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Pinjusic K, Ambrosini G, Lourenco J, Fournier N, Iseli C, Guex N, Egorova O, Nassiri S, Constam DB. Inhibition of anti-tumor immunity by melanoma cell-derived Activin-A depends on STING. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1335207. [PMID: 38304252 PMCID: PMC10830842 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1335207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family member activin A (hereafter Activin-A) is overexpressed in many cancer types, often correlating with cancer-associated cachexia and poor prognosis. Activin-A secretion by melanoma cells indirectly impedes CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity and promotes resistance to immunotherapies, even though Activin-A can be proinflammatory in other contexts. To identify underlying mechanisms, we here analyzed the effect of Activin-A on syngeneic grafts of Braf mutant YUMM3.3 mouse melanoma cells and on their microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing. We found that the Activin-A-induced immune evasion was accompanied by a proinflammatory interferon signature across multiple cell types, and that the associated increase in tumor growth depended at least in part on pernicious STING activity within the melanoma cells. Besides corroborating a role for proinflammatory signals in facilitating immune evasion, our results suggest that STING holds considerable potential as a therapeutic target to mitigate tumor-promoting Activin-A signaling at least in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Pinjusic
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SV ISREC, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Ambrosini
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joao Lourenco
- Translational Data Science Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Translational Data Science Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian Iseli
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Guex
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olga Egorova
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SV ISREC, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sina Nassiri
- Translational Data Science Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel B Constam
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SV ISREC, Lausanne, Switzerland
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2
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Shin WS, Xie F, Chen B, Yu J, Lo KW, Tse GMK, To KF, Kang W. Exploring the Microbiome in Gastric Cancer: Assessing Potential Implications and Contextualizing Microorganisms beyond H. pylori and Epstein-Barr Virus. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4993. [PMID: 37894360 PMCID: PMC10605912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204993] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While previous research has primarily focused on the impact of H. pylori and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), emerging evidence suggests that other microbial influences, including viral and fungal infections, may also contribute to gastric cancer (GC) development. The intricate interactions between these microbes and the host's immune response provide a more comprehensive understanding of gastric cancer pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The review highlights the roles of established players such as H. pylori and EBV and the potential impacts of gut bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and fungi such as Candida albicans. Advanced sequencing technologies offer unprecedented insights into the complexities of the gastric microbiome, from microbial diversity to potential diagnostic applications. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential for advanced GC diagnosis and therapies through a better understanding of the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Sum Shin
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
| | - Fuda Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- CUHK—Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Bonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- CUHK—Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
| | - Gary M. K. Tse
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
| | - Ka Fai To
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Wei Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- CUHK—Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
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3
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Aziz F, Shoaib N, Rehman A. Hub genes identification and association of key pathways with hypoxia in cancer cells: A bioinformatics analysis. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103752. [PMID: 37593462 PMCID: PMC10428120 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Three human cancer cell lines (A549, HCT116, and HeLa) were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential prognostic biomarkers associated with hypoxia. We obtained gene expression data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE11704, GSE147384, and GSE38061, which included 5 hypoxic and 8 control samples. Using the GEO2R tool and Venn diagram software, we identified common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs). The cDEGs were then subjected to Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis by employing DAVID. The hub genes were identified from critical PPI subnetworks through CytoHuba plugin and these genes' prognostic significance and expression were verified using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), respectively. The research showed 676 common DEGs (cDEGs), with 207 upregulated and 469 downregulated genes. The STRING analysis showed 673 nodes and 1446 edges in the PPI network. We identified 4 significant modules and 19 downregulated hub genes. GO analysis revealed all of them were majorly involved in ribosomal large subunit assembly and biogenesis, rRNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, translation, RNA & protein binding frequently at the sites of nucleolus and nucleoplasm while 11 were significantly associated with a better prognosis of hypoxic tumors. Our research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms that underpin hypoxia in human cancer cell lines and identifies potential prognostic biomarkers for hypoxic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Aziz
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, 54590 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Naila Shoaib
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, 54590 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rehman
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, 54590 Lahore, Pakistan
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4
