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Yu J, Yan D, Wei S, Yang L, Yi P. Efficacy and safety of TACE combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and camrelizumab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:401. [PMID: 38979553 PMCID: PMC11228926 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14534] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and camrelizumab (collectively: T-T-C) is a novel treatment strategy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of T-T-C compared with TACE combined with TKIs only (T-T) in the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC. A systematic literature search was conducted on T-T and T-T-C using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Data regarding the clinical outcome, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response and adverse events (AEs), were independently extracted and analyzed by two researchers using standardized protocols. In total, 7 cohort studies, including 1,798 patients (T-T-C, 838; T-T, 960), were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that the T-T-C group had significantly prolonged OS [hazard ratio (HR), 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.29-0.50; I2=61.5%; P=0.016)] and PFS (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.30-0.46; I2=44.5%; P=0.109), and showed significantly higher objective response rates [risk ratio (RR), 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.96; I2=25.1%; P=0.237)] and slightly higher disease control rates without a significant difference (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89-1.03; I2=0.0%; P=0.969). In addition, grade 3/4 AEs were more common in the T-T group, including hypertension (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.85-1.56), vomiting or nausea (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.44-1.76) and pain (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.45-1.21); however, these results were not statistically significant. In conclusion, compared with T-T combination therapy, T-T-C demonstrated a notable advantage in terms of OS, PFS, ORR and DCR in patients with unresectable HCC. For manageable AEs, although the results were not statistically significant, the incidence of AEs in the T-T group was higher than that in the T-T-C group in terms of event probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Yu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Duan Yan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Song Wei
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Linfeng Yang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Pengsheng Yi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas II, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, Zhang C, Chen G, You H, Wang S, Wang X, Zhao P, Xu B, Gao Q, Yuan L. Subclone from CT26 resistant to anti-PD-1 therapy associated with increased expression of genes related to glucocorticoids. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102031. [PMID: 38861853 PMCID: PMC11209639 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the use of anti-PD-1 antibodies has fundamentally changed traditional cancer treatment, most patients are resistant to anti-PD-1 treatment. Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, but the role of endogenous GCs in resistance to anti-PD-1 antibody therapy remains unclear. METHODS Single cell-derived cell lines (SCDCLs) were generated from a colorectal cancer cell line (CT26) using limiting dilution. We analyzed tumor tissues from anti-PD-1 antibody-treated and untreated mice inoculated with SCDCLs via transcriptome sequencing and flow cytometry to detect pathway activity and immune cell composition changes in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS Five SCDCLs were inoculated into wild-type BALB/c mice (all tumorigenic). Single-cell clone (SCC)-2 exhibited the slowest growth rates both in vivo and in vitro compared to other single-cell clones, and better long-term survival than SCC1 and CT26. Flow cytometry showed that SCC2 tumor-bearing mice exhibited significantly higher infiltration of T cells within the tumor tissue, and higher expression of PD-1 on these T cells than the other groups in vivo. However, the SCC2 group showed no response to anti-PD-1 therapy. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the SCC2 group exhibited increased expression of genes related to GC (Hsd11b1, Sgk3, Tgfbr2, and Il7r) compared to SCC2-anti-PD-1 treated tumors. CONCLUSIONS GC pathway activation is related to resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Chaoji Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hongqin You
- Department of immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Benling Xu
- Department of immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Quanli Gao
- Department of immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Long Yuan
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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Liu H, Xu L, Yue S, Su H, Chen X, Liu Q, Li H, Liang H, Chen X, He J, Ding Z, Zhang B. Targeting N4-acetylcytidine suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing eEF2-mediated HMGB2 mRNA translation. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024. [PMID: 39030964 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12595] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) represents a novel messenger RNA (mRNA) modification, and its associated acetyltransferase N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of tumors by regulating mRNA functionality. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and prognosis is largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the role of NAT10-mediated ac4C in HCC progression and provide a promising therapeutic approach. METHODS The ac4C levels were evaluated by dot blot and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with harvested HCC tissues. The expression of NAT10 was investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining across 91 cohorts of HCC patients. To explore the underlying mechanisms of NAT10-ac4C in HCC, we employed a comprehensive approach integrating acetylated RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing, RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling analyses, along with RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, and site-specific mutation analyses. The drug affinity responsive targets stability, cellular thermal shift assay, and surface plasmon resonance assays were performed to assess the specific binding of NAT10 and Panobinostat. Furthermore, the efficacy of targeting NAT10-ac4C for HCC treatment was elucidated through in vitro experiments using HCC cells and in vivo HCC mouse models. RESULTS Our investigation revealed a significant increase in both the ac4C RNA level and NAT10 expression in HCC. Notably, elevated NAT10 expression was associated with poor outcomes in HCC patients. Functionally, silencing NAT10 suppressed HCC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NAT10 stimulates the ac4C modification within the coding sequence (CDS) of high mobility group protein B2 (HMGB2), which subsequently enhances HMGB2 translation by facilitating eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) binding to the ac4C sites on HMGB2 mRNA's CDS. Additionally, high-throughput compound library screening revealed Panobinostat as a potent inhibitor of NAT10-mediated ac4C modification. This inhibition significantly attenuated HCC growth and metastasis in both in vitro experiments using HCC cells and in vivo HCC mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a novel oncogenic epi-transcriptome axis involving NAT10-ac4C/eEF2-HMGB2, which plays a pivotal role in regulating HCC growth and metastasis. The drug Panobinostat validates the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Lei Xu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Shiwei Yue
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Hongfei Su
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Qiumeng Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jiefeng He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Shanxi Province (Preparatory), Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zeyang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‑Pancreatic‑Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
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Liu WF, Jiang QY, Qi ZR, Zhang F, Tang WQ, Wang HQ, Dong L. CD276 Promotes an Inhibitory Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and is Associated with Poor Prognosis. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1357-1373. [PMID: 39011124 PMCID: PMC11247130 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s469529] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background CD276 is an emerging immune checkpoint molecule that has been implicated in various cancers. However, its specific role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study examined the impact of CD276 on patient prognosis and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to evaluate CD276 expression in HCC and the association between CD276 and immune indicators was also analyzed. The signaling pathways correlated with CD276 expression were identified by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Different algorithms were used to assess immune cell infiltration. The effect of CD276 knockdown on HCC cell phenotypes and its relationship with macrophage polarization was examined using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and co-culture system. Results CD276 was upregulated in HCC and associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Hgh CD276 expression was associated with enrichment of the G2/M checkpoint, E2F targets, and mitotic spindles. CD276 expression was correlated with the infiltration of immune cells, including high level of tumor-associated macrophages and low levels of CD8+ T cells. Knockdown of CD276 decreased HCC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. CD276 silencing in HCC cells and co-culture with THP-1-derived macrophages had a regulatory effect on macrophage polarization and macrophage-mediated cell proliferation and migration. Conclusion CD276 expression in HCC is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and may contribute to the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Specifically, CD276 was associated with alterations in immune cell infiltration, immune marker expression, and macrophage polarization during HCC progression, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator and promising target for immunotherapeutic intervention in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Feng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yu Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Qing Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Niu Y, Yuan X, Guo F, Cao J, Wang Y, Zhao X, Dou J, Zeng Q. Correlation Between NLR Combined with PLR Score and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Liver Transplantation. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:2445-2453. [PMID: 38826508 PMCID: PMC11141585 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s450585] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This investigation evaluated the prognostic significance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and introduced a combined NLR-PLR score to evaluate the correlation between NLR-PLR score and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. Material/Methods We enrolled 110 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) for HCC. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were assessed, and appropriate cut-off values were established. The NLR-PLR score ranged from 0 to 2 as follows: score of 2, high NLR (≥3.37) and high PLR (≥105.96); score of 1, either high NLR or high PLR; score of 0, neither high NLR nor high PLR. Results The median overall survival (OS) of patients with NLR-PLR score of 0, 1 and 2 was 27, 26.5, and 6 months, respectively. The median OS of patients with NLR-PLR score of 2 was shorter than those with 0 (P < 0.001) and 1 (P < 0.001). The median disease-free survival (DFS) time of patients with NLR-PLR score of 0, 1 and 2 was 24.5, 24, and 6 months, The median DFS of patients with NLR-PLR score of 2 was shorter than those with 0 (P = 0.001) and 1 (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis showed that NLR-PLR score was an independent risk factor for prognosis and survival. Conclusion NLR, PLR and NLR-PLR score can predict the long-term survival of patients, and NLR-PLR score, having more predictive value than NLR and PLR alone is an independent risk factor for patient survival. more predictive value than NLR and PLR alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoye Yuan
- Department of Gerontology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fansheng Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinglin Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People’s Republic of China
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Wang P, Xu MH, Xu WX, Dong ZY, Shen YH, Qin WZ. CXCL9 Overexpression Predicts Better HCC Response to Anti-PD-1 Therapy and Promotes N1 Polarization of Neutrophils. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:787-800. [PMID: 38737384 PMCID: PMC11088828 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s450468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-programmed death-1 (PD1) antibodies have changed the treatment landscape for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and exhibit promising treatment efficacy. However, the majority of HCCs still do not respond to anti-PD-1 therapy. Methods We analyzed the expression of CXCL9 in blood samples from patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy and evaluated its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes. Based on the results of Cox regression analysis, a nomogram was established for predicting HCC response to anti-PD-1 therapy. qRT‒PCR and multiple immunofluorescence assays were utilized to analyze the proportions of N1-type neutrophils in vitro and in tumor samples, respectively. Results The nomogram showed good predictive efficacy in the training and validation cohorts and may be useful for guiding clinical treatment of HCC patients. We also found that HCC cell-derived CXCL9 promoted N1 polarization of neutrophils in vitro and that AMG487, a specific CXCR3 inhibitor, significantly blocked this process. Moreover, multiple immunofluorescence (mIF) showed that patients with higher serum CXCL9 levels had greater infiltration of the N1 phenotype of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). Conclusion Our study highlights the critical role of CXCL9 as an effective biomarker of immunotherapy efficacy and in promoting the polarization of N1-type neutrophils; thus, targeting the CXCL9-CXCR3 axis could represent a novel pharmaceutical strategy to enhance immunotherapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Wuwei People’s Hospital, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, 733000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hao Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Xin Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zi-Ying Dong
