Krueger
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 3170 UW Medical Foundation Centennial Building, 1685 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - David F Jarrard
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Douglas G McNeel
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Michael C Haffner
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave, N., Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Joshua M Lang
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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2
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Sakellakis M, Flores L, Ramachandran S. Patterns of indolence in prostate cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:351. [PMID: 35493432 PMCID: PMC9019743 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, most patients will have a relatively indolent clinical course. Contrary to most other types of cancer, even the diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic disease is not always lethal. The present review aimed to summarize what is known regarding the underlying mechanisms related to the indolent course of subsets of prostate cancer, at various stages. The data suggested that no specific gene alteration by itself was responsible for carcinogenesis or disease aggressiveness. However, pathway analysis identified genetic aberrations in multiple critical pathways that tend to accumulate over the course of the disease. The progression from indolence into aggressive disease is associated with a complex interplay in which genetic and epigenetic factors are involved. The effect of the immune tumor microenvironment is also very important. Emerging evidence has suggested that the upregulation of pathways related to cellular aging and senescence can identify patients with indolent disease. In addition, a number of tumors enter a long-lasting quiescent state. Further research will determine whether halting tumor evolution is a feasible option, and whether the life of patients can be markedly prolonged by inducing tumor senescence or long-term dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minas Sakellakis
- Fourth Oncology Department and Comprehensive Clinical Trials Center, Metropolitan Hospital, 18547 Athens, Greece
| | - Laura Flores
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77025, USA
| | - Sumankalai Ramachandran
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77025, USA
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3
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Raskin S, Van Pelt S, Toner K, Balakrishnan PB, Dave H, Bollard CM, Yvon E. Novel TCR-like CAR-T cells targeting an HLA∗0201-restricted SSX2 epitope display strong activity against acute myeloid leukemia. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:296-306. [PMID: 34729377 PMCID: PMC8526777 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2 (SSX2) belongs to a multigene family of cancer-testis antigens and can be found overexpressed in multiple malignancies. Its restricted expression in immune-privileged normal tissues suggest that SSX2 may be a relevant target antigen for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. We have developed a T cell receptor (TCR)-like antibody (Fab/3) that binds SSX2 peptide 41-49 (KASEKIFYV) in the context of HLA-A∗-0201. The sequence of Fab/3 was utilized to engineer a CAR with the CD3 zeta intra-cellular domain along with either a CD28 or 4-1BB costimulatory endodomain. Human T cells from HLA-A2+ donors were transduced to mediate anti-tumor activity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumor cells. Upon challenge with HLA-A2+/SSX2+ AML tumor cells, CAR-expressing T cells released interferon-γ and eliminated the tumor cells in a long-term co-culture assay. Using the HLA-A2+ T2 cell line, we demonstrated a strong specificity of the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) for SSX2 p41-49 and the closely related SSX3 p41-49, with no response against the others SSX-homologous peptides or unrelated homologous peptides. Since SSX3 has not been observed in tumor cells and expression cannot be induced by pharmacological intervention, SSX241-49 represents an attractive target for CAR-based cellular therapy to treat multiple types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Raskin
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Stacey Van Pelt
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Keri Toner
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | | | - Hema Dave
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Eric Yvon
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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4
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Salviano Soares de Amorim Í, Rodrigues JA, Nicolau P, König S, Panis C, de Souza da Fonseca A, Mencalha AL. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine induces a greater inflammatory change, at the molecular levels, in normoxic than hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1161-1169. [PMID: 33547534 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05931-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis, including breast cancer. Low oxygen levels induces global genomic hypomethylation and hypermethylation of specific loci in tumor cells. DNA methylation is a reversible epigenetic modification, usually associated with gene silencing, contributing to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Since the effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor are context-dependent and as there is little data comparing their molecular effects in normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments in breast cancer, this study aimed to understand the gene expression profiles and molecular effects in response to treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor in normoxia and hypoxia, using the breast cancer model. For this, a cDNA microarray was used to analyze the changes in the transcriptome upon treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine: 5-Aza-2'-dC), in normoxia and hypoxia. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry was performed to investigate the effect of 5-Aza-2'-dC on NF-κB/p65 inflammation regulator subcellular localization and expression, in normoxia and hypoxia conditions. We observed that proinflammatory pathways were upregulated by treatment with 5-Aza-2'-dC, in both conditions. However, treatment with 5-Aza-2'-dC in normoxia showed a greater amount of overexpressed proinflammatory pathways than 5-Aza-2'-dC in hypoxia. In this sense, we observed that the NF-κB expression increased only upon 5-Aza-2'-dC in normoxia. Moreover, nuclear staining for NF-κB and NF-κB target genes upregulation, IL1A and IL1B, were also observed after 5-Aza-2'-dC in normoxia. Our results suggest that 5-Aza-2'-dC induces a greater inflammatory change, at the molecular levels, in normoxic than hypoxic tumor microenvironment. These data may support further studies and expand the understanding of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor effects in different tumor contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ísis Salviano Soares de Amorim
- Laboratório de Biologia do Câncer, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Biologia do Câncer, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Nicolau
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra König
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carolina Panis
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tumores, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, UNIOESTE, Francisco Beltrão, PR, Brazil
| | - Adenilson de Souza da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia do Câncer, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andre Luiz Mencalha
- Laboratório de Biologia do Câncer, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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5
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Bever KM, Thomas DL, Zhang J, Diaz Rivera EA, Rosner GL, Zhu Q, Nauroth JM, Christmas B, Thompson ED, Anders RA, Judkins C, Liu M, Jaffee EM, Ahuja N, Zheng L, Azad NS. A feasibility study of combined epigenetic and vaccine therapy in advanced colorectal cancer with pharmacodynamic endpoint. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:25. [PMID: 33531075 PMCID: PMC7856736 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic therapies may modulate the tumor microenvironment. We evaluated the safety and optimal sequence of combination DNA methyltransferase inhibitor guadecitabine with a granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF) secreting colon cancer (CRC) vaccine (GVAX) using a primary endpoint of change in CD45RO + T cells. 18 patients with advanced CRC enrolled, 11 underwent paired biopsies and were evaluable for the primary endpoint. No significant increase in CD45RO + cells was noted. Grade 3-4 toxicities were expected and manageable. Guadecitabine + GVAX was tolerable but demonstrated no significant immunologic activity in CRC. We report a novel trial design to efficiently evaluate investigational therapies with a primary pharmacodynamic endpoint.Trial registry Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01966289. Registered 21 October, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Bever
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Dwayne L Thomas
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ernie A Diaz Rivera
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Gary L Rosner
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Julie M Nauroth
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Brian Christmas
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Thompson
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Anders
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol Judkins
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Meizheng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Nita Ahuja
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Departments of Surgery, Oncology, and Pathology, Smilow Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nilofer S Azad
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Office 4M10, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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6
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Jones HF, Molvi Z, Klatt MG, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Empirical and Rational Design of T Cell Receptor-Based Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 11:585385. [PMID: 33569049 PMCID: PMC7868419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of T cells reactive with intracellular tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens has been a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapies in the past three decades, but the approach has been constrained by a limited understanding of the T cell receptor’s (TCR) complex functions and specificities. Newer TCR and T cell-based approaches are in development, including engineered adoptive T cells with enhanced TCR affinities, TCR mimic antibodies, and T cell-redirecting bispecific agents. These new therapeutic modalities are exciting opportunities by which TCR recognition can be further exploited for therapeutic benefit. In this review we summarize the development of TCR-based therapeutic strategies and focus on balancing efficacy and potency versus specificity, and hence, possible toxicity, of these powerful therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather F Jones