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Dulal D, Boring A, Terrero D, Johnson T, Tiwari AK, Raman D. Tackling of Immunorefractory Tumors by Targeting Alternative Immune Checkpoints. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2774. [PMID: 37345111 PMCID: PMC10216651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, well known or traditional immune checkpoints (ICs), such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, are in place to promote tolerance to self-antigens and prevent generation of autoimmunity. In cancer, the ICs are effectively engaged by the tumor cells or stromal ells from the tumor microenvironment through expression of cognate ligands for the ICs present on the cell surface of CD8+ T lymphocytes. The ligation of ICs on CD8+ T lymphocytes triggers inhibitory signaling pathways, leading to quiescence or an exhaustion of CD8+ T lymphocytes. This results in failure of immunotherapy. To overcome this, several FDA-approved therapeutic antibodies are available, but the clinical outcome is quite variable due to the resistance encountered through upregulated expression of alternate ICs such as VISTA, LAG-3, TIGIT and TIM-3. This review focuses on the roles played by the traditional as well as alternate ICs and the contribution of associated signaling pathways in generating such resistance to immunotherapy. Combinatorial targeting of traditional and alternate ICs might be beneficial for immune-refractory tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmindra Dulal
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Andrew Boring
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
| | - David Terrero
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo Main Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Tiffany Johnson
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Amit K. Tiwari
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo Main Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
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Retnakumar SV, Chauvin C, Bayry J. The implication of anti-PD-1 therapy in cancer patients for the vaccination against viral and other infectious diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 245:108399. [PMID: 37001736 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of 'T cell exhaustion', a state of T cell dysfunction observed during chronic infections and cancers, has been a major obstacle in mounting appropriate immune responses against infectious agents or tumor antigens. The exhausted T cells are characterized by poor effector functions mainly due to the overexpression of inhibitory receptors such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing 3 (TIM3), lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), commonly referred to as immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules. ICP blockade, especially of PD-1 that can potentially reverse T cell exhaustion and thereby re-stimulate the impaired immune system, is widely used in clinics as a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers and is more recently being investigated in infectious diseases as well. In fact, cancer patients represent a population of immunocompromised individuals who are more susceptible to infections and associated complications, and thus the need for protective vaccinations against these diseases is of prime importance in this category. When it comes to vaccinating anti-PD-1-treated cancer patients against infectious diseases including COVID-19 and influenza, a special focus should be brought on the revived immune cells, which could be dynamically affected by the antigenic stimulation. However, since cancer patients are not generally included in clinical trials for designing vaccines against infectious diseases, the possible interaction between vaccine immune responses and ICP therapy is largely unexplored. Mechanistically, the reversal of T cell exhaustion by ICP in an otherwise immunocompromised population could be beneficial for the vaccine's efficacy, helping the immune system to mount a robust immune response. Nevertheless, patients with cancer undergoing anti-PD-1 blockade are known to experience immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). The risk of increasing the irAEs due to the overstimulation of the immune system during vaccination is a major concern. Therefore, while routine vaccination is indispensable for the protection of cancer patients, the impact of PD-1 blockade on vaccine responses against infectious agents requires careful consideration to avoid undesirable adverse effects that could impair the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment.
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6
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Shoushtari AN, Olszanski AJ, Nyakas M, Hornyak TJ, Wolchok JD, Levitsky V, Kuryk L, Hansen TB, Jäderberg M. Pilot Study of ONCOS-102 and Pembrolizumab: Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment and Clinical Outcomes in Anti-PD-1-Resistant Advanced Melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:100-109. [PMID: 36112545 PMCID: PMC9811163 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intratumoral oncolytic virotherapy may overcome anti-PD(L)-1 resistance by triggering pro-inflammatory remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. This pilot study investigated ONCOS-102 (oncolytic adenovirus expressing GM-CSF) plus anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD)-1 therapy in anti-PD-1-resistant melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced melanoma progressing after prior PD-1 blockade received intratumoral ONCOS-102 either as priming with 3 doses (3 × 1011 viral particles) during Week 1 [Part 1 (sequential treatment)] or as 4-dose priming and 8 booster doses every 3 weeks [Part 2 (combination treatment)]. From Week 3, all patients received pembrolizumab every 3 weeks (≤8 doses). The primary endpoint was safety. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival, and immunologic activation in repeat biopsies were also investigated. RESULTS In 21 patients (Part 1, n = 9; Part 2, n = 12) ONCOS-102 plus pembrolizumab was well tolerated: most adverse events (AE) were mild/moderate in severity. Pyrexia (43%), chills (43%), and nausea (28%) were the most common ONCOS-102-related AEs. There were no dose-limiting toxicities. ORR was 35% [response evaluation in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1, irRECIST]. Reduction in size of ≥1 non-injected lesions observed in 53% patients indicated a systemic effect. In injected tumors, persistent immune-related gene expression and T-cell infiltration were associated with clinical benefit. Viral persistence and efficacy in injected and non-injected lesions without additional toxicity supported Part 2 dosing regimen in future studies. CONCLUSIONS ONCOS-102 plus pembrolizumab was well tolerated and led to objective responses in patients with anti-PD-1-resistant advanced melanoma. ONCOS-102 promoted T-cell infiltration, particularly cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, which persisted at Week 9, driving clinical benefit. Further investigation of ONCOS-102 plus PD-1 blockade is warranted. See related commentary by Levi and Boland, p. 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N. Shoushtari