- Department of CT/MRI Center, Wuwei People’s Hospital, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, 733000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hao Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Zheng Qin
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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Cai Q, Wu W, Li R, Li X, Xu Q, Zhao L, Lv Q. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with primary liver cancer and immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated adrenal insufficiency: A retrospective cohort study. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111337. [PMID: 38064811 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare, but potentially serious adverse event associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study aims to examine the incidence, clinical features and the clinical correlation between occurrence of AI and efficacy in primary liver cancer (PLC) patients treated with ICIs; and to evaluate the significance of the continuation of ICIs treatment in PLC patients who developed AI. METHODS Between January 2020 and March 2022, 47 PLC patients with ICIs-associated AI (AI cohort) were screened from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan university, a general hospital in China. Between December 2019 and August 2021, 419 PLC patients who were treated with ICIs were reviewed to identify those without immune- associated adverse events (irAEs) (control cohort). Clinical features and outcomes of the PLC patients from the two cohorts were compared. RESULTS Totally, 47 PLC patients with AI (AI cohort) and 63 PLC patients without irAEs (control cohort) were included. The incidence of grades 3-4 of AI and all irAEs were 40.4 % and 48.9 %, respectively. The median three-year survival was significantly longer in the AI cohort than that in the control cohort (26.3 months (95 % CI: 18.9--33.5) vs.16.1 months (95 % CI:10.4--21.7); p = 0.021). Multivariable cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the development of AI remained significantly associated with improved overall survival (HR = 0.561; p = 0.033) in the adjusted regression analysis. CONCLUSION The current study demonstrated that PLC patients undergoing ICIs therapy and developing AI after ICIs treatment had favorable survival outcomes compared to those without irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ranyi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Qianzhou Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
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Wan W, Zhang H, Ji T, Zhang L, Luo K, Xiong D. Optimal treatment strategy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma based on recurrence time and tumor size: A propensity score matching study. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2023; 47:102157. [PMID: 37321321 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC) is commonly treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) or repeated hepatectomy(RH), but the optimal treatment strategy is still controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TACE-MWA and RH in RHCC patients after initial radical hepatectomy. METHODS A total of 210 RHCC patients were included between June 2014 and January 2021, with 126 patients in the TACE-MWA group and 84 patients in the RH group. The primary endpoints were median repeat recurrence-free survival (rRFS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoint was complications. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was conducted to minimize bias. Subgroup analysis based on recurrence patterns (recurrence time and tumor size) was performed, and prognostic factors were studied. RESULTS Before PSM, the RH group had better median OS (37.0 vs 26.0 months, P<0.001) and rRFS (15.0 vs 14.0 months, P = 0.003). After PSM, the RH group also had a better median OS (33.5 vs 29.0 months, P = 0.038), but there was no significant difference in median rRFS between the two groups (14.0 vs 13.0 months, P = 0.099). Subgroup analysis showed that when RHCC diameter>5 cm, RH had a better median OS (33.5 vs 25.0 months, P = 0.013) and rRFS (14.0 vs 10.9 months, P = 0.030). When the RHCC diameter was≤5 cm, there was no significant difference in the median OS (37.0 vs 31.0 months, P = 0.338) and rRFS (15.0 vs 17.0 months, P = 0.758) between the two groups. When RHCC relapses in the early stage (≤2 years), there is no significant difference in the median OS (26.0 vs 26.0 months, P = 0.310) and rRFS (12.0 vs 10.5 months, P = 0.089) between the two groups. When RHCC relapses in the late stage (>2 years), the RH group has better median OS (41.0 vs 33.0 months, P<0.001) and rRFS (30.0 vs 20.0 months, P = 0.010). CONCLUSION Individualized therapy is necessary for RHCC. TACE -MWA may be a good choice for RHCC with early recurrence or tumor diameter ≤5 cm. However, RH should be the first choice for RHCC with late recurrence or tumor diameter>5 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan 640000, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan 640000, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan 640000, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan 640000, Sichuan, China
| | - KaiGuo Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan 640000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ding Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan 640000, Sichuan, China.
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Mender I, Siteni S, Barron S, Flusche AM, Kubota N, Yu C, Cornelius C, Tedone E, Maziveyi M, Grichuk A, Venkateswaran N, Conacci-Sorrell M, Hoshida Y, Kang R, Tang D, Gryaznov S, Shay JW. Activating an Adaptive Immune Response with a Telomerase-Mediated Telomere Targeting Therapeutic in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:737-750. [PMID: 37070671 PMCID: PMC10233358 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
A select group of patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) benefit from surgical, radiologic, and systemic therapies that include a combination of anti-angiogenic and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. However, because HCC is generally asymptomatic in its early stages, this not only leads to late diagnosis, but also to therapy resistance. The nucleoside analogue 6-thio-dG (THIO) is a first-in-class telomerase-mediated telomere-targeting anticancer agent. In telomerase expressing cancer cells, THIO is converted into the corresponding 5'-triphosphate, which is efficiently incorporated into telomeres by telomerase, activating telomere damage responses and apoptotic pathways. Here, we show how THIO is effective in controlling tumor growth and, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, is even more effective in a T-cell-dependent manner. We also show telomere stress induced by THIO increases both innate sensing and adaptive antitumor immunity in HCC. Importantly, the extracellular high-mobility group box 1 protein acts as a prototypical endogenous DAMP (Damage Associated Molecular Pattern) in eliciting adaptive immunity by THIO. These results provide a strong rationale for combining telomere-targeted therapy with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilgen Mender
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Silvia Siteni
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Summer Barron
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ann Marie Flusche
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Naoto Kubota
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chunhua Yu
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, Texas
| | - Crystal Cornelius
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Enzo Tedone
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Mazvita Maziveyi
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Anthony Grichuk
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | - Niranjan Venkateswaran
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Yujin Hoshida
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rui Kang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, Texas
| | - Daolin Tang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Jerry W. Shay
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, Texas
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Song C, Shang F, Tu W, Liu X. Integrated pancancer analysis reveals the oncogene characteristics and prognostic value of DIP2B in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:296. [PMID: 37004015 PMCID: PMC10064539 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disco-interaction protein 2 homologue B (DIP2B) plays an important role in DNA methylation. There have been many reports on DIP2B in various diseases, but neither the diagnostic value nor the prognostic value of DIP2B across cancer types has been deeply explored. METHODS The expression levels of DIP2B in 33 cancer types were analysed based on data sets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. The relationships of DIP2B expression with immune cell infiltration and immune-related gene expression were studied via the CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE and TISIDB tools. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was performed to identify pathways related to DIP2B. DIP2B knockdown by siRNA was performed in breast cancer cell lines to investigate the effect on proliferation, apoptosis and migration. The relationships of DIP2B expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis were analysed based on immunohistochemistry. RESULTS DIP2B was highly expressed in 26 of 33 cancer types and was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), mesothelioma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (each P < 0.05). DIP2B showed a negative correlation with the immune score, the infiltration levels of key immune killer cells (CD8 + T cells, activated NK cells and plasma cells), and the expression of major histocompatibility complex-related genes and chemokine-related genes in BRCA. Subtype analysis showed that DIP2B expression was associated with poor OS in Her-2 + BRCA patients (P < 0.05). DIP2B showed a negative correlation with immune killer cell infiltration and immune regulatory genes in BRCA subtypes. In BRCA, the GSVA results revealed that genes correlating positively with DIP2B were enriched in cancer-related pathways (PI3K-AKT) and cell-cycle-related pathways (MITOTIC_SPINDLE, G2M_CHECKPOINT and E2F_TARGETS), while genes correlating negatively with DIP2B were enriched in DNA_REPAIR. Knockdown of the DIP2B gene induced a reduction in proliferation and migration and an increase in apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. DIP2B expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and poor histological grade in BRCA according to immunohistochemistry (each P < 0.05). DIP2B expression predicted reduced disease-free survival and OS in BRCA patients (each P < 0.05), especially those with the Her-2 + subtype (P = 0.023 and P = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS DIP2B may be a prognostic biomarker for BRCA, especially for the Her-2 + subtype. DIP2B is associated with a "cold" tumour immune microenvironment in BRCA and might serve as a future target for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyang Song
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fangjian Shang
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Tu
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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11
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Sun T, Ren Y, Sun B, Chen L, Zhu L, Zhang L, Zheng C. The Feasibility of TACE Combined with TKIs Plus PD-1 Antibody for Advanced HCC. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:447-457. [PMID: 36960308 PMCID: PMC10028391 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s400948] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs: sorafenib, lenvatinib, and apatinib) plus camrelizumab (TACE-TKIs-C) vs TACE combined with TKIs (TACE-TKIs) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods In this two-center retrospective study, patients with advanced HCC treated with TACE-TKIs-C or TACE-TKIs were enrolled between January 1, 2018, to October 1, 2020. A total of 260 eligible patients received TACE-TKIs-C (N=70) or TACE-TKIs (N=190). The differences in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and tumor response were compared between two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was applied to reduce patient selection bias. The risk factors affecting OS or PFS were analyzed. Results Fifty-three pairs of patients were matched after PSM analysis. Before PSM analysis, the median OS and PFS of TACE-TKIs-C were significantly longer than those of the TACE-TKIs (OS: not reached vs 12.0 months, P<0.0001; PFS: 10.0 months vs 6.0 months, P<0.0001). After PSM analysis, the median OS and PFS of TACE-TKIs-C were significantly longer than those of the TACE-TKIs (OS: Not reached vs 13.0 months, P<0.0001; PFS: 9.0 months vs 6.0 months, P<0.0001); the uni- and multivariate analysis revealed that TACE-TKIs-C treatment was a protective factor of OS and PFS. Grade 3 or 4 hypertension occurred in 14.3% of patients in the TACE-TKIs-C group and other high-grade toxic effects were infrequent. Conclusion In patients with advanced HCC, TACE-TKIs-C may improve overall and progression-free survival outcomes over TACE-TKIs with manageable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanqiao Ren