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Martin G Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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7
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Li XF, Ren P, Shen WZ, Jin X, Zhang J. The expression, modulation and use of cancer-testis antigens as potential biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:7002-7019. [PMID: 33312347 PMCID: PMC7724325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-testis antigens (CTA) are tumor antigens, present in the germ cells of testes, ovaries and trophoblasts, which undergo deregulated expression in the tumor and malignant cells. CTA genes are either X-linked or autosomal, favourably expressed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, respectively. CTAs trigger unprompted humoral immunity and immune responses in malignancies, altering tumor cell physiology and neoplastic behaviors. CTAs demonstrate varied expression profile, with increased abundance in malignant melanoma and prostate, lung, breast and epithelial cell cancers, and a relatively reduced prevalence in intestinal cancer, renal cell adenocarcinoma and malignancies of immune cells. A combination of epigenetic and non-epigenetic agents regulates CTA mRNA expression, with the key participation of CpG islands and CpG-rich promoters, histone methyltransferases, cytokines, tyrosine kinases and transcriptional activators and repressors. CTA triggers gametogenesis, in association with mutated tumorigenic genes and tumor repressors. The CTAs function as potential biomarkers, particularly for prostate, cervical, breast, colorectal, gastric, urinary bladder, liver and lung carcinomas, characterized by alternate splicing and phenotypic heterogeneity in the cells. Additionally, CTAs are prospective targets for vaccine therapy, with the MAGE-A3 and NYESO-1 undergoing clinical trials for tumor regression in malignant melanoma. They have been deemed important for adaptive immunotherapy, marked by limited expression in normal somatic tissues and recurrent up-regulation in epithelial carcinoma. Overall, the current review delineates an up-dated understanding of the intricate processes of CTA expression and regulation in cancer. It further portrays the role of CTAs as biomarkers and probable candidates for tumor immunotherapy, with a future prospect in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, P. R. China
| | - Ping Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Zhang Shen
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, P. R. China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun, P. R. China
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8
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Zhong G, Jin G, Zeng W, Yu C, Li Y, Zhou J, Zhang L, Yu L. Conjugation of TLR7 Agonist Combined with Demethylation Treatment Improves Whole-Cell Tumor Vaccine Potency in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:2346-2356. [PMID: 32922200 PMCID: PMC7484644 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.49983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant hematological disease with high refractory rate. Immune escape of AML cells is one of the underlying mechanisms mediating the relapse of the cancers. Various immunotherapies based on the 'patients' immune response to tumor cells have been developed to targeting the immune escape of AML cells, which lead to the minimal residual disease (MRD) after treatment. But the efficacy of those treatments or the combination of treatments remains unsatisfactory. Methods: A Toll-like receptor (TLR)-7 agonist SZU-106 was chemically synthesized. SZU-106 was conjugated to Decitabine (DAC), a demethylation agent, treated AML cells to construct tumor vaccine. The potency of the newly constructed AML cell vaccine, SZU-106-DAC-AML was tested in vitro and in vivo for the expression of tumor antigens and the activation level of immune responses. Results: Compared to the well characterized TLR7 agonist R848, SZU-106 has a comparable potency to activate TLR7 signaling pathway. SZU-106-DAC-AML, constructed by conjugating SZU-106 to DAC treated tumor cells, exhibited increased expression of tumor antigens, and enhanced the activation of DC cells and T cells in vitro and in vivo. The result of xenograft tumor model showed that SZU-106-DAC-AML tumor vaccine greatly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged animal survival. Conclusions: Conjugation of TLR7 agonist combined with up-regulation of tumor antigen expression improved the effectiveness of whole-cell tumor vaccine in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Zhong
- Department of Hematology and BMT center, the first Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital. Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guangyi Jin
- Carson International Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518037, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Changhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Hematology and BMT center, the first Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital. Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Carson International Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518037, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Carson International Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518037, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and BMT center, the first Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital. Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
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9