- Department of Medicine (Melanoma Service), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Corresponding Author: Alexander N. Shoushtari, Department of Medicine (Melanoma Service), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 East 66th Street, New York, NY 10065. Phone: 646-888-4161; E-mail:
| | | | - Marta Nyakas
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas J. Hornyak
- Department of Dermatology and University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jedd D. Wolchok
- Department of Medicine (Melanoma Service), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Lukasz Kuryk
- Research and Development, Targovax ASA, Oslo, Norway
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Lima NF, Sampaio LAF, Xavier CB, Mattedi RL, Queiroz MA, Nahas WC, Jardim DL. Complete Response to Sequential Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Targeted Strategies in a Heavily Pretreated Patient With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Amplified Metastatic Bladder Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2200414. [PMID: 36623240 DOI: 10.1200/po.22.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Willian C Nahas
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denis L Jardim
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil.,Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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8
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Anderson TS, Wooster AL, Piersall SL, Okpalanwaka IF, Lowe DB. Disrupting cancer angiogenesis and immune checkpoint networks for improved tumor immunity. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:981-996. [PMID: 35149179 PMCID: PMC9357867 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have advanced the field of cancer immunotherapy in patients by sustaining effector immune cell activity within the tumor microenvironment. However, the approach in general is still faced with issues related to ICI response duration/resistance, treatment eligibility, and safety, which indicates a need for further refinements. As immune checkpoint upregulation is inextricably linked to cancer-induced angiogenesis, newer clinical efforts have demonstrated the feasibility of disrupting both tumor-promoting networks to mediate enhanced immune-driven protection. This review focuses on such key evidence stipulating the necessity of co-applying ICI and anti-angiogenic strategies in cancer patients, with particular interest in highlighting newer engineered antibody approaches that may provide theoretically superior multi-pronged and safe therapeutic combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor S Anderson
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Amanda L Wooster
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Savanna L Piersall
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Izuchukwu F Okpalanwaka
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Devin B Lowe
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States.
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Development of a Simple and Objective Prognostication Model for Patients with Advanced Solid Malignant Tumors Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Pan-Cancer Analysis. Target Oncol 2022; 17:583-589. [PMID: 36094602 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-022-00911-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has recently become prevalent in the treatment of patients with various types of advanced cancers; however, difficulties are still associated with predicting the outcomes of patients receiving ICIs due to heterogenous responses to these agents. OBJECTIVE To develop a prognostic model for advanced cancer patients treated with ICIs. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the impact of clinical parameters on overall survival (OS) in 329 patients with several advanced solid malignant tumors who received systemic therapy using ICIs. RESULTS The primary tumors of 329 patients were as follows: lung (n = 89), kidney (n = 70), urinary tract (n = 52), skin (n = 50), stomach (n = 30), esophagus (n = 21), and head and neck (n = 17). Median OS after the introduction of ICIs was 17.3 months. Among the factors that correlated with OS in a univariate analysis, body mass index, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and platelets were identified as independent predictors of OS in a multivariate analysis. Following the classification of patients into 3 groups based on positive numbers of these independent risk factors, median OS was not reached in the favorable risk group with 0 or 1 risk factor (n = 76), 19.5 months in the intermediate-risk group with 2 or 3 risk factors (n = 182), and 7.2 months in the poor risk group (n = 71) with 4 or 5 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Although this is a simple and objective model, it may be used as a reliable tool to predict the outcomes of advanced cancer patients receiving ICIs across multiple tumor types.
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10
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de Aguiar Ferreira C, Heidari P, Ataeinia B, Sinevici N, Granito A, Kumar HM, Wehrenberg-Klee E, Mahmood U. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Mediated Cancer Theranostics with Radiolabeled Anti-Granzyme B Peptide. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1460. [PMID: 35890355 PMCID: PMC9325142 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized cancer management, patient response can be heterogeneous, and the development of ICI resistance is increasingly reported. Novel treatment strategies are necessary not only to expand the use of ICI to previously unresponsive tumor types but also to overcome resistance. Targeted radionuclide therapy may synergize well with ICIs since it can promote a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment. We investigated the use of a granzyme B targeted peptide (GZP) as a cancer theranostic agent, radiolabeled with 68Ga (68Ga-GZP) as a PET imaging agent and radiolabeled with 90Y (90Y-GZP) as a targeted radionuclide therapy agent for combinational therapy with ICI in murine models of colon cancer. Our results demonstrate that GZP increasingly accumulates in tumor tissue after ICI and that the combination of ICI with 90Y-GZP promotes a dose-dependent response, achieving curative response in some settings and increased overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (C.d.A.F.); (P.H.); (B.A.); (N.S.); (A.G.); (H.M.K.); (E.W.-K.)