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Licheng Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Lijie Zhang, Department of Interventional Radiology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Chuansheng Zheng, Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13329702158, Email
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12
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Hu X, Zhu H, Feng S, Wang C, Ye Y, Xiong X. Transmembrane and coiled-coil domains 3 is a diagnostic biomarker for predicting immune checkpoint blockade efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:1006357. [PMID: 36246598 PMCID: PMC9556949 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1006357] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a malignancy with a high mortality and morbidity rate worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of LIHC has still not been thoroughly studied. Transmembrane and coiled-coil domains 3 (TMCO3) encodes a monovalent cation, a member of the proton transducer 2 (CPA2) family of transporter proteins. In the present study, TMCO3 expression and its relationship with cancer prognosis, as well as its immunological role in LIHC were studied by bioinformatic analysis. We found the significant overexpression of TMCO3 in LIHC in the TCGA, HCCDB, and GEO databases. In LIHC patients, high TMCO3 expression was related to poorer overall survival (OS) and TMCO3 had good predictive accuracy for prognosis. Moreover, TMCO3 was linked to the infiltrates of certain immune cells in LIHC. The correlation of TMCO3 with immune checkpoints was also revealed. Moreover, patients with LIHC with low TMCO3 expression showed a better response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) than those with LIHC with high TMCO3 expression. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that TMCO3 was probably involved in the microtubule cytoskeleton organization involved in mitosis, small GTPase mediated signal transduction, and TGF-β pathway. In conclusion, TMCO3 may be a potential biomarker for LIHC prognosis and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyao Hu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China,Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingze Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Yingze Ye, ; Xiaoxing Xiong,
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China,Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Yingze Ye, ; Xiaoxing Xiong,
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13
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Challenges and Future Trends of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911363. [PMID: 36232663 PMCID: PMC9570098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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14
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Sun H, Xing C, Jiang S, Yu K, Dai S, Kong H, Jin Y, Shan Y, Yang W, Wang Z, Xiao J, Wang H, Wang W, Li Z, Shi K. Long term complete response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma to glypican-3 specific chimeric antigen receptor T-Cells plus sorafenib, a case report. Front Immunol 2022; 13:963031. [PMID: 36059488 PMCID: PMC9428446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.963031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical efficacy of current therapies for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unsatisfactory. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have been developed for solid tumors including advanced HCC (aHCC), but limited progress has been made. Glypican-3 is a promising immunotherapeutic target for HCC since it is specifically highly expressed in HCC. A previous study indicated that GPC3-targeted CAR T-(CAR-GPC3) cells were well-tolerated and had prolonged survival for HCC patients and that Sorafenib could increase the antitumor activities of CAR-GPC3 T-cells against HCC in mouse models. Here, we report a patient with aHCC who achieved a complete response (CR) and a long survival period after the combination therapy of CAR-GPC3 T-cell plus sorafenib.A 60-year-old Asian male diagnosed with hepatitis B virus (HBV) related HCC developed liver recurrence and lung metastasis after liver tumor resection and trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. The patient also previously received microwave ablation therapy for lung metastasis. After the enrollment, the patient underwent leukapheresis for CAR-GPC3 T-cells manufacturing. Seven days after leukapheresis, the patient started to receive 400 mg of Sorafenib twice daily. The patient received 4 cycles of CAR-GPC3 T cells (CT011) treatment and each cycle was divided into two infusions. Prior to each cycle of CT011 treatment, lymphodepletion was performed. The lymphodepletion regimen was cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2/day for 2 to 3 days, and fludarabine 20-25 mg/m2/day for 3 to 4 days. A total of 4×109 CAR-GPC3 T cells were infused. The CT011 plus Sorafenib combination therapy was well tolerated. All the ≥ grade 3 AEs were hematological toxicities which were deemed an expected event caused by the preconditioning regimen. This patient obtained partial responses from the 3rd month and achieved CR in the 12th month after the first cycle of CT011 infusion according to the RECIST1.1 assessment. The tumor had no progression for more than 36 months and maintained the CR status for more than 24 months after the first infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chongyun Xing
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Songfu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kang Yu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shengjie Dai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongru Kong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuepeng Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yunfeng Shan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Wei Wang
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zonghai Li
- CARsgen Therapeutics Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Keqing Shi
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Keqing Shi,
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Jiang J, Yang Z, Hou G, Yao X, Jiang J. The potential mechanism of Chebulae Fructus in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma on the basis of network pharmacology. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100701. [PMID: 35351639 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100701] [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: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks third on the list of the leading cause for cancer death globally. The treatment of HCC patients is unsatisfactory. However, the traditional Chinese medicine Chebulae Fructus has potential efficacy in the treatment of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We mined the active ingredients of Chebulae Fructus and its main targets from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. HCC-related datasets were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC were obtained by differential expression analysis. Top10 small molecule compounds capable of reversing HCC pathology were screened by the Connectivity Map database based on DEGs. Ellipticine, an extract of Chebulae Fructus, had the potential to reverse HCC pathology. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks of DEGs in HCC were constructed using STRING. Eighteen potential targets of Chebulae Fructus for the treatment of HCC were obtained by taking intersection of DEGs in HCC with targets corresponding to the active constituents of Chebulae Fructus. In addition, MTT assay was also employed to examine the effect of ellipticine on HCC cell viability. RESULTS It has been shown that ellipticine and ellagic acid have antitumor activity. Random Walk with Restart analysis of PPI networks was performed using potential targets as seeds, and the genes with the top 50 affinity coefficients were selected to construct a drug-active constituent-gene interaction network. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of key genes involved in the treatment of HCC with Chebulae Fructus demonstrated that these genes were mainly enriched in signaling pathways related to tumor metabolism such as cAMP signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway. Finally, it was verified by MTT assay that proliferation of HCC cells could be remarkably hindered. CONCLUSIONS We excavated ellipticine, a key active constituent of Chebulae Fructus, by network pharmacology, and elucidated the signaling pathways involved in Chebulae Fructus, providing a theoretical basis for the use of Chebulae Fructus for HCC clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Jiang
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Department of Oncology, Jiaxing, China
| | - Zhiping Yang
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Department of Oncology, Jiaxing, China
| | - Guoxin Hou
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Department of Oncology, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xuming Yao
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Department of Oncology, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jin Jiang
- The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Department of Oncology, Jiaxing, China.
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Zhuang G, Xie Y, Hong J, Lin S, Chen T, Fang W. Arterial chemoembolization for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated lactate dehydrogenase is associated with low survival: a cohort study. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:31. [PMID: 35710505 PMCID: PMC9205044 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00443-1] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration has been used for the evaluation and prediction of prognosis of several tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship between changes in LDH after treatment (ΔLDH) and prognosis is still unclear. Herein, we aimed to determine this association in patients with HCC. METHODS Multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for HCC were obtained by Cox proportional hazard regression models. As for ΔLDH and overall survival (OS), the nonlinear relationship was evaluated through a restricted cubic spline regression analysis, and threshold effects were further calculated using a two-piece-wise Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS The study finally selected 749 patients with HCC treated by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the secondary analysis. Considering the ΔLDH within ± 80 U/L group as the baseline, the risk of death in the ΔLDH ≥ 80 U/L group was significantly increased by 131% (95% CI: 1.74-3.06), and the risk of death in the ΔLDH ≤- 80 U/L group was increased by 24% (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.99-1.55). However, this difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, with ΔLDH = 0 (100 U/L) as the turning point, an upward U-shaped curve could be formed between ΔLDH and OS. After adjusting for confounders, ΔLDH still had a significant effect on the threshold of OS (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION After TACE, with the increase of LDH index, HCC patients will be closely related to worse OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genghui Zhuang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuping Xie
- Department of Oncology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Hong
- Department of Ultrasound, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA, (Fuzhou General Hospital of Fujian Medical University, East Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Lin
- Department of Neurology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Chen
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzheng Fang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Oncology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,Fujian Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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NOL12 as an Oncogenic Biomarker Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth and Metastasis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6891155. [PMID: 35693698 PMCID: PMC9184182 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6891155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of HCC remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that NOL12 was significantly overexpressed in independent HCC datasets from TCGA database. We confirmed that the expression level of NOL12 was upregulated in human HCC tissues and cell lines by RT-qPCR. High expression of NOL12 is associated with worse reduced overall survival (OS), high pathological grade, node metastasis, and advanced clinical stage in patients with HCC. Moreover, knockdown of NOL12 dramatically inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. CIBERSORTx analysis revealed that twelve types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) are correlated with NOL12 expression. The risk signature based on 8 NOL12-related genes is an independent prognostic factor for patients with HCC. The OS rate of patients in the low-risk score group was better than that in the high-risk score group. In addition, the total tumor mutation burden (TMB) in the high-risk score group increased significantly, and the risk scores could be used as an alternative indicator of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response. In conclusion, our findings indicated that NOL12 might be involved in the progression of HCC and can be used as a potential therapeutic target. Moreover, the NOL12-related risk signature may have predictive relevance with regard to ICI therapy.