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Nielsen AY, Ormhøj M, Traynor S, Gjerstorff MF. Augmenting engineered T-cell strategies in solid cancers through epigenetic priming. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2169-2178. [PMID: 32648166 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR)- and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based adoptive cell transfer (ACT) has shown promising results in hematological malignancies, but remains immature in solid cancers. The challenges associated with identification of tumor-specific targets, the heterogenic antigen expression, limited T-cell trafficking to tumor sites and the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), are all factors contributing to the limited efficacy of ACT therapies against solid tumors. Epigenetic priming of tumor cells and the microenvironment may be a way of overcoming these obstacles and improving the clinical efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies in the future. Here, we review the current literature and suggest combining epigenetic modulators and ACT strategies as a way of augmenting the efficacy of TCR- and CAR-engineered T cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaraby Y Nielsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Ormhøj
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Traynor
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten F Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. .,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. .,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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10
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Lobo J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Targeting the Immune system and Epigenetic Landscape of Urological Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E829. [PMID: 32012885 PMCID: PMC7037817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, we have witnessed remarkable advances in targeted therapies for cancer patients. There is a growing effort to either replace or reduce the dose of unspecific, systemic (chemo)therapies, given the associated short- and long-term side effects, by introducing more specific targeted therapies as single or combination agents. Due to the well-known implications of the immune system and epigenetic landscape in modulating cancer development, both have been explored as potential targets in several malignancies, including those affecting the genitourinary tract. As the immune system function is also epigenetically regulated, there is rationale for combining both strategies. However, this is still rather underexplored, namely in urological tumors. We aim to briefly review the use of immune therapies in prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer, and further describe studies providing supporting evidence on their combination with epigenetic-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
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11
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Vitkin N, Nersesian S, Siemens DR, Koti M. The Tumor Immune Contexture of Prostate Cancer. Front Immunol 2019; 10:603. [PMID: 30984182 PMCID: PMC6447686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
One in seven men in North America is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) during their lifetime (1, 2). While a wide range of treatment options including surgery, radiation, androgen deprivation and chemotherapy have been in practice for the last few decades, there are limited treatment options for metastatic and treatment resistant disease. Immunotherapy targeting T-cell associated immune checkpoints such as CTLA-4, PD-L1, and PD-1 have not yet proven to be efficacious in PCa. Tumor mutational burden, mutations in DNA damage repair genes, immune cell composition and density in combination with their spatial organization, and expression of immune checkpoint proteins are some of the factors influencing the success of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. The paucity of these features in PCa potentially makes them unresponsive to contemporary immune checkpoint inhibition. In this review, we highlight the hallmark events in the PCa tumor immune microenvironment and provide insights into the current state of knowledge in this field with a focus on the role of tumor cell intrinsic events that potentially regulate immune related events and determine therapeutic outcomes. We surmise that the cumulative impact of factors such as the pre-treatment immune status, PTEN expression, DNA damage repair gene mutations, and the effects of conventionally used treatments on the anti-tumor immune response should be considered in immunotherapy trial design in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Vitkin
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - David Robert Siemens
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Urology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Madhuri Koti
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Urology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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12
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Epigenetic regulation of MAGE family in human cancer progression-DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:115. [PMID: 30185218 PMCID: PMC6126015 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanoma antigen gene (MAGE) proteins are a group of highly conserved family members that contain a common MAGE homology domain. Type I MAGEs are relevant cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), and originally considered as attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy due to their typically high expression in tumor tissues but restricted expression in normal adult tissues. Here, we reviewed the recent discoveries and ideas that illustrate the biological functions of MAGE family in cancer progression. Furthermore, we also highlighted the current understanding of the epigenetic mechanism of MAGE family expression in human cancers.