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11
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Lüke F, Harrer DC, Pantziarka P, Pukrop T, Ghibelli L, Gerner C, Reichle A, Heudobler D. Drug Repurposing by Tumor Tissue Editing. Front Oncol 2022; 12:900985. [PMID: 35814409 PMCID: PMC9270020 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.900985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The combinatory use of drugs for systemic cancer therapy commonly aims at the direct elimination of tumor cells through induction of apoptosis. An alternative approach becomes the focus of attention if biological changes in tumor tissues following combinatory administration of regulatorily active drugs are considered as a therapeutic aim, e.g., differentiation, transdifferentiation induction, reconstitution of immunosurveillance, the use of alternative cell death mechanisms. Editing of the tumor tissue establishes new biological ‘hallmarks’ as a ‘pressure point’ to attenuate tumor growth. This may be achieved with repurposed, regulatorily active drug combinations, often simultaneously targeting different cell compartments of the tumor tissue. Moreover, tissue editing is paralleled by decisive functional changes in tumor tissues providing novel patterns of target sites for approved drugs. Thus, agents with poor activity in non-edited tissue may reveal new clinically meaningful outcomes. For tissue editing and targeting edited tissue novel requirements concerning drug selection and administration can be summarized according to available clinical and pre-clinical data. Monoactivity is no pre-requisite, but combinatory bio-regulatory activity. The regulatorily active dose may be far below the maximum tolerable dose, and besides inhibitory active drugs stimulatory drug activities may be integrated. Metronomic scheduling often seems to be of advantage. Novel preclinical approaches like functional assays testing drug combinations in tumor tissue are needed to select potential drugs for repurposing. The two-step drug repurposing procedure, namely establishing novel functional systems states in tumor tissues and consecutively providing novel target sites for approved drugs, facilitates the systematic identification of drug activities outside the scope of any original clinical drug approvals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lüke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Pan Pantziarka
- The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Heudobler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Daniel Heudobler, , orcid.org/0000-0002-8790-4584
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Apoptosis Deregulation and the Development of Cancer Multi-Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174363. [PMID: 34503172 PMCID: PMC8430856 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite recent therapeutic advances against cancer, many patients do not respond well or respond poorly, to treatment and develop resistance to more than one anti-cancer drug, a term called multi-drug resistance (MDR). One of the main factors that contribute to MDR is the deregulation of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Herein, we describe the major apoptotic pathways and discuss how pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins are modified in cancer cells to convey drug resistance. We also focus on our current understanding related to the interactions between survival and cell death pathways, as well as on mechanisms underlying the balance shift towards cancer cell growth and drug resistance. Moreover, we highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment components in blocking apoptosis in MDR tumors, and we discuss the significance and potential exploitation of epigenetic modifications for cancer treatment. Finally, we summarize the current and future therapeutic approaches for overcoming MDR. Abstract The ability of tumor cells to evade apoptosis is established as one of the hallmarks of cancer. The deregulation of apoptotic pathways conveys a survival advantage enabling cancer cells to develop multi-drug resistance (MDR), a complex tumor phenotype referring to concurrent resistance toward agents with different function and/or structure. Proteins implicated in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, including the Bcl-2 superfamily and Inhibitors of Apoptosis (IAP) family members, as well as their regulator, tumor suppressor p53, have been implicated in the development of MDR in many cancer types. The PI3K/AKT pathway is pivotal in promoting survival and proliferation and is often overactive in MDR tumors. In addition, the tumor microenvironment, particularly factors secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts, can inhibit apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce the effectiveness of different anti-cancer drugs. In this review, we describe the main alterations that occur in apoptosis-and related pathways to promote MDR. We also summarize the main therapeutic approaches against resistant tumors, including agents targeting Bcl-2 family members, small molecule inhibitors against IAPs or AKT and agents of natural origin that may be used as monotherapy or in combination with conventional therapeutics. Finally, we highlight the potential of therapeutic exploitation of epigenetic modifications to reverse the MDR phenotype.
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Najjar YG. Search for effective treatments in patients with advanced refractory melanoma continues: can novel intratumoral therapies deliver? J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002820. [PMID: 34312244 PMCID: PMC8314703 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with advanced melanoma ultimately fail immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy because of primary or acquired resistance. There remains a critical unmet need for new therapies that function via alternative immune activation mechanisms to safely trigger an antitumor immune response in patients with ICI-refractory disease. This commentary discusses the recent failures and hope for novel intratumoral therapies under development in the advanced refractory melanoma setting, outlining key mechanistic differences that may be critical to yielding success in this difficult-to-treat population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana G Najjar
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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