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Zhao L, Chang N, Shi L, Li F, Meng F, Xie X, Xu Z, Wang F. Lenvatinib plus sintilimab versus lenvatinib monotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective, real-world study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09538. [PMID: 35706954 PMCID: PMC9189019 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC accounts for many HCC cases and has a high mortality rate. The goal of our study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus sintilimab therapy in real-world practice and identify factors affecting long-term prognosis. Methods A retrospective study was conducted with 139 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC treated with lenvatinib or lenvatinib plus sintilimab at the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from June 2018 to June 2021. The 139 patients were divided into the control group (85 patients) and the combined treatment group (54 patients) according to the antitumour drugs used for treatment. Efficacy was determined using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and the HCC-specific modified RECIST (mRECIST) for 139 patients who completed the 1st and second tumour assessments. Safety was evaluated in 60 patients in the combined treatment group and 90 patients in the control group using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Results A total of 139 male Chinese patients (49.6% ≥ 55 years old) were included in the efficacy analysis. The median overall survival in the combined treatment group was 21.7 months, and the median progression-free survival was 11.3 months. According to the mRECIST criteria, the objective response rate was 38.9%, and the disease control rate was 92.6%. The median overall survival (mOS), median progression-free survival (mPFS), overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) in the lenvatinib monotherapy group were 12.8 months, 6.6 months, 24.7%, and 74.1%, respectively. Hypertension was the most common adverse event in both groups. Some immune-related adverse events, such as hypothyroidism (n = 5), elevated blood creatinine (n = 3), elevated cardiac enzymes (n = 1), elevated amylase (n = 1) and increased fasting glucose (n = 1), occurred only in the combined therapy group. Five patients in the lenvatinib monotherapy group and six patients in the lenvatinib plus sintilimab group discontinued therapy due to severe adverse events (AEs) (grade 3). No ≥ 4-grade AEs occurred in any patients. Conclusion The TKI lenvatinib combined with PD-1-targeted immunotherapy sintilimab is efficacious and safe in real-world practice and may lead to better long-term outcomes than lenvatinib alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Medical school of Chinese PLA, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.,Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Niajia Chang
- The Second Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fengyi Li
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fanglin Meng
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiaohui Xie
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
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Fang F, Qiu B, Zhen P, Wang J. Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Palliation of Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:882272. [PMID: 35574374 PMCID: PMC9092647 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.882272] [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: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypofractionated radiotherapy delivered for portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) located in the main portal vein is rarely exploited. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy as palliative treatment for PVTT in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods From March 2016 to July 2020, 16 patients (mean age, 59.1 ± 6.3 years; 15 men) with hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis virus-related cirrhosis who underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy for PVTT (located in the main portal vein) in our institute were retrospectively reviewed. Results Complete response of the PVTT was observed in 4 cases (25%) with partial response in 7 cases (43.75%) and stable disease in 5 cases (31.25%). Symptom relief was observed in all 7 patients suffering from ventosity. The median time to progression was 6 months (interquartile range, IQR: 6–12 months). Eight patients (50%) failed due to primary cancer progression, 7 patients failed due to extrahepatic metastasis, and only 1 patient failed due to PVTT progression. The median overall survival was 17.4 months (IQR: 8–25 months). Grade I/II anorexia/nausea was observed in 14 patients (87.5%) and Grade I/II leukopenia was observed in 14 patients (87.5%). No complications ≥ Grade III were observed. Conclusions Hypofractionated radiotherapy as palliative treatment appears effective and safe for PVTT located in the main portal vein in cirrhotic patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, yielding a high rate of tumor response. Further study is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chifeng Tumor Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Bin Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chifeng Tumor Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD. Predictors of response for hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: is there anything on the horizon? EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2022.2075724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello,” I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Sun J, Liu C, Wang N, Jiang D, Zhang F, Shi J, Cheng S. All-Trans-Retinoic Acid Plus Oxaliplatin/Fluorouracil/Leucovorin for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Pulmonary Metastasis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:1663-1670. [PMID: 35547598 PMCID: PMC9084908 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s354170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To study the impact of All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) plus FOLFOX4 compared to FOLFOX4 alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with pulmonary metastasis. Methods The data of patients with advanced HCC who underwent systemic chemotherapy using FOLFOX4 or ATRA plus FOLFOX4 at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, First Hospital of Jilin University, Zhejiang Sian International Hospital and Fujian Cancer Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The survival outcomes in the 2 groups were compared. Results From May 2014 to July 2020, 66 patients were suitable to enter into this study. The median survival (14.0 vs 8.0 months, p=0.012), and the median time to progression in the ATRA plus FOLFOX4 group were both significantly longer than those in the FOLFOX4 group (8.7 vs 3.2 months, p=0.002). The 6 month-, 1 year- and 2 year- overall survival rates were also significantly better in the ATRA plus FOLFOX4 group (100.0%, 64.7% and 20.5%; respectively) than the FOLFOX4 group (59.4%, 21.9%, and 12.5%, respectively; p<0.001). Leukocytopenia, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, were the most common acute toxicities, but these were mostly NCI CTCAE Grade 1 or 2. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups. Conclusion ATRA plus FOLFOX4 significantly improved the survival outcomes in patients with advanced HCC with pulmonary metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juxian Sun
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VIa, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VIa, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nanya Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dafeng Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Sian International Hospital, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Shi
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VIb, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VIa, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Shuqun Cheng; Jie Shi, Department of Hepatic Surgery VIa, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Changhai Road 168, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-211-3901746; +86-211-3816768296, Fax +86-218-1875251; +86-218-1875252, Email ;
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Chen Z, Ma Y, Guo Z, Song D, Chen Z, Sun M. Ubiquitin-specific protease 1 acts as an oncogene and promotes lenvatinib efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing c-kit. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100669. [PMID: 35045360 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) act as proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors in a wide variety of cancers. In this study, we intended to explore the role of USP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical significance of USP1 in HCC was analyzed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and immunohistochemical staining. siRNAs and lentivirus were used to knock down and overexpress indicated genes, respectively. qRT-PCR and immunoblotting were performed to examine mRNA and protein expression, respectively. CCK8, colony formation and PI/Annexin V-APC staining were performed to examine cellular function. Immunoprecipitation, coomassie blue staining, mass spectrum and immunoblotting were conducted to evaluate the interaction between USP1 and c-kit. RESULTS USP1 was over-expressed in HCC patients. Patients with high expression of USP1 had shorter overall and disease free survival than those with low expression of USP1. Functional results showed that USP1 was critical for HCC cell growth and proliferation. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting results suggested that USP1 interacted with c-kit and promoted the stability of c-kit, which is an important target of lenvatinib in HCC. Knockdown of c-kit reversed the oncogenic function of USP1 on HCC cell growth. Lastly, USP1 upregulation conferred higher sensitivity of HCC cells to lenvatinib treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that USP1 acted as an oncogene in HCC. It also promoted lenvatinib efficacy by stabilizing c-kit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yifei Ma
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhitang Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | | | - Zili Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
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Zhu S, Chen Y, Ye H, Wang B, Lan X, Wang H, Ding S, He X. Circ-LARP1B knockdown restrains the tumorigenicity and enhances radiosensitivity by regulating miR-578/IGF1R axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100678. [PMID: 35093599 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Circular RNA La Ribonucleoprotein 1B (circ-LARP1B) was reported to serve as an oncogene in many types of cancers. Radiotherapy (RT) is an important element of the multimodal treatment concept in malignancies. Here, this work aimed to investigate the role of circ-LARP1B in the tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of genes and proteins. In vitro experiments were conducted using cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, EDU, transwell, and tube formation assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to identify the target relationship between miR-578 and circ-LARP1B or IGF1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor). In vivo assay was performed using murine xenograft model. RESULTS Circ-LARP1B was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells, and high expression of circ-LARP1B was closely associated with poor prognosis. Functional experiments demonstrated that circ-LARP1B silencing impaired cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and reduced radioresistance in vitro. Mechanistically, circ-LARP1B could competitively bind with miR-578 to relieve the repression of miR-578 on the expression of its target gene IGF1R. Further rescue assay confirmed that miR-578 inhibition reversed the inhibitory effects of circ-LARP1B knockdown on HCC cell malignant phenotypes and radioresistance. Moreover, miR-578 overexpression restrained tumorigenicity and enhanced radiosensitivity in HCC cells, which were attenuated by IGF1R up-regulation. Besides that, circ-LARP1B knockdown impeded tumor growth and enhanced irradiation sensitivity in HCC in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Circ-LARP1B knockdown restrained HCC tumorigenicity and enhanced radiosensitivity by regulating miR-578/IGF1R axis, providing a new target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangmei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Hong Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Baoqiang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Xiang Lan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Hanying Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Sijie Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Xiao He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Lishui People's Hospital, No.15 Dazhong Street, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China.
