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Xiong D, Zhang K, Xu M. Prognostic factors of nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Panminerva Med 2023; 65:506-510. [PMID: 33860654 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.21.04282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally, and a major unresolved medical issue. According to the guideline recommendations of the European Association for the Study of the Liver in 2018 and the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Guideline, nivolumab is a reasonable option for appropriate advanced stage HCC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We searched the PubMed, Embase and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases for all articles within a range of published years from 2010 to 2020 of nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and carried out this meta-analysis on all published studies to estimate prognostic factors of nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Finally, 6 studies with 627 advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with nivolumab met the inclusion criteria for this study. Our results indicated that α-fetoprotein (AFP), eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, Child‑Pugh Class, portal vein invasion, protein induced by vitamin K absence‑II (PIVKA‑II), and albumin‑bilirubin (ALBI) score were prognostic factor of nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma; however, hepatitis C virus (HBV) infection, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and extrahepatic metastasis were not significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis indicated the potential prognostic factor of nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. However, ongoing clinical and translational research may provide us a better understanding of the prognostic factor and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan, China
| | - Kui Zhang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Pathology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingqing Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China -
- Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan, China
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To JC, Gao S, Li XX, Zhao Y, Keng VW. Sorafenib Resistance Contributed by IL7 and MAL2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Can Be Overcome by Autophagy-Inducing Stapled Peptides. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5280. [PMID: 37958451 PMCID: PMC10650575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance poses a great challenge in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with resistance to anti-cancer drugs, such as Sorafenib, remain unclear. In this study, we use transposon insertional mutagenesis to generate Sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines in order to identify potential drug resistant causative genes. Interleukin 7 (IL7) and mal, T cell differentiation protein 2 (MAL2) were identified as candidate genes that promote survival by activating JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Sorafenib-resistant cells exhibited higher clonogenic survival and lower drug sensitivity due to IL7 and MAL2 upregulation. Higher anti-apoptotic effect, clonogenic survival and increased PI3K/AKT/STAT3 activities were observed in IL7 and MAL2 co-overexpressing cells compared with controls or cells overexpressing IL7 or MAL2 individually. Given the critical role of MAL2 in endocytosis, we propose that MAL2 might facilitate the endocytic trafficking of IL7 and its cognate receptors to the plasma membrane, which leads to upregulated JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and Sorafenib resistance. Additionally, our previous studies showed that an autophagy-inducing stapled peptide promoted the endolysosomal degradation of c-MET oncogene and overcame adaptive Sorafenib resistance in c-MET+ HCC cells. In this study, we demonstrate that these stapled peptides readily induced autophagy and inhibited the proliferation of both wild-type and Sorafenib-resistant HCC cells co-overexpressing both IL7 and MAL2. Furthermore, these peptides showed synergistic cytotoxicity with Sorafenib in drug-resistant HCC cells co-overexpressing both IL7 and MAL2. Our studies suggest that targeting autophagy may be a novel strategy to overcome IL7/MAL2-mediated Sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C. To
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518057, China; (J.C.T.); (X.-X.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Shan Gao
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518057, China; (J.C.T.); (X.-X.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Li
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518057, China; (J.C.T.); (X.-X.L.)
| | - Yanxiang Zhao
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518057, China; (J.C.T.); (X.-X.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent W. Keng
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518057, China; (J.C.T.); (X.-X.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of New Advances with Focus on Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy. LIVERS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/livers3010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
With an expected incidence of more than 1 million cases by 2025, liver cancer remains a problem for world health. With over 90% of cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent kind of liver cancer. In this review, we presented the range of experimental therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC, the successes and failures of new treatments, areas for future development, the evaluation of dose-limiting toxicity in different drugs, and the safety profile in patients with liver dysfunction related to the underlying chronic liver disease. In addition to the unmet demand for biomarkers to guide treatment decisions and the burgeoning fields of immunotherapy and systemic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma, the development of old and new drugs, including their failures and current advancements, has been reviewed. This review aims to evaluate the updated optimal clinical treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinomas in clinical practice, mainly through targeted therapy. Although surgical treatment can significantly enhance the survival probability of early and intermediate-stage patients, it is unsuitable for most HCC patients due to a lack of donors. Due to their severe toxicity, the few first-line anti-HCC drugs, such as sorafenib, are often reserved for advanced HCC patients for whom other therapies have failed. The second-line drugs are usually alternatives for patients with intolerance or resistance. Consequently, the ongoing growth of possible preclinical drugs and studies on miRNAs, lncRNAs, and numerous other signaling pathway targets for developing novel drugs may introduce additional treatment prospects for HCC.