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13
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Alaia C, Boccellino M, Zappavigna S, Amler E, Quagliuolo L, Rossetti S, Facchini G, Caraglia M. Ipilimumab for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:205-213. [PMID: 29271259 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1420777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is beginning to be recognized as a valid weapon for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) when chemotherapy fails. Ipilimumab (ipi) is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of CTLA4. It also has a molecular weight of 148 kDa and is water-soluble at physiological pH. Ipi was first approved by the FDA for the treatment of malignant melanoma and is currently being studied in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, with promising early results. Areas covered: The aim of this review is to collate the most significant preclinical and clinical studies available that look at ipi to propose new strategies for the future. Expert opinion: Additional studies are required to reduce toxicity and increase the activity of ipi in PCa. A possible strategy is to combine ipi with standard anti-cancer therapeutics such as vaccines, PDL1 inhibitors, antiandrogen drugs, and chemotherapy agents. Several initial results have suggested that combination strategies are useful to increase the activity in mCRPC, even if the toxicity of the treatment can increase. The activity of combined treatments is still not predictable, but considering the ongoing studies, we believe that they have good potential that will lead to the discovery of an optimal therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Alaia
- a Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology , University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- a Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology , University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
| | - Silvia Zappavigna
- a Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology , University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
| | - Evzen Amler
- b Department of Biophysics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine , Charles University Prague , Prague , Czech Republic.,c Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Institute of Experimental Medicine , Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Lucio Quagliuolo
- a Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology , University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- d Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology , Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale" , Napoli , Italy.,e Progetto ONCONET2.0 - Linea progettuale 14 per l'implementazione della prevenzione e diagnosi precoce del tumore alla prostata e testicolo, Uro-Gynaechological Department of the National Institute of Tumours "G. Pascale", Regione Campania , Naples , Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- d Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology , Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale" , Napoli , Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- a Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology , University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
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14
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Pierini S, Perales-Linares R, Uribe-Herranz M, Pol JG, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Facciabene A, Galluzzi L. Trial watch: DNA-based vaccines for oncological indications. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1398878. [PMID: 29209575 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1398878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-based vaccination is a promising approach to cancer immunotherapy. DNA-based vaccines specific for tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are indeed relatively simple to produce, cost-efficient and well tolerated. However, the clinical efficacy of DNA-based vaccines for cancer therapy is considerably limited by central and peripheral tolerance. During the past decade, considerable efforts have been devoted to the development and characterization of novel DNA-based vaccines that would circumvent this obstacle. In this setting, particular attention has been dedicated to the route of administration, expression of modified TAAs, co-expression of immunostimulatory molecules, and co-delivery of immune checkpoint blockers. Here, we review preclinical and clinical progress on DNA-based vaccines for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pierini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Renzo Perales-Linares
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mireia Uribe-Herranz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan G Pol
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,INSERM, Villejuif, France.,Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT), Villejuif, France.,Université Paris Sud/Paris XI, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,INSERM, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pôle de Biologie, Hopitâl Européen George Pompidou, AP-HP; Paris, France
| | - Andrea Facciabene
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, France.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Bull JMC. A review of immune therapy in cancer and a question: can thermal therapy increase tumor response? Int J Hyperthermia 2017; 34:840-852. [PMID: 28974121 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2017.1387938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune therapy is a successful cancer treatment coming into its own. This is because checkpoint molecules, adoptive specific lymphocyte transfer and chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR-T) therapy are able to induce more durable responses in an increasing number of malignancies compared to chemotherapy. In addition, immune therapies are able to treat bulky disease, whereas standard cytotoxic therapies cannot treat large tumour burdens. Checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibodies are becoming widely used in the clinic and although more complex, adoptive lymphocyte transfer and CAR-T therapies show promise. We are learning that there are nuances to predicting the successful use of the checkpoint inhibitors as well as to specific-antigen adoptive and CAR-T therapies. We are also newly aware of a here-to-fore unrealised natural force, the status of the microbiome. However, despite better understanding of mechanisms of action of the new immune therapies, the best responses to the new immune therapies remain 20-30%. Likely the best way to improve this somewhat low response rate for patients is to increase the patient's own immune response. Thermal therapy is a way to do this. All forms of thermal therapy, from fever-range systemic thermal therapy, to high-temperature HIFU and even cryotherapy improve the immune response pre-clinically. It is time to test the immune therapies with thermal therapy in vivo to test for optimal timing of the combinations that will best enhance tumour response and then to begin to test the immune therapies with thermal therapy in the clinic as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan M C Bull
- a Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine , The University of Texas Medical School at Houston , Houston , TX , USA
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