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Fan X, Gu L, Lv S, Zhang M, Zhuang L, Zhang Y, Chen P. Suppression of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway produces a synergistic effect of combination therapy with programmed death receptor 1 blockade and radiofrequency ablation against hepatic carcinoma in mice. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9046-9058. [PMID: 35354382 PMCID: PMC9162004 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2051688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) significantly affects the health of patients globally owing to its high morbidity and low survival rate. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has recently been introduced for the clinical treatment of PLC. However, significant immunosuppressive effects are induced by RFA, which limits its application. This study aimed to explore the potential of combination therapy with RFA by investigating the effects of siRNAs against programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on the antitumor effect induced by RFA. We observed that compared with si-NC, cell viability was reduced, apoptosis rate was elevated, release of inflammatory factors and percentage of CD3+CD8+ cells were increased, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was repressed in the co-culture of RFA-treated H22 cells and CD8+ T cells by transfection with si-PD-1 and si-TGF-β; these effects were further enhanced by co-transfection with si-PD-1 and si-TGF-β. Additionally, in H22 cell xenograft-bearing mice treated with RFA, compared with the si-NC group, repressed tumor growth, prolonged survival, increased production of inflammatory factors and expression of CD3 and CD8 in tumor tissues, and downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were observed in the si-PD-1 and si-TGF-β groups; these effects were further enhanced in the si-PD-1 + si-TGF-β group. Taken together, our data revealed that suppression of the TGF-β signaling pathway produced a synergistic antitumor effect of combination therapy with PD-1 blockade and RFA against PLC. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiang Fan
- Department of Interventional Therapy, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lihu Gu
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of General Surgery, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyi Lv
- Department of Interventional Therapy, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meiwu Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luhui Zhuang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of General Surgery, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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Liu X, Liu F, Yu H, Zhang Q, Liu F. Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Predicting the Prognosis of Postoperative Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:3625-3637. [PMID: 35411181 PMCID: PMC8994662 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s351265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of West Anhui Health Vocational College, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiaoqian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fubao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Fubao Liu, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 135 1566 2646, Email
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Rizzo A, Cusmai A, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Palmiotti G. Which role for predictors of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:333-339. [PMID: 35403533 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2064273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide, still representing an important cause of cancer-related death. Recent years have seen the emergence of novel systemic treatments for HCC patients, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nonetheless, several questions regarding HCC immunotherapy remain unanswered, especially in terms of biochemical predictors of response. AREAS COVERED In the current paper, we will discuss available evidence regarding predictive biomarkers of response to HCC immunotherapy. A literature search was conducted in January 2022 of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases. EXPERT OPINION The identification of predictive biomarkers represents an unmet need in HCC patients receiving ICIs. The HCC medical community is called to further efforts aimed to elucidate the effective role of PD-L1 expression, TMB, MSI, gut microbiota, and other emerging biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello," I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cusmai
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello," I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Medical Oncology Unit, 'Mons. R. Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta (BT), Azienda Sanitaria Locale Barletta, 76121, Italy
| | - Gennaro Palmiotti
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello," I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
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27
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Yin J, Wen M, Cheng J, Hu L, Yang L, Chang X, Zhou Z, Li H, Liu Y, Li J. A Patient With Failed Liver Transplantation After the Use of PD-1 Blockade Combined With Lenvaxen. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:712466. [PMID: 35265635 PMCID: PMC8899006 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.712466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with high extent of invasiveness. Its invasion process is closely related to complex tumor microenvironment and microvascular characteristics. Recently, immune combined targeted therapy has been applied to patients, combination therapy program with better effect needs to be explored. Atezolizumab combined Bevacizumab regimen in phase III clinical trial IMbrave150 was approved by U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for HCC treatment. This program is mostly used for liver malignant tumors have failed other treatments. Patients in terminal stage, overall curative has an unsatisfactory effect, survival time of patients is limited. Therefore, seeking best plan for combined treatment to improve patient's life quality and survival rate are still one of the most important clinical difficulties. This report describes a 37-year-old male who suffered from HCC repeatedly relapsed after hepatectomy. The patient received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), microwave ablation (MWA), targeted therapy, and other combined treatments, all showed poor treatment effects. He received liver transplantation (LT) after receiving PD-1 blockade combined targeted therapy, eventually died due to severe immune rejection. It's first case of an allogeneic liver transplantation patient who received PD-1 blockade and Lenvaxen combined therapy. PD-1 blockade treatment and clinical observations of this case were summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China.,Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Wen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China.,Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China.,Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lifen Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China.,Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao Chang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China.,Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhongsong Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China.,Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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28
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Muhammed A, D'Alessio A, Enica A, Talbot T, Fulgenzi CAM, Nteliopoulos G, Goldin RD, Cortellini A, Pinato DJ. Predictive biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:253-264. [PMID: 35236211 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2049244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer death. While drug discovery to improve disease survival was historically poor, there is now evidence of significant potential for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) in treatment of the disease, and indeed such drug approvals are beginning to emerge. AREAS COVERED HCC typically arises in the context of cirrhosis and chronic liver disease (CLD), and HCC exhibits significant biological heterogeneity, in part reflecting the broad range of aetiologies of CLD. Different classes and combinations of ICPI-based therapy exist, but not all patients will respond and predictive biomarkers are not yet available to guide clinician decision making, unlike some other cancer types. In this review, we discuss the emerging biomarkers for ICPI sensitivity in HCC, including tumour genomic features, perturbation of the gut microbiome and systemic inflammatory markers. EXPERT OPINION Additional profiling studies are required to appreciate existing trends with clinical outcome and to further drive clinical studies in disease stratification by response. This will only be possible within collaborative and international efforts, especially regarding biopsy collection. A close collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians will be the key to shape the next future of HCC biomarker research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio D'Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Italy
| | - Andrei Enica
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Thomas Talbot
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.,Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - David J Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.,Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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Fan Y, Xue H, Zheng H. Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Updates and Outlook. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:233-263. [PMID: 35388357 PMCID: PMC8977221 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s358082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged the culprit of cancer-related mortality worldwide with its dismal prognosis climbing. In recent years, ground-breaking progress has been made in systemic therapy for HCC. Targeted therapy based on specific signaling molecules, including sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab, has been widely used for advanced HCC (aHCC). Immunotherapies such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab greatly improve the survival of aHCC patients. More recently, synergistic combination therapy has boosted first-line (atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab) and second-line (ipilimumab in combination with nivolumab) therapeutic modalities for aHCC. This review aims to summarize recent updates of systemic therapy relying on the biological mechanisms of HCC, particularly highlighting the approved agents for aHCC. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, as well as a combination with locoregional therapies (LRTs), are also discussed. Additionally, we describe the promising effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as systemic therapy on HCC. In this setting, the challenges and future directions of systemic therapy for HCC are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Fan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110847, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huachuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Huachuan Zheng, Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0314-2279458, Fax +86-0314-2279458, Email
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30
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Zheng X, Shao J, Wei S, Gu Y, Qian J. Prognostic Significance of SOCS3 in Patients With Solid Tumors: A Meta-Analysis. Front Surg 2022; 8:802143. [PMID: 35295537 PMCID: PMC8918560 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.802143] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The identification of reliable biomarkers for predicting disease recurrence and the survival of patients with cancer is of great importance. Numerous previous studies have revealed that the abnormal expression of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was associated with patient outcomes. However, these results were inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of SOCS3 in patients with solid tumors. Methods Studies focusing on the prognostic value of SOCS3 in solid tumors were searched for in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. We included studies that compared disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival based on different levels of SOCS3. Other outcomes (e.g., Edmondson grading, tumor size, tumor vascular invasion, lymph node invasion, and distant metastasis) were also considered. The hazard ratio (HR)/risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% CI were determined. Results Twelve studies with 1,551 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that the higher expression of SOCS3 was significantly associated with better disease-free survival (HR:0.36, 95% CI:0.17–0.77, P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR:0.45, 95% CI:0.32–0.62, P < 0.001) compared with low expression. Moreover, SOCS3 expression was closely correlated with the Edmondson grading [odds ratio (OR):0.77, 95% CI:0.61–0.98, P = 0.033], vascular invasion (OR:0.63, 95% CI:0.52–0.78, P < 0.001), and distant metastasis (OR:0.73, 95% CI:0.51–1.03, P = 0.076). However, the levels of SOCS3 were not significantly associated with tumor size (OR:0.85, 95% CI:0.71–1.03, P = 0.090) and lymph node invasion (OR:0.73, 95% CI:0.51–1.03, P = 0.076). Conclusion Increased SOCS3 expression in tumor mass was associated with better DFS and OS, suggesting it might be a novel and reliable biomarker for predicting the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zheng
- Oncology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Oncology Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Shao
- Oncology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Oncology Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Sihui Wei
- Oncology Department, Third People‘s Hospital of Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Gu
- Oncology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Oncology Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Yu Gu
| | - Jun Qian
- Oncology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Oncology Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Qian
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31
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Rizzo A. Locoregional treatments plus immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: where do we stand? Future Oncol 2022; 18:1665-1668. [PMID: 35193371 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-1623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico 'Don Tonino Bello,' I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori 'Giovanni Paolo II,' Viale Orazio Flacco 65, Bari, 70124, Italy
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32
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Novel Gene Signatures as Prognostic Biomarkers for Predicting the Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040865. [PMID: 35205612 PMCID: PMC8870597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A high percentage of patients who undergo surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experience recurrence. Therefore, identification of accurate molecular markers for predicting recurrence of HCC is important. We analyzed recurrence and non-recurrence HCC tissues using two public omics datasets comprising microarray and RNA-sequencing and found novel gene signatures associated with recurrent HCC. These molecules might be used to not only predict for recurrence of HCC but also act as potential prognostic indicators for patients with HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high rate of cancer recurrence (up to 70%) in patients who undergo surgical resection. We investigated prognostic gene signatures for predicting HCC recurrence using in silico gene expression analysis. Recurrence-associated gene candidates were chosen by a comparative analysis of gene expression profiles from two independent whole-transcriptome datasets in patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection. Five promising candidate genes, CETN2, HMGA1, MPZL1, RACGAP1, and SNRPB were identified, and the expression of these genes was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR in the validation set (n = 57). The genes CETN2, HMGA1, RACGAP1, and SNRPB, but not MPZL1, were upregulated in patients with recurrent HCC. In addition, the combination of HMGA1 and MPZL1 demonstrated the best area under the curve (0.807, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.681–0.899) for predicting HCC recurrence. In terms of clinicopathological correlation, CETN2, MPZL1, RACGAP1, and SNRPB were upregulated in patients with microvascular invasion, and the expression of MPZL1 and SNRPB was increased in proportion to the Edmonson tumor differentiation grade. Additionally, overexpression of CETN2, HMGA1, and RACGAP1 correlated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in the validation set. Finally, Cox regression analysis showed that the expression of serum alpha-fetoprotein and RACGAP1 significantly affected OS, whereas platelet count, microvascular invasion, and HMGA1 expression significantly affected DFS. In conclusion, HMGA1 and RACGAP1 may be potential prognostic biomarkers for predicting the recurrence of HCC after surgical resection.