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Zou H, Lei Q, Yan X, Lai Y, Ung COL, Hu H. Clinical Outcomes Associated with Monotherapy and Combination Therapy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Real-World Practice: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:260. [PMID: 36612256 PMCID: PMC9818755 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-based therapy has recently been demonstrated to greatly ameliorate survival outcomes in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes of ICIs-based monotherapy and combination therapy as first-line treatment of adults with advanced HCC in real-world practice by conducting a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to 25 April 2022. Retrospective or prospective real-world studies evaluating progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of patients with advanced HCC receiving first-line ICIs-based therapy were included. RESULTS Of 7805 studies retrieved, 38 were deemed eligible for inclusion. For patients receiving first-line ICIs-based therapy in real-world practice, the pooled median PFS and OS were 7.03 (95% CI: 5.55-8.51) and 14.39 (95% CI: 10.91-17.86) months. The ORR and DCR were 0.432 (95% CI: 0.327-0.538) and 0.756 (95% CI: 0.677-0.836), according to mRECIST 1.1, 0.317 (95% CI: 0.218-0.416) and 0.740 (95% CI: 0.644-0.835), judged by RECIST 1.1. The best outcomes of survival and response rate were observed in ICIs-based combination therapy of ICIs, TKIs, plus LRTs. Furthermore, ORR, DCR judged by mRECIST 1.1, and PFS could be potential prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS This research revealed diversified first-line ICIs-based therapies for advanced HCC in real-world practice. Future studies are needed to adopt prospective, multicentric and comparative designs to test the ICIs-based combination therapies, especially triple therapies of ICIs, TKIs, plus LRTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qing Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yunfeng Lai
- School of Public Health and Management, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Safety, efficacy, and tolerability of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Surg Oncol 2022; 42:101748. [DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2022.101748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Tian S, Hu Y, Yang C, Yu J, Liu J, Xuan G, Liu Y, Sun K, Zhang M, Ma S, Shang Y, Zhou X, Han Y. A novel immune checkpoint-related gene signature for hepatocellular carcinoma to predict clinical outcomes and therapeutic response. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:4719-4736. [PMID: 35430837 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) have recently been proven to perform instrumental functions in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and represent a promising therapeutic strategy; however, their expression patterns and prognostic values are not fully elucidated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this investigation, we focused on establishing and validating a prognostic gene signature to facilitate decision-making in clinical practice. Clinical information, as well as transcriptome data, was obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox method were employed to build a multi-gene signature in the TCGA database, while the ICGC database was used for validation. Subsequently, utilizing the six-gene signature, we were able to categorize patients into high- and low-risk groups. In two cohorts, survival analysis findings revealed a dismal outlook for the high-risk group. The receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to estimate the gene signature's prediction ability. Moreover, correlation analysis showed high-risk group was linked to advanced pathological stage, infiltration of immune cells and therapeutic response. In summary, this unique gene profile might serve not only as a useful prognostic indicator but also as a marker of therapy responsiveness in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yinan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Chunmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jiahao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Guoyun Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Keshuai Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Air Force Hospital from Eastern Theater of PLA, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Shuoyi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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Swersky A, Kulik L, Kalyan A, Grace K, Caicedo JC, Lewandowski RJ, Salem R. Contemporary Algorithm for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 2021: The Northwestern Approach. Semin Intervent Radiol 2021; 38:432-437. [PMID: 34629710 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735528] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality around the world. Frequently, concurrent liver dysfunction and variations in tumor burden make it difficult to design effective and standardized treatment pathways. Contemporary treatment guidelines designed for an era of personalized medicine should consider these features in a more clinically meaningful way to improve outcomes for patients across the HCC spectrum. Given the heterogeneity of HCC, we propose a detailed clinical algorithm for selecting optimal treatment using an evidence-based and practical approach, incorporating liver function, tumor burden, the extent of disease, and ultimate treatment intent, with the goal of individualizing clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Swersky
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Laura Kulik
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aparna Kalyan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Karen Grace
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Juan Carlos Caicedo
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert J Lewandowski
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Riad Salem
- Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Wang X, Liu G, Chen S, Bi H, Xia F, Feng K, Ma K, Ni B. Combination therapy with PD-1 blockade and radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 38:1519-1528. [PMID: 34702122 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1991011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate whether combined therapy with PD-1 blockade (anti-PD-1) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is superior to RFA monotherapy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 127 patients who underwent anti-PD-1 plus RFA treatment (n = 41) or RFA alone (n = 86) for recurrent HCC were included in this retrospective study. A matched cohort comprising 40 patients from each group was selected after propensity score matching analysis. Clinical data including post-RFA HCC recurrence (primary endpoint), overall survival (OS) (secondary endpoint), adverse events, and toxic effects were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS The 1-year recurrence-free survival rates for the anti-PD-1 plus RFA and RFA groups were 32.5% and 10.0% after propensity score matching. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the recurrence-free survival rate (p = 0.001) and OS rate (p = 0.016). Tumor number, tumor-node metastasis (TNM) stage, antiviral therapy, and anti-PD-1 treatment were demonstrated to be important factors associated with 1-year recurrence-free survival probability by univariate and multivariate analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that tumor number, TNM stage and anti-PD-1 treatment were significant prognostic factors for OS. RFA treatment-related adverse events included pleural effusions that require drainage and a mild or moderate increase in body temperature. Grade 3 or higher events related to anti-PD-1 treatment occurred in 12.8% (6) of patients and were infrequent. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy with anti-PD-1 plus RFA was superior to RFA alone in improving survival in patients with recurrent HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Huaqiang Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Kuansheng Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Efficacy of Sorafenib Combined with Interventional Therapy on Primary Liver Cancer Patients and Its Effect on Serum AFP, VEGF, and GGT. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9120265. [PMID: 34434234 PMCID: PMC8382533 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9120265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the efficacy of sorafenib combined with interventional therapy on primary liver cancer (PLC) patients and its effect on serum AFP, VEGF, and GGT. Methods 120 PLC patients admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to January 2020 were selected as the research object and divided into group A and group B according to the admission order, with 60 cases each. Interventional therapy was performed to both groups, and sorafenib was given to group A additionally to compare their treatment effect, survival, adverse reaction rate (ARR), and serum AFP, VEGF, and GGT levels. Results After treatment, group A obtained significantly higher objective remission rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) (p < 0.05), higher one-year survival rate and two-year survival rate (p < 0.05), lower ARR of skin reactions, gastrointestinal reactions, hepatorenal reactions, and hyperbilirubinemia (p < 0.05), and lower serum AFP, VEGF, and GGT levels (p < 0.001). Conclusion The combination of sorafenib and interventional therapy can inhibit the growth and migration of PLC, improve the immune function, prolong the survival period of patients, and lower ARR, so it should be promoted in practice.
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Wang W, Yin Q, Guo S, Wang J. NEIL3 contributes toward the carcinogenesis of liver cancer and regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1053. [PMID: 34434267 PMCID: PMC8353638 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the top three fatal types of cancer and it causes several thousands of mortalities each year. The main treatment is surgical resection which shows little benefit for patients with recurrence or metastasis. NEIL3 promotes progression and predicts survival in cancer. However, its role in liver cancer remains unclear. Based on data in the TCGA database, NEIL3 exhibited much higher expression in liver cancer tissues and was clinically correlated with tumor grade in patients with liver cancer. Furthermore, high NEIL3 expression caused shorter survival times. In liver cancer cell lines, NEIL3 showed abundant expression. When NEIL3 was knocked down in HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, cell abilities including proliferation, growth, migration and invasion, exhibited deficiency to different extents. Cell cycle transition was blocked at the G2 phase and the cell apoptotic rate increased notably. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of Akt, PI3K and mTOR were increased following NEIL3-overexpression but decreased following NEIL3-knockdown. In conclusion, NEIL3 contributes toward development and/or progression in liver cancer and regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Wang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Medical Education, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Guo
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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Wang R, Lin N, Mao B, Wu Q. The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis based on 40 cohorts incorporating 3697 individuals. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 148:1195-1210. [PMID: 34297207 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Electronic databases were scanned to identify relevant trials. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and their prognostic factors. Stratified analyses were accomplished on ICIs agent and evaluation criteria. RESULTS Totally, 3697 individuals from 40 cohorts were recruited. For patients treated with ICIs, the pooled median time to progression (TTP) was 8.0 months, median PFS 4.9 months, and median OS 12.0 months; the pooled median PFS and OS of ICIs plus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents (PFS: 6.3 months, OS: 16.4 months) were longer than those of ICIs alone. Furthermore, Child-Pugh stage (HR = 1.37, P = 0.0123) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) (HR = 1.40, P = 0.0016) were prognostic factors for PFS. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (HR = 0.71, P = 0.0356), Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (HR = 1.17, P < 0.0001), Child-Pugh stage (HR = 1.58, P < 0.0001), Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage (HR = 1.23, P = 0.0005), ECOG (HR = 1.50, P = 0.0012), portal vein invasion (HR = 1.32, P = 0.0053), extrahepatic metastasis (HR = 0.84, P = 0.0047), best response (HR = 0.58, P < 0.0001), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (HR = 1.23, P = 0.0451) were the prognostic factors for OS. According to both RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) rate of ICIs plus anti-VEGF agents were better than those of ICIs alone. The overall rate of any grade adverse events (AEs) was 0.76 (95% CI 0.61-0.89), grade 3 or higher AEs was 0.28 (95% CI 0.15-0.42), and the rate of AEs leading to treatment discontinuation was 0.09 (95% CI 0.06-0.12). CONCLUSIONS The ICIs was promising in HCC with good efficacy and tolerated toxicity. Compared with ICIs monotherapy, the joint application of ICIs and anti-VEGF agents can contribute a lot more benefits to the survival of patients according to clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rixiong Wang
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No. 20, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Binbin Mao
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No. 20, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Qing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No. 20, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
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Zhong X, Liao H, Hu S, Luo K, Zhu H. The diterpenoid adenanthin upregulates the expression of natural killer group 2D receptor ligands in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Cell Probes 2021; 59:101759. [PMID: 34265372 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2021.101759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The natural killer (NK) group 2D (NKG2D) receptor plays a crucial role in NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. NKG2D anti-proliferative effect is mediated by direct interactions of the receptor with its ligands that may be considered as a potential target for NK-based immunotherapeutic strategy in cancer cells. METHODS Here we report that a natural product adenanthin significantly promotes NKG2D ligands expression in hepatoma cells. The effect was determined using flow cytometry analysis. The activity of NK cell was evaluated by measuring its degranulation activity and cytotoxicity. RESULTS Our data indicates that the induction of NKG2D ligand binding to liver cancer cell surface receptors greatly improves the killing activity of NK cells against the cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of a new mechanism anti-cancer effects of adenanthin mediated by an indirect activation of NK cells. Our data suggests that adenanthin may be used to sensitize NK cells in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhong
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China
| | - Hongqun Liao
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China
| | - Shaowen Hu
- College of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China
| | - Kaiyuan Luo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China; Children's Medical Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China.
| | - Huifang Zhu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China; Children's Medical Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China.
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Zou F, Tan J, Liu T, Liu B, Tang Y, Zhang H, Li J. The CD39 + HBV surface protein-targeted CAR-T and personalized tumor-reactive CD8 + T cells exhibit potent anti-HCC activity. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1794-1807. [PMID: 33484968 PMCID: PMC8116602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CD39, expressed by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), is a marker to identify tumor-reactive T cells, which is frequently associated with stronger antitumor activity than bystander T cells in a variety of malignancies. Therefore, CD39 could be a promising marker for identifying the active antitumor immune cells used for cellular immunotherapy. To test this possibility, we constructed the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface protein-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells (HBVs-CAR-T cells) and generated the personalized tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. We subsequently assessed their antitumor efficiency mainly with a co-culture system for autologous HBVs+ HCC organoid and T cells. We found that both CD39+ HBVs-CAR-T and CD39+ personalized tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells induced much more apoptosis in HCC organoids. Although the exhaustion status of CAR-T cells increased in CD39+ CAR-T cells, triple knockdown of PD-1, Tim-3, and Lag-3 with shRNAs further enhanced antitumor activity in CD39+ CAR-T cells. Furthermore, these CD39+ CAR-T cells exerted an increased secretion of interferon-γ and stronger antitumor effect in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model. Our findings demonstrated that CD39 could be a promising biomarker to enrich active immune cells and become an indicator marker for evaluating the prognosis of immunotherapy for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zou
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China; Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jizhou Tan
- Department of Interventional Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yaping Tang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China; Department of Neurobiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Department of Imaging, Affiliated Hospital 3, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Jiaping Li
- Department of Interventional Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