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Carloni R, Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Frega G, Federico AD, Palloni A, Marco MD, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Brandi G. Dual immune checkpoint blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma: where do we stand? Future Oncol 2022; 18:1023-1034. [PMID: 35109664 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Surgery, local ablative therapies and liver transplantation are the only potentially curative strategies, but the majority of patients present with advanced disease at diagnosis or develop recurrence after surgery. In recent years, immunotherapy for HCC has received growing interest, and one of the most promising strategies is the association of two immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which has already demonstrated its potential in other solid tumors such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Herein, we discuss the role and the biologic rationale of dual immune checkpoint blockade in HCC patients, focusing on the two ICI combinations: nivolumab plus ipilimumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Carloni
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, 'Mons. R. Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta (BT), Azienda Sanitaria Locale Barletta, 76121, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, 'Mons. R. Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta (BT), Azienda Sanitaria Locale Barletta, 76121, Italy
| | - Giorgio Frega
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Federico
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Palloni
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Di Marco
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Medical Oncology Unit, 'Mons. R. Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta (BT), Azienda Sanitaria Locale Barletta, 76121, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
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Orlova R, Zhukova N, Malkova A, Shoenfeld Y. Hypothesis for the development of immune-related adverse events in immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 31:100529. [PMID: 35131574 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There are no explanations for the diversity in the development of certain immune-related adverse events (irAEs) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The goal of this study is to search for possible predisposing factors that contribute to the development of certain autoimmune complications during anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy. According to the keywords "checkpoint inhibitors, anti-CTLA4, anti-PD1/PD-L1, immune adverse events, paraneoplastic syndrome" the review and original articles published in the international databases to 2021were selected and studied. According to the analysis of the published papers, we consider that a key role in the difference in the types of irAEs lies in the specificity of the drug. The high prevalence of skin and gastrointestinal autoimmune complications can be explained by the presence of gut dysbacteriosis in patients before treatment and developed during the treatment. For the development of specific types of irAEs, a complex of predisposing factors is required, such as HLA-genotype, paraneoplastic syndromes, and the expression of PD-L1 in the thyroid gland in the case of anti-PD1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashida Orlova
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; City Oncology Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Zhukova
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; City Oncology Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Malkova
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; Ariel university, Israel
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35
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Shen J, Shen H, Ke L, Chen J, Dang X, Liu B, Hua Y. Knowledge Mapping of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Bibliometric Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:815575. [PMID: 35173728 PMCID: PMC8841606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.815575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and many patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. The treatment of advanced liver cancer has made significant strides in recent years, owing to the practice of immunotherapy drugs. Numerous studies have been published on immunotherapy for HCC; however, no relevant bibliometric study has been published. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the current situation and to identify potential new research directions by conducting a bibliometric analysis on immunotherapy for HCC. Methods We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) for articles related to immunotherapy for HCC. Three software (VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and python) were primarily used to assess the contribution and co-occurrence relationships of various countries/regions, institutes, journals, and, authors as well as to identify research hotspots and promising future trends in this research field. Results A total of 1,641 English articles published between 2011 and 2020 were collected, with the number of articles increasing nearly every year. The majority of publications originated from China (n = 893, 54.42%), followed by the United States and Japan. The Sun Yat-sen University contributed the most publications (n = 97, 5.91%). Nakatsura Tetsuya (n = 26) and Llovet JM (n = 366) were ranked first in the top ten authors and co-cited authors. Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy was the most productive academic journal on immunotherapy for HCC [n = 46, 2.80%; impact factor (IF) 2020 = 6.9679]. Aggregation and identification of critical nodes in the co-cited network demonstrated a shift in the field of HCC immunotherapy. Initially, the hotspots were predominantly “glypican-3”, “cytokine-induced killer cells”, and “ny-eso-1”, while the emphasis has shifted in recent years to “landscape”, “camrelizumab”, “combination therapy”, and “immune score”. Conclusion Increased attention has been paid to HCC with the advancement of immunotherapy. At the moment, the most active frontiers are focused on better understanding the immunological landscape of liver cancer, screening the population that can benefit from immunotherapy, and the clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in combination with other therapeutic options (such as local therapy and targeted therapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Shen
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Ke
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialin Chen
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Dang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoxian Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Baoxian Liu, ; Yunpeng Hua,
| | - Yunpeng Hua
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Baoxian Liu, ; Yunpeng Hua,
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36
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Qu C, Ma T, Yan X, Li X, Li Y. Overexpressed PAQR4 predicts poor overall survival and construction of a prognostic nomogram based on PAQR family for hepatocellular carcinoma. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:3069-3090. [PMID: 35240821 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the expression and clinical prognostic significance of PAQR4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We obtained the gene expression matrix and clinical data of HCC from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and international cancer genome consortium (ICGC) databases. The prognostic value of PAQR4 in HCC was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. PAQR4-related pathways were explored by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). A clinical nomogram prognostic model based on the PAQR family was constructed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS We found that PAQR4 is overexpressed in HCC from multiple databases; additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validated the upregulation of PAQR4 in HCC. PAQR4 expression was related to age, grade, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), T classification and clinical stage of HCC patients. High PAQR4 expression was associated with poor overall survival and was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients through Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis, respectively. In addition, GSEA identified that the high PAQR4 expression phenotype was involved in the cell cycle, Notch signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, etc. Finally, three PAQR family genes (PAQR4, PAQR8 and PAQR9) were associated with the prognosis of patients with HCC. A clinical nomogram prediction model was verified in TCGA training and ICGC validation sets, and it exerted dramatic predictive efficiency in this study. CONCLUSIONS PAQR4 may be regarded as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihao Qu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Tengda Ma
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
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Wu C, Luo Y, Chen Y, Qu H, Zheng L, Yao J. Development of a prognostic gene signature for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 31:100511. [PMID: 35030478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Accurate prediction of overall survival is important for prognosis and the assignment of appropriate personalized clinical treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The aim of the present study was to establish an optimal gene model for the independent prediction of prognosis associated with common clinical patterns. Gene expression profiles and the corresponding clinical information of the LIHC cohort were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Differentially expressed genes were found using the R package "limma". Subsequently, a prognostic gene signature was developed using the LASSO Cox regression model. Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to verify the predictive accuracy of the prognostic model. Finally, a nomogram and calibration plot were created using the "rms" package. Differentially expressed genes were screened with threshold criteria (FDR < 0.01 and |log FC|>3) and 563 differentially expressed genes were obtained, including 448 downregulated and 115 upregulated genes. Using the LASSO Cox regression model, a prognostic gene signature was developed based on nine genes, IQGAP3, BIRC5, PTTG1, STC2, CDKN3, PBK, EXO1, NEIL3, and HOXD9, the expression levels of which were quantitated using RT-qPCR. According to the risk scores, patients were separated into high-risk and low-risk groups. In conclusion, the prognostic gene signature can be used as a combined biomarker for the independent prediction of overall survival in HCC patients. Moreover, we created a nomogram that can be used to infer prognosis and aid individualized decisions regarding treatment and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyun Wu
- Department of Laboratory, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaosheng Luo
- Medical research center, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinghui Chen
- Department of Laboratory, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongling Qu
- Department of Laboratory, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- Department of Laboratory, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Laboratory, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, Guangdong, China; Medical research center, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, Guangdong, China.
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Cheng S, Yu X, Liu S, Jin Z, Xue H, Wang Z, Xie P. Development of a Prognostic Nomogram in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus Following Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization with Drug-Eluting Beads. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 13:9367-9377. [PMID: 34992462 PMCID: PMC8713724 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s341672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To develop and validate a prognostic nomogram in eastern patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) receiving trans-arterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE). Methods This retrospective study included 200 patients with training cohort (n = 118) from institution 1 and test cohort (n = 82) from institution 2. All these patients received first-line DEB-TACE between October 2016 and October 2018. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed on the training cohort to reveal the independent prognostic factors, and then prognostic nomograms were developed. In order to evaluate the performance of the nomogram comprehensively in both the training and test cohorts, C-index, Kaplan–Meier curve with Log rank test, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed. Results Tumor number, serum γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level, and level of PVTT were independent risk factors of prognosis. A nomogram was constructed to predict 6-, 12- and 18-month overall survival (OS) based on these identified prognostic factors. C-indexes of the nomogram were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–0.97) in the training cohort and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75–0.99) in the test cohort. The Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that the nomogram was able to separate patients into low- and high-risk subgroups. ROC curves for the nomogram at 6-, 12- and 18-month showed satisfied discrimination, with an AUC of 0.765, 0.803 and 0.809 in the training cohort, respectively, and 0.772, 0.724 and 0.746 in the test cohort, respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual survival rates in the training and test cohorts. The decision curve showed good performance of the nomogram in terms of clinical application. Conclusion We developed and validated a nomogram that was accurate and clinically useful in eastern patients with HBV-associated HCC with PVTT who underwent DEB-TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihang Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyun Liu
- Pharmaceutical Diagnostics, GE Healthcare, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyu Jin
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huadan Xue
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Di Federico A, Frega G, Palloni A, Tavolari S, Brandi G. Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand? Front Oncol 2022; 11:803133. [PMID: 34976841 PMCID: PMC8718608 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.803133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the sixth most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide, still representing an important cause of cancer-related death. Over the next few years, novel systemic treatment options have emerged. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely evaluated and are under assessment, as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer agents in treatment-naïve and previously treated patients. In particular, the approval of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab plus the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab as front-line treatment for advanced HCC has led to the adoption of this combination in this setting, and the IMbrave 150 phase III trial has established a novel standard of care. However, several questions remain unanswered, including the identification of reliable predictors of response to ICIs in HCC patients. In the current paper, we will provide an updated overview of potentially useful predictive biomarkers of response to immunotherapy in advanced HCC. A literature search was conducted in September 2021 of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library and Scopus databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Frega
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Palloni
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Tavolari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Masterson WM, Brown AM, Al Ameri MA, Patel AB. A retrospective chart review of management strategies for lichenoid eruptions associated with immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy from a single institution. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 30:100506. [PMID: 34990901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2021.100506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their associated immune-related cutaneous adverse events are continuing to become a mainstay of cancer treatment regimens. While most rashes are mild and easily manageable, severe or persistent rashes like lichenoid dermatoses can significantly impact the quality of life and may require ICI cessation. Lichenoid dermatoses currently have no management guidelines beyond the use of topical or oral steroids. Our study is a single-institution retrospective chart review to characterize ICI-induced lichenoid eruptions, their treatments, and associated tumor response. We utilized natural language processing and our institutional medical record to identify patients with lichenoid eruptions on ICI therapy. One-hundred nineteen patients were identified, of which 108 rashes were characterized as lichenoid dermatitis and fifteen as lichenoid mucositis. Most patients presented with a diffuse distribution (86%, 101/117), with pruritus in lichenoid dermatoses (82%, 89/108) and pain in lichenoid mucositis (80%, 12/15). Successful treatments for lichenoid dermatitis included topical steroids (81%, 88/108), oral antihistamines (21%, 23/108), and oral steroids (15%, 16/108). Of lichenoid dermatitis patients, 21% (23/108) did not respond to treatment (7) or required oral steroids (16). Approximately 28% of patients who had lichenoid dermatitis had delay, reduction, or discontinuation of their ICI because of their irCAE. This descriptive study highlights the impact of lichenoid dermatitis on patients' ability to remain on ICI therapy and the need for more effective non-steroidal management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wylie M Masterson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 6655 Travis Street, Suite 700, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America
| | - Alexandria M Brown
- Baylor College of Medicine, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America
| | - May A Al Ameri
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 6655 Travis Street, Suite 700, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America
| | - Anisha B Patel
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 6655 Travis Street, Suite 700, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Faculty Center Tower, Floor 11, Box 1452, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America.
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Zeng L, Su J, Qiu W, Jin X, Qiu Y, Yu W. Survival Outcomes and Safety of Programmed Cell Death/Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Inhibitors for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Result From Phase III Trials. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221092924. [PMID: 35418272 PMCID: PMC9014721 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221092924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have been increasingly used in cancer therapy. The aim of this study was conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). A total of 1657 patients were included. The completed phase III trials with details data, such as overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse effects (AEs) were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) of OS and PFS were .75 (95% CI: .61–.92) and .74 (95% CI: .56–.97) with heterogeneity between PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors groups and control groups. Sensitivity analysis revealed IMbrave-150 could be the most important factor of heterogeneity for OS, while CheckMate-459 was the main fact of heterogeneity for PFS. In addition, the relative risk (RR) of ORR and DCR were 2.43 (95% CI: 1.80–3.26) and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.11–1.43) with low heterogeneity in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors groups. The therapeutic effect of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors was better in females, Asia without Japan, BCLC status C and infected hepatitis groups. The RR of AEs from any cause and serious adverse events (SAEs) for patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors were 1.03 (95% CI: .93–1.13) and 1.13 (95% CI: .89–1.44), respectively. Pruritus was the most common AEs reported in 10% of patients or more (RR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.33–2.15). In conclusion, PD-L1 inhibitor combined with anti-VEGF antibody could improve the prognosis of patients with uHCC. However, caution should be taken for AEs during patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Zeng
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, 12377Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, 12377Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Qiu
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH & Faculty of Medicine, 25809The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xuehang Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, 12377Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunqing Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, 12377Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, 12377Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Wu ZH, Yang DL, Wang L, Liu J. Epigenetic and Immune-Cell Infiltration Changes in the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:793343. [PMID: 34925377 PMCID: PMC8674919 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.793343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetics regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetics targeted chemotherapeutic approach can be used to overcome treatment resistance and low response rate in HCC. However, a comprehensive review of genomic data was carried out to determine the role of epigenesis in the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell-infiltration characteristics in HCC is still insufficient. Methods The association between epigenetic-related genes (ERGs), inflammatory response-related genes (IRRGs) and CRISPR genes was determined by merging genomic and CRISPR data. Further, characteristics of immune-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment was evaluated. Results Nine differentially expressed genes (ANP32B, ASF1A, BCORL1, BMI1, BUB1, CBX2, CBX3, CDK1, and CDK5) were shown to be independent prognostic factors based on lasso regression in the TCGA-LIHC and ICGC databases. In addition, the results showed significant differences in expression of PDCD-1 (PD-1) and CTLA4 between the high- and low-epigenetic score groups. The CTRP and PRISM-derived drug response data yielded four CTRP-derived compounds (SB-743921, GSK461364, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel) and two PRISM-derived compounds (dolastatin-10 and LY2606368). Patients with high ERGs benefited more from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy than patients with low ERGs. In addition, the high ERGs subgroup had a higher T cell exclusion score, while the low ERGs subgroup had a higher T cell dysfunction. However, there was no difference in microsatellite instability (MSI) score among the two subgroups. Further, genome-wide CRISPR-based loss-of function screening derived from DepMap was conducted to determine key genes leading to HCC development and progression. In total, 640 genes were identified to be essential for survival in HCC cell lines. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network demonstrated that IRRGs PSEN1 was linked to most ERGs and CRISPR genes such as CDK1, TOP2A, CBX2 and CBX3. Conclusion Epigenetic alterations of cancer-related genes in the tumor microenvironment play a major role in carcinogenesis. This study showed that epigenetic-related novel biomarkers could be useful in predicting prognosis, clinical diagnosis, and management in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng-Hong Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong-Liang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Xing R, Gao J, Cui Q, Wang Q. Strategies to Improve the Antitumor Effect of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:783236. [PMID: 34899747 PMCID: PMC8660685 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.783236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most fatal malignancies in the world, is usually diagnosed in advanced stages due to late symptom manifestation with very limited therapeutic options, which leads to ineffective intervention and dismal prognosis. For a decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have offered an overall survival (OS) benefit when used in a first-line (sorafenib and lenvatinib) and second-line setting (regorafenib and cabozantinib) in advanced HCC, while long-term response remains unsatisfactory due to the onset of primary or acquired resistance. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapy in the treatment of several solid tumors, such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Moreover, as the occurrence of HCC is associated with immune tolerance and immunosurveillance escape, there is a potent rationale for employing immunotherapy in HCC. However, immunotherapy monotherapy, mainly including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target checkpoints programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), has a relatively low response rate. Thus, the multi-ICIs or the combination of immunotherapy with other therapies, like antiangiogenic drugs and locoregional therapies, has become a novel strategy to treat HCC. Combining different ICIs may have a synergistical effect attributed to the complementary effects of the two immune checkpoint pathways (CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways). The incorporation of antiangiogenic drugs in ICIs can enhance antitumor immune responses via synergistically regulating the vasculature and the immune microenvironment of tumor. In addition, locoregional treatments can improve antitumor immunity by releasing the neoplasm antigens from killed tumor cells; in turn, this antitumor immune response can be intensified by immunotherapy. Therefore, the combination of locoregional treatments and immunotherapy may achieve greater efficacy through further synergistic effects for advanced HCC. This review aims to summarize the currently reported results and ongoing trials of the ICIs-based combination therapies for HCC to explore the rational combination strategies and further improve the survival of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xing