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Zan J, Zhao X, Deng X, Ding H, Wang B, Lu M, Wei Z, Huang Z, Wang S. Paraspeckle Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immune Escape by Sequestering IFNGR1 mRNA. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:465-487. [PMID: 33667716 PMCID: PMC8255817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of hepatic malignancies, with poor prognosis and low survival rate. Paraspeckles, which are unique subnuclear structures, are recently found to be involved in the development of various tumors, including HCC, and are related to induction in chemoresistance of HCC. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of paraspeckle in HCC cells participating in immune escape and its underlying mechanism in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Expression of NEAT1_2, the framework of paraspeckle, in HCC cells and tissues was detected by qRT-PCR and RNA-FISH. mRNAs interacted with NEAT1_2 were pull-downed and sequenced in C-terminal S1-aptamer-tagged NEAT1_2 endogenously expressed HCC cells constructed using CRISPR-CAS9 knock-in technology. The effects of paraspeckle on HCC sensitivity to T-cell-mediated cytolysis were detected by T-cell mediated tumor cell killing assay. The roles of NEAT1_2 or NONO on IFNGR1 expression and IFN-γ signaling by applying gene function loss analysis in HCC cells were detected by qRT-PCR, RNA immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and ELISA. The role of paraspeckle during adoptive T-cell transfer therapy for HCC in vivo was performed with a subcutaneous xenograft mouse. RESULTS Paraspeckle in HCC cells is negatively related to T-cell-mediated cytolysis. Destruction of paraspeckle in HCC cells by knockdown of NEAT1_2 or NONO significantly improved the sensibility of resistant HCC cells to T-cell killing effects. Furthermore, IFNGR1 mRNA, which is sequestered by NEAT1_2 and NONO, is abundant in paraspeckle of T-cell killing-resistant HCC cells. Incapable IFN-γ-IFNGR1 signaling accounts for paraspeckle mediated-adoptive T-cell therapy resistance. Moreover, NEAT1_2 expression negatively correlates with IFNGR1 expression in clinical HCC tissues. CONCLUSIONS Paraspeckle in HCC cells helps tumor cells escape from immunosurveillance through sequestering IFNGR1 mRNA to inhibiting IFN-γ-IFNGR1 signaling, thereby avoiding T-cell killing effects. Collectively, our results hint that NEAT1_2 highly expressed HCC patient is more resistant to T-cell therapy in clinic, and NEAT1_2 may be potential target for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zan
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou
| | - Xuya Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang
| | - Xiya Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou
| | - Hongda Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bi Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Minyi Lu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou
| | - Zijing Wei
- Department of interventional radiology, the Affiliated Hosptial of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Department of interventional radiology, the Affiliated Hosptial of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou.
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15
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Mavroudis A, Cholongitas E. Long-Term Survival under Arterial Chemoembolization and Sorafenib of a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Tumor Atrial Thrombus: A Case Report and Literature Review. Gastrointest Tumors 2020; 7:156-162. [PMID: 33173780 DOI: 10.1159/000509186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered to be the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-associated death globally. HCC might be associated, especially in advanced stages, with the formation of tumor thrombus (TT), which can be located in the portal vein, as well as in hepatic and/or inferior vena cava (IVC) veins. Nevertheless, the extension of TT to the right atrium (RA) is infrequent with an unfavorable prognosis. We present a rare case of a male patient with HCC and IVC TT extending to the RA. The atrial thrombus was the first manifestation of HCC diagnosed by cardiac ultrasound. So far, the patient has undergone 4 courses of transarterial chemoembolization in combination with systemic therapy with sorafenib, and under this therapeutic approach long-term survival has been achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Mavroudis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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16
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Clinical benefits of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatol Int 2020; 14:765-775. [DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Qiu LW, Liu YF, Cao XQ, Wang Y, Cui XH, Ye X, Huang SW, Xie HJ, Zhang HJ. Annexin A2 promotion of hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis via the immune microenvironment. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:2126-2137. [PMID: 32476780 PMCID: PMC7235202 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i18.2126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a dismal prognosis, especially when diagnosed at advanced stages. Annexin A2 (ANXA2), is found to promote cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. However, the underlining mechanisms of ANXA2 in immune escape of HCC remain poorly understood up to now. Herein, we summarized the molecular function of ANXA2 in HCC and its relationship with prognosis. Furthermore, we tentatively elucidated the underlying mechanism of ANXA2 immune escape of HCC by upregulating the proportion of regulatory T cells and the expression of several inhibitory molecules, and by downregulating the proportion of natural killer cells and dendritic cells and the expression of several inhibitory molecules or effector molecules. We expect a lot of in-depth studies to further reveal the underlying mechanism of ANXA2 in immune escape of HCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Wei Qiu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Fei Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University (Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute), Beijing 101149, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Emergency Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Xian Ye
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shuo-Wen Huang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong-Jun Xie
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Jian Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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