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinping Gao
- Department of Oncology, North War Zone General Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Cui
- Department of Cold Environmental Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Lanotte L, Lombardi L, Di Federico A, Brandi G, Gadaleta-Caldarola G. Immune-based combinations for metastatic triple negative breast cancer in clinical trials: current knowledge and therapeutic prospects. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:557-565. [PMID: 34802383 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2009456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy appears to be effective in a small cohort of patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC). This supports the exploration of strategies for increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy. To enhance overall response and clinical outcomes, several immune-based combinations are being investigated. AREAS COVERED The authors present a synopsis of current, state-of-art immune-based combinations in this setting and reflect on future possibilities. They shed light on recently presented and published clinical trials and ongoing studies. A literature search was conducted in October 2021; in addition, abstracts of international cancer meetings were reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Clinical trials suggest that ICI monotherapy could be beneficial in a minority of mTNBC patients; conversely, several immune-based combinations have reported notable results in recently presented or published studies. Some of these combination strategies have been approved for mTNBC - as in the case of chemoimmunotherapy in PD-L1 positive patients. Numerous trials are investigating novel ICI-based combinations and their results are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italia.,Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Barletta, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italia.,Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Barletta, Italy
| | - Laura Lanotte
- Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Barletta, Italy
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Barletta, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD. Biomarkers for breast cancer immunotherapy: PD-L1, TILs, and beyond. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:549-555. [PMID: 34793275 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2008354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have recently entered into the therapeutic scenario of metastatic breast cancer. However, only a proportion of patients benefit from ICIs and immune-based combinations, so the identification of reliable predictors of response remains an unmet need. AREAS COVERED We discuss potential predictors of response to ICIs in breast cancer, including PD-L1 expression, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and several other biomarkers and suggest future directions of research in this setting. A literature search was conducted in October 2021 of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library and Scopus databases; in addition, abstract of international cancer meetings were reviewed. EXPERT OPINION In terms of predictors of response to immunotherapy in TNBC patients, several biomarkers are being evaluated. Valuable data on predictive biomarkers have recently emerged, including host-related factors, immune-related cells, and protein and genetic markers. Data supporting immunotherapy in the metastatic triple-negative breast cancer setting are not concordant, but there have been some positive phase III trials including IMpassion130 and KEYNOTE-355. Phase II and III (neo)adjuvant trials are supportive of this therapeutic strategy. Further investigations are warranted in this challenging area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Brandi G. First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: current management and future challenges. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:1245-1251. [PMID: 34431725 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1973431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy has recently taken on an extremely important role in medical oncology, as first- or later-line treatment in several tumor types, and recent years have seen the emerging of clinical trials assessing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AREAS COVERED Herein, we provide an overview of recently published studies exploring the dual immune checkpoint blockade or the combination of ICIs plus biological treatments as first-line treatment in HCC patients with advanced disease, especially focusing on the biological rationale behind these therapeutic strategies, and ongoing active and recruiting clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Results of studies on monotherapy with ICIs have suggested that this strategy could be beneficial only in a minority of patients; conversely, the recently published IMbrave150 study has reported an overall survival benefit in HCC receiving the combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab compared to sorafenib as first-line treatment. A wide number of clinical trials is evaluating ICI-based combinations in advanced HCC, a strategy which is supported by robust preclinical and early-phase clinical data, and results of these studies are highly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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Rizzo A. Optimizing outcomes in HCC: Comment on "optimal timing of combining sorafenib with trans-arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis" by Jiang et al. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101246. [PMID: 34656968 PMCID: PMC8523873 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101246] [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: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed notable advances in the management of intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, several questions remain unanswered, including the timely transition from locoregional to systemic therapies and the lack of data on sequencing. In this Commentary, we critically discuss the results of the interesting meta-analysis conducted by Jiang and colleagues on the role of the combination therapy of trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and sorafenib in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Dai Y, Jiang H, Jiang H, Zhao S, Zeng X, Sun R, Zheng R. Optimal timing of combining sorafenib with trans-arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101238. [PMID: 34628285 PMCID: PMC8515486 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib in combination with TACE can prolong survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Compared with TACE + placebo / alone, the combination of TACE and sorafenib can significantly improve the efficacy and safety of hepatocellular carcinoma. The timing of sorafenib combined with TACE may be a statistical difference in terms of survival and adverse events.
Background The combination therapy of trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and sorafenib were proved to be one of the effective methods for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although it has been confirmed that the combination therapy can prolong survival for advanced HCC effectively, the therapeutic efficacy and safety are still controversial and the clinical value has not been determined. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy and discuss the optimal timing of combination for better clinical benefits. Data sources PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were systematically reviewed to search for relevant studies published before May 15, 2021. Studies comparing the efficacy and safety of TACE + sorafenib with TACE + placebo / alone were adopted. Two reviewers independently extracted study outcomes. The data were analyzed through fixed/random-effect meta-analysis models with Review Manager (Version 5. 3) software. Results 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included with 1464 patients with unresectable HCC (734 in TACE + sorafenib group and 730 in TACE + placebo or alone group). Meta-analysis showed that objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were slightly improved in TACE + sorafenib group (ORR: risk ratio = 1.24; 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.42; P = 0.002; DCR: risk ratio = 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.18; P = 0.02). The combination therapy obviously improved time to progression (TTP) (hazard ratio: 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.55–0.96; P = 0.03) and progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.52–0.73, P < 0.00001) but not overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio: 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.59–1.46; P = 0.75) or time to untreatable progression (TTUP) (hazard ratio: 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.31–1.89; P = 0.56). In addition, the incidence of adverse reactions (AEs) in combination group were higher than TACE + placebo / alone group. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis showed that the heterogeneity of TTP was notably decreased (pre-TACE: P = 0.12, I2 = 48%; post-TACE: P = 0.58, I2 = 0%), and the hazard ratio was 0.59 (95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.68; P < 0.00001) in pre-TACE subgroup which indicated that combination before TACE significantly prolonged TTP but not in combination after TACE (hazard ratio: 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.62–1.24; P = 0.46). In term of AEs, sensitivity analysis indicated that the risk ratio for hand-foot skin reaction, diarrhea, rash/desquamation, and hypertension was 7.41, 2.58, 2.14, 1.55 in pre-TACE subgroup respectively and was 11.34, 3.26, 3.61, 4.11 in post-TACE subgroup respectively (All P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of TACE and sorafenib significantly can improve TTP and PFS, and reduce the level of risk of adverse reactions of unresectable HCC, especially in the combination before TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Dai
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Huijie Jiang
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China.
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Sheng Zhao
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Xu Zeng
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Ran Sun
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Ruoshui Zheng
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
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Gupta S, Khan S, Kawka M, Gujjuri R, Chau I, Starling N, Cunningham D, Jiao LR, Gall T. Clinical utility of clonal origin determination in managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:1159-1167. [PMID: 34402366 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1967144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recurrence is the driving factor for reduced long-term survival in patients following resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Extensive research efforts have been conducted to understand the molecular processes precipitating disease recurrence. Modern genomic techniques have identified two distinct mechanisms for recurrent HCC (RHCC): Intrahepatic metastasis (IM-HCC); and multicentric origin (MO-HCC). Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane library were methodically searched for primary research articles in English with the aim of appraising existing literature on the identification of clonal origin of RHCC and its potential clinical utility. AREAS COVERED Molecular and next-generation sequencing techniques, when applied to clonal origin identification, yield superior accuracy than traditional clinicopathological criteria. Despite various treatment modalities, no optimal therapy has yet been identified for treating clonally differentiated RHCC. Patients with MO-HCC appear to experience improved long-term survival following re-treatment compared to their IM-HCC counterparts (91.7% vs 22.9% 5-year survival, p < 0.001). However, cautious interpretation is advised as heterogeneous classification criteria and small sample sizes restrict the generalizability of such findings. EXPERT OPINION Improved identification of clonal origin in RHCC may facilitate further research on RHCC treatment strategies and enable the development of novel therapeutic targets, potentially leading to individualized treatment approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Sikandar Khan
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Michal Kawka
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Rohan Gujjuri
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Ian Chau
- Department Of Oncology And Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department Of Oncology And Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - David Cunningham
- Department Of Oncology And Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Long R Jiao
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK.,Department Of Oncology And Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tamara Gall
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK.,Department Of Oncology And Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
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He Y, Lu M, Che J, Chu Q, Zhang P, Chen Y. Biomarkers and Future Perspectives for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:716844. [PMID: 34552872 PMCID: PMC8450565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.716844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer is the sixth most frequently diagnosed malignant disease worldwide, and was responsible for tens of millions of deaths in 2020; however, treatment options for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma remain limited. Immunotherapy has undergone rapid development over recent years, especially in the field of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These drugs aim to activate and enhance antitumor immunity and represent a new prospect for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of liver cancer patients currently benefit from ICI-based treatment, highlighting the need to better understand how ICIs and tumors interact, as well as identify predictive biomarkers for immunotherapeutic responses. In this review, we highlight clinical trials and basic research in hepatocellular carcinoma, with a particular focus on predictive biomarkers for the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. Predictive biomarkers for immune-related adverse events are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing He
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengyao Lu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Che
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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